C2nounformallawwork
US/ˈkaʊn.səl/
UK/ˈkaʊn.səl/
a lawyer who gives legal advice or speaks for someone in court; also careful advice
In context
The company's general counsel reviews every major contract before it is signed.
Before you sign the agreement, you should seek legal counsel.
She was grateful for the wise counsel of her first boss.
Words that go with counsel
adjective + noun
- legal counselThe start-up hired legal counsel to deal with the patent dispute.
- general counselShe left the law firm to become general counsel at a bank.
- wise counselHe thanked his mentor for years of wise counsel.
verb + noun
- seek counselEmployees who feel unfairly treated can seek counsel from the union.
noun + preposition
- counsel forCounsel for the company argued that the fine was too high.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He gave me many counsels.Correct: He gave me a lot of counsel. / He gave me a lot of advice.