What Does Esquire Mean?

Posted in Personal Injury on December 9, 2024

In the United States, the term “esquire” is often used to signify that someone is a licensed attorney. For example, John Doe might sign a letter as “John Doe, Esq.,” with “Esq.” serving as an abbreviation. However, “esquire” is essentially an honorary title and does not independently verify that the individual is a licensed attorney.

Where You Will See It

You will see “Esq.” on business cards, letterheads, advertising, and signature lines. As a lawyer, you can also use “Esq.” on official court documents if you want to, but you must also include your state bar number. Just remember that even though someone who identifies themselves as an esquire is identifying themselves as an attorney, the use of the term does not prove anything on its own.

The Etymology (Evolution) of the Term “Esq.”

The term “Esq.” has an impressive pedigree. Hundreds of years ago, it was a term for English people who ranked just below the rank of knight. Later, it came to refer to people of a high social class just below the nobility. In modern-day United States, however, “Esq.” no longer signifies social status; instead, it simply refers to the legal profession. It’s important to note that this usage may vary in other countries, particularly in regions where English is used as a secondary language, as the term might carry different connotations.

Use of the Term “Esquire” by Non-Lawyers: Consequences

There are occasional cases of non-lawyers misusing the term “esquire” in New York. This is inappropriate because it strongly suggests that the user has completed law school, passed the bar examination, and obtained a license to practice law. The inappropriate use of Esq. can lead to the following legal problems:

Fines and penalties for deceptive business practices: Considering the public understanding of the meaning of the term esquire, using this term by a non-lawyer is probably a deceptive business practice. New York has enacted consumer protection laws that penalize parties who engage in deceptive business practices.
Lawsuits: Suppose someone uses the term esquire to falsely indicate that they are a lawyer. You hire them, and they waste a lot of your money. They also lose your claim, costing you even more money. On this basis, you could file a civil lawsuit for fraud or misrepresentation. You could use such a lawsuit to demand monetary damages in court or at the settlement table.
Court sanctions: The use of the term esquire by a non-lawyer in court proceedings is not a good idea. A judge might sanction a non-lawyer who uses this term misleadingly or disrespectfully.
Criminal charges: In some cases, a person who misuses the term esquire might face criminal charges. New York prohibits the unauthorized practice of law and can punish it as a felony. Imagine an incompetent and unethical non–lawyer creating your estate plan, for example. The mere use of the term esquire, however, does not necessarily constitute the unauthorized practice of law.

Other penalties and disadvantages may also follow for the inappropriate use of “Esq.”, and there are certainly ethical considerations to its use.

Use of Esq. to Describe Third Parties

You might address a letter to “John Doe, Esq.” as a professional courtesy. As long as it’s just between you two, you’re not likely to run into any legal problems. Legal problems are also less likely if you use the term to describe a third party, as long as it does not work any deception on the person you are writing to.

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm at Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers in New York, NY

Contact the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers today if you believe you have a personal injury claim, or even if you have questions about the use of terms like esquire. Our team has recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients throughout our years practicing personal injury law. Get in touch with us today to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer.

If you need legal assistance, contact the New York City personal injury lawyers at Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation, we’re open 24 hours.

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