In the zealous advocacy model, lawyers are taught to argue for the best result they can get for a client, without regard to how it affects or damages others. In theory, if each adversarial attorney pushes as hard as he can for his or her client, the truth will emerge and justice will result.

This model may be necessary and effective in criminal law cases, but in family law cases, zealous advocacy can escalate hostilities and the family can be injured as a result.