One or more lawyers who provide advice to or represent a particular client. In the singular, also called a counselor.See also attorney. assigned counsel.A lawyer appointed by a court to represent at the government's expense a criminal defendant who cannot afford to retain his or her own lawyer. counsel of record. Same as attorney of record. See attorney. general counsel.A lawyer or law firm that provides most or all of the legal advice and representation utilized by a client, especially by on...