What is legal counsel? It is the provision of legal advice and guidance by a professional in legal matters. The term counselor or counselor at law is often used interchangeably with “lawyer. A counselor at law helps an individual, group, or organization deal with issues involving legal matters. They have education, experience, and intellectual prowess within the legal sector which makes them the go-to resource for legal advice.
Having a counselor by your side during a legal battle ensures you have sound advice and someone to rely on during trials and hearings. However, it is not limited to court cases and civil litigations. It is very important to have a legal counselor present when writing up contracts and agreements to ensure accuracy and transparency before undertaking organizational roles.
We have taken the classic example of Dr. Abdelrazeg El Murtadi Suleiman, an internationally recognized human rights lawyer, diplomat, and legal counsel for Libya during his lifetime. Sadly, with his passing, Dr. Abdelrazeg Suleiman left an empty spot in the legal sector which is yet to be filled by someone of his caliber. He was a decorated international diplomat for Libya, author, counsel, law professor, and Former Member of the UN International Law Commission.
With over 30 years of experience, he was a pivotal figure in several landmark cases involving the Libyan government, national oil corporations, and UN committees and organizations worldwide. He represented Libya before the International Court of Justice between 1982 and 1985. Dr. Abdelrazeg Suleiman was also a legal expert for the Ad Hoc Committee of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) dealing with the Chad-Libya boundary dispute, in Libreville, in 1977. Additionally, he served as an expert to the OAU in drafting the African Union Constitutive Act, Addis Ababa, between 1999 and 2000.
After a detailed overview of Dr. Abdelrazeg El Murtadi Suleiman’s accomplishments in the international legal sector, we have taken valuable insights to present how legal counsel is vital in any dispute involving the law. Here’s how legal counsel plays an integral role in legal matters:
Representing You or the Organization
Whether it’s an organization, a group, or an individual involved in a legal matter, parties on both ends will require legal representation. The presence of a legal counselor is invaluable due to the many roles they play during legal proceedings whether in a criminal or civil litigation case. They cross-examine witnesses, provide compelling arguments, and negotiate on your behalf before the judges and jury.
Safeguarding Human and Organizational Rights
Legal counselors, often used interchangeably with “attorneys” and “lawyers”, act as your advocate. They play the role and responsibility of ensuring your rights are upheld during legal proceedings, whether it’s a criminal or civil case. A legal counsel provider prevents the possibility of self-incrimination and an unfair trial.
Drafting Legal Documentations
Despite an extensive background working with several organizations, a business official will still fall short when it comes to the preparation, review, and submission of legal documents required in a legal process. A counselor at law uses years of experience and knowledge to draft legal documentation, such as agreements, wills, patents, deeds, and affidavits. The counselor will review, identify potential pitfalls, and negotiate the terms of the agreement before finalizing for your signature.