Have you ever read a lawyer’s profile and stumbled on the phrase “Of Counsel” and felt completely confused?
I remember seeing it next to someone’s name on a law firm website and thinking, Wait are they a lawyer?
A partner? A consultant? Why does this title sound so mysterious?” If that’s you right now, you’re not alone.
Although of counsel isn’t typical texting slang, many people search for its meaning because it pops up in legal bios, business emails, and professional conversations.
And yes the title has a very specific meaning.
Quick Answer: Of counsel means a lawyer who works with a law firm in a close, ongoing, but not full-time partner or associate role. It’s a professional and formal title, not casual slang.
What Does Of Counsel Mean in Text?
In the legal world, of counsel is a formal designation used to describe an attorney who has an ongoing relationship with a law firm but is not a partner or a full-time associate. They may be semi-retired, a specialist brought in for certain cases, or an attorney who works part-time.
Example sentence:
“John Smith, Of Counsel at Peterson Law Group, specializes in intellectual property matters.”
In short: of counsel = special legal role = ongoing but non-partner relationship with a firm.
Where Is Of Counsel Commonly Used?
You’ll typically see of counsel in:
• 🏛️ Law firm websites
• 📄 Professional email signatures
• 🤝 Business contracts and agreements
• 👩⚖️ Legal directories (Martindale-Hubbell, LinkedIn bios, etc.)
• 📚 Legal documents and case filings
Tone:
• Highly formal
• Used only in professional/legal contexts
• Not used in social media or casual texting
Examples of Of Counsel in Conversation
A: who handled your trademark case?
B: a lawyer who’s of counsel at a big firm in nyc
A: i saw “of counsel” on her profile… that means what exactly?
B: she works with the firm but isn’t a partner
A: so is he retired?
B: kinda… he’s semi-retired but still listed as of counsel
A: is “of counsel” like part-time?
B: yeah, part-time or specialized work
A: the email says “maria lopez, of counsel”
B: that’s just her formal legal title
When to Use and When Not to Use Of Counsel
✅ When to Use
• In professional/legal discussions
• When describing a lawyer’s role accurately
• In formal bios or resumes
• When explaining a law firm’s structure
❌ When Not to Use
• Casual conversations unrelated to law
• Social media slang
• Flirty or friendly messages
• Texting someone informally (it will sound weird and overly formal)
Comparison Table
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Friend Chat | “he’s of counsel at that firm” | Explains someone’s legal role clearly |
| Work Chat | “we brought in an attorney who’s of counsel” | Professional but conversational |
| “John Doe, Of Counsel, will review your file.” | Formal, clear, and appropriate |
Similar Slang Words or Alternatives
| Term | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Partner | Full owner-level attorney in a firm | Professional/legal bios |
| Associate | Full-time lawyer working under partners | Legal descriptions & job roles |
| Consultant | Expert hired for specific tasks | Business or advisory contexts |
| Advisor | Offers guidance but not full-time staff | Corporate or board positions |
| Counsel | Lawyer giving legal advice | General professional settings |
| Senior Counsel | Experienced lawyer in a non-partner role | Formal legal workplaces |
FAQs About Of Counsel
Is of counsel the same as “lawyer”?
Not exactly. It’s a type of lawyer title describing their relationship to a firm.
Does of counsel mean part-time?
Often yes, but not always. It can also mean specialist, semi-retired, or consultant-level.
Is of counsel above or below partner?
Below partner, but typically above an associate in experience.
Can a new lawyer be of counsel?
Rarely. It’s usually for experienced attorneys.
Can I use of counsel in chat casually?
No — it’s a formal role, not slang.
Conclusion
Of counsel is a formal legal title used to describe an attorney who works with a law firm in a close, ongoing, but non-partner role.
While it isn’t slang and isn’t used in casual chats, understanding this term helps you read professional bios, legal documents, and business emails with confidence.
If you see it next to someone’s name, just know it signals experience, professionalism, and a specialized connection to a law firm.
Dariel Campbell is the creative mind behind Puzzlerpedia, combining a love for puzzles with a talent for engaging writing. His innovative approach to puzzle creation and analysis has earned him a dedicated following. Dariel’s articles are not only informative but also inspire readers to see puzzles in a new and exciting light.
