Can a legal practitioner be both an attorney or an advocate? The answer to this question depends on which legal practice a person has chosen to enter. Advocates, like attorneys, can plead a client’s case in court. Advocates are generally underrepresented groups and do not have a similar background to lawyers. An advocate might be employed by a nonprofit or government agency to represent a group of people in an area where lawyers do not practice.
An attorney is a person who has successfully completed law school and passed the bar exam. In addition to practicing law in court, attorneys can serve as advisors or consultants. Many lawyers specialize in specific areas of law. These individuals are often considered attorneys, but it is important to note that they are not necessarily advocates. Advocates are not required to be members of the State Bar Association, while attorneys may be members.
There are ethical issues to be resolved whenever a lawyer represents a client. Conflicts of interest arise when a lawyer’s interests and responsibilities conflict with those of another client. This type of conflict of interest is addressed by Rules of Professional Conduct. The Rules define the conditions under which such conflicts can be resolved. Some of these rules are outlined in Rule 1.9. Another important topic to address is informed consent.
Lawyers are required to stay current with the laws and other legal processes. They must be knowledgeable of the law and relevant technology and engage in continuing legal education. They should also work with the bar in pursuing its goals and regulate the profession in the public interest. If they do not have the background to pursue a particular area, they can be advocates for a client. So, what are the benefits of being an advocate?