Judge Wade Birdwell of the 342nd District Court traces much of his success as a lawyer to verbal battles in public speaking competitions in high school.

He competed on a forensic team with fellow students from Forest Park High School in Beaumont. They faced down other high school teams in debate, oratory, extemporaneous speaking and dramatic-speaking competitions. Birdwell earned the top honor, the “Double Ruby,” from the National Forensic League, a speech and debate honor society.