Attorney vs Lawyer

The terms "attorney" and "lawyer" are sometimes used interchangeably. Despite having the same legal education, lawyers and attorneys may have different duties and responsibilities. Knowing these differences can make it easier for you to navigate the legal system and be useful whether you're looking for legal counsel or representation.

Attorney vs Lawyer

Attorney vs Lawyer Meaning

Both "attorney" and "lawyer" designate former law students who have finished law school. Notwithstanding their frequent interchangeability, the two phrases do have distinct language origins and meanings.

Note that we are giving general information here. varying states have varying requirements for becoming an attorney, and there are several kinds of lawyers.

To make sure a lawyer is the appropriate person to assist you with your case, you should ask them about their background and credentials throughout the interview process.

Attorney vs Lawyer Origins

Originating from the Old French term "laier," which means "to read law," the word "lawyer" dates back to the 14th century.

However, the word "attorney" comes from the Latin word "attornatus," which meaning "one appointed."

Attorney vs Lawyer Dictionary Definitions

A lawyer is "one whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients or to advise as to legal rights and obligations in other matters," according to Merriam-Webster.

Generally speaking, a "lawyer" is a person who has completed law school and is knowledgeable about the law.


Merriam-Webster defines an attorney as “a person who is legally appointed to transact business on another’s behalf.”

To practice law and represent clients in court, an attorney in the US usually needs a license.

Attorney vs Lawyer Difference in Roles

After studying the law, graduating from law school, and possibly passing the bar test, a person is considered a lawyer. A lawyer who has completed law school, passed the bar test, and obtained a license to practice law, on the other hand, is known as an attorney.

The responsibilities of attorneys and lawyers are broken down below.

Lawyer Duties

The majority of lawyers don't spend their time in court, despite the fact that many people may identify them with court appearances and trials.

Some attorneys provide customers general legal counsel and guidance while specializing in areas like tax law or real estate law. In addition, they might negotiate agreements, resolve conflicts, write legal documents, and represent parties in administrative hearings or arbitrations.

In general, a lawyer's primary responsibility is to advise clients on legal matters. Their mission is to assist clients in resolving legal disputes and achieving their goals in a morally and legally responsible way.

Attorney-at-Law Duties

An individual who has completed law school and obtained a license to practice law is known as an attorney-at-law.

Attorneys can and do carry out many of the same tasks as other lawyers, including preparing legal papers, negotiating agreements, and giving legal advice.

This implies that lawyers can defend their clients in civil and criminal proceedings, including cases involving product liability, medical malpractice, and personal injury. Along with cross-examining witnesses, they are able to argue motions and appeals.

Attorneys-at-law may be involved in various facets of a case outside their work in the courtroom, such as gathering legal information, writing legal papers, and speaking with witnesses.


The legal rights of their clients must be upheld, and they must do everything in their power to represent their interests.

Differences in Education for Lawyers vs Attorneys

Generally speaking, the level of schooling needed to become a lawyer does not differ significantly from that of other lawyers. 

As part of this process, the legal professional must:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Complete a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school

Courses in contract law, torts, property law, constitutional law, and criminal law are all part of the three-year JD curriculum.

Lawyers must fulfill a specific number of continuing legal education (CLE) hours annually in order to fulfill their continuing education requirements. Lawyers can stay informed about new legal developments and changes in the law by taking these continuing education courses.

Other Legal Terms for Attorney or Lawyer

There are other specialized titles and functions within the legal profession in addition to the terms "attorney" and "lawyer."

While some of these phrases imply a lawyer's level of experience or qualifications, others define particular areas of practice.


Clarifying the roles and obligations of legal practitioners in various circumstances can be achieved by becoming familiar with these phrases.

Some terms you may see for lawyers, attorneys, and other legal professionals include: 

• Advocate: A lawyer who represents clients in court, arguing on their behalf and helping them stand up for their rights.
• Barrister: In some countries, a barrister is a type of lawyer who specializes in courtroom advocacy and is qualified to appear in higher courts.
• Counsel/Counselor: Another word for a lawyer or attorney who provides legal counsel and representation to clients.
• Esquire (Esq.): An honorary title sometimes used for lawyers in the United States, indicating that they have passed the bar examination and are licensed to practice law.
• Jurist: A legal expert or scholar who studies and writes about the law but may not necessarily practice law.
• Notary Public: A legal official who is authorized to witness and certify the signing of legal documents and administer oaths.
• Paralegal: A professional who performs a variety of legal tasks to support an attorney.
• Solicitor: In some countries, a solicitor is a type of lawyer who provides legal advice to clients and prepares legal documents but does not typically appear in court.

 Lawyer vs Attorney Key Differences

Clients seeking to hire their services may find it crucial to understand the difference between an attorney and a lawyer.

Here are 3 key differences between lawyers and attorneys:

1. 1. Attorneys can practice in court. One of the main differences between lawyers and attorneys is that attorneys are licensed to represent clients in court. They have passed the bar exam and met other requirements to practice law, including completing a law degree and fulfilling state-specific requirements. Lawyers, on the other hand, may not have the qualifications or experience to practice law in a courtroom setting.
2. 2. All attorneys must follow their state bar’s code of ethical conduct. Attorneys are held to a high standard of ethical conduct and must follow their state bar’s code of professional responsibility. This includes rules on attorney-client privilege, conflicts of interest, and advertising and solicitation practices. Lawyers who are not licensed as attorneys may not be subject to the same ethical rules and regulations.
3. 3. Lawyers may not have taken/passed the bar exam. All attorneys must have passed the bar exam in order to practice law, whether in or out of court. Practicing without having passed the bar can lead to fines and penalties, as well as the loss of the ability to practice.

Cost of Attorney vs Lawyer

The cost of legal services varies depending on various factors, such as:

• Experience of the attorney or lawyer you choose
• Type of legal issue
• Where the legal professional is located

Many lawyers take cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that if they win your case, you pay them a portion of whatever settlement or damages you receive.

Some lawyers bill by the hour, which can mount up if your case is complicated or takes a while to finish.


In any case, before starting to deal with any legal practitioner, it is imperative to have a clear fee agreement in place.

FAQs About Attorney vs Lawyer

Is attorney the same thing as a lawyer?

While these terms are often used as synonyms for one other, it is essential to understand that while all attorneys are lawyers, not all lawyers are attorneys.

The significant difference between the two is that attorneys are permitted to act on behalf of clients in legal proceedings whereas lawyers do not always have this authorization.

Do I need a lawyer or attorney?

Whether you need an attorney or a lawyer depends on the specific legal issue you are facing and your personal preferences.

Generally, an attorney can represent you in court and provide legal advice, while a lawyer is more focused on legal research and document preparation.

Do lawyers and attorneys do the same job?

Mostly, but not always. Lawyers and attorneys do similar jobs, although some states have specific requirements for legal practitioners who use the term “attorney.”

Can a lawyer represent me in court?

Yes, a lawyer may be able to represent you in court if they are licensed through their state’s bar association to practice law in that jurisdiction.

In many cases, lawyers will use the term “attorney” on their resumes and in their practice to indicate that they are licensed to practice law and can represent clients in court.

What is better a lawyer or attorney?

It depends on the legal services that you need. A lawyer is a person who has been trained in the law, while an attorney is a lawyer who is licensed to practice law.

Generally speaking, an attorney can give you legal advice or represent you in court. A lawyer may be best suited to provide general information about the law and help you with paperwork.

When seeking legal help, ask the legal professional about their experience and whether they can help you with your issue. Ask them if they have helped other clients with similar issues.