Today’s attorneys use “esquire” to represent their educational and professional achievements. “Esquire” distinguishes an active law student from someone who graduated from law school and passed the Bar Exam. When should you use “esquire” in conversation, though? Does it reflect an attorney’s experience, or is it a general title?
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The Roots of “Esquire”
Way back in the days of old, English and French nobility bandied terms like “esquire” in reference to the knighthood and, more specifically, holders of knights’ estates. These days, the term still retains some of its splendor. This means “shield” or “shield-bearer,” and “esquire” now describes someone who has the right to practice law in the United States.
More specifically, the term “esquire” denotes that its bearer not only attended and graduated from law school but also passed the Bar Exam. It does not, however, denote a specialty in any particular legal practice; rather, a more general understanding of state and federal legislation.
Saying “Esquire” Versus Writing “Esquire”
Today, the term “esquire” appears most frequently in writing. Clients, the general public, and other lawyers can use the term “esquire” or its abbreviation, Esq., to respectfully refer to a lawyer. You’ll most often find “esquire” or its abbreviation in legal documents or formal correspondence between legal parties.
It’s far rarer for someone to verbally refer to a lawyer as “esquire” and even rarer for a lawyer to refer to themselves with the title of “esquire” attached. Why? Because “esquire,” despite its linguistic update, is still something of an archaic or overly formal tone. A lawyer who verbally refers to themselves as “esquire” may gain a reputation for being unapproachable.
How, then, should you use “esquire” in conversation with a lawyer? If you’re having a verbal conversation with an attorney, don’t use “esquire” at all. If you’re writing an initial letter to a lawyer, you might use “esquire” in that lawyer’s title or when addressing important paperwork. Otherwise, it’s in your best interest to use the attorney’s preferred pronoun (Mrs., Mr., or Mx.).
When Can Someone Use “Esquire” as a Title?
Only select parties may use the title of “esquire” in a professional setting. These include parties who have:
- Graduated from law school
- Passed the Bar Exam
- Entered into the legal profession
In other words, current law students may not use “esquire” as a title. Likewise, recently graduated law students may not use the title unless they’ve passed the Bar Exam. The title of “esquire,” in this way, becomes a reward for young professionals who’ve at last left school behind and now stand ready to formally practice law.
What’s the Difference Between an Attorney and a Lawyer?
Both lawyers and attorneys can use the title of “esquire” to establish themselves in a professional setting. Is there a difference, though, between a lawyer and an attorney? There is, but it’s primarily nominal.
Lawyers specifically earn a J.D., or a Juris Doctorate, after graduating from law school. Their education indicates that these students can go into legal practice with a sound understanding of state and federal legislation.
Attorneys, comparatively, have legal licenses in specific states and may represent clients in those states accordingly. You can discuss the differences between a lawyer and an attorney in more detail during a free consultation with H&P Law’s experienced legal team.
Can Lawyers Continue to Use “Esquire” After They Retire?
Lawyers do retain the right to continue using the “esquire” title after they retire. That title reflects their long experience in the legal field and often stands as an honor, particularly if the lawyer in question has had a storied career.
That said, lawyers can face some legal trouble if they use the “esquire” title to imply that they’re still practicing law after their retirement. Falsifying a person’s employment status, whether to curry favor or intimidate another party, can darken the “esquire” title’s better qualities.
What Other Titles Can Lawyers Use?
“Esquire” isn’t the only title reserved for lawyers and practitioners of the law. Other common legal titles and acronyms can include the following:
- LL.M., meaning Legum or Legum Magister: This title refers to someone with a Master of Law degree.
- J.D., meaning Juris Doctor: This title refers to someone who has graduated from law school. All students who graduate from their legal programs receive a J.D. title.
- LL.B., meaning Legum Baccalaureus: This title refers to professionals who received their legal degrees outside of the United States. Parties who hold LL.B.s are as educated on legal practices as their J.D.-holding peers.
- J.S.D., meaning Juridicae Scientiae Doctor: This is a student who sought and received a Ph.D. in the Science of Law.
- J.P., meaning Justice of the Peace: This term does not traditionally appear in the United States court system but can refer to a magistrate or judge in a district court.
If you have questions about these acronyms or others you encounter while interacting with the judicial system, H&P Law can connect you with a lawyer who can clarify their meanings. Our client testimonials reflect our record of success in helping clients navigate the civil system.
H&P Law’s Attorneys Are on Your Side
H&P Law understands that the ins and outs of today’s legal practice areas can seem nebulous. The title of “esquire” is a feature of the practice that can seem more formal than it is. While legal graduates and practicing lawyers can use “esquire” as a title, it is not essential to include “esquire” in emails or when addressing an attorney in person.
If you have additional questions about the justice system and the ethos that built it, H&P Law’s attorneys are ready to talk with you. You can contact us to meet with an attorney and discuss a possible case or ask any questions you may have about today’s legal processes. We’re ready to put our legal knowledge to work for you!
