special counsel

noun

: counsel appointed to fill a particular need: as

a

: a federal government official appointed by the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute government corruption in cases where the Attorney General's office has a conflict of interest

b

: a federal government official appointed to protect federal employees from illegal practices by employers and especially from employer reprisal for whistleblowing

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for special counsel

• council

Legal Definition

special counsel

noun

: counsel appointed to fill a particular need

specifically, capitalized : a government official charged with protecting employees from illegal practices by employers and especially from employer reprisal for whistleblowing