Esquire (Esq.)

Esquire Esq. Lawyers Legal Honorifics Legal Titles Attorneys
The title 'Esquire' (abbreviated as 'Esq.') is used by lawyers in the United States as an alternative honorific preceding an individual's name, e.g., 'Allen Seegull, Esq.' instead of 'Mr. Allen Seegull.'
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Definition

Esquire (Esq.) is an honorary title often used by lawyers in the United States and certain other countries. It follows an attorney’s name to signify that the individual is authorized to practice law. For example, instead of writing “Mr. Allen Seegull,” it would be “Allen Seegull, Esq.”

Examples

  1. Professional Correspondence: “Dear Allen Seegull, Esq., we are pleased to announce that your application for partnership has been approved.”
  2. Legal Documents: The filing mentioned, “Allen Seegull, Esq., as the representative of the claimant.”
  3. Business Cards: Printed simply as “Allen Seegull, Esq.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the title ‘Esq.’ signify?
A: The title ‘Esq.’ signifies that the individual is a qualified and licensed attorney.

Q: Can anyone use the title ‘Esq.’?
A: No, it is reserved for those who are licensed to practice law.

Q: Is ‘Esquire’ a title used globally?
A: While it is predominantly used in the United States, the term also has usage in the United Kingdom, albeit with different connotations.

Q: Can someone use ‘Esq.’ before their name?
A: No, ‘Esq.’ is a post-nominal title and should be used after the person’s name.

Q: Do all lawyers use ‘Esq.’ after their name?
A: Not all lawyers use the title, but it is commonly recognized and used in legal contexts.

  1. Attorney: A person appointed to act for another in business or legal matters.
  2. Barrister: A lawyer entitled to practice as an advocate, particularly in higher courts.
  3. Solicitor: A legal practitioner who traditionally deals with legal paperwork and court proceedings in some jurisdictions.

Online Resources

  1. American Bar Association
  2. FindLaw - Using Esq.
  3. Law.com Dictionary

Suggested Books for Further Studies

  1. “Thinking Like a Lawyer: A New Introduction to Legal Reasoning” by Frederick Schauer
  2. “Becoming a Lawyer: Discovering and Defining Your Professional Persona” by Mark A. Aaronson
  3. “The Tools of Argument: How the Best Lawyers Think, Argue, and Win” by Joel P. Trachtman

Fundamentals of Esquire (Esq.): Business Law Basics Quiz

### What does the title 'Esq.' signify when used after a person's name? - [ ] They have a doctorate degree. - [x] They are a licensed attorney. - [ ] They are a member of parliament. - [ ] They are a notary public. > **Explanation:** The title 'Esq.' signifies that the individual is a licensed attorney, authorized to practice law. ### Can 'Esq.' be used before a person's name? - [ ] Yes - [x] No > **Explanation:** The title 'Esquire' should be used after a person's name, not before. ### In which country is the title 'Esq.' predominantly used? - [x] United States - [ ] Canada - [ ] Australia - [ ] India > **Explanation:** The title 'Esq.' is predominantly used in the United States to denote a licensed attorney. ### Who is not allowed to use the title 'Esq.'? - [ ] Licensed attorneys - [x] Law students - [ ] Judges - [ ] Paralegals > **Explanation:** Law students, judges, and paralegals are not permitted to use the title 'Esq.' unless they are licensed attorneys. ### What profession typically uses the title 'Esq.'? - [ ] Doctors - [x] Lawyers - [ ] Engineers - [ ] Accountants > **Explanation:** The title 'Esq.' is typically used by members of the legal profession, primarily lawyers. ### Is the title 'Esq.' used globally with the same meaning? - [ ] Yes - [x] No > **Explanation:** While the title 'Esq.' is recognized in other countries, its predominant use and meaning as a legal title is largely specific to the United States. ### Can a paralegal use 'Esq.' after their name? - [ ] Yes - [x] No > **Explanation:** Only those who are licensed to practice law, i.e., attorneys, may use the title 'Esq.' after their name. ### Which of the following titles is not commonly used in the legal profession? - [ ] Attorney - [ ] Solicitor - [x] Engineer - [ ] Barrister > **Explanation:** The title 'Engineer' is not used in the legal profession. Common titles include Attorney, Solicitor, and Barrister. ### Can 'Esq.' be used in non-legal contexts? - [ ] Yes - [x] No > **Explanation:** The title 'Esquire' is reserved for legal contexts to indicate that someone is a licensed attorney. ### In professional settings, how should one address a letter to a lawyer? - [x] Using 'Esq.' after their name - [ ] Using 'Mr.' or 'Ms.' before their name - [ ] Using their first name only - [ ] Using their job title > **Explanation:** In professional settings, it is customary to address a lawyer by using 'Esq.' after their name.
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