“Legal services” refers to the work produced by an attorney for a client. These services include any advice, counsel, or assistance involving law-related matters that helps clients navigate the legal system and protect their rights. Specific examples of services are drafting documents, reviewing contracts, negotiating business arrangements, or representing clients in court.
In the U.S., the American Bar Association limits legal services to be delivered by lawyers only, stating in Rule 5.4 of its Model Rules of Professional Conduct that “a lawyer shall not form a partnership with a non-lawyer if any of the activities of the partnership consist of the practice of law.” Internationally, however, the definition of legal services does not always specify who is responsible for providing those services.
[Last updated in July of 2023 by the Wex Definitions Team]