Oral Argument Superpowers

I am married to someone for whom oral argument is a superpower.

So here are all-star 1L oral argument tips, updated for 2025, but first I want to tell you the story of how they came to be.

(Because if you know me, you know I was much more an on-paper advocate!)

The tips are a distilled version of 3 different posts over 3 years. In the posts, I asked lawyers to give me all their best advice for law students about how they should prepare for oral argument.

I then wrote up their advice, combined it with great suggestions from Matt, and did a ton of reading and podcast listening.

All’s to say, I really think these tips are TERRIFIC! 🙂

I hope that they will be helpful for you as you get ready for your oral argument!!

💌 Amanda

P.S. A version of these tips is also contained in my book, “Dear 1L: Notes to Nurture a New Legal Writer.” 💡 Have you picked up your copy yet? amazon.com/dp/B0D726J7RQ (I hear it’s TERRIFIC. 🙂)

P.P.S. Thank you, Matt!! ❤️ Matthew Haverstick

P.S.3. Do you fancy yourself an oral argument aficionado? Please tell 1Ls what way you slay your prep in the comments!