What Makes a Lawyer and an Attorney Different?

You have already been recommended to employ an accident lawyer to help you through the process if you face a divorce or other family law issue.

Hopefully, since it's certainly not in your best interest to defend yourself in any legal matter, you can take that advice. Too much is simply at stake.

How do you choose between an attorney and a lawyer, though? Both are the same, right?

While the words ‘attorney’ and 'lawyer' are sometimes used interchangeably, there are distinctions between the two. It can be important to consider those discrepancies and make the best decision for your legal representation and save you a lot of money by doing it right the first time.

What are the differences between an attorney and a lawyer?

A simple way to note the difference between the two is here.

A lawyer is someone who has practiced law and has a working understanding of it, but has not actually passed or certified the bar exam to practice. Even if a lawyer may have a full knowledge of the legal system, if they don't have a degree, they are unable to represent you in court.

On the other hand, an attorney has passed the bar exam successfully, met the requisite requirements for moral character, and is licensed to practice law.

Obligations of a lawyer

When they become members of the bar, lawyers are expected to strictly follow a code of ethics. The technical nuances of contracts, wills and various legal documents are drawn up and written by them.

Technically, however, even though they have not been members of the bar, someone who has graduated from law school can be seen as a lawyer. In general, however, most individuals regard lawyers as practitioners of law who have passed the bar and are thus more eligible to offer legal advice. In other words, being a bar passer credits someone who has learned the law with credence.

Some attorneys do not, however, actually have to practice the law in court or maintain a long list of customers. And without technically being an official of the case, they are still lawyers. For example, a lawyer can become a government advisor or a company consultant after graduating from law school. He's still a lawyer, but in court cases, his job doesn't include defending clients.

An attorney's responsibilities

The old French word "atorner," comes from the word solicitor, which refers to an agent selected by the client or principal to work on his behalf. In order to defend, plead, and advocate for their client, they are the legal eagles who practice the law in court.

As they are the real officers of the court, it is mandatory for attorneys-at-law to take and pass the bar exam. But there is also such a thing as a Power of Attorney contract, which gives these practitioners the legal, financial, and medical right to decide for the benefit of their client, either as individuals or as a corporation. As clearly specified and underlined in the text, they make the calls and conduct important and crucial decisions on behalf of their customers.

See us at Foshee and Yaffee Attorneys at Law for the assistance of an accident lawyer. See us for personal injury cases, wrongful death, nursing home abuse or workers’ compensation aids.