Binds directly to 23S rRNA. The L1 stalk is quite mobile in the ribosome, and is involved in E site tRNA release. Protein L1 is also a translational repressor protein, it controls the translation of the L11 operon by binding to its mRNA. Part of the 50S ribosomal subunit (PubMed:30126986). Interacts with RNA helicase CshA (PubMed:23175651). Interacts with VmlR (PubMed:30126986). Belongs to the universal ribosomal protein uL1 family.