Legal Definitions - esquire

Esquire (Esq.)

In the United States, Esquire (often abbreviated as Esq.) is a professional title of courtesy used specifically for lawyers. It is typically appended to a lawyer's full name, particularly in written communications, to acknowledge their professional standing as a licensed attorney. While it signifies that the individual is a member of the legal profession, lawyers generally do not use the title when referring to themselves.

• Example 1: Client Correspondence

  When a client writes a formal letter to their attorney, they might address it to "Ms. Sarah Chen, Esq." or "Sarah Chen, Esquire." This usage respectfully acknowledges Ms. Chen's professional role as a lawyer and is a common practice in legal correspondence, indicating she is a licensed legal professional.

• Example 2: Court Filings

  In official court documents, such as a motion or a brief, the attorneys representing the parties are often identified with the Esquire title. For instance, a signature block might read: "Respectfully submitted by: David Miller, Esq., Attorney for the Plaintiff." This clearly indicates that David Miller is a licensed attorney involved in the case, fulfilling a formal requirement for legal representation.

• Example 3: Professional Directory Listing

  A legal professional directory or a law firm's website might list its attorneys as "Dr. Emily Rodriguez, Esq." or "Mr. Robert Johnson, Esquire." This format provides a clear and concise way to identify individuals as licensed legal practitioners to potential clients or other professionals seeking legal services, signifying their qualification.