attorney
- Noun:
- A professional person authorized to practice law; someone who conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice. An attorney is formally qualified and licensed to represent clients in legal matters.
- An attorney is typically used to refer to a lawyer, especially in American English. The term emphasizes the person's role as an agent or representative authorized to act on behalf of a client in legal proceedings.
- It is often used in formal or official contexts related to the legal system.
- Noun:
- You should consult an attorney before signing the contract.
- The defendant's attorney presented compelling evidence to the court.
- She hired a skilled attorney to handle her divorce case.
"Attorney-in-fact": A person authorized to act on another's behalf through a power of attorney, often for specific, non-legal or general business matters. This person is not necessarily a lawyer.
- His brother was named as the attorney-in-fact to manage his financial affairs while he was abroad.
"Of counsel": A phrase describing an attorney who has a close, regular relationship with a law firm but is not a partner or associate, often a senior lawyer.
- The firm brought on the retired judge as of counsel for complex appellate cases.
Attorney-at-law (n): A formal term for a lawyer qualified to practice law in a specific jurisdiction. This is a compound term.
- He is a licensed attorney-at-law in the state of New York.
Power of attorney (n): A legal document authorizing one person to act on behalf of another. This is a compound term.
- She granted her daughter power of attorney for healthcare decisions.
- Lawyer: A general term for a person who practices law.
- Counsel: Often used to refer to a lawyer giving advice or representing someone in court.
- Solicitor (UK): A lawyer who deals with legal matters outside of court.
To retain an attorney: To hire or secure the services of a lawyer.
- The company decided to retain an attorney for the upcoming merger.
Attorney-client privilege: The legal principle that confidential communications between a lawyer and client are protected.
- The information is protected by attorney-client privilege.
"A attorney for the defense/prosecution": The lawyer representing the defendant or the state in a criminal case.
- The attorney for the prosecution called the first witness to the stand.
"To play attorney" (informal): To give unsolicited or amateur legal advice.
- Stop trying to play attorney; let's just call a real lawyer.
- a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice