devil's advocate
One who debates from a viewpoint which one may not actually hold, usually to determine its validity or simply for the sake of argument.
I don't really believe all that – I was just playing devil's advocate.
noun
Someone whose job is to speak for someone's case in a court of law; a counsel.
Anyone who argues the case of another; an intercessor.
I neuer did incense his Maiestie / Against the Duke of Clarence, but haue bin / An earnest aduocate to plead for him.
A person who speaks in support of something, or someone; proponent
"I think," replied the young advocate, unwilling to give up a point in which his feelings were interested, "that even you would believe in Walter Maynard's success in life, if you knew him. What has brought the world to its present state, but individual talent?"
He became a tireless advocate for the needs of adults with IMD throughout Britain and internationally.
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.
verb
To plead in favour of; to defend by argument, before a tribunal or the public; to support, vindicate, or recommend publicly.
7 March, 1624, Robert Sanderson, sermon at the Assizes, at Lincoln To advocate the cause of thy client.
16 June, 1784, Edmund Burke, speech on reform of representation in the House of Commons This is the only thing distinct and sensible, that has been advocated.
To encourage support for something.
I like trees, but I do not advocate living in them.
Those who have advocated the closure of the G.C. have so far failed to say by which alternative route this North-to-West traffic could be carried.
To engage in advocacy.
We have been advocating for changes in immigration law.
And why has no one in the [rail] industry advocated for a universal requirement for face covering (even if it's just a scarf or old tea towel), [...].
To appeal from an inferior court to the Court of Session.
To call a case before itself for decision.