You might think attorneys and lawyers are the same thing, but they aren’t. Though both have law degrees and are able to represent clients in court cases, they do approach legal matters from different angles. So how do you know which one to hire in times of need? How will you know which one will aid you better? Keep reading to find out.
Defining Attorney and Lawyer
To first understand the difference between the two, we must individually define them. Webster’s dictionary defines an attorneyas: One who is legally appointed to transact business on another’s behalf. This means that attorneys, or an attorney at law can represent a client in court, acting on the client’s behalf. This includes pleading or defending a case for them in legal proceedings.
Webster’s dictionary defines a lawyer as: One whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients or to advise as to legal rights and obligations in other matters. Lawyers are trained in the law field, providing legal advice and aid to their clients. They can also represent clients in various legal instances and conduct court proceedings.
These definitions show that the two are similar, but there are some very big and distinguishable differences between the two.
So What Are the Differences?
The differences between an attorney and a lawyer start with their education. There is a saying that all attorneys are lawyers, but not all lawyers and attorneys. There is a reason that saying exists, and we are about to explain why.
Attorneys are recognized as lawyers. They graduate from law school and can choose to make practicing law as their profession. But before they can practice law as a profession, potential attorneys must pass the bar exam. Once they pass the bar exam, they are able to practice law
within a specific jurisdiction.
Attorneys perform all the basic functions of a lawyer, but also perform more. Attorneys can be a legal representative for their clients. They interpret the law and apply his/her knowledge of the law for the benefit of their client. Attorneys act as lawyers, but not all lawyers can act as attorneys.
A person who is educated in the law in the lawyer. This person will always be addressed as a lawyer even if this person doesn’t give legal advice to clients. In the U.S. a lawyer is simply anyone who has graduated from law school. But they are unable to represent a client in court until they pass the bar exam for their specific legal area.
Though these words are used interchangeably by people in movies, television, and other outlets, it is important to know and understand the differences. The improper use of these words can lead to conflict down the road for anyone seeking legal advice or legal services such as counseling.
So if you are in need of legal advice from one of the areas best attorneys, call Marcelo Saenz at (305) 441-5955 today.
