Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: Assistant United States Attorney
An attorney in charge, also known as lead counsel, is the main lawyer who manages and controls a case. They are usually the more experienced and higher-ranking lawyer if there are two or more attorneys working on the same case. They provide advice and assistance to their client and represent them in court. Other types of lawyers include those who give advice on a particular matter, those who represent a party on appeal, those appointed by the court to represent an indigent person, and those who work in-house for a corporation.
Definition: An attorney who manages or controls a case or cases, especially in class actions or multidistrict litigation. Also known as lead counsel or senior counsel.
Example: In a class action lawsuit against a company, the attorney in charge would be the one who oversees the case and makes decisions on behalf of the plaintiffs. They would be responsible for managing the other attorneys involved in the case and ensuring that the case is moving forward in a timely and effective manner.
Explanation: The attorney in charge is the one who has the ultimate responsibility for the case and is the main point of contact for the client. They are responsible for making strategic decisions, managing the other attorneys involved in the case, and ensuring that the case is progressing towards a successful outcome. This role is particularly important in complex cases, such as class actions or multidistrict litigation, where there may be multiple attorneys involved and a lot of moving parts to manage.