Of Counsel

Of Counsel

A term commonly applied in the Practice of Law to an attorney who has been employed to aid in the preparation and management of a particular case but who is not the principal attorney in the action.

Of counsel is also sometimes used in reference to an attorney who is associated with a law firm, but is neither a partner nor an associate.

of counsel

adj. reference to an attorney who is not actively involved in the day-to-day work of a law firm, but may be available in particular matters or for consultation. This designation often identifies a semi-retired partner, an attorney who occasionally uses the office for a few clients, or one who only consults on a particular case or on his/her specialty. Putting the name of the attorney "of counsel" on a law firm's stationery gives the office the prestige of the lawyer's name and reputation, without requiring his/her full-time presence.