“Debate has been the single most influential force in shaping my career.” - Li Zhu

As a Partner and trial lawyer at Robins Kaplan LLP, Li Zhu has spent more than a decade litigating bet-the-company cases for Fortune 500 companies, universities, and Silicon Valley startups. But his path to this prominent career role didn’t come easily. As a first-generation immigrant, he truly understands the obstacles that must be overcome. This is part of why he is also a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the legal profession.

“SVUDL’s mission resonates with me at a personal level: debate has been the single most influential force in shaping my career. High school Policy debate helped me overcome a deep-rooted fear of public speaking. Weekend tournaments helped me develop confidence based on my own skills and hard work,” he said. “Eventually being elected president of my Speech and Debate organization taught me leadership skills that have proved invaluable decades later.”

Li looks forward to helping students uncover and hone the power of their voices, so they can confidently step into their full potential as professional and community leaders. With Li and the other members of the SVUDL community, together we will ensure a future where broader perspectives are reflected and represented at the highest levels of government and industry, and in which people from all sides are able to find common ground.

Welcome to SVUDL’s Legal Advisory Committee, Li!