counsel for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "counsel for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to a lawyer or attorney representing a party in a case or legal matter. Example: "The defendant was represented by counsel for the duration of the trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He served as counsel for Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Counsel for women.

The New York Times - Books

Corp. Counsel for NYC.

The New York Times

A therapist offers counsel for couples.

The New York Times - Books

And counsel for a national law firm.

The Guardian - Business

A school psychologist offers counsel for parents.

The New York Times - Books

His father is the counsel for the Town of Milford.

The New York Times

David Cohen, general counsel for the Mets, dismissed Picard's theory.

The New York Times - Sports

In every case the storyteller has counsel for his readers.

The New York Times - Books

Jeff Pash, the general counsel for the N.F.L., disagreed.

The New York Times - Sports

Both sides retained counsel for the anticipated litigation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using "legal counsel for" to emphasize the professional nature of the representation.

Common error

Avoid using "counsel for" in contexts where simple advice or guidance is provided without a formal legal representation. "Advisor" or "consultant" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "counsel for" primarily functions as a noun phrase modifier, indicating a person or entity acting as a legal representative. Ludwig examples show it used to describe the role of lawyers representing clients, companies, or organizations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "counsel for" is a common and grammatically sound term primarily used to denote legal representation. As shown in Ludwig, it frequently appears in news and media, encyclopedias and business contexts. While "counsel for" is quite specific to legal scenarios, alternative phrases like "attorney for" or "legal representative" can be considered based on context. Remember to use it accurately, ensuring a clear attorney-client relationship is established. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, especially in legal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lawyer for

A more concise and common alternative.

legal representative for

Replaces "counsel" with a more descriptive term and maintains the formal tone.

attorney representing

Uses "attorney" as a synonym for "counsel" and focuses on the act of representation.

lawyer acting on behalf of

Emphasizes the legal profession and the representative role.

legal advisor to

Highlights the advisory role of the counsel.

advocate for

Focuses on the act of advocating for a client or cause.

solicitor for

Synonymous in British English, indicating legal representation.

representing attorney for

Reorders the phrase to emphasize the action of representing.

legal counsel to

Slightly more formal, emphasizing the provision of legal advice.

defending attorney for

Emphasizes the role of defending someone in a legal context.

FAQs

What does "counsel for" mean in legal terms?

In legal contexts, "counsel for" refers to the lawyer or attorney representing a person, group, or organization in a legal matter or case. It indicates a formal attorney-client relationship.

What are some alternatives to saying "counsel for"?

You can use alternatives like "attorney for", "legal representative for", or "lawyer for" depending on the context.

How is "counsel for" different from "legal advisor"?

"Counsel for" implies a more formal and direct representation, often in a legal proceeding. "Legal advisor" suggests a consultative role, providing advice but not necessarily direct representation.

Can "counsel for" be used outside of legal contexts?

While primarily used in legal settings, "counsel for" can occasionally appear in other contexts to denote strong advocacy or representation, although alternatives like "advocate for" or "representative for" might be more suitable outside of law.