Definition

Noun: 1. The professional service provided by a lawyer or law firm on behalf of a client: It refers to the act of a qualified legal professional acting for and advising a person or entity in legal matters. 2. The state of having a lawyer act as one's agent in legal proceedings: It denotes the formal relationship where an attorney is authorized to speak and act for a client in court or in legal negotiations.

Usage

• Legal representation is a fundamental right in many judicial systems, ensuring a fair trial.
• The contract stipulates that each party must have independent legal representation.
• He could not afford legal representation and had to represent himself in court.

Advanced Usage

• Right to legal representation: A principle, often constitutional, guaranteeing an individual's access to a lawyer, especially in criminal proceedings.
  • The suspect invoked his right to legal representation before answering any questions.
• Adequate legal representation: Refers to the standard of effective and competent assistance that a lawyer must provide to a client.
  • The appeal was based on a claim of inadequate legal representation at the original trial.

Variants and Related Words

• Representation (n): The broader act of speaking or acting on behalf of someone. Legal representation is a specific type of this.
• Legal counsel (n): A synonym often used interchangeably with legal representation, or to refer to the lawyer(s) themselves.
• Attorney-client relationship (n): The formal, confidential relationship that is established when legal representation begins.

Synonyms

• Legal counsel
• Advocacy
• Legal assistance

Related Phrases

• To seek legal representation: To look for or hire a lawyer.
  • After receiving the lawsuit, she immediately sought legal representation.
• To be entitled to legal representation: To have the right to have a lawyer.
  • All defendants are entitled to legal representation, regardless of the charges.

Noun

1. personal representation that has legal status
   • an person who has been declared incompetent should have legal representation