Lawyer/Attorney?

Question

What is the difference between the two words "lawyer" and "attorney," if there is a difference? I've always wondered....

Answer 1

According to several dictionaries, a lawyer is somebody who can give legal advice and has been trained in the law. An attorney is somebody legally empowered to represent another person, or act on their behalf.

So if you give somebody "power of attorney," that doesn't mean they suddenly become the comic book hero, "Super Litigator," it means they can legally sign papers and make decisions for you in the area in which you've given them that power. In many, perhaps most, cases, lawyers are given power of attorney--but it doesn't have to be that way.

In everyday usage, the terms are virtually synonymous. Indeed, a quick poll of lawyers at my office found none who really thought there was any difference. But if we stick to our dictionary guns, there is a definite distinction.

As a side note, the British have several additional terms for people who practice law. "Lawyer" is a general term describing all of them. "Solicitors" do most of the office work, draft documents, talk to clients, etc., and may only appear as advocates in the lower courts. "Barristers" do most of the trial work, especially in the higher courts, where they are the only ones who may act as advocates. "Attorney" has pretty much the same meaning in Britain as in America--one who acts on behalf of another.

Why are yellow pads called "legal pads?" Because they are allegedly (like the use of that lawyerly term?) easier on the eyes than white paper. And for people who have to write and read a lot, it makes sense to use something that's easier on the eyes. Nowadays, though, yellow paper is becoming more difficult to find as many offices switch to white paper, which can be recycled more easily.

What about the long paper? Well, I was going to make the standard cracks about lawyers needing 30% more space than normal folks to say the same thing. But a quick check of Cecil's archives found that not only did he already answer this question,but he dissed that joke as well. So never mind. Hmph.

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Answer 2

As per my knowledge, a lawyer is someone who is educated in the law. A person who has been educated in the law will always be addressed as a lawyer, even if he or she does not give legal advice to other people, on the other hand an attorney does not just interpret the law; he or she also applies his knowledge of the law to provide the needs of his client. Attorneys act as lawyers but not all lawyers can perform the work of attorneys.

Answer 3

Depends on the state. Some state bars treat the terms as interchangeable.

Some states user "attorney" (short for "attorney at law") for a person admitted to their own bar, and "lawyer" generally as someone admitted to any other bar.

California Rules of Professional Conduct only define "Lawyer", meaning "a member of the State Bar of California or a person who is admitted in good standing of and eligible to practice before the bar of any United States...". However, the California Business and Professions Code primarily uses the term "attorney", meaning generally anyone who is practicing law.

Answer 4

sure, you should nonetheless get a felony specialist. and also you do not could pay for it. in case you could not have adequate money an felony specialist the courtroom could employ a public defender to you at no charge. you should study of this once you're mirandized after turning your self in (you've the right to stay silent, etc.). a felony specialist can help preserve your rights. even besides the undeniable fact that you're admitting your guilt you nonetheless have the right to due procedure, a honest trial by utilizing a jury of your friends, and safe practices from malicious prosecution, etc.

Answer 5

physician/doctor.

no difference, altho one is more formal..

Answer 6

no diff - also use litigator or counselor