What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
attorney
Example
I hired an attorney to handle my divorce case. [attorney: noun]
Example
The attorney presented a strong argument in court. [attorney: noun]
counsel
Example
I sought counsel from my lawyer before making any decisions. [counsel: noun]
Example
She counseled her client on the best course of action. [counseled: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Attorney is more commonly used in American English, while counsel is more common in British English. However, both terms are widely understood and used in legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between attorney and counsel?
Attorney is generally considered more formal than counsel. While attorney is commonly used in formal legal settings, counsel can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it more versatile in terms of formality.
