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counsel definition - legal

n

One or more lawyers who provide advice to or represent a particular client. In the singular, also called a counselor. See also attorney.
assigned counsel
A lawyer appointed by a court to represent at the governmentÂ’s expense a criminal defendant who cannot afford to retain his or her own lawyer.
counsel of record
Same as attorney of record. See attorney.
general counsel
A lawyer or law firm that provides most or all of the legal advice and representation utilized by a client, especially by one that is a corporation or engages in business activities.
independent counsel
  1. A lawyer or law firm retained to provide advice or representation on a particular matter when it would be a conflict of interest for the clientÂ’s regular lawyers to do so.
  2. A lawyer retained to conduct an unbiased investigation, especially one retained by a governmental body to investigate employees or officers of that body for alleged misconduct. See also prosecutor.
in-house counsel
One or more lawyers who are employees of a business and provide legal advice and representation only for that business.
lead counsel
When more than one lawyer or law firm is hired to represent a party or parties in an action, especially in an action involving more than one jurisdiction, or to represent various plaintiffs in a class action, the lawyer or law firm that controls, coordinates, or manages the litigation and represents the interests of the parties or class as a whole.
local counsel
A lawyer licensed to practice law in a particular jurisdiction or before a particular court who assists a lawyer who is not licensed, but who has been given permission to provide advice and represent a client in an action in that jurisdiction or before that court, with matters regarding the application and interpretation of the local laws as well as with the local court customs, practices, and rules.
of counsel
  1. A lawyer who assists the attorney of record in a trial or appeal with the preparation, management, or presentation of a case.
  2. A lawyer who is connected to a law firm, such as a retired partner who regularly provides advice, but who is not an associate, member, or partner of the firm.
special counsel
A lawyer brought in to assist another lawyer or a law firm in a matter requiring their special experience, knowledge, or skills or to serve as independent counsel.

Webster's New World Law Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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