Advocates are independent contractors who assist employers and unemployed workers with their appeals.  They may or may not be attorneys and cannot be current state employees.  During consultation, Advocates assist customers by advising them on the merits of the case and determining the likely outcome of the appeal.  They represent employers and unemployed workers at hearings by eliciting the facts most favorable to the parties and establishing the facts necessary to carry the burden of proof.  In addition, Advocates will also formulate an argument based upon the theory of the case, the applicable statutory provisions and case law.