Lawyer vs Attorney: Is There A Difference & Who Can Represent You Legally?

By Annie Stephan Dec 15, 2023 02:53 AM EST

(Photo : Unsplash/Hunters Race)

Many people mix up "lawyer" and "attorney," but they're not exactly the same. Both have a law degree, true. But an attorney does more: they take and pass the bar exam, getting a license to practice law. That's the critical difference.

In contrast, though academically prepared, a lawyer must be explicitly authorized to represent clients. You should trust a fully qualified attorney if your primary concern is securing legal support.

What Defines A Lawyer?

A lawyer is a person who has put years into law school, successfully graduated, and earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. ABA-accredited Law schools deploy a standardized curriculum and hire qualified faculty members to ensure that all lawyers are proficient in legal concepts and principles.

The accreditation process aids in distinguishing legitimate institutions from their less reputable counterparts, ensuring all lawyers have a universally recognized education.

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From A Lawyer To An Attorney: The Journey

Once the graduation cap comes off, a lawyer's next step toward becoming an attorney is dictated by state-specific regulations. In Illinois, for example, they must pass the bar examination, surpass the professional responsibility test, and apply for licensure before extending legal counsel or representation to clients. Those failing to comply could face penalties under the Illinois Attorney Act.

Clearing The Many Layers Of Examinations

The journey from being a lawyer to an attorney is arduous and filled with rigorous exams. For example, in Illinois, the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar administers these exams, testing the aspirants' knowledge across various legal fields.

After the bar exam, the journey includes a test on professional responsibility rules, which determines how attorneys conduct their business and deal with matters like client confidentiality, fee management, and conflict of interest.

Masters Of Professional Responsibility

Earning the attorney title isn't a matter of academic prowess alone. Lawyers are expected to pass a professional responsibility exam. This Illinois-specific test checks the lawyers' grasp of client confidentiality, fee-setting, and conflict of interest rules, all of which set the standard of professional conduct in their practices.

Character And Fitness Examination: The Final Stretch

Opening the door for becoming a state bar member, this examination delves into a lawyer's past, investigating their employment, education, and possible criminal records. By passing this thorough evaluation, the lawyer demonstrates their suitability for the profession, free of any ethical "skeletons" that could threaten their practice.

A successful evaluation would result in the lawyer joining the legal community as a state bar-licensed attorney. He makes himself ready to represent clients in court and dispense advice legally.

The Ongoing Journey: Continuous Legal Education

Attorneys continue to learn and grow throughout their careers by participating in the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses. Most attorneys in Illinois, for example, need to undertake 30 hours of ongoing learning biennially, which fosters their expertise in frequently changing laws and practices.

Why Does It Matter?

Being represented by a state-certified, experienced attorney instead of just a lawyer can make a difference in your judicial journey. They bring to bear not only legal knowledge but skills honed from moving beyond law school through stringent examinations and continuous learning.

Remember, while all attorneys start as lawyers, the journey continues beyond there. The transformation from lawyer to attorney marks a distinction in training, ethics, and professionalism. So, when you seek legal help, join hands with a licensed attorney whose commitment to staying updated can prove crucial in your legal proceedings. Reach out today, and let them guide you through the twists and turns of legal mazes.