Introduction
There are many terms used to refer to a person trained in law, such as barristers, lawyers, solicitors, advocates, attorneys, and counselors. This can be confusing for someone seeking legal help. In particular, the terms lawyer and attorney are often used interchangeably. However, there are some differences between the two.
Lawyer
The term “lawyer” is typically used to describe a person who has studied law and is qualified to give legal advice on various subjects. They can represent clients in court and charge fees for their services.
Attorney
In the US, the term “attorney” is more commonly used than in Europe, where barristers and solicitors are used instead. An attorney, or attorney-at-law, is someone who has the qualifications to stand in court and represent a client’s case. While the term lawyer can also be used to describe someone who represents clients in court, it is often used to refer to someone who provides legal advice.
In the UK, barristers and solicitors handle different aspects of legal cases. Solicitors handle document preparation and represent clients in lower courts, while barristers handle cases in higher courts.
Difference Between Lawyer and Attorney
Technically, there is no difference between a lawyer and an attorney. The term attorney is simply another name for a lawyer, commonly used in the US to refer to someone who represents clients in court. So, if you are in Britain, you would be more likely to refer to legal professionals as barristers and solicitors. However, the term attorney is widely used in the US to describe someone who acts on behalf of a client in a court of law.
It is important to note that the term “power of attorney” is used worldwide, and it cannot be called “power of lawyer” even if the person creating it is a lawyer.
Key Takeaways
1. The legal profession has various nomenclatures such as lawyers, attorneys, barristers, solicitors, etc., which can be confusing for a common person seeking legal help.
2. A lawyer is someone who has studied law and can provide legal advice on a wide range of subjects and represent clients in court. They charge fees for their services.
3. An attorney is a term commonly used in the US to refer to a lawyer who represents a client’s case in court. Technically, there is no difference between a lawyer and an attorney.
