ex officio

Ex officio is a Latin term meaning that a person is empowered to do something by virtue of their appointment to some office. For instance, a member of Parliament is entitled to attend sitting of Parliament ex officio or a barrister is entitled to hold themselves out as a solicitor ex officio.  [Latin: By virtue of his office].

Usage: The barrister appeared before the judge ex officio for their client.

Related Words: barrister; solicitor.