Advocate vs. Barrister — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 15, 2024
An advocate generally refers to anyone who supports or promotes a cause, while a barrister specifically denotes a lawyer qualified to argue cases in higher courts.
Difference Between Advocate and Barrister
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An advocate is a broad term used to describe someone who pleads on behalf of another person or cause, often in legal contexts. In contrast, a barrister is a type of lawyer found in certain legal systems, notably in the UK and Commonwealth countries, specialized in litigation and representing clients in court.
Advocates can exist in various fields such as human rights, environmental causes, and healthcare, focusing on promoting and defending particular issues. On the other hand, barristers are strictly legal professionals who provide expert legal advice and advocacy in court.
In some legal systems, such as in Scotland, an advocate is a specialist in court cases, essentially equivalent to a barrister in England. Whereas barristers in England are known for their distinctive court attire, including wigs and gowns, and their exclusive right to speak in higher courts.
Advocates often engage in a broader range of activities, including lobbying, public speaking, and writing on behalf of their causes or clients. Conversely, barristers typically concentrate on the interpretation of law, case preparation, and advocacy in courtroom proceedings.
The training and qualifications for advocates depend on their field and jurisdiction, which may not necessarily involve formal legal education. In contrast, barristers undergo specific academic and vocational training, including passing the Bar Professional Training Course and obtaining a pupillage.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Broadly, anyone who supports or promotes a cause
A lawyer qualified to argue cases in court
Field of Work
Various fields outside law; legal in some areas
Strictly legal, especially in courtrooms
Clothing
Not specific
Wigs and gowns in many jurisdictions
Training
Depends on field; legal training if in law
Legal education, bar exam, pupillage
Right to Speak in Court
Depends on jurisdiction and field
Generally has rights in higher courts
Compare with Definitions
Advocate
An advocate publicly supports an individual's rights.
As an advocate for the disabled, he pushes for inclusive legislation.
Barrister
A barrister is a lawyer who specializes in court advocacy and litigation.
The barrister presented his case eloquently in the courtroom.
Advocate
In some legal systems, an advocate is a lawyer who represents clients in higher courts.
In Scotland, advocates have a role similar to barristers in England.
Barrister
Barristers are qualified to appear and argue cases in higher courts.
As a barrister, she has the right to represent her client in the Supreme Court.
Advocate
An advocate can also be someone who speaks or writes in favor of something.
He is an advocate for using renewable energy sources.
Barrister
In the UK, barristers receive cases through solicitors.
The solicitor briefed the barrister on the details of the case.
Advocate
An advocate is a professional in the field of law. Different countries' legal systems use the term with somewhat differing meanings.
Barrister
Barristers must complete a period known as 'pupillage' after their bar exams.
He is currently completing his pupillage under a senior barrister.
Advocate
To speak, plead, or argue in favor of
Advocate a vegan diet.
Barrister
Barristers often work in chambers where they share administrative expenses.
She joined a well-known set of chambers after qualifying as a barrister.
Advocate
Usage Problem To act as an advocate
Advocated for her patients.
Advocated for more stringent crime laws.
Barrister
A barrister is a type of lawyer in common law jurisdictions. Barristers mostly specialise in courtroom advocacy and litigation.
Advocate
One that argues for a cause; a supporter or defender
An advocate of civil rights.
Barrister
A person called to the bar and entitled to practise as an advocate, particularly in the higher courts.
Advocate
One that pleads in another's behalf; an intercessor
Advocates for abused children and spouses.
Barrister
A lawyer who is authorized to appear and present cases at any court in a jurisdiction.
Advocate
A lawyer.
Barrister
A lawyer with the right to speak and argue as an advocate in higher lawcourts.
Advocate
Someone whose job is to speak for someone's case in a court of law; a counsel.
Barrister
Counselor at law; a counsel admitted to plead at the bar, and undertake the public trial of causes, as distinguished from an attorney or solicitor. See Attorney.
Advocate
Anyone who argues the case of another; an intercessor.
Barrister
A British lawyer who speaks in the higher courts of law
Advocate
A person who speaks in support of something, or someone.
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.
Advocate
(transitive) To plead in favour of; to defend by argument, before a tribunal or the public; to support, vindicate, or recommend publicly.
Advocate
(transitive) To encourage support for something.
I like trees, but I do not advocate living in them.
Advocate
To engage in advocacy.
We have been advocating for changes in immigration law.
Advocate
To appeal from an inferior court to the Court of Session.
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
Advocate
An advocate promotes or defends a cause or proposal.
She worked as an advocate for healthcare reform.
Advocate
In informal use, anyone who recommends or advises a particular action can be called an advocate.
She is a strong advocate of regular physical exercise.
Common Curiosities
What is a barrister?
A barrister is a type of lawyer specialized in representing clients and arguing cases in court.
Can advocates appear in court?
Yes, in certain jurisdictions, advocates can appear in court, especially if they are also trained lawyers.
What specific training do barristers undergo?
Barristers must complete a Bar Professional Training Course and a pupillage.
Where do barristers practice?
Barristers primarily practice in the UK, Ireland, and some Commonwealth countries.
What is an advocate?
An advocate is someone who supports or promotes a specific cause or policy.
What does an advocate do in non-legal contexts?
In non-legal contexts, an advocate might work in public policy, social justice, or public health, among other fields.
Are barristers and advocates the same?
In some regions, these terms can be synonymous; however, they often have distinct meanings and roles depending on the legal system.
Do barristers work alone?
Barristers often work independently, but they share administrative expenses by working in chambers.
Can an advocate write or propose legislation?
Yes, especially if they are involved in policy-making or legislative advocacy.
What is the main difference in the role of advocates and barristers in court?
Barristers are specifically trained and often exclusively reserved for courtroom litigation, while advocates might represent broader interests.
Why might someone choose to hire a barrister?
Clients might hire a barrister for their expertise in courtroom advocacy and detailed knowledge of law.
How does one become an advocate?
The path to becoming an advocate varies widely depending on the field; it may or may not involve formal legal training.
What are the professional attire requirements for a barrister?
Barristers in many jurisdictions are required to wear wigs and gowns in court.
Can a solicitor become a barrister?
Yes, solicitors can become barristers by completing additional qualifications and training.
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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
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
