Cuatrecasas Debate Tournament aims to improve young lawyers’ public speaking and argumentation skills, key factors for court proceedings and arbitrati
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SubscribeIt is that time of year again, Cuatrecasas has closed its latest edition of the Debate Tournament where 86 lawyers from all groups and offices participated as part of their Mentor Plan.
The aim of the debate—the final of which took place in Santa Susana (Barcelona) on October 21 and 22—is to improve young lawyers’ public speaking and argumentation skills, factors that are essential for contract negotiation and participation in court proceedings and arbitration, which they have been able to practice in the format of a competitive debate.
Organized into groups, the lawyers faced each other in several debate rounds via Zoom from May until September. These rounds culminated on October 22 with the semifinals and final being held in person at the Atzavara Hotel in Santa Susana (Barcelona).
Throughout the different rounds, the lawyers’ arguments were assessed based on (i) consistency and seriousness, (ii) the language used, (iii) the ability to refute the opposing team’s arguments, and (iv) the respect given for the allotted time and for the opposing team's right to speak.
After a series of top-level debates, a panel comprising lawyers Rosa Gual, Alberto Palacios and Elías Gallardo announced the 2025 winners: the team made up of María del Mar García-Delgado, Gonzalo Martínez de Bedoya and Montserrat Alejandra Téllez. In the final they were up against the group made up of Mayda Alapi, Andrea Flores and Victoria Herrera.
As usual, the tournament’s semifinals were also keenly contested, with lawyers Antonio Hilario, Mikel Guarnido, Roberto Gutiérrez, Andrés Bravo, Ana Marrón and Guillermo Montes participating.
Ikhlas Nadi Jagdal, a training specialist at the firm’s human resources department, commented on this year’s edition: “It has been inspiring to once again take part in organizing the Debate Tournament. Throughout the different qualifying rounds, the lawyers demonstrated solid arguments, creativity, critical thinking and an excellent ability to communicate their ideas. Language is an essential tool in any field, but especially in law. These kinds of initiatives remind us that communicating clearly and respectfully is a way of reflecting who we are as professionals as well as people. Congratulations to all the teams, finalists and winners for their dedication, strength and enthusiasm.”
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