Ask Difference

Attorney vs. Lawyer — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 12, 2023
An "Attorney" is someone legally appointed to represent another, often a "Lawyer". A "Lawyer" is a person trained in law, not necessarily representing someone.
Attorney vs. Lawyer — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Attorney and Lawyer

ADVERTISEMENT

Key Differences

"Attorney" and "Lawyer" are terms that are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle distinctions. In its most traditional sense, an "Attorney" refers to someone who has the legal authority to act on behalf of another person, be it in business matters or legal representation. On the other hand, a "Lawyer" refers to someone who is trained and educated in the law. Not all lawyers serve as attorneys, but they possess the legal knowledge.
The term "Attorney" can sometimes be more specific, as in "Attorney-at-Law", which in many jurisdictions means a lawyer who is qualified to practice in the courts of that jurisdiction. In essence, while every Attorney-at-Law is a lawyer, not every lawyer is an Attorney-at-Law. Conversely, "Lawyer" is a broader term encompassing anyone who has been trained in the law. This could include legal scholars, law professors, and others who might not practice law.
In the U.S., the terms are frequently used interchangeably because most lawyers also act as attorneys. However, understanding the technical distinction can provide clarity. A "Lawyer" might offer legal advice, draft documents, and provide legal counsel. An "Attorney", on the other hand, has a more pointed role, typically representing clients in legal matters.
In practice, the distinction might seem minor since many legal professionals both advise on the law and represent clients. However, in a strict sense, while all attorneys can be lawyers, not all lawyers take on the role of an attorney.

Comparison Chart

Definition

Represents another in legal/business matters
Person trained and educated in law
ADVERTISEMENT

Practice

Often practices in courts
Might not necessarily practice

Role

Active representation
Can provide legal advice, not always representing

Specificity

More specific term in certain jurisdictions
Broader term

Representative

Always represents someone
Might not always represent someone

Compare with Definitions

Attorney

A legal agent or representative.
She hired an attorney to handle her divorce.

Lawyer

An expert in or practitioner of law.
The lawyer researched past cases to support her argument.

Attorney

A lawyer qualified to represent clients in court.
The attorney presented the evidence to the judge.

Lawyer

A counselor or legal expert.
She is a prominent lawyer in the field of environmental law.

Attorney

Counselor or advisor in law.
The defendant's attorney argued for a lesser sentence.

Lawyer

A person trained in legal matters.
He consulted a lawyer about the property dispute.

Attorney

A person who is legally qualified and licensed to represent a person in a legal matter, such as a transaction or lawsuit.

Lawyer

A lawyer or attorney is a person who practices law, as an advocate, attorney at law, barrister, barrister-at-law, bar-at-law, canonist, canon lawyer, civil law notary, counsel, counselor, solicitor, legal executive, or public servant preparing, interpreting and applying the law, but not as a paralegal or charter executive secretary. Working as a lawyer involves the practical application of abstract legal theories and knowledge to solve specific individualized problems, or to advance the interests of those who hire lawyers to perform legal services.

Attorney

(US) A lawyer; one who advises or represents others in legal matters as a profession.

Lawyer

One whose profession is to give legal advice and assistance to clients and represent them in court or in other legal matters.

Attorney

One such who practised in the courts of the common law.

Lawyer

A professional person with a graduate law degree that qualifies for legal work (such as Juris Doctor)

Attorney

A solicitor.

Lawyer

A professional person qualified (as by a law degree or bar exam) and authorized to practice law as an attorney-at-law, solicitor, advocate, barrister or equivalent, i.e. represent parties in lawsuits or trials and give legal advice.
A lawyer's time and advice are his stock in trade. - aphorism often credited to Abraham Lincoln, but without attestation

Attorney

An agent or representative authorized to act on someone else's behalf.

Lawyer

(by extension) A legal layman who argues points of law.

Attorney

An honorific given to lawyers and notaries public, or those holders by profession who also do other jobs. Usually capitalized or abbreviated as Atty.

Lawyer

The burbot.

Attorney

Clusia spp.

Lawyer

The stem of a bramble.

Attorney

A prosecutor

Lawyer

Any of various plants. en

Attorney

To work as a legal attorney.

Lawyer

To practice law.

Attorney

To provide with a legal attorney.

Lawyer

(intransitive) To perform, or attempt to perform, the work of a lawyer.

Attorney

A substitute; a proxy; an agent.
And will have no attorney but myself.

Lawyer

(intransitive) To make legalistic arguments.

Attorney

One who is legally appointed by another to transact any business for him; an attorney in fact.

Lawyer

To barrage (a person) with questions in order to get them to admit something.
You've been lawyered!

Attorney

To perform by proxy; to employ as a proxy.

Lawyer

One versed in the laws, or a practitioner of law; one whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients, or to advise as to prosecution or defence of lawsuits, or as to legal rights and obligations in other matters. It is a general term, comprehending attorneys, counselors, solicitors, barristers, sergeants, and advocates.

Attorney

A professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice

Lawyer

The black-necked stilt. See Stilt.

Attorney

A person appointed to act for another in business/legal matters.
The businessman had his attorney review the contract.

Lawyer

A professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice

Attorney

One given the power of attorney.
As her father's attorney, she made medical decisions on his behalf.

Lawyer

One who provides legal advice.
He asked the lawyer if the contract was sound.

Lawyer

A legal scholar or teacher.
The renowned lawyer wrote several books on constitutional law.

Common Curiosities

Can a lawyer represent someone in court?

If they are qualified as an attorney, then yes.

Do all attorneys give legal advice?

Most do, but their primary role is representation.

Do all lawyers go to court?

No, not all lawyers represent clients in court.

Why are the terms used interchangeably?

In many contexts, especially in the U.S., lawyers also act as attorneys.

Is "Attorney-at-Law" different from "Attorney"?

"Attorney-at-Law" is more specific, often meaning a lawyer qualified to practice in court.

Can someone be a lawyer without practicing law?

Yes, they can be trained in law but not actively practice.

Is "power of attorney" about being a lawyer?

No, it refers to legal authority granted to someone to act on another's behalf.

Which term is more specific?

"Attorney" is often more specific, especially when referring to representation.

Are the terms universal across countries?

No, their meanings and implications can vary by country.

Are all attorneys lawyers?

Yes, but not all lawyers are necessarily attorneys.

Can a lawyer draft legal documents?

Yes, lawyers can draft and advise on legal documents.

Is the education different for lawyers and attorneys?

No, but becoming an attorney might require additional qualifications in some jurisdictions.

Can a lawyer without an active license act as an attorney?

Typically, no. Representation often requires an active license.

Which profession is older, attorney or lawyer?

The term "lawyer" is older, as it refers to anyone trained in law.

Can someone be an attorney in one state and just a lawyer in another?

Yes, depending on licensing and qualifications for each state.

Share Your Discovery

Share via Social Media
Embed This Content
Embed Code
Share Directly via Messenger
Link
Previous Comparison
Defense vs. Offense

Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

New Comparisons

Trending Terms