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Defense Attorney or Defence Counsel Definition: Lawyers who represent persons facing criminal charges. In the US, given the predominance of the term "attorney", these lawyers are called "defense attorneys", whereas in common law jurisdictions, they are referred to as "defence counsel" or barrister. A defense attorney or defence counsel is usually hired directly by the person accused and from that point forward, represents the accused throughout the legal process, including trial. (Duhaime.org)

defence counsel: a barrister or group of barristers responsible for defending someone on trial (Collins English Dictionary)

As used in these Standards, “defense counsel” means any attorney – including privately retained, assigned by the court, acting pro bono or serving indigent defendants in a legal aid or public defender’s office – who acts as an attorney on behalf of a client being investigated or prosecuted for alleged criminal conduct, or a client seeking legal advice regarding a potential, ongoing or past criminal matter or subpoena, including as a witness. (Standards for the Defense Function – The American Bar Association)