A University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law student has been selected for the highly competitive U.S. Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class. 

Second-year law student Logan Howard, 24, of Little Rock, will attend the 10-week Marine Corps Officer Candidates School this summer in Quantico, Virginia. Following completion of his law degree and bar certification, Howard will return to Quantico to complete his training to join the ranks of the Judge Advocate General Corps. JAG officers handle all legal matters in the military, including court martials, maritime law, and environmental law.

“Going into the military is something I have always wanted to do,” Howard said. “This country has given me so much, and I want to give back to the men and women fighting for our liberty. I feel like serving them in a legal capacity is the best way to use my degree.”

Although more than 100 JAG applicants from 10 states were considered for the program, Howard was the only individual selected during the fall application process to participate.

“He is truly an exceptional young man, and we are excited to have him within our organization,” said Captain M.J. Welsh, Marine Corp Officer Selection Officer.

Bowen Dean John DiPippa said the faculty, staff, and students at the law school are very proud of Howard’s accomplishment.

“He exemplifies our core values of professionalism, public service, and access to justice,” DiPippa said.

Howard began his fourth law clerkship this month at Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins in Little Rock. He has also served as a law clerk for Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin’s Office and two additional law firms in Little Rock.

Even before attending Officer Candidate School, Howard has found a way to give back by serving as the director of Bowen’s Student Veteran Organization, which puts on events to inform students about military careers, military law, and helping veterans.

“I am passionate about the Student Veterans Organization,” Howard said. “We just went to the national conference at the beginning of January, and it was great to learn how to help both veterans who are going back to school and veterans in our community.”