While these terms are often used interchangeably, the technical difference between a lawyer and an attorney comes down to the ability to practice law. Both lawyers and attorneys complete a legal education and get a law degree. However, only attorneys have passed the bar exam and secured a license to practice law.
Therefore, all attorneys are also lawyers. However, not all lawyers are attorneys. You can learn more about this distinction and why it matters from a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer.
What’s the Difference Between an Attorney and a Lawyer?
The difference between an attorney and a lawyer concerns their ability to practice law. Anyone who graduates from law school after completing their legal education qualifies as a lawyer.
However, individuals only earn the title of attorney after they pass the bar exam and get a license to practice law. So, every attorney is also a lawyer. However, only some lawyers are also attorneys.
You should understand this distinction when you’re looking for a legal professional to help with your claim after an accident. You need to select an attorney who has the training, knowledge, and correct licensing to address your legal needs.
Do Lawyers and Attorneys Have Different Schooling?
Attorneys and lawyers go through the same educational programs and graduate with the same degree. The differences between lawyers and attorneys arise after graduation, when some lawyers choose to take the bar exam to obtain a license to practice law.
The Differences Between What Lawyers and Attorneys Can Do
The difference between lawyers and attorneys primarily comes down to what they can legally do to help clients. These individuals may have different job responsibilities.
A Lawyer’s Job Responsibilities
Generally, lawyers can help clients who need assistance when it comes to:
- Carrying out legal research
- Offering generalized legal advice
- Drafting contracts
Lawyers cannot typically support clients who go through the litigation process. They usually do not go to court. Depending on what a client needs, a lawyer may have all the skills and licensing necessary to handle legal issues.
Lawyers often focus on academia, policy development, and compliance, areas where they do not need attorney credentials.
An Attorney’s Job Responsibilities
Attorneys can help with a wider range of legal proceedings, depending on the specific licenses they secured. Generally, attorneys can:
- Prepare and file lawsuits
- Assist clients at trial
- Handle insurance settlement negotiations
- Advocate for clients in the courtroom
Lawyers who pursue attorney credentials often focus on courtroom litigation and other forms of dispute resolution. You can learn more about the different responsibilities of lawyers and attorneys by reaching out to a law firm you can trust.
How People Use the Terms Lawyer and Attorney
Most people use the terms “attorney“ and “lawyer“ interchangeably. Generally speaking, the public does not make a big distinction between what lawyers and attorneys do, and many law firms will also switch back and forth between these terms, especially because all attorneys are also lawyers.
If you feel unsure about the services provided by a legal professional you’re speaking with after an accident, you can ask them about their ability to handle your legal needs. Most law firms offer risk-free initial consultations where you can seek this kind of information.
You can also gather detailed information about:
- The law firm’s level of experience handling cases like yours
- The strategies the firm might use to address your legal issues
- The costs of hiring an attorney or lawyer to handle your claim
Take the time to get the information you need to feel confident about working with a legal team before you sign any paperwork.
States May Use Lawyer and Attorney in Different Ways
You should know that some states will use the terms lawyer and attorney to mean different things. These regional differences can add to the general confusion about the difference between attorneys and lawyers.
You should always reach out to a local legal professional if you have questions about the specific way these terms are used in your area.
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Talk to Us When You Need Help From a Personal Injury Attorney
So, what is the difference between a lawyer and an attorney? Lawyers and attorneys both graduate from law school and have law degrees. However, only attorneys pass the bar and get the appropriate licensing to handle litigation in court.
Therefore, this difference comes down to the types of legal services lawyers and attorneys can provide. However, many people use these terms interchangeably, and it’s always advisable to check with a law firm to see exactly what kinds of services they can provide in the aftermath of an accident.
You can turn to our team at Blakeley Law Firm when you need help after an accident. Our licensed attorneys have the training, resources, and experience to help with personal injury claims. We’ve brought our clients over $250 million in compensation, and we’re ready to assist with your case right now.
