Once a Marine, always a Marine is a common saying among those who have served in the Marine Corps. For U.S. District Judge Steven Logan, Retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel , this rung true as being a Marine did not stop at the end of his 26 years. His journey through the Corps provided the foundation for an impressive legal career, ultimately leading him to his current position as the District Judge in the district of Arizona.
“There’s no way I’d be serving in this role today without the Marine Corps,” Logan reflected. “The professionalism, discipline, and network I built during my time in uniform were instrumental.”
Growing up with a father who was a career-Army officer, serving his country was always a part of the plan. However, choosing the Marine Corps was a decision deep rooted in a desire for respect and a greater purpose.
“I wanted to serve in a branch where being an officer meant more than just wearing the rank,” he explained. “In the Marines, you’re a Marine first. Whether you’re a pilot, a lawyer, or in logistics, you’re trained to lead Marines.”
Originally, Logan aspired to become a pilot. However, the degree he was pursuing at the time left him unqualified for the program. Determined to serve, he quickly pivoted in a new direction—he took the Law School Admission Test, earned his law degree, and became a Marine judge advocate.
Marine judge advocates handle a wide range of legal responsibilities. From litigation and defending court-martials to advising commanders on military law and international-legal issues. Marine judge advocates are attorneys responsible for upholding the law and core values of the Marine Corps. They are Marine officers first and attorneys second.
“In the Marine Corps, no one looks at you like you’re just a lawyer in uniform. You’ve earned the title of Marine, and that carries weight,” he said.
After serving 10 years on active duty, Logan moved on to complete 16 years in the reserve component of the Corps. His military career would see him serving in both the courtroom and overseas in war zones. When the time came for Logan to transition to civilian life, his military experiences followed closely behind him. He quickly realized the parallels between being a Marine Judge Advocate and a civilian lawyer.
“There are Marine judge advocates everywhere. In law firms, on the state and federal bench, teaching at law schools. The Marine Corps trains leaders who succeed in every field.”
Both jobs require a deep understanding of legal procedures, courtroom litigation, and ethical decision making. The Uniformed Code of Military Justice and federal law bared similarities as well. He said he felt his time as a Marine Corps prosecutor seamlessly prepared him for his next role as a federal prosecutor.
“The military rules of evidence are nearly identical to the federal rules,” Logan explained. “When I got to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, I already had years of courtroom experience that gave me a head start.”
In addition to professional skills, Logan’s military service allowed him to build invaluable relationships that opened doors in his civilian career. During a deployment to Iraq in 2004, Logan met former Senator John McCain, who later remembered Logan’s work on rule-of-law initiatives in the region. He would nominate Logan to the President of the United States to fill a judicial vacancy.
The training, high standards, and sense of camaraderie he developed as a Marine continue to influence his approach to justice and decision-making. Beyond the technical aspects of law, his service instilled a mindset of resilience and accountability—qualities that have been essential throughout his career.
“The Marine Corps didn’t just teach me how to be a lawyer-it taught me how to lead with integrity and professionalism in every setting,” Logan said.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Marine Judge Advocate, visit rmi.marines.com/rsphoenix
| Date Taken: | 02.06.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 02.14.2025 13:32 |
| Story ID: | 490503 |
| Location: | PHOENIX, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 28 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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