What Does Esquire Mean?
You may have seen a lawyer described as “Esquire” or noticed the abbreviation “Esq.” after an attorney’s name on a business card or law firm website. But what does “Esquire” actually mean? While commonly associated with lawyers in the United States, the term has a much older history and does not exclusively refer to attorneys.
Origins of the Title “Esquire”
The word “esquire” first appeared in printed form around 1475 in England. Originally, this term was used to describe a shield bearer or other man serving a knight. Originally, the rank of esquire was used for men immediately below the knights of England. With time, the word became connected to men of high social rank.
By the 17th century, the term esquire was used for any gentleman of a higher social order. While many lawyers became known as esquires, not all esquires were lawyers.
Is there a Difference Between an Esquire and a Lawyer?
Although the terms “esquire,” “lawyer,” and “attorney” are sometimes used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings:
- Esquire (“Esq.”): In the U.S., this title is informally used to indicate that someone is a licensed attorney. However, it is not a regulated term, and there is no official requirement for lawyers to use it.
- Lawyer: A general term for someone who has completed law school and obtained a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent law degree. A law degree alone does not grant the right to practice law, so make sure your lawyer is licensed.
- Attorney (or Attorney at Law): A lawyer who has passed the bar exam and is licensed to practice law in at least one jurisdiction.
Essentially, all attorneys are lawyers, but not all lawyers are attorneys. And while most attorneys can be called “Esquire,” not all choose to use the designation.
Using the Term Esquire in South Carolina
In South Carolina, attorneys may use “Esq.” in professional correspondence, such as letters, emails, and legal documents, to indicate their status as licensed practitioners. However, it is not legally required, and many attorneys prefer to simply use their name followed by “Attorney at Law.”
A non-lawyer should not misrepresent themselves as an attorney by using the title.
What Does an Esquire Do?
Esquires who are licensed to practice law will handle a wide range of tasks in their profession. Some lawyers work in government or business settings, where they don’t often enter the courtroom. Some attorneys might never stand before a judge at all. Most attorneys will have courtroom experience, however. Personal injury lawyers, such as those who represent car accident victims in South Carolina, will likely have significant experience practicing in a courtroom setting in front of judges and juries.
When representing clients, an attorney or “esquire” will communicate with clients, draft and file legal documents, argue disputed issues before a judge, and take their case to a jury trial whenever needed. Esquires will often have support staff such as paralegals and clerks helping them along the way.
When Should I Hire an Attorney or Esquire?
If you need any type of assistance with a legal matter, you should talk to an attorney with experience in that area. For example, a tax lawyer can help with tax questions, and a family law attorney can help with child custody questions. If you have been injured in an accident in South Carolina, you should meet for a free consultation with a personal injury attorney. Your personal injury attorney, or esquire, will help build your legal strategy, prove your claim, and negotiate a fair settlement with insurance companies and defendants.
A Rock Hill Personal Injury Attorney Can Help With Your Case
After a serious accident, you could face unexpected medical bills and other costs. A proven Rock Hill personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process. Whether you refer to your lawyer as an attorney, lawyer, or esquire, their goal remains the same: to secure the financial compensation you deserve after an accident.
Contact The Rock Hill Personal Injury Lawyers At Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys For Help Today
For more information, please contact our personal injury lawyers in South Carolina and North Carolina at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve York County, Lancaster County, and its surrounding areas in South Carolina:
Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Rock Hill
212 E Black St, Rock Hill, SC 29730
(803) 324-7574
Open 24hrs
Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Lancaster
204 A S Main St, Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 902-7065
Open 24hrs
Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Fort Mill
1201 Carolina Pl Suite 102D, Fort Mill, SC 29708
(803) 902-4045
Open 24hrs
Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Lake Wylie
264 Latitude Ln #102A, Lake Wylie, SC 29710
(803) 902-3608
Open 24hrs
We also proudly serve Mecklenburg County and its surrounding areas in North Carolina:
Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Charlotte
1100 S Mint St #109, Charlotte, NC 28203
(980) 340-8620
Open 24hrs
