Howard Coker | July 18, 2025 | State Law
If you’ve ever searched for legal help, you’ve probably noticed people use the words “lawyer” and “attorney” interchangeably. But are they actually the same thing? Or is there an important difference you should know when hiring someone to represent you?
This article will look at the definitions of both terms, explore how they’re used in the legal profession, and explain whether the distinction matters when choosing legal representation. Understanding the difference can help you make informed decisions and ensure you’re working with a qualified professional who can meet your specific legal needs.
Lawyer vs. Attorney: What’s the Technical Difference?
In most everyday conversations, lawyer and attorney mean the same thing.
But there is a traditional distinction worth understanding:
- Lawyer: A person who has a law degree (Juris Doctor or equivalent) and has studied law.
- Attorney (or Attorney-at-Law): A lawyer who is licensed to practice law and represent clients in court.
In other words, all attorneys are lawyers, but not all lawyers are necessarily attorneys. For example, someone with a law degree who hasn’t passed the bar exam can be called a lawyer but can’t legally represent clients in court or give formal legal advice.
What Does a Lawyer Do?
A lawyer is someone educated in the law.
They typically:
1. Earn a Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
2. Study state and federal legal systems
3. Research, analyze, and interpret laws and regulations
Lawyers might work in many settings: corporations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, academia, or law firms. They can write legal documents, conduct research, or advise on compliance issues, but if they aren’t admitted to the bar, they cannot represent clients in court or provide official legal services.
What Does an Attorney Do?
An attorney is a lawyer who has:
- Completed law school
- Passed the bar exam in their state
- Been licensed and sworn in to practice law
Attorneys can:
- Represent clients in court
- Negotiate on behalf of clients
- Draft binding legal documents
- Offer legal advice
- Appear at hearings and trials
Attorneys owe clients a duty of confidentiality and must uphold ethical rules of their jurisdiction.
How Does This Work in Florida?
In Florida, the distinction between lawyer and attorney is mostly academic in daily use. Most people use the terms interchangeably. Legally, however, only those admitted to the Florida Bar can practice law or hold themselves out as authorized to do so.
Under Florida Statutes § 454.23, it is unlawful to practice law without being admitted and authorized. Violating this rule can result in criminal charges for the unauthorized practice of law.
To become an attorney in Florida, one must:
- Graduate from an accredited law school
- Pass the Florida Bar Examination
- Pass a thorough background check
- Take an oath to uphold the law and ethical obligations
Once admitted, Florida attorneys must also comply with the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, which include requirements for continuing legal education and ethical conduct.
Why Does the Difference Matter?
If you’re hiring someone to handle your legal needs in Florida, you want to make sure you’re working with someone authorized to practice law.
While anyone can call themselves a lawyer if they’ve studied law, only a licensed attorney can:
- File legal documents on your behalf in court
- Represent you at hearings or trial
- Provide formal legal advice
- Negotiate legally binding settlements
Hiring someone who is not authorized to practice law can be risky—and even illegal if they’re holding themselves out as an attorney.
How to Check If Someone Is Licensed in Florida
Before you hire someone claiming to be an attorney, it’s smart to verify their credentials. In Florida, you can easily check an attorney’s status by searching The Florida Bar’s online directory.
This directory provides:
- Name and Bar number
- Status (active, inactive, retired, etc.)
- Contact information
- Disciplinary history (if any)
Florida’s strict licensing rules are designed to protect the public from unqualified or unethical practitioners.
Why Choose a Licensed Attorney?
When you hire a licensed Florida attorney, you get more than legal knowledge.
You get:
- Professional accountability: Attorneys are subject to oversight by the Florida Bar.
- Ethical obligations: Attorneys must follow strict rules of professional conduct.
- Formal privileges: Only attorneys can represent clients in court and provide binding legal advice.
- Experience: Many attorneys focus on specific practice areas such as personal injury, family law, criminal defense, or real estate law.
By choosing a licensed attorney, you protect your rights and increase the chance of getting the best possible outcome for your legal matter.
Contact The Personal Injury Law Firm of Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers For a Free Consultation
In Florida, the terms lawyer and attorney are often used interchangeably, but only a licensed attorney can represent you in court and provide legal advice. If you’re facing a legal problem—such as a car accident or insurance issue—it’s essential to choose a qualified, licensed Florida attorney.
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville personal injury law firm of Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers and schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County and its surrounding areas.
Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers
136 E Bay St #5438
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 356-6071
Find us with our Geo Coordinates: 30.32569719086265, -81.65515220132858
