What Does Esquire Mean?

November 25, 2024 | J.L. King, II

Esquire is a title often associated with lawyers and attorneys. You might even see the abbreviation “Esq.” after an attorney’s name on a business card or website. Some other titles you might see include attorney-at-law, counselor-at-law, or J.D.

All these titles can be a little confusing, although there is hardly any difference between them. The term “Esquire” is not an official title, but it does carry some significance to most people in the United States.

Where Did “Esquire” Come From?

The term “esquire” appears to have originated back in the 14th century, and it was used to describe the helpers of knights in England. People who were knighted by the King or Queen of England had helpers who helped carry their shield. These helpers were called esquires. It was also used to refer to a few other specific professions in England at the time.

Modern Uses Of Esquire

Today, the term “esquire” in the United States is almost solely reserved for someone licensed to practice law. It is an honorary title awarded to people who have passed the bar exam and hold a law license. It can be used for nearly any type of practicing attorney, including:

Attorneys often use the abbreviation “Esq.” in their professional communications with clients or other attorneys. It is also commonly used on court documents and other filings. However, some find it unnecessary since most court documents require the attorney’s Bar ID number to be included.

How to Become an Esquire

Becoming an esquire requires the same steps that you would take to become an attorney. First, you would need to attend a law school that is accredited by your jurisdiction. Upon successful completion of law school, you would be granted your Juris Doctor–or law degree. You would then be able to use the initials “J.D.” after your name.

Next, you would need to sit for the bar exam and achieve a passing grade. After you pass the bar exam, you will typically go through a ceremony where you are officially inducted into your state’s bar. You will be granted a license to practice law, and you can then use the term “Esquire” with your name.

It should be noted that you should not use the term “Esquire” if you are not an attorney. While it is not an official title, it is frequently reserved for use by attorneys. In some jurisdictions, using the term “Esquire” if you are not an attorney could be considered practicing law without a license.

Responsibilities Of an Esquire

There are responsibilities that come along with being an esquire. When you are admitted to practice law, you are bound by certain rules of professional conduct. Esquires typically provide legal advice to clients, represent clients in legal matters, perform legal research, and draft legal documents. They should always do all of this ethically, professionally, and responsibly.

In some cases, an esquire may supervise junior attorneys or other staff. Esquires may practice law in private firms, or they could be employed by large corporations. Most choose to limit their practice to certain areas of law, such as personal injury law or corporate law.

Choosing To Hire an Esquire

If you need an attorney, you should never hire one simply because they use the term “Esquire.” You should consider many other factors in your decision. Be sure to evaluate factors like:

Practice area
Experience level
Success rate
Recommendations

Hiring an attorney or esquire is a big decision. Never rely on the simple use of an unofficial title to make your decision. Make sure to thoroughly evaluate the attorney’s credentials before making the decision to hire them.

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For more information, please contact The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free case evaluation today.

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