Publicly recommend (8)
I believe the answer is:
advocate
'publicly recommend' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for advocate that I've seen before include "One argues another's case" , "Speak in favour of" , "Publicly recommend" , "Public supporter" , "Person who pleads on behalf of another, like barrister" .)