What does "opposing counsel" mean? "Opposing counsel" refers to the attorney or lawyer representing the opposing party in a lawsuit.Learn more about the trial process and the rules of the court. View plea options that can be submitted for court cases. In case of tardiness or absence from a court appearance, a lawyer should promptly notify the court and opposing counsel. Counsel cannot refer to opposing counsel's failure to call a witness if the witness is equally available to both parties. Bexar County Appraisal Dist. These specific steps are necessary to fully protect the rights and interests of the person firing an attorney. These rules supplement the procedures in the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure and, unless otherwise specified, apply to both civil and criminal cases. Legal advice; a term also used to refer to the lawyers in a case court.