You’ve probably seen the term “esquire” or its abbreviation “Esq.” after your lawyer’s name, on a business card, or maybe even a TV ad. Many people don’t know the meaning of this term or why it only appears after some lawyers’ names. Take a closer look at what this distinction means in the legal field.
“Esquire” Defined
“Esquire” is simply a courtesy title indicating that someone is a lawyer. In other words, it basically means “lawyer.” You could compare it to designations like “Dr.” or “Professor.”
The term has been around for a long time — dating back to medieval England. Though they may not be working alongside knights on the battlefield anymore, the esquires of today definitely retain their distinction.
Are All Lawyers “Esquires”?
If “esquire” means “lawyer,” you may wonder whether that means every lawyer carries the esquire title. It helps to first distinguish the term “attorney” from “lawyer.” Essentially, “attorney” is a more general term, referring to someone who is legally authorized to represent others in legal matters but who isn’t necessarily a lawyer.
These terms are often used interchangeably in Georgia. Someone who has passed the bar exam and is licensed to practice law is considered both a lawyer and an attorney. However, “esquire” is only reserved for lawyers.
Keep in mind that lawyers are not legally required to use the title. Whether someone uses the esquire title often comes down to personal choice and professional etiquette, which may change depending on the situation. In short, all esquires are attorneys, but not all attorneys are esquires.
Other Legal Titles You Might Encounter
“Esquire” isn’t the only title you may encounter in the legal landscape. Here are some other titles and terms you might have noticed around law offices.
J.D.
“Juris Doctor” is the professional degree that lawyers earn when they graduate from law school. It’s not uncommon to see “J.D.” after a lawyer’s name, especially in an academic context.
Attorney at Law
A common choice for bus stop signs and subway ads, this phrase simply describes someone who is licensed to practice law. Despite its formality, it doesn’t signify any specific level of experience or specialty.
Counselor
If you’ve seen any court movies or TV dramas, you’ve probably heard a judge call a lawyer “counselor,” as in, “You may approach the bench, counselor.” In real life, it’s meant to emphasize the advisory role lawyers play in giving legal advice and counsel to their clients.
Barrister
Most often used in the United Kingdom, a barrister is a specific type of lawyer who is well-versed in courtroom advocacy and litigation. They’re typically hired by solicitors — another kind of lawyer — to represent clients in court. This term is not used in the United States.
Solicitor
Another U.K. legal term, solicitor refers to a lawyer who provides legal advice and services to clients but doesn’t usually represent them in court like the barrister does. Instead, they handle drafting legal documents, negotiating settlements, and preparing cases for trial.
Clear Communication: The Keystone Of Law
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the different legal titles and terms out there. That is why clear communication is paramount in the legal field.
When talking to a lawyer, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you’re unsure about their role or the meaning of a specific term. Most lawyers are glad to explain things in more detail and help you understand the legal process, whether you are dealing with a car accident, a slip and fall, or any other type of case. After all, communication is key to both building and presenting your case, as well as achieving the best outcome in court.
Contact the Kennesaw personal injury lawyers from Starks Byron, P.C. for Help Today
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Starks Byron, P.C. to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Kennesaw, GA today.
We proudly serve Cobb County and its surrounding areas:
Starks Byron, P.C.
1275 Shiloh Rd NW Ste 2710,
Kennesaw, GA 30144
(404) 795 5115
