University of Houston Law Center Dean Leonard M. Baynes with panelists Judge Gray Miller (J.D. ’78), senior judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Alaina King Benford, managing attorney at King Benford Law Firm PLLC, and Joshua Lake, director of UHLC’s Criminal Justice Clinic at the event.
The panel of seasoned legal veterans shared wisdom gained from personal experience with law students at “The Art of Persuasion” event at UHLC.
October 31, 2025— Preparation, professionalism, and respect are the cornerstones of effective advocacy, according to a panel of seasoned legal experts who spoke to students at the University of Houston Law Center during “The Art of Persuasion and Advocacy.”
The panel included Judge Gray Miller (J.D. ’78), UHLC alumnus and senior judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Alaina King Benford, managing attorney at King Benford Law Firm PLLC, and Joshua Lake, director of UHLC’s Criminal Justice Clinic and former public defender.
Drawing on decades of courtroom experience, the speakers offered students a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to win both cases and respect as an advocate. The panel co-hosted by two UH Law student organizations: the Student Bar Association and Advocates.
Lake, who has more than a decade of local, state and federal criminal defense experience, urged students to consider their audience when making an argument. “Think about all of the decision makers in the room,” he said. “Before you start trying to persuade them, you need to think about what their values are.”
Judge Miller emphasized the importance of thorough preparation. “Being prepared is the most important thing you can do,” he said. “You’ve got to know your case, you’ve got to know the law, and you’ve got to know the court. You cannot be overprepared.”
Lake agreed, noting that preparation is an advocate’s biggest tool, even when it may sometimes feel useless or excessive. “I’ve spent weeks preparing just for there to be one question while I was there,” he said. “But, in reverse, had I not prepared and gotten the question, it would have looked terrible.”
Benford, who has over 20 years of legal experience, stressed the importance of professionalism both in and outside the courtroom. “There is no reason to be discourteous,” she said. “I will zealously defend my client, but, at the end of the day, we are professionals. Do not get down in the mud because you will invariably come up dirty.”
Judge Miller reminded students that courtesy extends to judges. “When you speak, you talk to the judge — you do not argue with the other side, and you [never] argue with a judge,” he said. “When a judge makes a ruling, that’s [final]. You can take it up on an appeal, but don’t argue.”
Lake, reflected on his years in indigent defense and noted that professionalism is a courtesy that should also include clients. Sometimes, when clients push to cross an ethical boundary, it can be difficult to mitigate the situation. “I have tried and found success explaining to my clients the reason why I will not take a certain approach, because oftentimes our interests do align,” Lake said.
The panelists encouraged students to build their public speaking and advocacy skills by participating in UHLC’s clinical programs, internships, and Bar Association events. Benford recalled her own experience with moot court in law school.
“I had thought of myself as someone comfortable with public speaking…I was physically ill,” she said. “Ultimately, we won that competition. This does not mean that your nervousness will go away, but I will tell you that you will become better skilled at it.”
In closing, the panelists agreed that the art of persuasion is grounded in preparedness, professionalism and respect. All three urged students to seek opportunities to augment those skills.
“Control what you can control, and you will come across as an excellent advocate,” said Lake, who mentors UHLC students as they handle real cases and gain first-hand advocacy experience at the Criminal Justice Clinic. “As a young advocate, you may not have [a lot] of experience, but you can prepare and you can be professional.”
