Former Virginia Supreme Court Justice Bill Mims speaks to students about faith and law

On April 8, Liberty University’s Helms School of Government and School of Law hosted retired Virginia Supreme Court Justice Bill Mims to guest lecture to students and College For a Weekend (CFAW) guests.

The schools consolidated six classes into two sessions on Friday, where Mims spoke about his lengthy experience in all three branches of government over the course of more than three decades. He most recently served on Virginia’s highest court, from 2010 until his retirement in March.

He emphasized how faith impacted his career and weighed in on topics such as federalism and Virginia’s Constitution.

“I really believe that our free enterprise system and our prosperity over our 235 years, in large measure, is because of the limits that federalism puts on government power,” Mims told students.

Mims has had an impressive career in public service, working in Virginia’s General Assembly as a delegate and senator, and as Attorney General. The Virginia native earned his Juris Doctor from George Washington University and Master of Law from Georgetown University.

He said his visit to Liberty gave him the opportunity “to touch upon a lot of issues that are important, and in the context of faith.”

“I think that really is important to put it in that context,” he said. “The opportunity to not only teach law students but to also interact with them and get their perspective is a breath of fresh air for me.”

The school also hosted a lunch in the School of Law Mountainview Room, where Mims emphasized how he used his law profession to expand the Kingdom, specifically in assisting widows and orphans as they look to navigate complicated legal matters.

Helms School of Government Dean Robert Hurt said it was an honor to host Mims.

“It is rare to meet an individual who has served with distinction at the highest levels in all three branches of government,” he said. “The students were clearly impressed with his discussion of our founding principles as they apply in today’s world, and it is our hope that Justice Mims will visit us again in the near future.”

The Helms School of Government believes in partnering classroom knowledge with real-world experience. This semester, it has also welcomed former Chief of Staff to Mike Pence Marc Short, former Virginia Governors Bob McDonnell and George Allen, and Vice Admiral Thomas Wilson, among others, to engage with students.