The title “Esq.” or “Esquire” can be added after an attorney’s name to recognize their accomplishments and professional status. It is often seen as an indication that the lawyer has been admitted to the Bar of at least one state, meaning that they have completed the necessary educational requirements and a set of examinations to practice the legal profession.
Additionally, Esquire implies a higher level of legal competence than those without this term since it generally means a longer period of experience and dedication to their profession.
The Meaning of Esquire in Verbal Communication
The term ‘Esquire’ is often used in formal written correspondence. However, it is not generally used in a verbal conversation.
The formal title Esquire, or Esq., is most commonly used to indicate that the communication is from an attorney. It can be used as a formal address in written communication or as a sign-off replacing the other title associated with the person’s name.
When using Esquire, it should be accompanied by the traditional word (Mr., Ms., or Mrs.) in the greeting of the message.
Lawyers generally do not refer to themselves as Esquire when discussing legal topics or negotiations. Instead, it’s a courtesy title used to address in correspondence to a practicing lawyer or attorney who is now an Esquire.
What Does the Title Esquire Mean? Is it a Noble Rank?
Make sure the person who you address as ‘Esquire’ is, in fact, a licensed attorney. Your classmates at law school aren’t Esquires yet.
Esq. is given to someone who has successfully gone through the Bar and is legally allowed to practice in a specific state, whether in a law firm or public office.
It is important to note that those who were unsuccessful at the Bar should not use Esq. after their name as they are not authorized to practice the law in any state.
Lawyers typically specialize in one area, such as family, criminal, or personal injury law. An attorney may have limited knowledge of other areas outside their specialty and cannot provide practical legal advice for all cases.
Therefore, it is important to seek advice from an expert law firm in the relevant field when making important legal decisions.
Assuming the Formal Title ‘Esquire’
The term Esquire has a long and distinguished history. It originated in the Latin word for “shield” and refers to young men who helped a knight with their armor or low-ranking people with lesser noble titles.
The title of ‘squire’ does not indicate any noble rank. It is considered improper to call oneself an ‘Esquire’ or print it on business cards.
The designation is gender-neutral and can be used for male and female individuals (Mr., Ms., or Mrs.). Additionally, several other credentials can be included after an attorney’s name, for example, LL.M., J.S.D., or combined credentials like J.D./MBA.
The Definition of Esquire During the Middle Ages
The term “Esquire,” in Middle French escuier squire, originated in the Middle Ages from the Latin word “scutum,” meaning a shield. It signified a man’s status below a knight but above a gentleman. Over the centuries, this definition became common in legal professions such as sheriffs, justices of the peace, and counselors.
In America, Esquire is a professional title for lawyers to indicate that they are qualified to practice law. The Constitution prohibits using noble titles in America, so Esquire is used instead as an alternative professional term equivalent for lawyers.
When Lawyers Can Use Esq.
The title Esquire is a courtesy title used to address correspondence to an attorney. It is commonly used to sign legal documents, proceedings, and social correspondence.
To become an attorney, one must graduate from law school, pass the state licensing exam, and the Bar. Once a person passes their state’s Bar examination, they are considered entitled to the designation and can take up a position as an attorney in a law firm or public office.
Opposing counsel in a case should use Esq. when referring to each other, while those who graduate from college but do not pass the Bar should never use Esq. after their name.
In social correspondence, this courtesy title is meant to show respect for those who have gone through the rigorous process of becoming an attorney and passing the Bar.
Using Esq, or Esquire, in Written Communication
The use of Esquire (Esq.) in written conversation is a formal way to address someone who is a lawyer. It is most commonly used in legal documents and correspondence, indicating that the document’s content comes from an attorney.
For example, when using Esquire, it is essential to include the traditional title—Mr., Ms. or Mrs.—in the greeting of your message. It will help establish a professional tone and take your communication seriously.
Esquire should not be used when referring to oneself, as it can be unprofessional or boastful. Instead, introducing a lawyer by name (with the traditional Mr., Ms., or Mrs.) and indicating their profession will usually suffice when discussing legal topics or negotiations.
While Esquire may be more often used in formal written correspondence than verbal communication, it can still be employed in both contexts if done correctly. Ultimately, using Esquire correctly shows respect for the person you are addressing and establishes trust between you and them.
Many law offices have policies that will govern the use of Esquire on the letterhead or an email signature line, which may need to fit specific criteria related to the firm’s image. For example, a letter from a firm of lawyers would be addressed to “C. J. Brown, Esq.” but the salutation would be “Dear Mr. Brown.”
The Top 12 Prestigious Law Schools in the United States and the Degrees They Offer
A law degree from a prestigious law school is an invaluable asset that can open up countless opportunities for that person’s future.
In addition to this practical experience, it provides students with enhanced employability in the eyes of potential employers, such as a reputable law firm or a public office.
Furthermore, alum networks ensure connections are maintained even after graduation, allowing for greater career success. The top law schools in the US include:
- Harvard offers a Juris Doctorate Degree, specializing in intellectual property, international law, and access to justice.
- Yale offers a Juris Doctorate Degree and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in international and comparative law.
Stanford offers a Juris Doctorate and extensive clinical programs. - Columbia offers a Juris Doctorate Degree and dual-degree programs in business, government, engineering, social work, and much more.
- New York University offers a Juris Doctorate Degree and LL.M. in Taxation.
- The University of Pennsylvania offers the J.D. degree program and the Master of Laws Program (LL.M.).
- Northwestern University Pritzker offers various J.D. dual degrees, including Business & Entrepreneurship and Public Interest & Social Justice specializations.
- Duke University provides hands-on learning experiences through clinics and externship opportunities while offering competitive financial aid packages.
- The University of Virginia focuses on developing academic skills and professional disciplines like writing, research methods, problem-solving abilities, and client interviewing techniques essential for success when practicing law in a private law firm.
Taking Steps to Attend Law School
Step One: Passing the LSAT
The LSAT is a critical step for those wishing to attend law school. The half-day exam tests analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, and writing skills. Scores range from 120 to 180, with top candidates aiming for 165 or above.
Students strive to get high LSAT scores each year to secure a law school position.
Once accepted into law school, graduates must pass the Bar to become licensed professionals in a specific state.
Passing the Bar is a significant accomplishment for an attorney and cause for celebration as they can add the title Esquire to their communications and address (in addition to (Mr., Ms., or Mrs.), signifying their right to practice law.
Some state Bar exams are more difficult than others and have lower pass rates, making passing the Bar even more of an accomplishment.
Step Two: Graduating Law School
Law school is an intense three-year program that requires a bachelor’s in any field. Courses cover various topics, such as:
- Administrative law
- Civil litigation
- Family law
- Taxation
- Wills and trusts
Students may specialize in a specific area of the law to deepen their understanding and provide better service to clients in their law firm after graduation. To be accepted into law school, students must have a solid understanding of the concepts needed to pass the LSAT and demonstrate a good GPA.
It allows them to become lawyers who are licensed to practice law after passing a Bar and can use the Esquire title after their name.
Step Three: Passing the Bar to Practice Law
The Bar exam is a crucial milestone for law school graduates, as it determines whether they can practice law in their state. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and an essay component, allowing candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of the law.
Upon passing the Bar, attorneys can add the title Esquire to their communications (along with (Mr., Ms., or Mrs.), which means, by definition, that they have the right to practice law. Passing the Bar is a significant accomplishment for attorneys and a cause for celebration.
In addition to the Bar exam, graduates must also take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test). This half-day exam tests analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, and writing skills.
Other Lawyer Abbreviations that Do Not Carry the Same Professional Meaning as the Abbreviated Esq.
Legal professionals use a variety of abbreviations to indicate their qualifications and credentials. The most common abbreviation is J.D., which stands for Juris Doctor and demonstrates that an attorney has graduated from law school and is qualified to practice law in the United States.
LL.M. stands for Master of Law and indicates that the attorney has advanced legal study in a specific area, while J.S.D. stands for Doctor of Science of Law and demonstrates that the attorney has earned a Ph.D.-level in law.
Many law schools offer programs that allow attorneys to earn a J.D. and another degree, such as an M.D., M.B.A., or other combination credentials, which can be included after their name for formal correspondence.
Can Lawyers Use the Term Esquire After Retirement?
Many attorneys keep honorific Esq. as part of their titles even after retirement. There is no official rule governing the use of Esquire after retirement; however, retired professionals should not use Esquire to drum up business in another state or represent themselves as currently practicing professionals.
Additionally, lawyers consider it improper to call themselves an ‘Esquire’ or print it on business cards.
The Difference Between a Lawyer and an Attorney
A lawyer is a person who has graduated from law school and earned a J.D., or Juris Doctorate. It is the most common type of legal education in the United States, providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to practice law.
On the other hand, an attorney is licensed to practice law in their respective states and can represent clients in court proceedings.
In addition to passing the Bar exam, some individuals may pursue additional legal education by earning an LL.M. or Master of Laws, which provides advanced legal study and certification in a specific area of law.
Those who wish to pursue even further legal studies may earn a J.S.D. or Doctor of Science of Law (J.S.D or S.J.D.), equivalent to a Ph.D. in law.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, the term ‘Esquire’ is a title of respect that has been used for centuries to refer to lawyers. It is derived from Latin and historically referred to young men who helped knights with their armor or low-ranking nobles.
In the 18th century, it became common to use the title for anyone who might be important, regardless of birth, education, or professional achievement. The title was adopted by American professionals and is conventionally limited to those who have passed their state’s bar exam.
Many attorneys keep honorific Esq. as part of their titles even after retirement. However, it is not required and should not be used to drum up business in another state or represent themselves as practicing lawyers.
The difference between a lawyer and an attorney is that the latter has passed a state Bar exam, can use the abbreviation Esq. after their name, is licensed to practice law in their respective states, and can represent clients in court proceedings.
