What Does Esquire Mean?
Bill Allen | April 29, 2025 | Personal Injury
You might have seen it after someone’s name on a letter, a legal document, or maybe a business card: the term “esquire,” or its common abbreviation, “Esq.” But what does “esquire” mean exactly, and why do only some lawyers use this title?
What Is An Esquire? Why You Might See “Esq.” After Your Attorney’s Name
In the United States today, “esquire” is most commonly used as a professional designation for someone who is licensed to practice law. It is an indicator of a legal professional’s knowledge and authority.
A lawyer with this designation has passed a state bar exam and is currently admitted to the bar, as well as authorized to advise clients and represent them in legal matters. It’s a signal to others, particularly within the legal and professional communities, about an individual’s status as a practicing attorney.
Esquire Definition: Origins and Historic Use
You may wonder where this term originated. Its roots stretch back centuries to England. Historically, an “esquire” was a man who ranked socially just below a knight—like squires, shield-bearers, or landed gentry. Over time, it evolved into a general title of respect for men of higher social standing, including certain officials and professionals.
Given the historical ties between the English social system and the legal profession, the title eventually became associated with lawyers, first in England but ultimately extending to the American legal landscape, too.
While its original connection to social rank faded with time, the link to the legal profession remained, particularly in the U.S. — as did the air of formality. However, the way the term is generally used today has shifted.
When Is The “Esq.” Abbreviation For A Lawyer Used?
There’s a certain etiquette to the usage of “esquire” in Florida. You will primarily see it written following an attorney’s full name on correspondence, court filings, business cards, or professional listings.
Though a lawyer can choose to use it as a title on their business cards or correspondence, others usually use it in reference to a lawyer, not so much by the lawyer themselves. For example, when formally referring to a licensed attorney in writing, one lawyer might address a letter to “John Doe, Esq.”
In most cases, the title is not said aloud. You wouldn’t typically address someone as “Esquire Doe” in conversation; you’d use “Mr. Doe,” or perhaps the more formal “Attorney Doe,” depending on the context.
It also stands alone, replacing other courtesy titles like Mr. or Ms. when used after the name. This means you wouldn’t write “Mr. John Doe, Esq.” Instead, you would simply use “John Doe, Esq.” Additionally, despite its historical male association, in modern American legal usage, “esquire” is used for attorneys of any gender.
How Important Is It To Work With An Esquire?
In Florida, lawyers have no formal legal requirement to use “esquire,” so whether they take it on as a title is completely voluntary. It’s a professional custom rooted in a long-standing tradition. Some attorneys like to embrace it as a mark of their professional standing, while others prefer not to use it at all.
While many competent, well-regarded, and highly skilled lawyers use “Esq.,” many do not. It’s important not to let this title usage influence your choice of a lawyer, whether you need one after a car accident, burn injury, or business dispute. You can rest assured that the “esquire” title does not affect an attorney’s ability to handle your case.
Contact Our Gainesville Personal Injury Law Firm at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers in North Central Florida
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and need help navigating the process of obtaining an accident report or dealing with your insurance company, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys at Allen Law is here to provide expert legal guidance every step of the way.
If you need legal assistance, contact the Gainesville car accident lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today, we’re open 24 hours daily.
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