valve, petal, braid, speech, dialect, discrimination, dispose of, distinguish, conical cap
弁 centers on separating or distinguishing things, which extends naturally to speech (articulating distinctions), petals (separate parts of a flower), braids (interwoven strands), valves (controlling flow), and conical caps (a distinct headpiece). The idea of discrimination and disposing of something also fits this core of setting apart.
弁 is the modern simplified form of 辨, 瓣, and 辯. Historically, these characters combined a phonetic element with 刀 (knife) or 言 (speech) to express dividing, distinguishing, or arguing. The modern 弁 form is a simplification that does not directly reflect the original components.
The top 厶 looks like a private or separate space, and the bottom 廾 resembles two hands. Imagine two hands carefully separating petals or braiding strands, which also relates to distinguishing speech and controlling flow like a valve.
For ベン, picture a valve being turned by a bent wrench: bent -> ベン, and the valve controls the flow.
lawyer; attorney
bento; Japanese box lunch
speech; tongue; talk; eloquence
pardon; forgiveness; forbearance
defense; defence; pleading; advocacy
response; reply; answer; defence; defense
speaking by proxy; speaking for (someone else); acting as spokesman (for); representing (the views, feelings, etc. of)
explanation; excuse; clarification; vindication; apology
boxed lunch bought at a station (often a local specialty)
discussion; debate; argument
strong person; person putting on a brave front
explanation (e.g. for one's actions); excuse; justification; defense; defence
repayment; settlement (of a debt); paying off; reimbursement (of expenses)
joint management; pool
compensation; indemnification; reparation; restitution; recompense
eloquence; fluency (of speech)
impassioned speech; fervent speech
to discern (e.g. right from wrong); to discriminate; to distinguish
speech; eloquence; manner of speaking; manner of expression
bento; Japanese box lunch
oral proceedings; oral pleadings
commissioner
counsel; defender; advocate
Kansai dialect