An attorney at law refers to a person who has the license to practice law in a specific jurisdiction. This term is mainly used in the United States of America, to signify that a person who has not just acquired a degree in law, but is also qualified to practice before the court of law under a specific jurisdiction. Alternatively, the term ‘lawyer’ is used to refer to a person who has acquired a degree in law but may not be licensed to speak before a judge. In the United Arab Emirates, a person who is licensed to appear before the local courts is referred to as an Advocate.
An Advocate, or an attorney has specific qualities that make them practice law ethically. The article delves into the key qualities and responsibilities of advocates who prioritize fairness and integrity in their practice.
It is vital for an advocate to provide their clients an honest analysis of a case. This includes setting realistic expectations regarding timelines involved in a case, costs, and even outcome. This is an extremely important step in building trust with the clientele and meeting client expectations.
Lawyers are infamous for using legal jargon that is seen to confuse clients, especially if they hail from non-legal backgrounds. Clients appreciate lawyers who are able to clearly explain legal concepts in simple language to ensure that the client fully comprehends the situation.
An important task for advocates is strategizing and planning the case to ensure that the process goes ahead smoothly. However, it is very important that the plan involves long term solutions, wherein the clients are not required to go through multiple cases. Instead, the legal procedure must provide a clear outcome that is beneficial to the client.
Advocates routinely deal with high profile cases that may involve large stakes. In such situations, it is extremely important that the case is handled with the utmost confidentiality. Lawyers must also ensure that there are no conflicts of interest that could compromise their ability to represent the client's best interests objectively
Advocates must ensure that they lead the case with dignity and respect, not only with the clients and court officials but also with the opposing parties. Treating individuals with courtesy and civility helps in potential negotiations that the parties may enter into at later stages of the case.
Showing financial integrity involves charging clients a reasonable amount with regard to the case. It also includes clear communication regarding the basis of the changes. Advocates must also ensure to safeguard client property and segregate client funds from personal or firm funds.