When it comes to law firms and legal representation, is there a difference when selecting a lawyer vs. attorney? If you've been looking for a lawyer or attorney near you, chances are you'll view those terms as interchangeable. But you'd be wrong because there is an actual difference.
All attorneys are lawyers, but not all lawyers are attorneys. Lawyers graduate from law school. Attorneys graduate from law school but pass the bar examination and become a member of a state bar association. Passing the bar test confers the legal right for a law school graduate to practice professionally.
The bottom line between a lawyer vs. an attorney?
An attorney can practice law in a courtroom, whereas a lawyer cannot do so without potential legal ramifications.
What is a Lawyer?
A lawyer learns and trains about the law and receives a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. That said, they may decide not to practice law, choosing to provide legal advice only without the need for a court proceeding. Lawyers may serve as consultants or advisors.
In many cases, lawyers select a specialized field where they advise clients. So, you can speak with a lawyer about that area of specialty, again without the need for a court proceeding:
- An estate lawyer may assist you with a will or trust.
- An immigration lawyer may support you with matters concerning citizenship, visas, green cards, or DACA.
- A personal injury lawyer can advise you about a dog bite injury.
- A family lawyer can assist you with child custody issues.
A key distinction relating to a lawyer vs. an attorney is that to practice law, provide legal advice, and appear in court, they must pass the bar examination. An unlicensed lawyer cannot give legal advice and may be subject to criminal charges and legal actions.
Lawyers can work in law offices under a licensed attorney or as part of training for learning purposes.
What is an Attorney?
Attorneys (shortened from attorneys at law) must pass the bar exam, which allows them to practice law in court. Attorneys can also participate in other legal proceedings while offering legal advice to clients.
By becoming a bar association member, an attorney must comply with rules of professional conduct and a code of ethics to practice in court. Attorneys at law act as court practitioners licensed by a state to defend a client or prosecute individuals. Again, the critical distinction of a lawyer vs. an attorney is practicing in a court of law.
Attorneys can advise and represent you in court on matters like these:
- An IP Attorney can defend you in court against a copyright infringement.
- A divorce attorney can represent you about equitable distribution.
- A litigation attorney will support you with a real estate case tried in court.
- If you're having issues with a non-solicitation agreement, an employment attorney may defend you in court.
Other Terms Associated with Lawyer vs. Attorney
If you're beginning to understand the difference between a lawyer vs. an attorney, that's great. But let's throw some more confusion into the equation.
Although lawyers and attorneys represent the most common terms associated with law offices, other words relate to the legal profession. Each has its distinct meaning.
Solicitor: Solicitors practice law in the United Kingdom and other countries. They practice law in administrative and client-facing settings primarily.
Barrister: Another term relating to the United Kingdom and other parts of the world, a barrister represents clients in court generally involving complex cases. Solicitors act as intermediaries to barristers.
Esquire: This term is an honorary title for lawyers passing the bar exam and holding a license in a state's bar association. It's effectively the equivalent of a Dr. or Ph.D. in other professions.
Advocate: An advocate is used interchangeably with lawyers and attorneys.
Counsel: Often used interchangeably with lawyer or attorney, counsel refers to someone who gives legal advice. A counselor trains in the law and typically work in-house for an organization or corporation.
So Do You Need a Lawyer vs. an Attorney? Just Talk to Our Law Firm!
If you're still confused about lawyers vs. attorneys, don't worry. Just give our law offices in Doylestown and Norristown a call. We'll provide professional, highly-respected legal counsel regardless of your issue. In addition, our broad array of legal services ensures you'll get the attention you need to deliver the best legal outcome.
Whether your particular case requires legal advice or a court appearance, we have you covered as one of the best law firms in the greater Philadelphia area.