An advocate carries out several important duties within the legal system. These duties include:
- Representing clients: Advocates act as representatives for clients in legal proceedings, presenting and arguing their cases in court and asserting the client’s position zealously within the bounds of the law[1].
- Advising clients: Advocates provide clients with informed understanding of their legal rights and obligations and explain the practical implications of their decisions[2].
- Negotiating: Advocates seek advantageous outcomes for their clients while ensuring honest dealings with other parties involved[1].
- Evaluating: They assess clients’ legal affairs and report their findings to the client or relevant parties[2].
- Maintaining competence and diligence: Advocates are required to be competent, prompt, and diligent in all professional functions and must maintain communication with clients regarding their cases[4].
- Respecting confidentiality: Advocates must keep client information confidential, except where disclosure is required or permitted by law[2].
- Upholding the legal process: They are tasked with using the law’s procedures only for legitimate purposes, not to harass or intimidate others, and must demonstrate respect for the legal system and those who serve it[2].
- Honesty and integrity: Advocates must not knowingly make false statements of fact or law to a tribunal, or mislead judges or judicial officers, and must use only means consistent with truth[3].
- Supporting clients beyond the courtroom: In some roles, advocates may also assist clients with case management, provide support during crises, maintain records, and collaborate with other organizations to resolve client issues[6].