In his July Illinois Bar Journal Ethics column, “Let’s Celebrate the 4s,” ISBA General Counsel Charles Northrup examines the designation “of counsel” and when, and when not, to use it.

Northrup asks, “When is the use of the professional designation ‘of counsel’ not false or misleading?” His answer: “It’s not false or misleading when the relationship between lawyer and firm is continuing, close, and regular. … Determining what is a continuing, close, and regular relationship is an objective, case-by-case analysis. But applying those terms’ ordinary meaning—perhaps shaped by firm culture and tradition—is likely not a difficult task.” 

 Read the July IBJ article, "Let’s Celebrate the 4s."