What Does “Esquire” Mean for Lawyers?

Aug 26, 2025 - 14:32

If you’ve ever seen the abbreviation “Esq.” or the word “Esquire” after a lawyer’s name, you may have wondered what it really means. Is it just a traditional formality, or does it reflect something important in the legal profession?

In this post, we’ll explain the meaning of “Esquire,” how a person earns this title, and how it compares to other legal designations.

What Is 'Esquire'?

“Esquire” is a formal title used to identify licensed attorneys. It’s most commonly written after a lawyer’s name, such as:

? Alex Martinez, Esq.

This indicates that Alex Martinez is legally authorized to practice law.

Historically, "Esquire" was used in England to signify someone of higher social rank. Today, in the U.S., it’s used to show that a person is a licensed lawyer.

How Do Lawyers Get the Title “Esquire”?

Not everyone who studies law is automatically allowed to use this title. Here’s what’s required:

? Law School Completion
The individual must earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
? Passing the Bar Exam
They must pass a state’s bar exam, which tests their knowledge of legal principles and ethics.
✅ Licensure
After passing the bar and meeting other state requirements, they are granted a law license—and can now use the “Esquire” title.

Is “Esquire” the Same as Being an Attorney?

The two are closely related but not exactly the same.

An attorney is a licensed professional who can offer legal advice and represent clients.
Esquire is a courtesy title that shows a person is an attorney.

Not all law school graduates are attorneys—only those who pass the bar and are licensed can be called “Esquire.”

Is “Esquire” Used in Other Countries?

While "Esquire" is commonly used in the U.S., other countries use different legal titles:

?? United Kingdom: Barristers and Solicitors
?? Canada: Barristers and Solicitors
?? France: Avocats
?? Germany: Rechtsanwälte

Each title reflects the person’s role and qualifications within that country’s legal system.

Other Legal Titles to Know

There are a few other terms you may encounter when dealing with legal professionals:

Attorney-at-Law: A formal term for a practicing lawyer.
Counsel or Counselor: Commonly used in court to address an attorney.
Barrister: Specializes in representing clients in court (UK and other common law countries).
Solicitor: Handles legal paperwork and client matters, usually outside court (UK).
Paralegal: A trained legal assistant who supports lawyers but isn’t licensed to practice.
Judge: A legal official who presides over court proceedings.

Why Legal Titles Matter

Knowing legal titles helps you understand who is qualified to give legal advice and represent clients. For example, if you receive a letter from “David Chan, Esq.”, you know you're dealing with a licensed attorney.

This knowledge is especially important in legal matters like Social Security Disability or Workers’ Compensation cases, where attorneys often work with vocational experts to evaluate a person’s ability to return to work.

How to Address a Lawyer

In everyday conversation, it’s polite to use Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. In formal writing or emails, you can address them as:

Jane Robinson, Esq.

Most attorneys don’t refer to themselves as “Esquire” out loud—this title is primarily used in writing.

In Summary

“Esquire” is a professional title that indicates a person is a licensed attorney. It shows they’ve completed law school, passed the bar exam, and are approved to practice law.

Understanding legal titles like this helps you navigate legal situations more confidently and ensures you’re speaking to the right professionals.