Of counsel

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Of counsel
/ɒv/ /ˈkaʊns(ə)l/ (adj.)

The Bob Cunis of the law firm: neither one thing — an associate — nor the other — a partner. Someone with the chops and general ninjery to #be a partner, that the partnership cannot for some reason bring themselves to share their lollies with.

Why “of counsel”? It is part of the sacred oath sworn by American lawmakers that their role is to perplex, befuddle and stretch the layperson’s credulity to breaking point: this we know. Perhaps this prepositional curiosity springs from the same well. Perhaps it speaks to a fundamental essence: in the same way that you might be “of fire”, or she “of water”, I am of counsel. Look, I’m reaching here.

See also

• Partner
• General counsel