Most people think that the legal profession comprises lawyers and attorneys. However, there are many different roles that you can have with a law degree, and there are significant differences between the requirements for both the JD and the Juris Doctor. This is why aspiring lawyers need to understand these differences.
Requirement and Definition Differences
One of the most significant differences between the terms “lawyer” and “attorney” is that the former refers to individuals who have graduated from law school. In contrast, the latter refers to individuals who are already practicing law. While all attorneys are lawyers, not every single lawyer is an attorney.
To be able to practice law and become an attorney, lawyers must first pass the bar exam and then be a member of the state bar association. This exam covers various legal topics, such as criminal procedure, wills, contracts, and constitutional law. It is a legal requirement for anyone who has graduated from a law school to practice law in their local jurisdiction.
Lawyers
The word “lawyer” has Middle English origins and refers to a person who has either completed law school or gotten a JD degree. Those who don’t have to pass the bar exam to become a lawyer can find plenty of job opportunities without a law degree.
You have to pass the bar exam to be able to provide legal advice and is considered illegal for unlicensed practitioners, and this can result in legal action and criminal charges. Without this, graduates of law schools are not allowed to provide legal advice.
While working in a law firm is not allowed without a license, most graduates can also take advantage of the opportunities available by participating in an externship or working under a licensed attorney. The preparation for the bar exam is very demanding, usually taking around two or three days.
Attorneys
The word “attorney” has French origins, originally meant to act on another person’s behalf. However, the meaning of the word has changed little. An attorney is a person who has passed the state’s bar exam and can legally practice law. They can also provide legal advice and take part in various legal proceedings. These types of lawyers are commonly referred to as attorneys-at-law.
As members of a bar association, attorneys are required to follow specific ethical and professional standards. These standards ensure that they can perform their duties in court. The word “bar” is also derived from Middle English, and it refers to the physical bar in a courtroom.
An attorney-at-law can be described as a court practitioner licensed to practice law in the state. Where they can prosecute individuals who break the law.
Despite the similarities between the terms “attorney” and “lawyer,” they are not synonyms in the US. After going through the various definitions of both titles, we can see that they have very different roles and responsibilities.