Ryan J. Walsh, a 2009 Hillsdale alumnus, was recently appointed as the Chief Deputy Solicitor General for the State of Wisconsin. Boasting an impressive resume, including a past law clerk position with recently deceased Justice Scalia, Walsh agreed to enter the world of public service.
Walsh currently serves as an associate attorney of law with Jones Day, a private law firm in Washington D.C., in the Issues and Appeals Section. However, he is ready to leave that all behind and move back to his home state this coming April.
“I had inquired about this new position and I sent my name along,” Walsh said, “but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it at first.”
After being offered the position by Attorney General Brad Schimer, Walsh finally accepted.
“The Attorney and Solicitor Generals are dedicated to defending the laws and to fighting federal overreach. What made me accept was the realization that if I accepted, I would also get to do that,” Walsh said.
Professor Schlueter, Associate Professor of Philosophy, who served as a mentor for Ryan during his time at Hillsdale, believes that Walsh has a great sensibility that will aid him greatly in this position.
“Ryan is the whole package,” Schlueter said, “I don’t know of anyone in politics that has what he has.”
Although Walsh had always expressed interest in a future in public service, he had so many other interests and talents that he never acted upon that interest.
When Walsh first came to Hillsdale, he had planned on becoming a writer. That changed after he took a few Constitutional history courses, which made him realize that he wanted to fight for the Constitution and attend law school.
“Ryan had so many gifts that I couldn’t tell which way he’d go,” Schlueter said.
College President Larry Arnn said that he saw a future in public service for Walsh within a minute of knowing him.
“Ryan was a remarkable young man from the beginning. Now he is mature, yet still young. He is a talent of a high order, excellent in character and mind,” Arnn said.
Walsh hopes to meet the expectations of the Attorney and Solicitor Generals, and serve the people of Wisconsin well. As he moves forward into his new appointment, Walsh realized that the values he had come to cherish during his time at Hillsdale helped set him up for success.
“The liberal arts teach you about your obligation to others, to the public at large, and to other citizens.” Walsh said.
During his time at Hillsdale, Walsh was known for having a great zest for life and a desire to learn.
“He was the student that teachers live to teach. He makes our vocation worth it,” Schlueter said.
Walsh looks forward to standing in court on behalf of the state of Wisconsin this coming April. He is anticipating many opportunities to tangibly change things and represent the people well. The qualities and gifts that Walsh possesses have made him an excellent candidate for the position.
“He is one of the foremost young lawyers in the land. He is a good man, full of love for justice, law, and freedom,” Arnn said.
