Seeing the abbreviation “Esq.” after an attorney’s name often strikes people as a relic of a bygone era or simply a piece of unnecessary formality. For those outside the legal field, the title creates confusion, raising questions about whether it denotes a special type of lawyer, a higher educational achievement, or some exclusive membership that sets them apart from the standard “Attorney at Law.”
In reality, the title holds a much more understated and historical meaning, yet its continued use in modern legal correspondence is far from arbitrary. It serves as a subtle but clear signal within the profession that a person is authorized to practice law and holds a certain degree of professional standing. It is a linguistic shortcut that confirms a specific status.
Understanding what the term Esquire means requires tracing its origins back through centuries of British social hierarchy to its current, somewhat diluted, yet highly specific application in the American legal system. While it doesn’t change a lawyer’s skill set, it is a key piece of the profession’s tradition and helps establish formality in legal documentation.
Historical Origins of “Esquire”
The title “Esquire” has a lineage stretching back to the medieval feudal system in England, where it was originally a rank of gentry. It sat below a Knight but above a Gentleman. The term itself is derived from the Old French word esquier, meaning shield bearer or attendant to a knight. It was a title of service and training for high office.
Over time, it evolved away from military service and became associated with men of wealth, property, and standing who held positions of local authority, such as Justices of the Peace or Sheriffs. It signified a person who was educated, respected, and involved in civic duty, often with a connection to the royal court.
By the time the American colonies were founded, “Esquire” was routinely used to address anyone holding a high professional status, particularly those involved in the law or public office. This historical usage is what carried the term into the American legal tradition, long before specific law degrees became the norm.
How Lawyers Earn and Use the Title
In modern American usage, the term “Esquire” is an honorific title reserved for individuals who have met two key requirements: first, they must have obtained a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school, and second, they must be admitted to the Bar in a specific state. The title is not automatically granted upon graduation from law school.
It is used almost exclusively in written communication. You will never typically hear someone address a lawyer verbally as “Esquire.” Instead, it is attached to a name on letterheads, business cards, email signatures, and court documents, usually following the full name and separated by a comma. For example, “Jane Doe, Esq.”
The usage also follows specific etiquette: it is only ever applied when the lawyer is not using another formal title, such as “Mr.” or “Ms.” You would write “John Smith, Esq.,” but never “Mr. John Smith, Esq.” It acts as a professional marker, signaling to peers and clients that the person is a practicing attorney.
Esq. vs. Attorney vs. JD
The terms “Esquire,” “Attorney,” and “JD” refer to distinct things, and mistaking their meaning can lead to confusion about a person’s legal status. A Juris Doctor, or JD, is a degree, signifying the completion of law school. Anyone who graduates law school is technically a JD holder, but they cannot legally advise clients.
“Attorney” or “Attorney at Law” is a functional description that denotes someone who has passed the Bar exam and is licensed to practice law in a given jurisdiction. This person can represent clients in court and provide legal counsel. It focuses on the job function, the active role they play.
“Esquire,” on the other hand, is the honorific title that signifies the professional status of a licensed attorney. It’s a courtesy title, not a job title or a degree. A person can be a JD, an attorney, and use the title Esquire, but they must be licensed to use the honorific designation that carries professional weight in documentation.
Why the Term Still Matters
Despite its historical baggage, the term “Esquire” still matters today because it serves as an important shorthand for verifying professional credentials and adhering to formal decorum in legal settings. When a letter arrives from “A. Miller, Esq.,” the recipient knows immediately that the correspondence comes from a licensed attorney and must be treated as a formal legal document.
It is used as a formal courtesy, especially when corresponding with opposing counsel or clients, helping to maintain the dignified and serious nature of the legal process. Its use is an implicit recognition of the standards and ethics of the profession.
While it is entirely acceptable and common for a lawyer to omit the title, many choose to retain it as a way to reinforce their professional identity and differentiate themselves from non-practicing JD holders or law school students. It reinforces the expectation of high professional standards and competence in legal interactions.
Conclusion Formality and Trust in the Legal Field
The title “Esquire” is a complex blend of ancient history and modern professional signal. It is far from just a fancy decoration on a business card; it’s a designation that clarifies the professional standing of a licensed attorney, signifying their educational achievement and their authorization to practice law in a specific jurisdiction.
We’ve traced its roots from medieval shield bearers to its modern use as a courtesy title in written legal correspondence. We also distinguished it clearly from the degree (JD) and the job function (Attorney), emphasizing that its power lies in its capacity to instantly signal professional status and competence.
Ultimately, the continued use of Esquire contributes to the necessary formality and gravity of the legal field. It reinforces trust and establishes clear communication channels, ensuring that when you receive a letter signed with the title, you know you are engaging with an authorized, practicing legal professional.
William Gall is a seasoned attorney specializing in civil litigation and family law. With a legal career spanning over two decades, William has built a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to justice. In addition to practicing law, he is a prolific writer, contributing regularly to various legal blogs where he shares his insights on current legal trends, case law, and best practices. His articles are well-regarded in the legal community for their thorough research and practical advice, making complex legal concepts accessible to both legal professionals and the general public.