Many people believe lawyers and attorneys are the same. It’s why the two terms are often interchanged. After all, both professions revolve around the law and ensuring justice prevails.
But are a lawyer and an attorney the same thing? No, they are not. It’s surprising to know they’re two distinct professions. The difference between the two titles revolves around education and licensing. They also differ in their ability to represent clients in court.
Understanding the difference between a lawyer and an attorney is useful. You’ll know who to seek out if you need legal help. The knowledge is also useful if you’re curious about legal terms or thinking of studying law. This post breaks down the key differences between a lawyer and an attorney.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Lawyer
A lawyer is anyone who studied and graduated from law school. They have obtained a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. This individual has studied law and understands legal principles. They’re also familiar with legal procedures.
A lawyer might have a law degree, but that doesn’t mean they can practice law in court. They do various legal tasks instead, like offering legal advice. They also conduct legal research on case laws. Lawyers can also draft contracts, wills, and other legal documents. They can work in academia or a corporation.
A lawyer must pass the bar exam and get a law license if they want to represent people in court. They can’t act as an attorney in legal proceedings if they don’t have a license.
Roles and Responsibilities of an Attorney
An attorney is a lawyer who has taken and passed the bar exam. This gives them the right to practice law in a specific jurisdiction. The proper term for this profession is attorney-at-law. Attorney is the abbreviated expression.
An attorney can do all the duties of a lawyer. They also have more responsibilities aside from representing clients in court. An attorney also acts as your advocate in legal disputes. They can negotiate settlements and plea deals. It’s also their job to defend or prosecute cases in civil and criminal courts.
Know When to Use Lawyer VS Attorney
When and how you use these terms depends on the context. Remember to use the term “lawyer” when referring to someone who went to law school but doesn’t practice in court. They can discuss legal professionals in a general sense.
You can also use the term for individuals in legal consulting or corporate law. It’s also acceptable to use for those in academia.
So when can you use the term “attorney?” You can use it for a licensed legal professional who represents clients in court. The term also refers to someone engaged in litigation, defense, or prosecution.
Lawyer and attorney are legal terms used in the US. But these professions have different categories in other countries.
The legal profession in the UK has barristers and solicitors. A barrister represents clients in court. A solicitor provides legal advice and drafts legal documents. Australia and Canada also use the terms lawyer and attorney. The terms are interchangeable though. Some regions prefer barristers and solicitors. Other countries use the terms advocates, counsels, or legal consultants.
Why This Distinction Matters
Interchanging the words attorney and lawyer might seem normal. But they’re two different professions. You must understand their differences. For one, you must hire the right legal professional for your needs. Look for an attorney if you need someone to represent you in court.
The legal education and career paths of the two professions are different. If you’re entering the legal profession, think about what you want to do. You can either practice law or work in non-litigation legal roles.
To Conclude
The terms lawyer and attorney are often interchanged. Many believe the two words refer to the same thing, but they don’t. A lawyer has legal education but can’t practice in court. An attorney is a lawyer who graduated from law school and passed the bar exam. They can’t represent clients in court.
You need to know the difference between the two terms. It will help ensure you hire the right person if you need legal advice or court representation.
Get the Legal Representation You Deserve
Are you facing legal challenges? You need a trusted, experienced, and results-driven law firm. That description fits Warner & Warner. Our company is ready to protect your rights and fight for justice. We’ll make sure you get the best possible outcome for your case. We have a proven track record of success and a client-first approach. Contact us today for a consultation. You can also call us at (321) 341-6785.