Legal Definitions - local counsel

Definition: Local counsel refers to one or more lawyers who practice in a particular jurisdiction and are retained by nonresident counsel to help prepare and try a case or to complete a transaction in accordance with that jurisdiction's law, rules, and customs.

Example: A law firm based in New York City is representing a client in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles. The law firm hires a local counsel in Los Angeles to assist with the case and ensure that all legal procedures and customs in Los Angeles are followed.

This example illustrates how local counsel can be hired by a law firm from another jurisdiction to provide legal assistance in a different jurisdiction. Local counsel can help ensure that the case is handled properly and in accordance with the local laws and customs.