Advocacy is one of the fundamental skills required to successfully practice law. Whether arguing in court, negotiating a contract, or advising clients, effective and persuasive presentation is the bedrock of the legal profession. But this skill is not cultivated overnight; rather, it must be honed through practice and with guidance. For many attorneys, the foundation of this ability is laid not in law school but much earlier—in high school debate.

Debate requires students to analyze and argue complex issues with precision. Policy debate, in particular, mirrors the process attorneys follow in preparing for litigation or negotiations. Policy debaters must interpret vast amounts of information, identify the strongest arguments and counterarguments, think critically in real-time, and communicate their positions persuasively. Debate also gives students an opportunity to build confidence in speaking in public. All of these are core skills required of a litigator preparing for oral argument in court, or a transactional attorney working to resolve outstanding issues to close a deal.