2006-12-27 15:34:43 · 11 answers · asked by teeyodi 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Esquire (abbreviated Esq.) originally was a social rank title above that of mere gentleman, allowed, for example, to the sons of the nobles and the gentry who did not possess any other title. On this basis, a gentleman was designated Mr ('mister' before his name), whereas an Esquire was designated 'Esq.' (without a nominal prefix) after his name.
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, (given its meaning, any man). In practice, it is used almost exclusively by lawyers (of both sexes), and so it generally may be assumed that, when "Esq." figures on a business cards or stationery, the man or woman so identified 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 "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
2006-12-27 15:38:01 · answer #1 · answered by parental unit 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well technically Esquire is just a formality in most cases used for lawyers. Like saying John Smith esquire, instead of Mr. John Smith.
But in actuality it's a title for a member of the English gentry ranked below a Knight.
See the uses of it in the website below.
2006-12-27 15:38:14 · answer #2 · answered by WhoMe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Passing the bar exam in any of the 50 states will, however, earn you the right to add that to your moniker just as someone who passes the medical boards may be addressed as Doctor.
I suppose it could be possible to add Esquire as an actual name, but who would really want to?
2006-12-27 15:43:31 · answer #3 · answered by Curious E 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. Esquire isn't an official or legal title. If you have a juris doctorate you may use the honorific Esq. after your name.
2006-12-27 15:37:05 · answer #4 · answered by Tiff 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Depends if you want to have that name in everything you do or just somethings. If you want it to be like a permanent name then yes.
2006-12-27 15:36:55 · answer #5 · answered by Social828 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you just watch Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure?
2006-12-27 15:36:05 · answer #6 · answered by GA Peach 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, it is a normal term of address.
2006-12-27 15:38:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it is a professional credential, just as "MD" would be, assuming you are engaged in the practice of law...........
2006-12-27 15:39:46 · answer #8 · answered by dave.whatever 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, you have to get a law degree.
2006-12-27 15:36:17 · answer #9 · answered by bashnick 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
no
2006-12-27 15:36:35 · answer #10 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋