What is the Difference Between Esquire and Attorney?

The terms "esquire" and "attorney" are often used interchangeably in the United States, and they both refer to practicing lawyers who are members of the bar association. However, there are some subtle differences between the two:

1. Esquire: This title is an honorary one for practicing lawyers who have passed the bar exam and are licensed by the bar association. It is not commonly used in the U.S. but can be found in business correspondence or on lawyers' websites.
2. Attorney: This term refers to a person who is learned in the law and licensed by the state bar to practice law and represent clients. It is the most commonly used term to describe legal professionals in the United States.

In summary, both "esquire" and "attorney" refer to practicing lawyers who are members of the bar association, but "esquire" is an honorary title that is not commonly used, while "attorney" is the more widely recognized term for legal professionals in the United States.

Comparative Table: Esquire vs Attorney

The terms "Esquire" and "Attorney" are often used in the legal profession, but they have distinct meanings and implications. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two:

In summary, "Esquire" is a professional title for lawyers, indicating they are qualified to practice law, while "Attorney" refers to a person learned in the law who is licensed by the state bar to practice law and represent clients.