Grandfather’s Influence Guides Law Graduate’s Journey to Serve Others
Robert Bennett’s path to becoming a lawyer wasn’t just about pursuing a dream, but about honoring the man who helped shape it.
While Bennett is proud to graduate from UA Little Rock’s William H. School of Law, he also wishes he could share it with the person who inspired him most – his grandfather and namesake, Robert Lee Bennett.
“Without him, I surely never would have made it this far,” Bennett said. “I write this in honor of him, the greatest man I will ever know in this life, whose unconditional love inspired me to believe that anything could be achieved through faith and dedication.”
Bennett, a native of Mountain Home, Arkansas, chose Bowen for its strong academic support, outstanding faculty, and accessibility.
“As a man of modest means, Bowen was the clearest and most accessible route to achieving my dreams,” he said. “I chose William H. Bowen for its friendly staff, superb customer service, amazing library, and excellent professors.”
His long-term vision is grounded in the values his grandparents instilled in him. Inspired by their humility, resilience, and faith, Bennett plans to offer affordable legal services to people in need, especially the elderly and those in rural communities.
“My grandfather grew up in a one-room log cabin with dirt floors,” he said. “Through his goodwill and diligent work, he became a successful entrepreneur, retiring early and raising me to be kind, generous, and frugal.”
While at Bowen, Bennett became president of both the Christian Legal Society and the Finch Society, two student organizations that reflect his values. Through guest lectures and outreach, he and his peers promoted faith-based discussions and improved access to justice in underserved communities.
His time in the Delta Divorce Clinic was another pivotal experience. Under the guidance of Professor Suzanne Penn, Bennett provided low-cost legal assistance to clients navigating family law issues.
“I was thrilled to help clients move on from harmful or dysfunctional relationships and into a new chapter of their lives,” he said.
Bennett credits his success at Bowen to faculty mentors including Professors Penn, Lindsey Gustafson, and John Cook.
“Each demonstrated a rare quality of kindness and goodwill not often seen in this profession anymore,” he said. “I am truly grateful for all the support and guidance they offered to help me pursue my dreams.”
His favorite memories of law school are not only academic. He recalls peaceful night walks around campus and the sense of freedom those moments brought.
“College was a place where your dreams began to manifest as you poured yourself into performing your best,” he said. “But in the end, the simple memories of peaceful nights spent with purpose mattered most. Otherwise, my favorite memory would be seeing my grandfather smile when I did well in college.”
Bennett offers candid advice for future students: plan ahead, manage time wisely, and don’t underestimate the intensity of law school. He said it took more than 100 hours a week of study time while working two part-time jobs to stay near the top of his class. But most importantly, he urges students to make time for their loved ones.
“There’s always time, and there’s always hope for a brighter future for your own life, but our time with those we love is limited and precious beyond all measure,” Bennett said. “A moment with my grandfather would be worth all the money I could ever hope to make, all the awards I could ever hope to achieve, and all the recognition, power, or fame that anyone could ever hope for.”
As he closes this chapter and looks ahead to a career in law, Bennett remains grounded in his grandfather’s legacy.
“My entire life was lived in the hopes of making him proud of the man he had raised,” he said. “He was great not in stature or fame or power, but in spirit and love and compassion. If I can even be a tenth of the man he was, then I know I will see him again.”