What does the term esquire mean in reference to lawyers?

Answer 1

Esquire (abbreviated Esq.) was originally a social rank above that of mere gentleman, allowed, for example, to the sons of nobles and gentry who did not possess any other title. A gentleman, on this basis, was designated Mr (before his name) whereas an Esquire was so designated (with no prefix before the name) after his name. A very late example of this distinction can be seen in the list of subscribers to The History of Elton by the Rev. Rose Fuller Whistler, published in 1882, which clearly distinguishes between subscribers designated "Mr" and those, of higher social position, designated "Esquire". Although somewhat old-fashioned, "Esq." is still widely used in upper class circles.

In the United States, there are no native titled gentry or nobility. The suffix "Esq." has no legal meaning, and may in theory be adopted by anyone (at least, given the meaning, any male). In practice, it is used almost exclusively by lawyers (of both sexes), and so it may generally be assumed when it appears on business cards or stationery that it indicates that the person is a member of the bar.

That "esquire" may be used to indicate that an individual is a lawyer is a remnant of the British practice, in which barristers claimed the status of Esquire and solicitors used the term "gentleman". In the United States, though a lawyer may choose to specialize in litigation or other types of law, there are no licensing or bar membership distinctions between the equivalent roles of barrister and solicitor.

Answer 2

nothing much. "John Smith, Esq." just means "John Smith, lawyer"