Sexual harassment is an insidious yet pervasive social issue, often occurring in environments where power dynamics are skewed towards one party. It is a form of gender-based violence that disproportionately affects women and marginalized communities, perpetuating societal inequalities. In order to effectively address this issue, it is essential to understand the role and function of sexual harassment lawyers and how they advocate on behalf of victims.

Sexual harassment lawyers are legal professionals specializing in laws relevant to sexual harassment, often focusing on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, or religion. This law has been interpreted to include sexual harassment as a form of sex discrimination. In addition, they are also well-versed in state-specific laws, which may provide additional protections for victims.

The advocacy role of sexual harassment lawyers typically follows a chronological continuum. At the onset, they provide consultation to potential clients, seeking to understand the nature, frequency, and impact of the alleged harassment. This process may involve analyzing documents, emails, or text messages, and interviewing potential witnesses. They determine the likelihood of a successful claim based on legal precedents and the strength of available evidence.

Upon engagement, these lawyers often aid in the lodging of formal complaints with relevant organizations - primarily the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in the United States. They may also negotiate with the alleged perpetrator or their representative to reach a resolution outside of formal litigation, such as a settlement or an agreement for the harasser to undergo training.

Should these initial steps fail to bring about a satisfactory resolution, the lawyer may then proceed to file a lawsuit. This initiates a legal battle where they employ various tactics, grounded in both law and psychology, to argue their case. For instance, they may focus on establishing a pattern of behavior by the harasser, thereby undermining any claim that the incident was isolated or unintentional.

Throughout this journey, sexual harassment lawyers provide emotional support to their clients. They help victims navigate through the labyrinthine world of legal procedures and jargon, buffering the traumatic impact of reliving their experiences during the legal process.

Critically, these lawyers contribute to the larger societal fight against sexual harassment by creating an environment of accountability. Every lawsuit they take on sends a strong message to potential harassers and bystanders alike, thus inducing a ripple effect of preventive behaviors.

In terms of trade-offs, engaging a lawyer can be a costly affair, potentially discouraging victims from seeking justice. However, the potential benefits – both personal, such as gaining closure, and societal, such as setting legal precedents, can outweigh these costs. Furthermore, in some jurisdictions, legal fees can be recovered from the defendant if the lawsuit is successful.

Naturally, the efficacy of a sexual harassment lawyer is contingent on a multitude of factors. These could range from the quality of available evidence and legal precedents to societal attitudes towards sexual harassment.

In conclusion, sexual harassment lawyers play a crucial role in the fight against sexual harassment. By leveraging their legal expertise and advocacy skills, they aid in the navigation of complex legal landscapes, provide crucial emotional support, and most importantly, contribute to the societal battle against such damaging behaviors.