Advocaathulp

Advocaathulp is a term used in some discussions of legal advocacy and civic technology to describe an approach that pairs professional advocacy with accessible support to help individuals understand and engage with legal processes. The word appears to be a neologism formed from the English "advocate" and the Dutch "hulp" meaning help, reflecting cross-cultural influences in legal aid discourse; however, there is no consensus on its exact origin or official definition.

In practice, advocaathulp may describe programs, platforms, or methodologies that provide guided assistance, plain-language explanations, checklists, document templates, and case-management tools designed to supplement, not replace, professional legal advice. It is often discussed in the context of legal clinics, nonprofit organizations, and online legal aid services seeking to lower barriers to access to justice.

Critics warn that advocaathulp-style tools must be designed carefully to avoid misinterpretation of law and to ensure compliance with professional ethics and licensing rules. Proponents argue that they can expand reach, improve efficiency, and help individuals prepare more effective consultations with licensed lawyers.

There is no single authoritative body or widely adopted standard for advocaathulp, and usage varies across organizations and jurisdictions. Related concepts include legaltech, access to justice, and pro bono advocacy.