What Is the Meaning of “Esquire”?

Whether you’ve been involved in a construction accident or are looking for legal help in the aftermath of a car crash, finding the right attorney is not easy. To make matters even more complicated, you’ll likely come across at least a few lawyers who include the word “Esquire” after their name.

But what does “Esquire” even mean, and does this title impact a legal professional’s ability to handle your case? Here’s everything you need to know.

What Does “Esquire” Mean?

In modern usage, “Esquire” is a professional title that may be used to identify someone as a licensed attorney. The word is often abbreviated as “Esq.,” and you might see it placed after a lawyer’s name. The designation is a way to identify individuals who are qualified to practice law and have been admitted to the bar in their jurisdiction.

However, using this title is not required, even in formal correspondence. Many lawyers don’t use it at all. Some will opt for something more straightforward, like “Attorney at Law.”

What Are the Origins of “Esquire?”

The word “esquire” dates back to 1475. In the original context, it usually referred to a man who served a knight. Esquires typically served as shield bearers for their assigned knights. A knight’s armor and shield were quite heavy, so they would rely on esquires to help carry their equipment until they needed it for battle.

Later, “Esquire” evolved into a title of respect that designated a social status somewhere between a gentleman and a knight. Eventually, it was applied to English barristers, but that tradition fell by the wayside decades ago.

Today, English society uses two different names for lawyers: barrister and solicitor. A solicitor is an attorney who primarily engages in office work, and a barrister engages in trial work, but there is some overlap between the two career paths.

Can Nonlawyers Use “Esquire”?

It’s generally not illegal for nonlawyers to refer to themselves as “Esquire” as long as they do not falsely represent themselves as an attorney.

However, most nonlawyers avoid the title altogether to avoid any misconceptions about whether they are licensed lawyers or not. Still, you should never assume that someone can practice law just because you see “Esquire” after their name.

Does the Title “Esquire” Impact What Types of Cases an Attorney Litigates?

No, the use of “Esquire” or lack thereof does not impact the type of cases that an attorney can handle.

Most attorneys will focus on a few key practice areas. For instance, personal injury attorneys typically assist with car accident claims, slip and fall injuries, premise liability cases, and medical malpractice claims. Likewise, a defense attorney will primarily handle criminal cases like DUIs and domestic violence charges.

Practicing attorneys in any field might choose to use the title of “Esquire,” but there is no relation between the title and the area of law they practice.

A Licensed Attorney Can Help With Your Case

What matters most is whether the attorney is licensed to practice in your state and whether they have experience dealing with cases like yours. For example, if you suffered a slip and fall injury on someone else’s property because they were negligent in maintaining it, you would want to hire a personal injury attorney who frequently handles slip and fall cases.

You should also review testimonials from past clients and information about the results the attorney has achieved. Look behind the title and focus on a person’s achievements and reputation when evaluating their skills as an attorney.

Contact Personal Injury Law Firm of The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa in McAllen, TX

For more information, contact the McAllen, TX Personal Injury law firm of The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa to schedule a free initial consultation.

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