The University of Iowa College of Law is delighted to announce Benjamin (Ben) Louviere (23JD) as a recipient of the 2024 Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Award by the Burton Awards for his article entitled Time for a Tune-Up in America’s Healthcare Market: Securing the Right to Repair for Medical Devices, published in the Journal of Corporation Law (JCL).
The Burton Awards program is granted in association with the Library of Congress, presented by lead sponsor Law360, and co-sponsored by the American Bar Association. Since 1999, the program has celebrated exceptional legal achievements, including writing, reform, public service and interest, regulatory innovation, and lifetime contributions. Modeled after the Pulitzers, the Burton Awards stand as a beacon of excellence in law.
Of numerous nominations from the nation’s premier law schools, only 15 writers were chosen for the award. Judges and law school professors from renowned institutions such as Harvard Law School, Georgetown Law Center, and UC Berkeley School of Law led the selection process.
Reflecting on the caliber of recipients, William Burton, founder and chair of the Burton Awards program, says, “The recipients are truly exemplary, skillful, and effective writers. The highest standard of excellence in legal writing.”
Burton’s praise resonates deeply with Louviere, who attributes much of his success to his peers' invaluable support and feedback in JCL.
“My experience as a student writer for JCL helped me become better acquainted with the world of legal scholarship, which ultimately allowed me to hone my voice and join in on the conversations taking place across the pages of law journals,” says Louviere. “When it came time for my class to take charge of the editorial board, I knew my note would be in capable hands as JCL continued to pour great care into my draft to prepare it for publication. To my colleagues and friends whose involvement with my note spans three volumes of JCL, the writing is yours as much as it’s mine, and so is the honor!”
In addition to the support from his peers, Louviere's achievement underscores Iowa Law's commitment to fostering excellence in legal writing and scholarship. With a robust writing program led by experienced faculty, the college equips its graduates with the skills to excel in a competitive legal landscape.
“The quality of support I received with my writing can't be overstated. And more broadly, the support I received during my time as a student at Iowa Law was beyond incredible,” Louviere recalls. “Although I'm partial, I believe that in addition to Iowa Law's stellar academic standing as far as rankings go on paper, truly Iowa Law shines above every other law school when it comes to relationships. The spirit of collegiality and friendship cultivated by students and faculty at Iowa Law colored every aspect of my experience in law school.”
Since graduating in 2023, Louviere has served as a judicial law clerk to the Hon. Chief Judge C.J. Williams with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a career in corporate transactional practice while remaining actively engaged in legal scholarship.
Today, Louviere marks the ninth Iowa Law graduate to receive the “Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Award" since 2000:
- 2024: Benjamin Louviere
- 2023: Barbara Rodriguez
- 2016: Lisa C. Castillo
- 2015: Zane A. Umsted
- 2012: Walter S. Gindin
- 2011: Jacob E. Meusch
- 2010: Matthew J. Donnelly
- 2009: Samuel Langholz
- 2001: Sharone Levy
For a full list of current and past recipients of the Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Award, please visit the Burton Awards website.