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

Examples of special counsel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Both lawyers were also involved in deliberations surrounding the appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 Aug. 2026

That was the extent of her involvement in the special counsel’s investigation, which led to more than 1,500 people being charged, with most convicted of trespassing, vandalism, assault or seditious conspiracy. — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026

Defense attorneys, meanwhile, argue that with issues that likely go up to the highest levels of the Department of Justice, the only way to get to the truth is through the appointment of independent special counsel with subpoena power. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

The Republicans in Washington are pressuring the Department of Justice to charge the former special counsel Jack Smith with perjury. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026

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