Distinguishing Esq. & J.D. – Understanding the Difference

Studying law is a challenging, rewarding, and fascinating subject for those who choose to pursue a career in the field. There are many designations for individuals with expertise in law, including L.L.B, Esq., J.D, attorney, lawyer, and barrister. Two designations that often cause confusion are Esq and JD, which are seen on the visiting cards of professionals. This article will discuss the similarities, overlaps, and differences between JD and Esq.

Key Takeaways

• Esq is a title used by attorneys for themselves, while JD is an academic degree similar to a doctorate in other subjects.
• Esq has British roots and was initially used to refer to men of high social rank, whereas JD is referred to as Juris Doctor and used by attorneys in academic circles only.
• Both designations cannot be used by a lawyer at the same time, and it is common for attorneys to add the suffix Esq. at the end of their name in their visiting cards.

Esq is a title used by attorneys for themselves and is written at the end of their names on visiting cards. The full form of Esq is Esquire, which is a British term and an honorary title referring to men with a high social rank. The title developed in the 14th century in England and is still used for people of high social rank, such as a Knight or an Earl. In the US, Esq has come to be associated with a person who has studied law and is eligible to start their practice in a law court. However, as it is a courtesy title, it is rarely used by attorneys for each other, and only people who are not lawyers themselves choose to refer to lawyers as Esq.

J.D is an academic degree, similar to a PhD, and is called Juris Doctor. It is awarded to students studying law in law schools across the country. However, attorneys rarely use this abbreviation for themselves and prefer to use the term only in academic circles. Lawyers who are also prolific writers and get their papers published in law journals like to use this degree mentioned against their names in these publications.

The difference between Esq and JD lies in their usage and origins. J.D is a formal academic qualification and a degree similar to that of a doctorate in other subjects. It is referred to as Juris Doctor and used by attorneys in academic circles only. On the other hand, Esq. is an honorary title used for all those who have studied law and are eligible to practice law in courts. Esq. has British roots, where it was used to refer to men of high social rank. Today, Esq. can be used in the US by both men and women attorneys. Both designations cannot be used by a lawyer at the same time, and it is common for attorneys to add the suffix Esq. at the end of their name in their visiting cards.