The Lawyers as Advocates

Lawyers, generally speaking, are people who studied law and are licensed to practice the profession. More specifically, lawyers are individuals representing or defending a person or entity in every legal proceeding. They are qualified professionals who specialize in the different fields of law and they are generally called by various different names, such as attorney, counsel, barrister, or solicitor.

In the practice of their profession, lawyers play different roles depending on the cases and issues that they pursue. But, whatever legal action they accept to take, they ultimately have to act as advocates. An advocate is someone who represents another, or one who is speaking on another person's behalf, especially those pertaining to legal matters. The term advocate is used mainly in reference to the law system of the Scots, the Anglo-Dutch law of South Africa, and the laws of Scandinavia and Israel, among others. The concept of advocates implies that the people being represented lack the knowledge, skill, ability, or the status to be heard by himself or herself.

Lawyers act as advocates in the society. They represent a party in a criminal or civil case, submitting evidence in the client's behalf and arguing in the court of law to support their client's interests. This is the general responsibility of lawyers, acting on one's behalf where legal knowledge is applicable and necessary.

The specific duties of lawyers start with the maintenance of the lawyer-client relationship. Constant communication with the client is an important aspect of being a lawyer. Being a representative entails a regular reporting to the person or entity represented of the progress on the case.

Personal appearance at court hearings and other legal proceedings is another specific duty that lawyers perform. In both criminal and civil cases, there are legal proceedings that require the appearance of the parties in court. They must attend these proceedings with the client, speak on the latter's behalf and advise them on how to proceed.

One important duty that lawyers do is the preparation of the legal documents that are necessary for the defense and arguments of their client's cause. Although there are paralegals and legal secretaries, it is vital that the lawyer personally does the legal papers, or at least draft them himself. After all, it is his legal mind that is being paid by the client. It is his skill that the client considered when his services were employed. With this duty, the lawyer is bound to do a multitude of research work.

Lastly, a lawyer must personally communicate with the opposing party regarding the case. He has the authority to negotiate or make settlements with the other party.