In the United States and Canada many large and midsize firms have attorneys with the job title of "counsel", "special counsel" or "of counsel." Unlike associates, and more like partners, they generally have their own clients and manage their own cases. The title is often seen among retired partners who maintain ties to the firm.
Virgin Islands Of Counsel Agreement with Law Partnership is a legal contract entered into by a Virgin Islands attorney or law firm and a foreign attorney or law firm ("foreign counsel") to establish a professional relationship for the purpose of collaboration and providing legal services to clients. This agreement allows the local counsel in the Virgin Islands to collaborate with foreign counsel, benefiting from their expertise in international legal matters or specific jurisdictional knowledge. The Virgin Islands Of Counsel Agreement with Law Partnership typically includes key clauses such as: 1. Purpose: Clearly stating that the agreement aims to establish a relationship between the Virgin Islands attorney or law firm ("local counsel") and the foreign attorney or law firm ("foreign counsel") for the provision of legal services to clients. 2. Term: Specifying the duration of the agreement and outlining the provisions for termination or renewal. 3. Scope of Collaboration: Defining the specific areas of legal practice in which the collaboration will occur, such as corporate law, real estate, litigation, or intellectual property. 4. Responsibilities: Outlining the roles and responsibilities of each party, including the services to be shared, division of labor, and any restrictions on the services to be provided by each party. 5. Confidentiality: Establishing obligations for both parties to maintain strict confidentiality regarding client information, case details, or any other confidential or proprietary information shared during the course of collaboration. 6. Client Protection: Stating that the client's interests shall be protected, and that both parties will act ethically and professionally in their dealings with clients. 7. Fee Sharing: Detailing the arrangement for sharing legal fees earned from client matters handled in conjunction with each other, including the percentage or formula for fee distribution. 8. Dispute Resolution: Specifying the method for resolving any disputes that may arise during the course of the collaboration, such as mediation or arbitration, and the jurisdiction or governing law to be applied. Different types of the Virgin Islands Of Counsel Agreement with Law Partnership can include variations based on the specific characteristics of the collaboration, such as: 1. Foreign Specialty Counsel Agreement: This agreement is typically entered into when the foreign counsel possesses specialized knowledge or expertise in a specific area of law that is not commonly available in the Virgin Islands. The local counsel seeks assistance or consultation from the foreign counsel on specific cases or matters relevant to the foreign counsel's expertise. 2. Business Development Counsel Agreement: In this type of agreement, the foreign counsel is primarily engaged to foster business development opportunities for the local counsel in a particular jurisdiction or market. The foreign counsel acts as a liaison, assisting the local counsel in establishing relationships with potential clients or other legal professionals. 3. Conflict Resolution Counsel Agreement: This agreement is entered into when a local counsel requires the assistance of a foreign counsel in resolving conflicts of interest that may arise during the provision of legal services. The foreign counsel advises on ethical and legal strategies to mitigate any potential conflicts efficiently. In conclusion, the Virgin Islands Of Counsel Agreement with Law Partnership establishes a professional relationship between local counsel and foreign counsel, allowing them to collaborate and provide comprehensive legal services to clients. This agreement ensures a clear understanding of roles, responsibilities, and fee arrangements while maintaining confidentiality and client protection. The specific type of agreement can vary based on the nature of collaboration, such as specialty knowledge, business development, or conflict resolution.
