I have a friend who took offense that I didn't consider him a lawyer because he had not taken the bar exam; and every definition concerning American lawyers online state "licensed to practice law." or some variation to that effect. He stormed off in a huff because I "disrespected his 120,000$ degree, even though I pointed out to him I could not find any fact to back up his opinion.
2007-03-05 11:42:25 · 8 answers · asked by DCResident 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
DeadCatBounce, I don't think I complained, I think I was asking a question in order to locate an answer so if perhaps I was wrong I could apologize to him.
And so that you are aware a fight was not searched out for, this individual was the one who sought one, he was debating an issue on another subject and used the argument when no one agreed with his point, "I'm a lawyer so my answer is right and thats all there is to it."
2007-03-05 11:54:16 · update #1
All right, here is the technically "proper" answer. I am a lawyer and have been for a while. Since the bar examiners in every State and the State Bar are always concerned with "Unlicensed Practice of Law" they are quite strict as to who can hold themselves out as lawyers or attorneys. Thus, if you are not truly licensed, you are not to call yourself an attorney (at law) or lawyer. So, you are correct because your friend is really not a lawyer (yet).
This doesn't sound like your friend's situation but...if he happens to be licensed in another State he can call himself an attorney/lawyer but cannot knowingly allow another to think he is a licensed attorney in any State that he is not so licensed and cannot give advice pertaining to laws or application of those laws if, again, not licensed in that particular State; that would be Unlicensed Practice of Law.
But, to keep your friendship intact, you can humor him and call him a lawyer. :) By the way, don't consider this legal advice since I don't know if you happen to be in the same State as I. However, this should be the uniform answer for all the country. (So you are still correct!)
Further, you not only have to pass the bar exam but also pass the State's screening process and be approved. Not until you go through all that and are formally sworn in as a lawyer are you a lawyer.
Also, you can call the State Bar of the State you are in to obtain further response. Good luck with your friend!
2007-03-07 10:27:09 · answer #1 · answered by VegasistheBest 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He has a degree in law and you can call him Doctor as he is one by that degree! He can also be a lawyer (or Attorney) until the Bars! If he fails them he isn't one as he cannot practice! That's my take! I know a few people who have their JD's, but they don't call themselves attorneys! They work in other fields!
2007-03-05 11:48:24 · answer #2 · answered by cantcu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a buddy of mine went through an same project in reality it became a white collar crime, i.e. unauthorized use of a organization account to purchase a pc for they paid for before the "action" became stumbled on. They filed classification C legal forgery prices on the guy to boot as classification D robbery prices, i.e., because the act became unauthorized and the guy took the modem, it became seen robbery. the guy did 2 yrs in penitentiary and six yrs on probation a first TIME criminal. This man or woman has effectively had the record sealed for "employment purposes" and is now practise contained in the field of Corrections. Many states will assist you practice regulation with a criminal misdemeanor yet relies upon on even as, circumstances, etc. what is going to be on your want is that the courtroom determined on your want. reliable luck!
2016-12-05 07:14:29 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of people who finish law school do not practice law. They are still called lawyers.
A friend of mine is a criminal law professor at the University of Illinois. She went to law school but chose to use her law knowledge to teach.
2007-03-05 11:52:06 · answer #4 · answered by dragonsong 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if they have a law degree, they can be called a lawyer.
However, they CANNOT be called an attorney until they pass the bar.
2007-03-05 11:45:53 · answer #5 · answered by Skyhawk 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
not a lawyer until you pass the bar!
2007-03-05 11:52:16 · answer #6 · answered by katie d 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what you're complaining about. You went looking for a fight and you found one.
2007-03-05 11:45:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
nope.
If I went to med school and didnt complete residency am I a doctor?
2007-03-05 11:53:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋