What Does Esquire Mean?

Definition of Esquire in Maryland

The term “Esquire” is a courtesy title used in the United States to designate a person as a licensed attorney. It originates from England, where it historically referred to a social rank just below a knight. In modern America, Esquire is not an official degree or title but an informal way to recognize an attorney’s professional status. Maryland personal injury attorneys or esquires can help with a range of cases, from car accidents and slip and falls to construction accidents and wrongful death cases.

The Process for Becoming an Esquire in Maryland

Attorneys in Maryland must follow a rigorous process to earn the right to practice law and use the title of Esquire. These steps include:

Earning a law degree: The first step toward becoming an Esquire is obtaining a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school. Law school typically takes three years of full-time study to complete and covers subjects such as contracts, torts, criminal law, constitutional law, and legal writing.

Passing the Maryland Bar Exam: A person must pass the Maryland Bar Examination. The bar exam is a comprehensive test that assesses a candidate’s knowledge of federal and state laws, legal ethics, and analytical skills. Maryland uses the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE).

Completing the character and fitness review: Candidates must pass a thorough character and fitness review. This process aims to check that applicants meet the ethical and moral standards required to practice law.

Taking the Attorney’s Oath: Applicants must take the Attorney’s Oath, a formal pledge to uphold the law and ethical standards of the legal profession. After this step, they are officially licensed to practice law in Maryland.

Maintaining a Law License: Maryland attorneys must continue their legal education through Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses to remain in good standing with the Maryland State Bar Association. They must also adhere to the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct to retain their license and the right to use the Esquire title.

Becoming a licensed attorney, or esquire, takes years to complete in Maryland.

Is Using Esquire Required for Attorneys in Maryland?

Although the title “Esquire” is commonly used by attorneys, it is not a legal requirement. Some lawyers choose to use the designation in their professional communications, while others prefer to be addressed simply as “Attorney” or by their name. The use of Esquire is a personal choice rather than an official mandate.

Can Non-Attorneys Use the Title Esquire in Maryland?

The title “Esquire” should only be used by licensed attorneys. Using it without proper qualifications can be misleading. Non-lawyers, including law school graduates who have not passed the bar, may face civil penalties, misdemeanor charges, or other penalties under Maryland law for using the title.

Injured in Maryland? Contact Our Maryland Personal Injury Lawyers Today

The title “Esquire” in Maryland is a professional designation for licensed attorneys who have completed law school, passed the bar exam, and met the ethical standards required to practice law. It is not a mandatory title but is widely used to signify a person’s professional standing.

If you are seeking legal representation after an accident in Maryland, choosing an attorney with the title “Esquire” assures you that they are licensed and qualified to advocate for your legal needs. Schedule a free consultation with the Maryland personal injury team at Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers to get the guidance and representation you deserve.

Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers in Maryland for Help Today

For more information, please contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation with a Personal Injury lawyer. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, Waldorf, Annapolis, and Lexington Park, Maryland.

We proudly serve Charles County, Prince George County its surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:

Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers Waldorf
8 Post Office Rd Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 932-9997
Available 24/7

Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers serves injured clients throughout Maryland. Our offices are conveniently located in Lanham, Waldorf, Frederick, and Rockville. We also serve Accokeek, MD; Annapolis, MD; Baltimore, MD; Bowie, MD; College Park, MD; California, MD; Columbia, MD; Frederick, MD; Hughesville, MD; Huntingtown, MD; Landover, MD; LaPlata, MD; Laurel, MD; Lexington Park, MD; Mechanicsville, MD; Upper Marlboro, MD; Prince Frederick, MD.