Legal Definitions - esquire

Esquire is a courtesy title commonly used in the United States, appended to a lawyer's surname in written communication. Often abbreviated as Esq., it signifies that the person is an attorney. It is traditionally not used by individuals to refer to themselves.

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.