March 23 - April 10, 2026
BATTLE Between Law Firms, ADVANCING Bay Area Youth
Your firm is invited to participate in the Champions of Diversity annual fundraising challenge wherein Bay Area law firms compete against one another to support debate education and raise the most donations for the Bay Area Urban Debate League. Team-oriented, this challenge brings partners and associates together around a shared goal that has direct and lasting local impact.
BAUDL works with under-resourced Bay Area public schools to make competitive policy debate available to middle and high school students. Through the program, students confront world issues, gain skills and confidence, and prepare for competitive career pathways, including law, public policy, and advocacy.
How the Challenge Works
Be a champion for BAUDL throughout the challenge. Throughout the competition, we’ll share more about a component of our work and the extraordinary impact we’re having. We’ll ask YOU to reach out to colleagues and networks to join you in donating to support our important work.
Participating firms return year after year and report that the challenge invigorates firm culture, energizes associates, and provides a tangible way to have real impact. The top three firms will be recognized for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes with their names to be added to the Champions of Diversity trophies!
Participating firms return year after year and report that the challenge invigorates firm culture, energizes associates, and provides a tangible way to have real impact. The top three firms will be recognized for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes with their names to be added to the Champions of Diversity trophies!
Why Participate?
Build the next generation of diverse legal talent.
BAUDL serves over 300 students—primarily of color—at 16 under-resourced schools across seven Bay Area districts. Through our program, young people develop the analytical, research, advocacy, and public-speaking skills that law firms value most. By participating, your firm invests in diversifying the Bay Area’s pipeline of future law students, associates, clerks, and civic leaders.
Create measurable impact close to home.
Debate education is proven to improve literacy, analytical reasoning, and academic achievement. For five consecutive years, our students have achieved a 100% high school graduation rate, compared to a 72% district average. This is a local, trackable impact that your firm can point to with confidence as an example of meaningful community investment in public education.
Connect directly with young, aspiring lawyers.
The challenge creates structured, meaningful engagement between your attorneys and high-potential students through virtual presentations, mentorship moments, and in-person school visits. For firms, this offers a rare opportunity to build authentic relationships with future law students, while at the same time giving associates and partners opportunities to offer students hands-on leadership and mentorship.
Join a recognized community of leading firms.
Participating firms are recognized as leaders in strengthening public education. Recognition boosts internal morale and external visibility, and sends a powerful signal to clients, recruits, and the broader legal community that your firm is invested in the next generation of Bay Area lawyers and leaders.
BAUDL serves over 300 students—primarily of color—at 16 under-resourced schools across seven Bay Area districts. Through our program, young people develop the analytical, research, advocacy, and public-speaking skills that law firms value most. By participating, your firm invests in diversifying the Bay Area’s pipeline of future law students, associates, clerks, and civic leaders.
Create measurable impact close to home.
Debate education is proven to improve literacy, analytical reasoning, and academic achievement. For five consecutive years, our students have achieved a 100% high school graduation rate, compared to a 72% district average. This is a local, trackable impact that your firm can point to with confidence as an example of meaningful community investment in public education.
Connect directly with young, aspiring lawyers.
The challenge creates structured, meaningful engagement between your attorneys and high-potential students through virtual presentations, mentorship moments, and in-person school visits. For firms, this offers a rare opportunity to build authentic relationships with future law students, while at the same time giving associates and partners opportunities to offer students hands-on leadership and mentorship.
Join a recognized community of leading firms.
Participating firms are recognized as leaders in strengthening public education. Recognition boosts internal morale and external visibility, and sends a powerful signal to clients, recruits, and the broader legal community that your firm is invested in the next generation of Bay Area lawyers and leaders.
Help us raise $75,000 for student leaders!
RSVP to BAUDL Executive Director Mya Whitaker
[email protected] or 510-459-4904
[email protected] or 510-459-4904
Not able to compete? Become a sponsor!
Donate online or send a check to Bay Area Urban Debate League at 287 17th St #201, Oakland, CA 94612
Donate online or send a check to Bay Area Urban Debate League at 287 17th St #201, Oakland, CA 94612
287 17th St #201, Oakland, CA 94612, USA
© Bay Area Urban Debate League. All rights reserved.
© Bay Area Urban Debate League. All rights reserved.