2007-02-24 08:02:58 · 12 answers · asked by James 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Most people use the two terms interchangably, but there is, technically, a difference. The difference between the two terms is similar to the difference between a "woman" and a "wife." "Woman" is what someone is. "Wife" is what someone is in terms of her relationship with someone else.
A "lawyer" is a person who is licensed to practice law. An "attorney" refers to a person who practices law in terms of that person's relationship with the "client." Technically, you can be licensed to practice law without having any clients, in which case you are a "lawyer," but you are not anybody's "attorney." You can also practice law on your own behalf without having a license. In that case, you can be said to be your own "attorney," but you are not a "lawyer."
2007-02-24 08:18:57 · answer #1 · answered by Bill Smith 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A lawyer and attorney are basically the same. It just depends where you live because practices of a certain locality give them some distinctions.
2007-02-24 08:14:32 · answer #2 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing. Different name, same occupation. Attorney is just a fancy word for lawyer.
2007-02-24 08:12:43 · answer #3 · answered by Kikyo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One has passed the bar and the other hasnt...
An Attorney is somebody legally empowered to represent another person, or act on their behalf.
A Lawyer is somebody who can give legal advice and has been trained in the law.
2007-02-24 08:10:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is absolutely no difference. Anyone who claims otherwise does not know what they are talking about.
"In the United States of America, the term lawyer generally refers to attorneys who may practice law."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawyer
2007-02-24 15:39:08 · answer #5 · answered by BeachBum 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The ones using the label of attorney are even more deceptive.
2007-02-24 08:12:27 · answer #6 · answered by Grist 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Attorney" is often considered a higher-class word, but they're the same thing. In England they call them "solicitors". Still the same thing.
2007-02-24 08:12:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nothing.
2007-02-24 08:19:07 · answer #8 · answered by panthrchic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing.
2007-02-24 08:10:44 · answer #9 · answered by Terri R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One f*cks you in the *** and the wallet, the other f*cks you in the face and the wallet. It's up for you to decide.
2007-02-24 08:15:11 · answer #10 · answered by The Fallen Angel 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋