of counsel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of counsel" is used in written English and is usually used to identify someone who is an advisor or a consultant.
For example, "John Smith, Esq. of counsel, provided valuable insight into the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

CURRENT JOB Of counsel to Herrick, Feinstein.

The New York Times

He is of counsel to the firm.

The New York Times

(He remains "of counsel").

The New York Times

He then became "of counsel".

The New York Times

Of Counsel to Cowan, Liebowitz and Latman.

The New York Times

There is no shortage of counsel about biology here.

The New York Times

His mother is of counsel at Hoguet Newman Regal & Kenney.

The New York Times

It's the best form of counsel we have".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Her mother is of counsel at Pepple & Waggoner, a law firm in Cleveland.

The New York Times

On advice of counsel (an extract from the history of American literature).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He maintains an of-counsel relationship with The Law Firm of Kline & Specter in Philadelphia.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal professionals, ensure you clarify the attorney's role by using "of counsel" if they are not a partner or associate.

Common error

Avoid using "of counsel" interchangeably with "partner" or "associate". "Of counsel" describes a specific relationship, not a general employment status.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of counsel" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun (typically a person's name or title) to indicate their specific relationship with a law firm. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it clarifies the attorney's role within the firm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of counsel" serves as a professional designation within the legal field, indicating a specific type of affiliation with a law firm that differs from a partner or associate. Ludwig's examples confirm its frequent use in news and media, Wikipedia and encyclopedias contexts to describe attorneys in this role. The phrase's grammatical correctness, coupled with its consistent application in professional settings, makes it a valuable term to understand for anyone navigating legal or business communications. The phrase's usage is very common and understanding its meaning can allow clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

legal advisor

Focuses on the advisory aspect of the role, omitting the specific firm affiliation.

special counsel

Implies a specific and perhaps more focused advisory role, often for particular projects.

consultant to the firm

Emphasizes the consulting nature of the relationship with the firm.

advisor to the firm

A more general term for someone who provides advice to the firm.

senior advisor

Highlights the advisor's experience and standing.

affiliated attorney

Indicates an association with the firm without being a full partner.

external counsel

Specifies that the counsel is not an employee of the company.

independent consultant

Stresses the independence of the consultant.

retained counsel

Emphasizes that the counsel has been specifically hired or retained for their services.

visiting legal expert

Highlights the expertise and temporary nature of the association.

FAQs

How do I use "of counsel" in a sentence?

You can use "of counsel" to describe an attorney's relationship with a law firm, for example: "John Smith is "of counsel" at Miller & Zois."

What does the term "of counsel" mean in a legal context?

In the legal profession, "of counsel" refers to an attorney who has a relationship with a law firm but is neither a partner nor an associate. They usually provide specialized advice or have a semi-retired status.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "of counsel"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "legal advisor", "special counsel", or "consultant to the firm".

Is there a difference between a "partner" and someone "of counsel" in a law firm?

Yes, a "partner" typically has an ownership stake in the firm and shares in its profits and losses. Someone "of counsel" is affiliated with the firm but doesn't have ownership and usually works on a more limited or advisory basis.