The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word LAWYERS
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
L
A
W
Y
E
R
S
More clues leading to the result LAWYERS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Advocates" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case advocates = lawyers.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does LAWYERS mean?
LAWYERS noun- A professional person qualified (as by a law degree or bar exam) and authorized to practice law, i.e. represent parties in lawsuits or trials and give legal advice.
- (by extension) A legal layman who argues points of law.
- The burbot.
- The stem of a bramble.
- To practice law.
- To perform, or attempt to perform, the work of a lawyer.
- To make legalistic arguments.
- To barrage (a person) with questions in order to get them to admit something.