what does a co-counsel mean? What is the legal position in terms of the law?

Question

I am taking a college course in paralegal. We need to role play and my scenario is as follows-"Ronal is a lawyer. He has a client that has hired him to represent her in a personal injury case, Ronald wants to hire me as a cocounsel in the case. Interview .I need to interview Ronald, and need to cover all issues with him.
I NEED HELP< as l don't quite understand thew scenario, nor the appropriate questions to ask.

Answer 1

co-counsel means the lawyer who is second in command there is always the big chief and the little chief

Answer 2

Co-counsel is an additional attorney working the same case. The issue would be if the two of you agree on how to proceed with the case and what each of you could bring (talent and experience) to the team. For example Ronald is an expert in medical issues and you are an expert in financial issues) Some discussion as to style would be important as you would want to present a united front. Attorneys may well be critiquing you so it would be important to have a discussion regarding fees. Like what are the arrangements with the client. Have they (the client) put money up front to cover expenses? What is the split if you win?

Answer 3

Co-counsel means a second attorney working on the case.

Attorneys are ethically bound to not take a case, unless they have sufficient experience, or can spend the time learning about the subject matter, or unless they affiliate with another attorney who does have the knowledge or experience. That's one example of a reason to have a co-counsel.

Another reason is if the case is going to be particularly large and complex, and the first attorney will not have time to do everything.

So, if you are playing the role of the second attorney, some issues are why he needs another attorney, how responsibilities are going to be split, and so on.

Answer 4

The Inns of Court in London was the area that became established for lawyers at the end of the 13th century as it was close to the courts of Westminster. By the middle of the 16th century solicitors traditionally dealt with land and attorneys advised in lawsuits. Eventually these two roles were combined under the title of solicitor, however the right to practise as an advocate in the Royal Courts was restricted to members of the Inns from the 17th century and the profession of a barrister was established.

Answer 5

What Does Counsel Mean