There are two academic titles that a lawyer may have after their name: JD and ESQ. Both of these terms are not used in spoken communication, only in formal written communication. In this article, we will explain what JD and ESQ mean.
What Does JD Mean After a Lawyer’s Name?
JD is the legal equivalent of MD. It means that the lawyer has completed their legal education and have obtained their doctorate. Just like a doctor wouldn’t use MD when referring to themselves, a lawyer will not refer to themselves using JD. You will see it most often in academic articles.
In order to obtain a JD, the lawyer must have completed a 3-year law degree. However, because a lawyer also needs to pass the bar exam to practice as an attorney, having a JD does not mean they are qualified to practice law.
If you use JD after an attorney’s name, do not use the title at the start of their name.
It should be John Bloggs JD, not Mr. John Bloggs JD.
What Does ESQ Mean After a Lawyer’s Name?
ESQ is short for Esquire and means that the lawyer is qualified by the Bar Association. It is a formal title, and your attorney will be unlikely to refer to themselves as John Bloggs ESQ. Most people will only use ESQ when addressing an envelope to make a formal written request to an attorney. If you use ESQ after their name, do not use a title at the start of their name.
It should be John Bloggs ESQ, not Mr. John Bloggs ESQ.
What Is the Difference Between the Two?
JD denotes a legal education, and many people who are not practicing lawyers may have their JD. Someone with a JD is not automatically a lawyer; they need to pass the bar exam and uphold the moral standards that being a lawyer requires. A lawyer who is deemed morally unfit to uphold the law may be disbarred. If they show immoral behavior prior to passing the bar exam, they may never receive the title of ESQ.
You would also never refer to someone with a JD or ESQ title as “doctor.” Even though the legal degree is a doctorate, it is not common practice. Recently even ESQ is rarely used outside of formal settings. You may see it on an office nameplate or a plaque naming the partners in a firm.