But ,in my experience,some of the worst advocates I have ever seen have been smooth,charming,good-looking-and stupid. Speaking of stupidity,law students also frequently confuse intelligence with effective advocacy.Again,a high degree of intelligence is certainly important for effective advocacy but it is by no means a substitute.I have heard some of the smartest people I know make some of the least effective arguments before judge and juries.Effective advocacy is one of the most difficult attributes to identify in a potential or practicing lawyer.It may take years to develop and bone that skill-really collection of skills-into the finished product of which the advocate is justly prond.