Meet the Class: Grant Booker, ’29
Originally from Spartanburg, South Carolina, Grant A. Booker, ’29, comes to UChicago Law as an active-duty officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Booker was selected for the Marine Corps’ Funded Law Education Program and plans to serve as a Judge Advocate after law school. We spoke with him about his path from the Naval Academy to law school, his interest in military and national security law, and what drew him to UChicago Law.
Tell us a little about your background and the path that led you to law school.
I graduated from the United States Naval Academy and commissioned into US Marine Corps in May of 2023. After completing my training, I reported to 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment where I served as 2nd Platoon Commander in Delta Battery. In December of 2025, I was selected for the Marine Corps’ Funded Law Education Program, which allows me to attend law school while still serving on active duty. Upon graduation from law school, I will attend Naval Justice School and subsequently return to the Fleet Marine Force as a Judge Advocate.
What are one or two professional, academic, or personal experiences that have most shaped who you are, and why?
My most formative professional experience was in the Marine Corps’ Service Level Training Exercise 5-24. One week after I met my platoon, we traveled to the Mojave Desert for a large-scale two-month training exercise. As an inexperienced lieutenant in a dynamic environment, they taught me the real value of leaning on your team’s lived experiences and several other leadership lessons which will remain with me throughout my career.
Academically, my experience in San Remo, Italy competing in the International Institute for Humanitarian Law’s Competition for Military Academies deepened my appreciation for the study of the law of war. Through that debate-style competition, my desire to pursue a career in this field was solidified.
What inspired you to pursue a legal education?
When I arrived at the Naval Academy, my goal was initially to be a fighter jet pilot. Over time, my studies and work on my honors thesis studying the Navy-Marine Corps Trial Judiciary shaped my interests, and my goals changed when I learned about the Judge Advocate community. The opportunity to serve as both an officer and an attorney aligned deeply with my personal values and professional aspirations, and I set my sights on a career combining operational leadership with legal expertise in the service of Marines and commanders.
What areas of law or legal issues are you most interested in exploring?
Fortunately, Marine Judge Advocates have the opportunity to experience several areas of the law, so I will get to pursue just about all of my interests. I am most interested in criminal prosecution, the law of armed conflict, and national security law.
Why did you choose the University of Chicago Law School?
The University of Chicago Law School has a reputation for challenging students in unique and innovative ways, presenting them with an especially rigorous curriculum, and demanding brilliance in every endeavor. Additionally, the Chicago Principles and UChicago’s commitment to free expression create a culture that encourages respectful debate and pushes you to share and defend your ideas. The desire to enter an environment where my peers and professors push me and require the best I have to offer is reminiscent of that which led me to join the Marine Corps in the first place.
What impact do you hope to have with your legal education?
Whether as prosecution or defense counsel, I look forward to helping to create an equitable justice system for Marines and ensuring they are treated fairly under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Additionally, commanders in combat make decisions that impact lives, shape foreign policy, and demonstrate to the world that America fights fairly and according to the established law of war. These commanders rely heavily on counsel from their Staff Judge Advocates. My responsibility will be to provide them with the best legal advice possible to make some of the most difficult decisions imaginable.
What are you most excited to experience as a UChicago Law student?
The University of Chicago attracts some of the world’s brightest students. I am most looking forward to learning from my classmates, sharing ideas, and collaborating with them as we all navigate the next three years. I hope that as we work together, sharing our own unique perspectives and experiences, we will help sharpen one another.
What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of school and work?
From a young age I have enjoyed fishing and spending time around the water. Fortunately, Chicago is on the banks of Lake Michigan, so I will never have to go far. Additionally, I make an effort to go to the gym or for a run as often as I can. I also enjoy watching college football and attending games in person when possible. As always, Go Navy, Beat Army.
What are a few fun facts about you that your classmates might be surprised to learn?
I once interviewed former Secretary of Defense General James Mattis, and I am certified as a Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with the UChicago Law community?
I am excited to begin my legal career here in Hyde Park. This next chapter represents a very meaningful step in my service, and I am grateful to share it with the UChicago Law community. If there is ever anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to reach out. I look forward to meeting all of you this fall and joining the UChicago team.
