Attorney vs. Lawyer—Key Differences to Understand

The terms "attorney" and "lawyer" are often used interchangeably, however, there are a few clear distinctions between them. For instance, while all attorneys are lawyers, not all lawyers are attorneys. So, what's the difference? In this article, we'll discuss the difference between attorney vs lawyer and why this matters. And to give you some perspective, think of it this way: if you were injured in an accident, who would you need to hire? A lawyer in California or a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles? Keep reading to find out.

Lawyer vs. Attorney

Although it's easy to confuse these two terms, it's important to know they're not the same. Understanding the differences will help you recognize the roles of a lawyer vs. attorney in the legal field. In most jurisdictions in the United States, you do need to take and pass the bar exam to become a licensed lawyer, but you cannot practice law in court. The bar exam is a comprehensive examination that tests your knowledge of the law and your ability to apply legal principles to practical scenarios. As a lawyer, you can conduct research, prepare legal documents, and work as a consultant or government advisor. However, to become an attorney, you must have clients to represent in court and take the attorney’s oath, which is required for admission to practice law. In other words, providing legal advice and practicing law in court are very different things.

Now, let's talk about education. Can one receive a J.D. degree and not take the bar exam? Yes, but that still doesn't mean you can give legal advice!

What is a J.D. Degree?

A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and taking the bar exam are two distinct steps in the process of becoming a licensed attorney. A J.D. degree is a graduate-level law degree obtained after completing law school. Law school typically requires three years of full-time study, although part-time and evening programs are also available at some institutions. Earning a J.D. degree is a significant academic achievement and demonstrates a foundational understanding of the law and legal principles. However, it does not, by itself, grant you the right to practice law as an attorney. For that, you must pass the bar. So, what is the bar exam?

The bar exam is a comprehensive licensing examination administered by individual states or jurisdictions in the United States. It is a separate and distinct requirement from obtaining a J.D. degree. To become a licensed attorney and practice law in a particular state or jurisdiction, you must pass the bar exam for that jurisdiction. Once you pass the bar exam in a specific jurisdiction, you are typically admitted to the bar and can practice law as a licensed attorney within the limits of that jurisdiction's laws and regulations.

In summary, a J.D. degree is the educational foundation you receive in law school, which will help you pass the bar exam to become a lawyer or attorney. Keep in mind although you cannot work as a legal professional without taking the bar exam, there are still other opportunities you can pursue with only a J.D. degree. For example, some people choose a career as a mediator or law clerk. Others may opt to work in academia and decide to become a law professor.

Personal Injury Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident, look for a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in California to work with. Most personal injury law firms will have the appropriate legal professionals to help you. If you're still unsure who to work with for your specific needs, you can always give us a call. We are a personal injury law firm in Los Angeles that helps injured victims navigate the legal landscape of complex laws and regulations.

California Personal Injury Law Firm

Yepremyan Law Firm has been a trusted legal advisor since 1998, servicing clients all over Southern California. We specialize in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, ridesharing, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, trucking accidents, slip and fall claims, dog bites, and workers' compensation claims. If you need legal advice, consult with one of our personal injury attorneys to receive a free case evaluation. Our firm works on a contingency basis for all personal injury matters—no recovery, no fee!

*No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. These materials have been prepared for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for legal advice pertaining to any particular legal matter. Use of and access to this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and Yepremyan Law Firm and any of its attorneys, employees, or associates.