Attorney vs Lawyer

Attorney vs Lawyer Meaning

The word “attorney” and the word “lawyer” both refer to former law students who have completed law school. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they do have different linguistic histories and connotations.

“The word lawyer can refer to anyone who has been trained in the law, whether they are licensed to practice or not. In contrast, the word attorney refers specifically to a lawyer who is licensed to practice law.”
– Lawyer Monthly

Keep in mind that we are providing general information below. There are different types of lawyers and attorneys, and the process of becoming either can vary from state to state.

Your best bet is to ask a legal professional about their experience and qualifications during the interview process to ensure they are the right person to help with your situation.

Attorney vs Lawyer Origins

The word “lawyer” dates back to the 14th century and is from the Old French word “laier,” which means “to read law.”

On the other hand, the word “attorney” has its origins in Latin and is from “attornatus,” which means “one appointed.”

Attorney vs Lawyer Dictionary Definitions

Merriam-Webster defines a lawyer as “one whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients or to advise as to legal rights and obligations in other matters.”

In general, the term “lawyer” refers to someone who has graduated from law school and has knowledge about the law.

Merriam-Webster defines an attorney as “a person who is legally appointed to transact business on another’s behalf.”

In the United States, an attorney is typically licensed to practice law and represent clients in court.

Attorney vs Lawyer Difference in Roles

A lawyer is someone who has studied the law, graduated from law school, and may or may not have passed the bar exam. In contrast, an attorney is a lawyer who has graduated from law school, passed the bar exam, and is licensed to practice law.

Here is a breakdown of the duties of both lawyers and attorneys.

Lawyer Duties

While many people may associate lawyers with courtroom appearances and trials, the reality is that most lawyers don’t spend their time in court.

Some lawyers work in specialized niches such as real estate law or tax law and provide general legal advice and guidance to clients. They may also draft legal documents, negotiate deals, mediate disputes, and provide representation at administrative hearings or arbitrations.

“If you simply need someone to help you fill out paperwork or answer general questions about the law, then a lawyer may be sufficient.”
– Lawyer Monthly

Overall, a lawyer’s main duty is to provide legal advice to clients. Their goal is to help clients navigate legal issues and achieve their desired outcomes in a lawful and ethical manner.

Attorney-at-Law Duties

An attorney-at-law is a person who has graduated from law school and is licensed to practice law.

Attorneys can and do perform many of the same duties as lawyers, such as providing legal advice, drafting legal documents, and negotiating deals.

This means that attorneys can represent clients in criminal and civil trials, including personal injury, medical malpractice, and product liability lawsuits. They can argue motions and appeals and cross-examine witnesses.

In addition to their courtroom work, attorneys-at-law may also handle other aspects of a case, such as conducting legal research, preparing legal briefs, and interviewing witnesses.

They are responsible for ensuring that their clients’ legal rights are protected and that their interests are represented to the best of their ability.

Differences in Education for Lawyers vs Attorneys

In general, there is no significant difference in the education required for lawyers versus attorneys.

As part of this process, the legal professional must:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Complete a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school

The JD degree program typically takes three years to complete and includes coursework in areas such as contracts, torts, property law, constitutional law, and criminal law.

In terms of continuing education, both lawyers and attorneys are required to complete a certain number of continuing legal education (CLE) hours each year. These CLE courses help to ensure that lawyers and attorneys stay up to date on changes in the law and new legal developments.

Other Legal Terms for Attorney or Lawyer

In addition to the terms “lawyer” and “attorney,” the legal profession has a variety of specialized titles and roles.

Some of these terms describe specific areas of practice, while others indicate a lawyer’s level of experience or qualifications.

Understanding these terms can help clarify the roles and responsibilities of legal professionals in different contexts.

Some terms you may see for lawyers, attorneys, and other legal professionals include:

• Advocate: A lawyer who represents clients in court, arguing on their behalf and helping them stand up for their rights.
• Barrister: In some countries, a barrister is a type of lawyer who specializes in courtroom advocacy and is qualified to appear in higher courts.
• Counsel/Counselor: Another word for a lawyer or attorney who provides legal counsel and representation to clients.
• Esquire (Esq.): An honorary title sometimes used for lawyers in the United States, indicating that they have passed the bar examination and are licensed to practice law.
• Jurist: A legal expert or scholar who studies and writes about the law but may not necessarily practice law.
• Notary Public: A legal official who is authorized to witness and certify the signing of legal documents and administer oaths.
• Paralegal: A professional who performs a variety of legal tasks to support an attorney.
• Solicitor: In some countries, a solicitor is a type of lawyer who provides legal advice to clients and prepares legal documents but does not typically appear in court.

Lawyer vs Attorney Key Differences

The distinction between a lawyer and an attorney can be important for clients who are looking to use their services.

Here are 3 key differences between lawyers and attorneys:

1. Attorneys can practice in court. One of the main differences between lawyers and attorneys is that attorneys are licensed to represent clients in court. They have passed the bar exam and met other requirements to practice law, including completing a law degree and fulfilling state-specific requirements. Lawyers, on the other hand, may not have the qualifications or experience to practice law in a courtroom setting.
2. All attorneys must follow their state bar’s code of ethical conduct. Attorneys are held to a high standard of ethical conduct and must follow their state bar’s code of professional responsibility. This includes rules on attorney-client privilege, conflicts of interest, and advertising and solicitation practices. Lawyers who are not licensed as attorneys may not be subject to the same ethical rules and regulations.
3. Lawyers may not have taken/passed the bar exam. All attorneys must have passed the bar exam in order to practice law, whether in or out of court. Practicing without having passed the bar can lead to fines and penalties, as well as the loss of the ability to practice.

Cost of Attorney vs Lawyer

The cost of legal services varies depending on various factors, such as:

• Experience of the attorney or lawyer you choose
• Type of legal issue
• Where the legal professional is located

Many attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay them a percentage of any settlement or damages you receive if they win your case.

Some attorneys charge hourly fees, which can add up if your case is complex or takes a long time to resolve.

Regardless, it’s crucial to have a transparent fee agreement in place before beginning to work with any legal professional.