What is the Difference Between an Attorney and a Lawyer?

The terms lawyer and attorney are often used interchangeably. Anyone who graduates from law school becomes a lawyer. However, they do not automatically assume an attorney’s title under U.S. laws.

In a nutshell, all attorneys are lawyers; however, not all lawyers are attorneys. 

A lawyer is an individual who is qualified to provide legal advice and represent individuals in legal matters. On the other hand, an attorney is a lawyer admitted to practice law in a particular jurisdiction.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to someone’s fault, consider speaking to a trusted personal injury attorney at The Barnes Firm about your legal options.

The Difference Between an Attorney and a Lawyer

Lawyers Have Graduated From an Accredited Law School

All lawyers graduate from an accredited law school. These schools must receive accreditation from the American Bar Association. 

Accreditation differentiates between legitimate and illegitimate law schools. It also ensures lawyers receive similar education. 

After a lawyer graduates from law school, they attain a Juris Doctor degree and earn the right to use ‘J.D.’ at the end of their signature.

An Attorney Has Passed the Bar Exam and Licensed to Practice Law

After a lawyer graduates from law school, they must take a few steps before becoming an attorney. In some states, a lawyer should pass the bar and professional liability exams and apply for a license to offer legal advice or appear in court.

Roles and Responsibilities

While lawyers and attorneys are formally trained in law, how someone uses their knowledge and training creates a notable difference between them. For instance, you don’t have to practice law to be considered a lawyer.

Many lawyers take on various roles, such as consultants or advisors. Most choose to practice in multiple fields like estate law, tax law, or immigration law, where they can give legal advice to clients.

On the contrary, an attorney actively practices law in the court. After a lawyer passes the bar exam gives them the right to practice law in a specific jurisdiction. Like lawyers, attorneys must abide by a code of ethics and can practice in civil and criminal courts.

Legal Help From Personal Injury Attorneys

A personal injury attorney is trained and licensed to practice in various cases, touching on harm inflicted on a person’s body. For instance, they can offer extensive legal advice on handling a personal injury claim so you can receive fair compensation for your losses.

Here are a few types of claims that personal injury attorneys handle:

• Dog bites
• Car accidents
• Wrongful deaths
• Construction accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Premises liability claims

Get Legal Aid From an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve sustained an injury due to the fault of someone else. Working with the right legal team is critical to a seamless claim process and a fair outcome.

Consider engaging The Barnes Firm, who’ve won over 150,000 accident cases and obtained over $2.5 billion in settlement amounts.

Contact us online or at (800) 800-0000 for a free case evaluation.

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

“As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years