@chang202401
In this sentence, the noun "counsel" is in its singular form because it is used as a collective or non-count noun to refer to the legal representatives of both sides as a group, rather than as individual entities. In legal terminology, "counsel" often functions as a mass noun, meaning it doesn't change to a plural form even when it refers to multiple people.

Essentially, "counsel" here is treated as an abstract representation of legal advocacy or advice, which encompasses the individuals involved without needing to specify their number. This usage is common in formal or legal contexts.

If you wanted to emphasize the individuals, you might say something like, "The court heard the lawyers for both sides," but the use of "counsel" maintains a more formal tone while treating the group as a unified entity.