Esquire Definition

Wondering what does esquire mean in a legal context? Our team of Chicago car accident lawyers has a clear definition for you.

Esq. Definition

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. However, it does not denote any specific legal duties, rights, or privileges. In the not so distant past, only men went to law school and were addressed as Esquires; however, today both men and women may be addressed as such.

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 such. 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 correspondence about legal matters and documents.

At The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, we know how confusing legal terms and processes can be. That’s why our experienced attorneys are here to guide injury victims through every step of the legal process and explain legal matters in 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, you ask? We wondered too!) A solecism is a slip-up in language, etiquette, or protocol. And let’s face it, no one—especially lawyers—wants to sound silly. Instead of self-proclaiming, it’s more fitting for another licensed legal professional to dub an attorney “Esquire.”

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.

Calling them Mr./Ms. (Last Name) in a more formal correspondence or document is usually the best practice. It’s not until they have their JD, Juris Doctor or Doctor of Law, finished their legal education in an accredited law school and have passed the state’s Bar Exam that they can practice law and be referred to with an esquire title.

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

Yes, even after a lawyer has retired from practicing law they are 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, and 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 the law degree equivalent of 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.

Once that’s done, you’ll be able to use the title of Esquire.

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 an attorney on your side, you can trust your complicated legal issues are in good hands. If you’ve been injured in an accident and need help, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to answer your questions and guide you through the legal process.