Our Interview With Michael Harrington, Director of Debate at Towson University Debate

By the Juris Education Interview Team

Michael Harrington is the Director of Debate at Towson University Debate. 

1. What types of debates or formats does your union participate in?

We participate in intercollegiate policy debate, and we also engage in various speech events such as public speaking competitions. In addition to competitive formats, we host public debates on campus. For example, in the fall, we held a public debate on whether TikTok should be banned. It was conducted in a lay format, which allows the audience to interpret and analyze the intricacies of the topic versus them having to adopt a competitive policy style.

Additionally, two weeks ago, we engaged in a public debate at the D.C. Courthouse over the abolition of mandatory minimums. We negated the topic in front of five federal judges versus the D.C. jail system, in which we also utilized a lay format. This was great to showcase how debate transcends outside of the classroom and has cross applications to building future lawyers!

2. What are some of the biggest takeaways or real-world benefits that students gain from participating in your debate union?

Students develop strong advocacy skills. They become comfortable speaking about issues that matter deeply to them and start to think critically, not only about how the rhetoric influences how they think but also about what actions can be taken. So, if it's something they're passionate about, such as climate change, they can become climate change activists and actually talk about what it means to ensure that we are following certain guidelines to ensure that we get to a certain degree Celsius instead of simply talking about it.

It also helps them build their voices, even if their voices shake a little at first. Through a debate union, we’re able to show them that what they have to say matters, and their contributions are valuable to broader discussions on how we can build stronger future generations.

3. What’s the most challenging and the most rewarding aspect of joining a debate union?

Challenging:
The biggest challenge is balancing a full academic schedule while preparing for and attending weekend competitions. It requires strong time management. Students also have to conduct a significant amount of research, which can be difficult to juggle with classes, so being organized is key.

Rewarding:
The experience pushes students a step beyond the typical undergraduate experience. Many students who go on to law school or graduate programs are ahead of the curve because of the skills they've built through debate. They gain real-world advocacy experience and learn how theory and practice intersect.

Most of our students see an improvement in their GPAs after joining the team, largely due to the foundational learning and critical thinking skills they develop, which are transferable to their coursework and beyond.

4. Do you think aspiring law school applicants can benefit from joining a debate union? How so?

Absolutely. Debate gives them a head start. They learn jargon and skills that translate well to the courtroom. It’s not just about competitive speaking since it also involves real-world experiences, such as speaking at the courthouse in front of actual judges. Debate helps build the courage to speak in high-pressure environments. This is especially important because we should always be critiquing how we can make the world a better place!

5. Do you know of any former members of your debate union who have successfully gone on to law school? If so, how did their debate experience contribute to their success?

Yes, I know of many folks who have gone on to successfully pursue a J.D. So, I think debate allows people to think about what it is they want to do with law and policy. It encourages them to reflect on their positions within academic institutions and the privileges they hold. Debate also teaches them about the legal system, certain structures of the courts, and how to craft clear, confident arguments.

One of the most valuable outcomes is learning how to stay organized and engaged. The discipline of preparing for and attending tournaments some weekends helps students develop the structure and focus they’ll need in law school, even if it’s not exactly the same format.

6. What advice would you give to aspiring law students who are considering joining a debate union in college but aren’t sure if it’s the right fit for them?

Just give it a try. If you don’t enjoy it, you can always leave but it’s worth exploring. Trying something new can help you figure out what you want to do in life. If you end up liking it, stay with it and aim to be the best you can be.

Debate also offers valuable relationships and networking opportunities. You’ll meet peers, mentors, and friends, many of whom can support you on your law school journey or in your career or as friends. 

Juris Education is proud to interview experts like Michael Harrington to help future lawyers understand the benefits of extracurricular involvement in college. Learn more about how our experts can help you get into law school today.