Tennessee’s solicitor general, J. Matthew Rice, recently made his debut argument at the Supreme Court to defend the state’s law. Rice, who previously clerked for conservative Justice Clarence Thomas during the 2019-2020 term, brought a unique background to the courtroom.
Prior to embarking on his legal career, Rice had a stint as a professional baseball player with the Tampa Bay Rays organization. As an All-American catcher, he played in the minor leagues for two seasons before deciding to pursue a career in law.
Rice is an alumnus of Western Kentucky University and the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, where he honed his legal skills. He also gained valuable experience as an associate at the prestigious Williams & Connolly law firm before moving on to clerk for Judge Sandra Ikuta on the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals.
With his diverse background spanning from professional sports to top-tier legal institutions, Rice brought a wealth of experience and perspective to his argument at the Supreme Court. His unique journey serves as a testament to the varied paths that individuals can take in pursuit of their professional aspirations.
