Esquire vs Attorney
A lawyer is a broad term for someone who has completed higher education in law and is qualified to provide legal advice to clients on various matters. Within the legal profession, there are two designations that can cause confusion: attorney and esquire. This article will clarify the differences between them to help readers know whom to contact for legal advice or representation in court.
Key Takeaways
- Esquire is a title derived from the British peerage system, indicating a rank above a gentleman but below a knight; it is commonly used by people in the legal profession in the United States but does not indicate a specific degree or title.
- An attorney-at-law is a person who has completed legal training and is qualified to represent clients in court.
- Esq. (short for Esquire) is an honorific title with no legal standing in the United States, whereas an attorney is a legally qualified professional who can defend clients in court.
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