What Exactly is Consultant?
A consultant provides services in a particular area of expertise that is lacking or difficult to obtain in-house.
Typically, assignments are for a fixed period of time, and charging may be based on the time used, or it can be a lump sum. In larger assignments, it can also be based on the phases or units of work completed.
A consultant is independent, and works with multiple clients.
A consultant is not, or should not be, a besserwisser or know-it-all. A consultant’s role is to assist a client, function as a sparring partner, and give alternative viewpoints on specific issues.
consultation
from L. c consultare "consult," orig. probably "to call together,"