Can a female attorney be called Esquire?

Asked by: Mayra Schamberger  |  Last update: April 29, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (47 votes)

Although esquire is used to describe male and female attorneys today, the term historically applied to men only (there is no female equivalent). This fact has caused at least one legal scholar at West Virginia University School of Law to question whether the term should be used to describe female attorneys.

Is Esquire appropriate for a female attorney?

And finally, he notes that it is correct to use the title for both male and female attorneys. Esquire is a strange remnant of an archaic class system, but at least it's gender neutral!

Is there a female version of Esquire?

Another lawyer said that there are actually two forms of the word and that a female esquire is in fact an “esquiress.” The debate began when The Journal printed a letter by a legal secretary named Helen N.

Can you call a woman Esquire?

US: A title appended to the surname of a lawyer (of any gender).

How do you refer to a female attorney?

However, when referring to female attorneys, it's crucial to be aware of personal preferences; some might prefer the courtesy title of 'Ms. ' ahead of 'Esq. ' In any case, the general rule of thumb is to use the title 'Esq.

Top 10 Legal Terms You Need to Know: A Beginner's Guide to Understanding the Law

42 related questions found

What is a female attorney called?

Women in law describes the role played by women in the legal profession and related occupations, which includes lawyers (also called barristers, advocates, solicitors, attorneys or legal counselors), paralegals, prosecutors (also called District Attorneys or Crown Prosecutors), judges, legal scholars (including ...

Who can use the title esquire?

The title "Esquire" isn't something you automatically get after graduating from law school. To earn the right to use "Esquire," an individual must pass the bar exam in their state and be licensed to practice law.

What is the title for a female lawyer?

“Lawyer” is a gender-neutral term. There is not a separate feminine form. With a few exceptions (“actor” and “actress”, for example, or terms ending in “-man”, like “Congressman”), the names of professions in English do not generally have separate forms for men and women in the profession.

Is there a difference between attorney and esquire?

Many wonder if the title "Esquire" is the same as "attorney" or a "workers' compensation lawyer." The short answer is yes, but there is a slight difference. The term "attorney" refers to someone licensed to practice law. At the same time, "Esquire" is an honorary title used in written communication.

What is a female squire called?

Dame is an honorific title given to women who have been admitted to certain orders of chivalry.

Who calls themselves esquire?

This title can be used by any lawyer, regardless of their area of specialization, such as family law, personal injury law, or corporate law. However, it is important to note that lawyers are not entitled to use the term Esquire until they have graduated from law school and passed the Bar exam.

How do I address an attorney on an envelope?

Addressing the Envelope
  1. Start with a full and legible return address. ...
  2. Format the delivery address. ...
  3. Address the envelope to your attorney by name. ...
  4. Choose between Esquire, Attorney at Law, and J.D. Esquire, abbreviated to Esq. is falling out of common usage. ...
  5. Add the business address.

Can I refer to myself as esquire?

“Esquire” (or “Esq.) is added to the end of an attorney's name following a comma, such as “John Doe, Esq.” It's used when addressing or referring to a lawyer in written form, but it's considered bad etiquette to append the title to your own name. Any lawyer licensed to practice law may use the esquire title.

What is female equivalent of Esquire?

esquiress - Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Is esquire gender neutral?

Assuming the Formal Title 'Esquire'

The title of 'squire' does not indicate any noble rank. It is considered improper to call oneself an 'Esquire' or print it on business cards. The designation is gender-neutral and can be used for male and female individuals (Mr., Ms., or Mrs.).

Is using esquire pretentious?

However, there is also a potential downside to using the title. Some people may view "Esquire" as pretentious, and it may turn off potential clients looking for a more down-to-earth attorney. Additionally, using "Esquire" when it is not required or appropriate could result in sanctions from a state bar association.

Is JD higher than Esquire?

An esquire is a practicing lawyer who's a member of the bar. A person with a J.D. has a law degree but isn't a practicing lawyer. In that case, an esquire is considered higher than a J.D. because they're a practicing lawyer.

When can I call myself Esquire?

"Esquire" (or its abbreviation, “Esq.”) is not any kind of official title. Esquire is an honorary title that is placed after a practicing lawyer's name. Practicing lawyers are those who have passed a state's (or Washington, D.C.'s) bar exam and have been licensed by that jurisdiction's bar association.

Who makes more, an attorney or a lawyer?

The national average salary for an attorney is $97,879 per year , while a lawyer has an average salary of $96,557 per year . Although the average earnings have a slight difference, you may earn more or less depending on your years of experience, employer, location and skills.

Can a woman use the title esquire?

Although esquire is used to describe male and female attorneys today, the term historically applied to men only (there is no female equivalent).

How do you address a female attorney?

If you're addressing a female attorney, always use "Ms." unless you're certain she prefers "Mrs." Many professional women consider "Mrs." to be outdated.

What is the word for a female lawyer?

Lawyeress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lawyeress.

What makes an attorney an esquire?

But what does esquire mean? In legal terms around the United States, the meaning of esquire simply refers to someone who is authorized to practice law. Any lawyer can take on the title esquire, regardless of what type of law they practice.

Why do some lawyers not use Esq?

It's far rarer for someone to verbally refer to a lawyer as “esquire” and even rarer for a lawyer to refer to themselves with the title of “esquire” attached. Why? Because “esquire,” despite its linguistic update, is still something of an archaic or overly formal tone.

Is esquire a male only title?

(initial capital letter) an unofficial title of respect, having no precise significance, sometimes placed, especially in its abbreviated form, after a man's surname in formal written address: in the U.S., usually applied to lawyers, women as well as men; in Britain, applied to a commoner considered to have gained the ...