A more thorough explanation:

Definition: The more highly ranked lawyer if two or more are retained; the lawyer who manages or controls the case or cases, especially in class actions or multidistrict litigation.

Example: In a class action lawsuit against a company, the lead counsel would be the lawyer who is in charge of the case and responsible for making strategic decisions on behalf of the plaintiffs.

This example illustrates how lead counsel is the lawyer who takes charge of a case and is responsible for managing it. They are usually the most experienced and highly ranked lawyer on the team, and their role is crucial in ensuring the success of the case.