Luke Skywalker is one of the most iconic characters in the Star Wars universe. His journey from humble farm boy to Jedi Knight and eventually legendary Jedi Master offers many lessons for law students, particularly when it comes to the art of oral arguments.

Here are some of the key lessons that law students can learn from Luke Skywalker:

Believe in Yourself

Luke Skywalker was initially hesitant to believe that he had the potential to become a Jedi. However, with the guidance of Obi-Wan Kenobi and his own determination, he eventually embraced his destiny and became one of the most powerful Jedi in the galaxy.

Law students must believe in themselves and their abilities. This is true particularly when it comes to oral arguments. It can be easy to become swallowed by self-doubt in the face of intimidating judges or difficult opponents, but having confidence in your arguments and abilities is key to success. It is crucial to emit confidence in every statement. Believe in all the work conducted before the oral argument and trust that your efforts will not let you down. Do or do not, there is no try.

Preparation is Key

Luke Skywalker underwent rigorous training with Jedi Master Yoda to hone his skills and prepare for his battles against the Empire. Skywalker spent so much time practicing with Yoda, that the clash against the Dark Lords was a mere byproduct of all the work he put in before. Similarly, law students must be prepared to put in the time and effort necessary to prepare for oral arguments.

This involves researching the relevant case law, anticipating potential objections or questions from the judge, and practicing their arguments on your own or with professors. The more prepared a student is, the more confident and effective they will be during oral arguments. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

Stay Focused

Luke Skywalker was able to remain focused and keep his cool during high-stakes battles against the Empire, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. Law students must also remain focused and composed during oral arguments, particularly when faced with unexpected challenges or setbacks like tough questions from the judge.

Consider taking a deep breath before beginning, maintaining eye contact with the judge or audience, and staying calm and collected even in the face of difficult questions or objections. Remember, the judge is a human being too, just like you.

Use the Force

Luke Skywalker's mastery of the Force allowed him to achieve incredible feats, from deflecting blaster bolts to lifting X-Wing fighters out of swamps. While law students may not have access to the Force, they can still harness their own strengths and resources to achieve their goals.

A student who excels at storytelling may use vivid language and zealous imagery to capture the judge's attention and make a compelling case for their argument. Another student who is particularly skilled at research and analysis may rely on their ability to find obscure case law or make complex legal arguments. The point is that when it comes time for the oral argument, rely heavily (but not entirely) on your natural strengths, every law student has natural strengths that they can utilize to make a compelling argument.

Luke Skywalker offers many lessons for law students when it comes to oral arguments. By believing in yourself, preparing rigorously, staying focused, and harnessing strengths, law students can become effective advocates and succeed in their oral arguments and legal careers.

-Michael Alcala - Juris Doctorate Candidate, 2025