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What is Client Advocacy?

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

What is Client Advocacy?

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

AskTheLawyers™

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Client advocacy is essentially what it sounds like; the priority a lawyer places on their client’s interests above all else. Client advocacy is an element of the litigation process that many attorneys seek additional training in to strengthen their ability to advocate for their client’s wishes. Many attorneys that undergo additional client advocacy training are regarded as trial attorneys; trial attorneys generally have more experience in the actual courtroom than other attorneys who might have more experience settling out of court. The kind of attorney you need could vary depending on your case. For example, if it seems unlikely that you will receive a fair settlement outside of court, it might be wise to seek help from a trial attorney.

Client advocates assist, defend, and plead on behalf of their clients in court.

Another part of advocacy is the actual act of advocating; in other words, the act of pleading for or arguing in favor of something. In the field of law, this translates to a good attorney representing their clients’ interests in the most effective way possible, often in court proceedings. While client advocacy might look exciting and dramatic thanks to legal dramas on television, in reality, it looks different in every case. What a lawyer might need to do to advocate most effectively for one client could be a hindrance to a different case. In most situations, the client advocacy process is not nearly as showy and loud as it appears in the media.

Questions to ask when looking for an attorney versed in client advocacy:

  • Personal communication: Does this attorney take the time to speak to you personally, or are you primarily communicating with an assistant?
  • Trial experience: If my case is likely to go to trial, does this attorney have experience in court?
  • Team spirit: Does this attorney simplify the complicated legal jargon for you, making consistent efforts to ensure that you understand the issues you are discussing?
  • References: What do the attorney’s references look like?
  • Track record: What is this attorney’s track record for success?
  • Price: What kind of fees does this attorney charge? Is it reasonable for their field? Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultation and work on contingency, which means you won’t be required to pay unless they win your case.
  • Availability: Is this attorney too busy with other cases to give direct attention to yours?
  • Experience: Does this attorney have experience handling cases similar to your own?

If you find yourself in need of an attorney, don’t forget to focus on what kind of client advocacy a potential legal representative has to offer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and request references to see how other clients felt about working with a specific attorney. It is important to find a compassionate attorney who understands your situation and is committed to protecting your interests in trial if necessary. To learn more about client advocacy or to discuss your case with a professional, seek legal counsel.

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