A consultant (from the Latin consultare means "to discuss" from which we also derive words such as consul and counsel) is a professional who provides advice in a particular area of expertise such as management, accountancy, the environment, entertainment, technology, law (tax law, in particular), human resources, marketing, emergency management, food production, medicine, finance, life management, economics, public affairs, communication, engineering, sound system design, graphic design, or waste management.

A consultant is usually an expert or a professional in a specific field and has a wide knowledge of the subject matter. A consultant usually works for a consultancy firm or is self-employed, and engages with multiple and changing clients. Thus, clients have access to deeper levels of expertise than would be feasible for them to retain in-house, and may purchase only as much service from the outside consultant as desired.

'Consultant' is also the term used to denote the most senior medical position in the United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland (e.g., a consultant surgeon).

See also:

• Business: Business Services: Consulting (936)
• Business: Management: Consulting (793)
• Society: Law: Services: Intellectual Property (169)

• Nihilent
  mc3consulting.com
  Offers consulting and technology implementations. Features case studies.
• Squarewise
  squarewise.com
  Specializes in market-driven knowledge management. Includes overviews of publications, news, events and employment opportunities. [Dutch, English, French, German]
• Imus
  imus.co.uk
  Develops structured working practices and incorporates key personnel and skills into knowledge-based solutions. Offers white papers, company profile and contact information.