What are Differences Between an Attorney and Lawyer?
Ok. This difference in this distinction is a question few people don’t ask since they seem to mean the same thing. But are they? Most people think it's teh same. But there are differences that could affect your interactions with the courts.
- As a consumer, you need to protect yourself, even when you are seeking the help of someone to champion your legal interests.
- You have to make sure they even have the legal authority to represent you at all!
Sometimes differences could seem minute. But they could make a significant difference in your case. Having an unqualified advocate is clearly against your best interest.
Those trained in the field of law are often called "lawyers." People trained in the law include paralegals. But they are not normally people who have read for the law, or attended law school. So it is doubtful they could call themselves lawyers absent that special education. In any event, I think it is pretty clear that a paralegal is NOT a lawyer.
A lawyer, defined below as:
A person learned in the law; as an attorney, counsel, or solicitor. Any person who, for fee or reward, prosecutes or defends causes in courts of record or other judicial tribunals of the United States, or of any of the states, or whose business it is to give legal advice in relation to any cause or matter whatever. Act of July 13, 1800. (See Infra.)
At the other end of the spectrum is the “attorney.” This legal beagle is someone licensed by the state bar to practice law and represent their clients. Attorneys have higher standard than lawyers. So they must have all of the prerequisite training and expertise needed to handle many types of cases.
Attorney usually denotes an agent or substitute appointed and authorized to act in the place or stead of another. In re Ricker, 60 N. H. 207, 29 Atl. 559, 24 L. R. A. 740; Eichelberger v. Sifford, 27 Md. 320. It is “an ancient English word, and signifies one that is set in the turn, stead, or place of another; and of these some be private * * * and some be [public], as attorneys at law.” Co. Litt. 516, 128a; Britt 2856. . . (See Infra.)
What is an Esquire?
Esquire often follows an attorney's name as a title. Esquire in the United States most often means that an attorney has passed the bar of that particular state, but not always. Of course, our founders looked upon titles of nobility as a potentially dangerous thing.
In the United Kingdom the "Esq" may be used for other educational titles. So in the UK, attorneys are called barristers or solicitors. In any event, knowing whether or not the person that you are contacting is prepared for the job remains vital.
If you think that these distinctions do not make a difference, it could lead you in the wrong direction. Making sure your advocate has the correct level of legal training is vital. After all, it could make all the difference in and out of court, or in negotiations. Don't cut any corners. Never allow an unqualified individual to take on your case. The wrong choice could affect you for the rest of your life. When in doubt, contact a real attorney with a name in good standing with the state bar.
Sources:
Black's Law Dictionary - "Attorney" defined Here.
Black's Law Dictionary - "Lawyer," defined Here.
