What does of counsel mean in a law firm?

Of counsel means that a lawyer is no longer a partner in a law firm, but remains a member. The lawyer remains a member for a specific time period, generally for a period of years. This type of arrangement is common in large law firms because it allows the firm to continue to serve existing clients while still allowing the firm to attract new business.

What does the of counsel mean in a law firm name?

When a lawyer opens a law firm, they are required to list the name of the firm under the jurisdiction of the state in which the firm is located. The firm’s name must be registered with the local government and the Board of Professional Responsibility. Depending on the jurisdiction, the firm may also need to be registered with a governing body known as the State Bar.

What does the of counsel mean in a lawyer's name?

Of counsel refers to the way some lawyers refer to themselves in a partnership or firm setting. Instead of working under the firm's name, they work in a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation. It's a way to maintain an attorney-client relationship while also allowing the attorney to maintain a more limited level of liability.

What does the of counsel mean in a legal file?

Off counsel is an agreement between two attorneys who are representing different clients in the same matter. While one attorney may represent a company in a lawsuit, another attorney working for the same company may represent the company in other matters. This type of relationship is typically utilized when a firm wants to avoid a conflict of interest. Of counsel refers to the fact that one attorney is not a direct employee of the company. They are not formally employed by the company, but represent the company on an independent basis.

What does the of counsel mean in a legal document?

Of counsel means that one lawyer is associated with a firm but does not officially work for that firm. There are varying degrees of of counsel. An attorney can be “of counsel” to a firm in one area of practice but not in others. For example, a litigator can be of counsel to a firm that provides tax services but not to one that provides criminal defense.