LEGAL ADVOCACY EFFECTIVE WAY TO CHANGE SOCIAL VOICES- PART 1

Margaret Akpa

Advocacy in legal practice is the act of arguing in support of a client. It is the means by which a lawyer puts his client’s case before the court. It is a special skill and a very critical component of what a lawyer does.

Advocacy does not mean oratory or eloquence as they only form a part of it. However, they are skills that must blend with other necessary skills in order to produce effective advocacy.

A lawyer must possess the following skills for a successful advocacy:
Mastery of the facts
Mastery of the law
Adequate preparation
Ability to speak eloquently in court
Ability to efficiently conduct oral examination in court.

A thorough understanding of ethical considerations in advocacy
Good drafting skills

Advocacy is an activity by an individual or group that aims to influence decisions within political, economic, and social institutions. Advocacy includes activities and publications to influence public policy, laws and budgets by using facts, their relationships, the media, and messaging to educate government officials and the public. Advocacy can include many activities that a person or organization undertakes, including media campaigns, public speaking, commissioning and publishing research.

Lobbying (often by lobby groups) is a form of advocacy where a direct approach is made to legislators on a specific issue or specific piece of legislation.[1] Research[whose?] has started to address how advocacy groups in Nigeria are using social media to facilitate civic engagement and collective action.

Forms

This article therefore intends to examine advocacy as an essential/vital tool, which a lawyer must possess while serving the best interest(s) of his client(s) in court.

The article also examine some of those skills that a lawyer must possess in order to be a good advocate. A lawyer should be able to demonstrate oral communication skills, legal interviewing skills, advocacy skills, negotiation and dispute resolution skills, letter writing and legal drafting skills. These skills are what distinguishes a lawyer in court and makes him present his case to the highest possible standards.

Law students and young lawyers will find this article very useful, as it will set them on the right path of excellence.

Barrister Margaret Akpa is a Human Rights Lawyer based I. Abuja

Photo Credit: Dreams Time