What Does "Esquire" Mean for Lawyers?

Have you ever received a letter or email from a lawyer and noticed the word "Esquire" (or "Esq.") after their name? If so, you might have wondered what it means—and why it’s there.

While it might sound like something from a medieval novel, "Esquire" actually has a real, professional significance in the legal world. In this blog, we’ll break down what "Esquire" really means, who can use it, and why legal titles matter.

So, What Does "Esquire" Actually Mean?

In simple terms, "Esquire" is a title used to identify someone who is licensed to practice law. It's a mark of professional respect and is typically written after a lawyer’s name—for example: "Jane Smith, Esq."

The word has historical roots going back to England, where it referred to a social rank just below a knight. Over time, especially in the U.S., it evolved into a professional title exclusively for attorneys.

Who Can Use the Title "Esquire"?

Not just anyone can slap "Esquire" after their name. The title is reserved for individuals who:

• Have earned a law degree (usually a J.D., or Juris Doctor)

• Have passed the bar exam in their state or jurisdiction

• Are licensed to practice law

So, even if someone went to law school, they can’t use "Esquire" unless they’ve also passed the bar and are legally allowed to represent clients.

For example, once John Doe passes the bar and begins practicing law, he can write his name as John Doe, Esq. It’s a professional way of showing he's authorized to offer legal advice and appear in court.

Is "Esquire" the Same as "Attorney"?

Kind of—but not exactly.

While "attorney" and "Esquire" both refer to someone who practices law, there's a subtle difference:

• Attorney is the actual role or profession—someone licensed to practice law.

• Esquire is more of a formal title or honorific used in writing.

So, yes, all attorneys can be called Esquire, but not everyone who might be familiar with the law (like legal scholars or graduates who didn’t pass the bar) gets to use the title.

Other Legal Titles You Might See

The legal profession is full of terms that can be confusing. Let’s quickly sort out a few common ones and how they compare to "Esquire":

• Lawyer: Anyone who has graduated from law school. Not all lawyers are licensed to practice.

• Attorney-at-Law: A more formal version of "attorney"—basically the same thing.

• Counsel: Usually refers to a lawyer giving legal advice, often in a corporate setting.

• Barrister/Solicitor: These terms are common in the UK. A barrister typically argues cases in court, while a solicitor handles legal paperwork and advising. In the U.S., we just use "attorney" or "lawyer" for both.

Do Lawyers Have to Use the Title "Esquire"?

Nope—it’s completely optional.

Some lawyers use it in formal letters, emails, or on their business cards, while others prefer not to. Whether or not a lawyer uses "Esquire" doesn't affect their ability to practice law. It's more about tradition and professionalism.

Also, in courtrooms, lawyers aren’t referred to as "Esquire." Judges and others usually just say "Mr." or "Ms." followed by the last name.

How to Use "Esquire" in Communication

When you're writing a formal letter or email to a lawyer, it’s respectful to use "Esquire" after their name. Here's an example:

But in casual conversation or less formal emails, you don’t need to use the title—"attorney" or "lawyer" is just fine.

Why Do Legal Titles Like "Esquire" Matter?

Using a legal title like "Esquire" does a few important things:

• It shows the person is legally qualified to represent clients and offer legal advice.

• It helps distinguish practicing attorneys from people who may know about the law but can’t represent clients.

• It adds a level of professionalism and credibility, especially in formal or business settings.

For clients, it can also offer peace of mind. Seeing "Esquire" after a lawyer's name is a quick way to know they’ve passed all the rigorous requirements to practice law.

Final Thoughts: What You Should Know

At the end of the day, "Esquire" is more than just a fancy title. It’s a signal that someone is qualified, licensed, and ready to advocate for clients in legal matters. While it’s not required for lawyers to use it, many choose to include it in formal communications to emphasize their professional status.

Whether you're hiring a lawyer, working with legal counsel, or just trying to understand legal language better, knowing what "Esquire" means can help you navigate the legal world more confidently.

Need legal advice or representation?
At Rite Law, our team of experienced attorneys is here to help. Contact us today to speak with a licensed legal professional—Esquire included.