Esquire Meaning

Are you wondering about the “Esquire” meaning in a legal context? Our team of Chicago car accident lawyers has a clear definition for you.

In the United States, Esquire is a title of respect applied to any person admitted to the bar and holding a law degree. It is often used in law firms to address practicing lawyers, as part of their title in legal documents. It does not indicate any specific legal duties, rights, or privileges. In the past, only men attended law school and were called Esquires. Today, both men and women attorneys can use this title.

The Meaning of Esquire Explained By Andrew Kryder, Esq.

How to Properly Address Someone with an Esquire Title

When addressing someone with an Esq. or Esquire title, it is important to use the appropriate form of address. It is appropriate to use the traditional title of “Esquire” or “Mr./Ms. (Last Name) Esq.” For example:

John Doe, Esq.

or

Ms. Jane Brown, Esq.

At The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, all of the attorneys at our personal injury law firm can be properly addressed as Esquire. We take pride in providing quality legal advice to those injured in accidents and helping them seek justice.

Written or Spoken?

The title “Esquire” can be used in both written and spoken formal addresses, but it is mainly used in formal written correspondences about legal matters and documents.

Legal terms and processes can be confusing, but our experienced attorneys are here to help. We guide injury victims through every step of the process and explain everything in clear, simple terms.

Call Yourself Esquire? That’s a Solecism

It’s a bit of a faux pas for an attorney to call themselves “Esquire,” even in writing.

(What’s a solecism? Good question—we wondered too!) A solecism is a mistake in language, etiquette, or protocol. And let’s be honest, no one—especially lawyers—wants to make that kind of slip. Instead of calling yourself “Esquire,” it’s more appropriate for another licensed legal professional to use that title for you.

What About Law Students?

Law students are not referred to as Esquire, because they are still attending law school. Instead, just like other non-legal professionals, they can be referred to by first or last name—depending on the circumstances.

Using Mr./Ms. (Last Name) is usually the best approach in formal correspondences or documents. Once they complete their legal education at an accredited law school, earn their JD (Juris Doctor or Doctor of Law), and pass the state Bar Exam, they can practice law and use the title “Esquire.”

What Happens When a Lawyer Retires? Are They Still an Esquire?

Yes, even a lawyer who has retired from practicing law is still referred to as Esquire. It is an honorary professional title that remains with them for life. Though they may no longer be a practicing lawyer, their years of experience and dedication to the legal field can still be respected and acknowledged with the Esq. abbreviation.

What Does It Mean to Have JD After Your Name?

As mentioned before, this is another one of the common lawyer abbreviations. JD stands for Juris Doctor, which means Doctor of Law, and is a graduate-level professional degree in most law schools. This law school degree allows them to practice law after passing the state’s Bar Exam and be referred to as Esquire.

You may sometimes also see a lawyer with JSD (Juridicae Scientiae Doctor) after their name. This is an advanced legal degree, equivalent to a PhD. It is a research degree often associated with some of the most prestigious law schools and may indicate that you’re talking to a legal professor.

Want to Put Esq. After Your Name? Follow These Steps

If you’re considering attending law school, there are key steps that law schools require to pursue the Esquire title. You’ll need to attend law school, pass the state Bar Exam, and be recognized by the Supreme Court of Illinois.

Attending Law School

Law school is typically a three-year program, although some schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed in two years. During this time, students will take courses covering a wide range of legal topics, such as constitutional law, contract law, and criminal law. They will also have the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships or clinics.

Passing the State Bar Exam

After completing law school, aspiring lawyers must pass the state Bar Exam in order to practice law in their state. The Bar Exam is a comprehensive test that covers various areas of law and typically takes multiple days to complete. Passing the Bar Exam is crucial for becoming a licensed attorney.

Once that’s done, you’ll be able to use the title of Esquire (Esq.) after your name, indicating that you are a licensed lawyer.

The Benefits of Having an Esquire on Your Side

At The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, we know the value of having experienced legal professionals who are committed to helping injury victims. Our team of skilled attorneys is dedicated to providing personalized and effective legal representation for each client we serve.

We’re Ready to Help

With one of our personal injury lawyers by your side, you can trust that even the most complicated legal issues are handled with care. If you’ve been injured in an accident, dealing with medical bills, insurance claims, and uncertainty can feel overwhelming. Reach out to us for help. We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and guide you through the legal process. Our goal is to get you the support and compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery.