Forms part of the ribosomal stalk which helps the ribosome interact with GTP-bound translation factors. Part of the ribosomal stalk of the 50S ribosomal subunit. Interacts with L10 and the large rRNA to form the base of the stalk. L10 forms an elongated spine to which L12 dimers bind in a sequential fashion forming a multimeric L10(L12)X complex (By similarity). Belongs to the universal ribosomal protein uL11 family.