By: Brad Nakase, Esq.
You may have seen the titles JD or Esq after an attorneys name, what is the difference between JD and Esq? Esq stands for Esquire, which is used by a licensed attorney. A Juris Doctor or JD is designated for a person who received a law degree. We will explain both of these terms in the article.
What Does JD Mean?
JD is the title Juris Doctor and simply shows that the person graduated from law school. Think of it a little like the MD after a doctor’s name. Everyone who graduates from law school is a JD, but they will not use the title Dr or refer to themselves as JD. This is why it is not as well-known as Esq.
A JD may not be qualified to practice law, as they will become a JD before they take the bar exam. However, you do not need a JD to take the bar exam. You cannot be a practicing lawyer without a JD, though you may be able to become a legal apprentice or law reader in some states.
What Does Esq Mean?
You may have heard the term Esquire from historical dramas where it was used as a prestigious title. In England, it was a title of honor slightly lower than a knight. In the US, Esquire or Esq is used to denote a practicing lawyer. It follows the person’s name “John Doe Esq.” Again, it is an honorific title and using it shows respect. You would not use it with another title like Mr. or Ms.; you would use one or the other.
What Is the Difference Between JD and Esq?
JD is often used for people who have graduated from law school but have not yet become a practicing lawyer. It is also used for people who are no longer allowed to practice. You cannot use the title Esq. if you were disbarred or if you have retired.
When Do You Use JD or Esq?
JD is usually only used for academia, like if you were writing an academic paper. It acknowledges that a law degree is a doctorate. It would be unconventional to use JD in any other setting.
Esquire or Esq will often appear on business cards or nameplates in offices but again are not used in an everyday setting. Most lawyers will not write their name with Esq after it or introduce themselves with Esquire at the end of their name. You might use it if you were writing a legal article or if you were writing to a lawyer about an important business issue. You would address the envelope as John Doe Esq. and then address them as Mr. or Ms. In the letter.