Every lawyer needs advocacy skills to be able to win cases in court. According to Black’s Dictionary an “Advocate” is defined as one who assists in defending or pleading for another, or is one who renders legal aid and pleads the cause of another before a court. Advocacy seeks to ensure that every individual has their voice heard on issues.

Advocacy is a skill that you acquire. With constant practice, you become a very skilled lawyer at being an advocate. It is important to remember that advocacy is not about being a friend or counselor, or about persuading other people to agree with your views. Advocacy is not an alternative complaints procedure, but may involve the advocate in supporting the person in making a complaint effectively.

Importance

• To represent individuals who may not be able to speak for themselves
• To raise awareness
• To influence and change policies

Qualities of an effective advocate

• Good listening skills
• Patience
• Knowledge
• Articulate
• Ability to motivate people
• Flexible
• Organized
• Positive

Every lawyer is regarded as an outspoken person (not always the case though), but Advocacy is the act of pleading or arguing in favor of something, such as a cause, idea or policy and not about being outspoken.

Advocacy is a skill that needs to be learnt and mastered.

Agree with me? yes or yes.