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Roberts Says Supreme Court Arguments Now Favor Specialist Lawyers

8/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Chief Justice John Roberts says oral arguments are now dominated by a small group of specialist lawyers.
He recalled arguing 39 Supreme Court cases as solicitor general and private practitioner.
He lamented losing the “color and texture” of arguments from lone practitioners.
Justices resumed bench hearings in October 2021 with revised questioning and presentation styles.
Recent data show average argument length and words spoken per justice have increased since 2005.

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Story summary

Chief Justice John Roberts says oral arguments are now dominated by a small group of specialist lawyers.
He recalled arguing 39 Supreme Court cases as solicitor general and private practitioner.
He lamented losing the “color and texture” of arguments from lone practitioners.
Justices resumed bench hearings in October 2021 with revised questioning and presentation styles.
Recent data show average argument length and words spoken per justice have increased since 2005.