seek counsel

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiomformal

   To ask someone for advice, especially a lawyer or other professional.

   Grammar: Used as a fixed phrase with no object: you seek counsel, or seek counsel from someone. Do not say 'seek counsel someone'.

   Patterns

   • seek counsel from someone
   • seek legal counsel
   • seek counsel on something

   Before signing the contract, she decided to seek counsel from an experienced attorney.

   The company sought legal counsel to understand the new regulations.

   If you are unsure about your rights, you should seek counsel before making a decision.

2. 2phraseidiomformal

   To talk to a trained person about your personal problems, especially for emotional support.

   Grammar: Often used with 'from': seek counsel from a therapist. This sense is less common than the legal one.

   Patterns

   • seek counsel from a therapist
   • seek counsel for emotional problems

   After the loss, he sought counsel from a grief counselor.

   Many students seek counsel when they feel overwhelmed by exams.

Common combinations

seek legal counsel

You should seek legal counsel before responding to the lawsuit.

seek counsel from somebody

She sought counsel from her mentor before accepting the job.

seek counsel on a matter

The board sought counsel on the ethical implications of the deal.

seek independent counsel

The family decided to seek independent counsel to review the will.

Synonyms and how they differ

consult

Consult is a verb meaning to ask an expert; seek counsel is the whole phrase and sounds more formal.

get advice

This is the everyday equivalent; seek counsel is formal and often legal.

Word family

counsel noun

Advice, especially formal or legal advice; also a lawyer in a case.

counselor noun

A trained person who gives advice, especially on personal matters.

counseling noun

The process of giving professional advice or support.

Commonly confused: seek counsel or council? seek counsel or consul?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “seek counsel”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words