Advocate vs. Attorney — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 30, 2024
Advocate primarily argues cases in court, focusing on litigation, whereas an attorney engages in all legal processes, including document preparation and advice.
Difference Between Advocate and Attorney
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
An advocate is a specialist in presenting and arguing cases in court, particularly in jurisdictions following British legal traditions. On the other hand, an attorney, often used in the context of American law, refers to a lawyer who is legally qualified to prosecute and defend actions in a court of law.
Advocates often wear distinctive robes and are the only class of lawyer permitted to speak in certain courts, while attorneys do not have specific attire and can both represent clients in court and perform legal tasks outside of litigation.
The term "advocate" is commonly associated with a formal role in higher courts, such as the High Court or Supreme Court, whereas attorneys often handle legal matters in both lower and higher courts but also focus on legal documentation, estate planning, and counseling clients.
In some regions, becoming an advocate requires additional qualifications beyond those necessary to be an attorney, such as passing a bar exam and then obtaining a special license or certification to plead cases in higher courts. Conversely, attorneys are typically required to pass a bar exam in the jurisdiction where they wish to practice and do not need additional certifications to argue in higher courts.
The role of an advocate is generally more narrowly focused on litigation and legal advocacy in a courtroom setting, while attorneys have a broader scope of practice that encompasses all aspects of legal work, including client consultation, case preparation, and legal strategy development.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Legal professional specializing in court representations
Legal professional licensed to practice law
Primary Function
Courtroom advocacy and litigation
Wide range of legal services including litigation and legal advice
Attire
Often wears robes in court
No specific attire required
Court Representation
Usually limited to higher courts
Can represent in all courts
Additional Qualifications
May require special certifications for higher courts
Bar exam suffices for all court representations
Compare with Definitions
Advocate
A lawyer who represents clients in a court of law.
The advocate presented her argument with clear evidence and conviction.
Attorney
Licensed to offer a broad range of legal services.
The attorney provided both legal advice and court representation.
Advocate
Specializes in pleading cases before judges.
As an advocate, his role was crucial during the trial.
Attorney
A person appointed to act for another in business or legal matters.
She appointed an attorney to handle her estate.
Advocate
Often found in jurisdictions with a legal system based on British law.
In India, he practiced as an advocate, wearing the traditional robe.
Attorney
Commonly used term in the United States.
The attorney filed a lawsuit on behalf of his client.
Advocate
May require additional qualifications to practice in higher courts.
She completed her certification to become a senior advocate.
Attorney
Represents clients in all courts without additional qualifications.
After passing the bar, he started practicing as an attorney immediately.
Advocate
Typically focuses on litigation.
His career as an advocate was marked by many high-profile court wins.
Attorney
Handles legal documentation and advice.
The attorney reviewed all contracts to ensure compliance.
Advocate
An advocate is a professional in the field of law. Different countries' legal systems use the term with somewhat differing meanings.
Attorney
A person who is legally qualified and licensed to represent a person in a legal matter, such as a transaction or lawsuit.
Advocate
To speak, plead, or argue in favor of
Advocate a vegan diet.
Attorney
(US) A lawyer; one who advises or represents others in legal matters as a profession.
Advocate
Usage Problem To act as an advocate
Advocated for her patients.
Advocated for more stringent crime laws.
Attorney
One such who practised in the courts of the common law.
Advocate
One that argues for a cause; a supporter or defender
An advocate of civil rights.
Attorney
A solicitor.
Advocate
One that pleads in another's behalf; an intercessor
Advocates for abused children and spouses.
Attorney
An agent or representative authorized to act on someone else's behalf.
Advocate
A lawyer.
Attorney
An honorific given to lawyers and notaries public, or those holders by profession who also do other jobs. Usually capitalized or abbreviated as Atty.
Advocate
Someone whose job is to speak for someone's case in a court of law; a counsel.
Attorney
Clusia spp.
Advocate
Anyone who argues the case of another; an intercessor.
Attorney
A prosecutor
Advocate
A person who speaks in support of something, or someone.
Attorney
To work as a legal attorney.
Advocate
A person who supports others to make their voices heard, or ideally for them to speak up for themselves.
Since she started working with her advocate, she has become much more confident.
Attorney
To provide with a legal attorney.
Advocate
(transitive) To plead in favour of; to defend by argument, before a tribunal or the public; to support, vindicate, or recommend publicly.
Attorney
A substitute; a proxy; an agent.
And will have no attorney but myself.
Advocate
(transitive) To encourage support for something.
I like trees, but I do not advocate living in them.
Attorney
One who is legally appointed by another to transact any business for him; an attorney in fact.
Advocate
To engage in advocacy.
We have been advocating for changes in immigration law.
Attorney
To perform by proxy; to employ as a proxy.
Advocate
To appeal from an inferior court to the Court of Session.
Attorney
A professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice
Advocate
To call a case before itself for decision.
Advocate
One who pleads the cause of another. Specifically: One who pleads the cause of another before a tribunal or judicial court; a counselor.
Advocate
One who defends, vindicates, or espouses any cause by argument; a pleader; as, an advocate of free trade, an advocate of truth.
Advocate
Christ, considered as an intercessor.
We have an Advocate with the Father.
Advocate
To plead in favor of; to defend by argument, before a tribunal or the public; to support, vindicate, or recommend publicly.
To advocate the cause of thy client.
This is the only thing distinct and sensible, that has been advocated.
Eminent orators were engaged to advocate his cause.
Advocate
To act as advocate.
Advocate
A person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea
Advocate
A lawyer who pleads cases in court
Advocate
Push for something;
The travel agent recommended strongly that we not travel on Thanksgiving Day
Advocate
Speak, plead, or argue in favour of;
The doctor advocated a smoking ban in the entire house
Common Curiosities
Is the term 'attorney' used worldwide?
No, 'attorney' is primarily used in the United States, whereas terms like 'solicitor' or 'barrister' are used in other parts of the world.
What is an advocate?
An advocate is a type of lawyer who specializes in arguing cases in court.
Can an attorney wear a robe in court?
In general, attorneys in the U.S. do not wear robes; this attire is more typical for judges and advocates in certain jurisdictions.
What does an attorney do?
An attorney provides legal advice, prepares and reviews documents, and can represent clients in court.
Can an advocate draft contracts?
Typically, advocates focus on litigation rather than drafting contracts, which is more commonly the role of an attorney.
Do both advocates and attorneys need to pass a bar exam?
Yes, both need to pass their respective bar exams, but advocates may require additional qualifications to argue in higher courts.
What is the main focus of an advocate’s work?
The main focus of an advocate is litigation and representing clients in court.
How does one become an attorney in the U.S.?
To become an attorney in the U.S., one must complete law school, pass the bar exam, and meet other jurisdiction-specific requirements.
How are advocates and attorneys paid?
Advocates and attorneys are usually paid differently; advocates might charge per court appearance, while attorneys may bill by the hour or on a contingency basis.
Are advocates and attorneys the same?
While both are types of lawyers, advocates specifically focus on court representations, especially in higher courts, whereas attorneys engage in a broader range of legal activities.
Who can represent someone in a Supreme Court?
In many countries, only specially qualified advocates can represent clients in the Supreme Court.
Can an advocate provide legal advice?
Yes, advocates can provide legal advice, but their primary role is to represent clients in court.
Can an attorney argue cases in all courts?
Yes, in the U.S., attorneys can argue cases in all courts, from local to federal, without additional qualifications.
What legal tasks can an attorney handle that an advocate cannot?
Attorneys can engage in a variety of legal tasks including drafting documents, estate planning, and legal counseling, which are not typically the primary focus of advocates.
Are advocates higher ranked than attorneys?
Not necessarily; the terms indicate different legal roles and specializations rather than ranks.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Filly vs. Foal
Next Comparison
Cunning vs. ConnivingAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
