When it comes to the legal profession, there is often confusion between the terms ‘attorney’ and ‘lawyer’. Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, they actually have different meanings. In this blog post, we’ll explore the difference between an attorney and a lawyer and explain why it’s important to understand the distinction.
At its core, the difference between an attorney and a lawyer is one of jurisdiction. A lawyer is someone who has been trained and licensed to practice law in a particular jurisdiction, such as a state or country. An attorney, on the other hand, is someone who has been admitted to practice law in a court of law. In other words, an attorney is a lawyer who is authorized to represent a client in court.
The term ‘attorney’ is also sometimes used to refer to a lawyer who specializes in a particular area of law. For example, a criminal defense attorney is a lawyer who specializes in defending individuals who have been charged with a crime. Similarly, a family law attorney is a lawyer who specializes in family law matters, such as divorce, child custody, and adoption.
It’s important to note that not all lawyers are attorneys. In some jurisdictions, a lawyer may be licensed to practice law but may not be authorized to represent a client in court. In these cases, the lawyer is referred to as a ‘non-attorney lawyer’.
In conclusion, the difference between an attorney and a lawyer is one of jurisdiction. An attorney is a lawyer who is authorized to represent a client in court, while a lawyer is someone who has been trained and licensed to practice law in a particular jurisdiction. It’s important to understand the distinction between the two terms in order to ensure that you are working with the right professional for your legal needs.
