The Helms School of Government names Professor Ben Rathsam as pre-law director

Liberty University welcomed a new pre-law director into the Helms School of Government. The school named pre-law Director Professor Ben Rathsam to replace Dr. Tony Robertson, who is now the online dean for undergraduate law studies. 

Professor Rathsam joined Liberty in January. Rathsam graduated in 2013 from the Helms School of Government with a criminal justice degree and went to Liberty Law, graduating in 2016. He began practicing law in December 2016 and practiced for three years. 

For Rathsam, some of his new duties include coaching the moot court and mock trial teams to help prepare students outside of the classroom setting. On Jan. 17-18, the moot court team traveled to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for the Moot Court Association national tournament, having two duos finish in the top 16 out of 80 teams. 

“I bring some experience to help continue to grow our moot court and mock trail programs,” Rathsam said. “That’s really going to be one of our main goals moving forward … to continue to grow the mock trial and the moot court programs to offer students those more practical experiences and practical ways of learning the law as opposed just to classroom teaching.” 

Having the practical experience for the students is what makes moot court, specifically, such an important aspect. Moot court allows students to be involved in an oral advocacy competition and prepare for future practice.

Corey Jones is a junior and has been on the moot court team since his freshman year. His experience has given him an appreciation for the importance of the court for the students in and out of school.

“Moot court not only refines one’s public speaking abilities but changes the manner in which one thinks. Moot court is also a great introduction into the world of law, as it teaches you how to read and analyze cases, as well as form sound legal arguments,” Jones said. “Moot court is also a tremendous resume builder for aspiring law school students. Most of all, moot court teaches one the importance of perseverance and dedication.”

Jones has done well in the competition setting under the coaching of Dr. Robertson and is looking forward to what Rathsam can bring to the table.

“There is always some apprehension during a leadership transition, but Professor Rathsam brings a lot to the table, and we are excited to see him build upon Dr. Robertson’s work,” Jones said.

Outside of coaching the courts, Rathsam brings fresh eyes as professor to his students. Coming out of three years of practice straight into the classroom gives the students real cases and scenarios to learn from. 

“It’s very important. It helps you see that, at least in the legal profession, the law isn’t always black and white. It helps to show that clients have real issues that go beyond the law,” Rathsam said. “It allows students to see that this is what the law says, but in application, it works out differently.” 

Haydon is a news reporter.