It may involve a much more basic and primitive motivation, namely, the need for attention. When parents confront the surface goal may actually reinforce the very problem they are trying to stop. Their engagement with the child, in arguments, discussions, negotiations, or debates, actually give negative attention to the child. They falsely believe that they can confront or educate their child to correct his negative behavior and thereby, perpetuate more of the same. Take, for example, the child who argues for the sake of arguing.
Many parents find that the situation really has no bearing on the child's lawyer-like behavior.
The child will argue over anything, sometimes even after they have gotten their way. If this is the case, then the deeper motivation, underneath the child's behavior needs to be addressed. The best tool for negative, attention-getting behaviors is to not give it attention. Easy to say but hard to do. Children are masters at picking arguments that can upset parents easily, trapping them back into the courtroom drama.