at law

American  

[at law] / ˌæt ˈlɔ /

adverb

Law.

1. (of legal proceedings or remedies) under the law, sometimes according to the common law or codified law, rather than to what is fair in a particular case; by law.

   The will, now lost, would have benefited the whole community, but at law the next of kin is the sole heir.

---

Etymology

Origin of at law

First recorded in 1560–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

at law

But Fiona Tinsley, a partner at law firm Brabners, said Prof Brown had diagnosed her with a grade four glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer, before the results had returned.

From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026

“It doesn’t mean that their review is going to be more extensive than usual,” said Ray Seilie, an entertainment attorney at law firm Kinsella Holley Iser Kump Steinsapir.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026

“It used to be, ‘Hey, I’m in this for the love of the game,’” said Ross Williams, a private-equity attorney and partner at law firm Reed Smith.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2026

“There’s so much money,” said Bryan Loocke, an energy partner at law firm Vinson & Elkins.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 10, 2026

“Stop throwing objects at law enforcement,” the officer says.

From "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas