[1] Currently, the counselor holds under law a rank equivalent to that of under secretary of state.

[2] Unlike the other under secretaries of state, the counselor currently does not require Senate confirmation.

[3] Historically, the role was appointed by the president, by and with the advice and consent of the United States Senate as authorized by 22 U.S. Code § 2651a[4] as one of four "other senior officials.

Between 1913 and 1919, the counselor served as the department's second-ranking officer, assuming the role previously exercised by the assistant secretary of state.

In 1919, the newly created position of under secretary of state subsumed the duties of the counselor.