Are you trying to decide whether you will need a lawyer or an attorney in your legal case? It can be confusing as the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not necessarily the same. While both lawyers and attorneys are licensed by their state to practice law, there are some important differences that you should consider.

A lawyer is an individual who is legally qualified to practice law. This includes providing advice about law-related matters and representing clients in court proceedings. Lawyers may focus their practice on a certain area of law such as family law, criminal law, contract law, or immigration law. When providing legal representation, lawyers typically prepare legal pleadings, draft documents, and make arguments in court.

An attorney, on the other hand, is a lawyer who has been admitted to a state bar and given the authority to represent clients in court proceedings. Attorneys may also advise clients on legal matters and draft legal documents such as wills and trusts. The main difference between an attorney and a lawyer is that attorneys must be admitted to the bar in the state where they plan to practice. This process typically requires passing the bar exam and completing additional requirements specified by the state.

The positive benefits of this difference are numerous. For starters, you can be confident that an attorney is highly qualified in his or her area of practice. An attorney must pass a bar exam and become admitted to a state bar in order to practice. Therefore, they understand the legal system and are knowledgeable about the specific state laws in which they practice. Attorneys also have the necessary experience to properly assess and handle a variety of legal issues.

An attorney is also more able to advocate for their client in legal proceedings. Attorneys have the unique ability to find legal arguments, establish relationships with judges, and more aggressive when litigating against opposing parties. Whereas many lawyers are limited to paperwork and office work, attorneys are more likely to handle court appearances, negotiations and client meetings.

In addition, attorneys typically have a larger network of resources available for their clients. An attorney is likely to be familiar with other attorneys, judges, legal professionals, and other resources that can help their client in their case.

Finally, attorneys are often more likely to charge competitive fees for their services, as a result of their additional qualifications and experience. Attorneys are usually more confident in their skills and thus charge more than lawyers, who may be less established and have lower rates.

Overall, it is important to understand the distinction between lawyers and attorneys when selecting which professional will best suit your needs. While both lawyers and attorneys offer legal guidance, attorneys have more qualifications and experience that often yield positive results.