Educational reference. Not legal advice. Rules and procedures vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Verified April 2026.
LawyerVsAttorney
Last verified April 2026

Legal Titles Glossary: A to Z

80 terms defined. Each entry gives the definition, context or key distinction, and a link to the full reference page where applicable.

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A

Admission on Motion
The process by which an attorney admitted in one state can be admitted in another state without retaking the bar exam, based on years of active law practice. Typically requires 3-5 years of active practice. Not all states offer AOM. More →
Advocate
In Scottish law, an advocate is the equivalent of an English barrister -- a specialist in higher-court advocacy. In India, 'advocate' is the primary title for all licensed lawyers. Also used in civil-law countries (advocaat in the Netherlands, avocat in France). More →
Associate
A salaried attorney at a law firm who is not a partner. Associates typically have 1-8 years of experience and are on a partnership track or a non-equity staff attorney track.
Attorney
A bar-admitted, licensed lawyer who can represent clients, sign court filings, and provide legal advice. Short for attorney-at-law. More →
Attorney at Law
The formal term for a licensed attorney, emphasising their role as a legal agent before the courts. Equivalent to 'attorney' in modern usage. More →
Attorney General
The chief legal officer of a government jurisdiction. The US Attorney General heads the Department of Justice; state attorneys general are each state's chief legal officer. More →
Attorney-in-Fact
A person named in a power of attorney document to act on another person's behalf. Not a lawyer unless they happen to also be one. The term 'attorney' here is used in its older sense of 'agent'. More →

B

Bar Admission
The formal process of being licensed to practise law in a jurisdiction: passing the bar exam, completing character and fitness review, and taking the oath of admission. More →
Bar Association
A professional organisation for attorneys. State bars (which regulate lawyers) are distinct from voluntary bar associations (which provide professional services and advocacy). In most states, membership in the state bar is mandatory for practice.
Barrister
In England, Wales, and some other common-law jurisdictions, a specialist courtroom advocate who typically receives instructions from solicitors. Has full rights of audience in all courts. More →
Bench (the)
Refers collectively to judges. 'Appearing before the bench' means arguing in court before a judge. 'Taking the bench' means a judge assuming office.
Board Certified (Specialist)
In states offering board certification programmes (Texas, Florida, California, North Carolina), a voluntary credential recognising demonstrated expertise in a specific practice area beyond general bar admission. More →
Brief (legal)
A written legal document submitted to a court arguing a party's position on a legal question. Also used to mean written instructions given by a solicitor to a barrister (UK).

C

Character and Fitness
The background investigation conducted by state bars before admitting a bar exam candidate. Reviews criminal history, academic dishonesty, financial responsibility, and professional discipline. More →
Client Protection Fund
A state bar fund (also called Clients' Security Fund) that reimburses clients whose attorneys misappropriated their money. Every state has one.
Conflict of Interest
A situation where an attorney's duty to one client may be adverse to their duty to another client, former client, third party, or themselves. Governed by ABA Model Rules 1.7-1.9. More →
Contingency Fee
A fee paid to the attorney only from a recovery -- no win, no fee. Typically 33% pre-suit, 40% post-suit. Common in personal injury and some employment matters. Costs still deducted from recovery. More →
Corporation Counsel
The chief lawyer for a municipal government (city, county, or similar). Also called City Attorney in many jurisdictions. More →
Counsel
A lawyer acting in an advisory capacity. Used as a form of address in court for any attorney. In corporate contexts, 'in-house counsel', 'general counsel', 'of counsel' each have specific meanings. More →

D

Deputy General Counsel
A senior in-house attorney reporting to the general counsel, typically leading a specific practice area team (litigation, M&A, compliance, IP, employment). More →
Direct Access (UK)
A scheme allowing members of the public in England and Wales to instruct a barrister directly without going through a solicitor first. Available since 2004. Participating barristers are registered with the Bar Standards Board for public access work. More →
Disbarment
The most severe attorney discipline -- permanent revocation of the licence to practise law. Typically results from serious misconduct: misappropriation of client funds, fraud, criminal convictions.
Docket
The formal list of cases pending before a court. Also the formal record of proceedings in a specific case.
Duty of Confidentiality
The ethical obligation under ABA Model Rule 1.6 requiring an attorney to protect all information relating to the representation. Broader than attorney-client privilege -- covers information from any source. More →

E

Engagement Letter
A written agreement between attorney and client defining the scope of representation, fee structure, billing procedures, and termination conditions. A competent attorney always provides one.
Esquire (Esq.)
A US honorific appended to the name of a bar-admitted attorney (e.g., Jane Smith, Esq.). Not a degree, not gender-specific. Unauthorised use is a UPL red flag in most states. More →
Ethics Opinion
A formal or informal opinion issued by a bar association's ethics committee interpreting how the professional conduct rules apply to a specific situation. ABA formal ethics opinions carry persuasive authority across jurisdictions.

F

FindLaw
A legal content and attorney directory owned by Thomson Reuters. Provides basic attorney profile information and legal articles.
Flat Fee
A fixed amount charged for a defined scope of legal work. Common for routine matters (will, simple divorce, LLC formation, trademark application) where the work is predictable. More →

G

General Counsel
The most senior in-house lawyer in an organisation -- the chief legal officer employed directly by the company. Oversees the entire legal function. More →

H

Higher Rights of Audience (UK)
A qualification allowing UK solicitors to appear in higher courts (Crown Court, High Court, Court of Appeal). Without it, solicitors have automatic rights only in magistrates', county courts, and tribunals. More →
Hourly Billing
The dominant fee model in US legal practice. Rates billed in 6-minute increments (0.1 hours). Rates range from $150/hr (solo/rural) to $1,500+/hr (BigLaw partner). More →

I

In-House Counsel
A licensed attorney employed directly by a company, nonprofit, or government agency to advise that single employer. Distinct from outside counsel (a firm engaged for specific matters). More →
IOLTA
Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts. Attorneys must hold client funds in IOLTA or trust accounts under ABA Model Rule 1.15. Interest from pooled accounts typically funds state legal aid programmes. More →

J

JD (Juris Doctor)
The professional law degree conferred by ABA-accredited law schools after three years of study. Makes you a lawyer; bar admission makes you an attorney. More →
Judge
A public official with authority to preside over court proceedings, evaluate evidence, and render decisions. Federal judges in the US are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Most state judges are elected or appointed by governors.
Justice
A judge on an appellate court, particularly the Supreme Court. US Supreme Court members are called 'Justices', not 'Judges'.

K

King's Counsel (KC)
A senior barrister (or occasionally solicitor-advocate) in England and Wales appointed by the monarch on recommendation of an independent panel. Was Queen's Counsel (QC) until September 2022. 'Taking silk' is the informal term. More →

L

Law Society
The professional association for solicitors in England and Wales. The Law Society of Scotland and Law Society of Northern Ireland are equivalent for their respective jurisdictions.
Lawyer
Anyone who has earned a law degree (JD in the US). Does not require bar admission. Includes attorneys, JD holders who never took the bar, and some foreign-trained legal professionals.
Legal Aid
Free civil legal assistance provided by Legal Services Corporation-funded organisations for qualifying low-income individuals. Covers housing, family, immigration, and benefits matters.
Legal Assistant
A professional who assists attorneys in legal work. Sometimes used interchangeably with 'paralegal'; sometimes indicates a slightly less substantive role. Cannot give legal advice. More →
Legal Secretary
An administrative professional in a law firm who handles scheduling, correspondence, filing, and billing support. Less substantive legal work than a paralegal.
LegalZoom
A document preparation service (not a law firm) that provides self-help legal documents and attorney-on-demand services. Does not provide legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. More →
Litigator
An attorney who specialises in court proceedings -- filing cases, conducting discovery, arguing motions, trying cases, and handling appeals. Distinct in practice (though not in licence) from transactional attorneys. More →
LL.B.
Bachelor of Laws -- the traditional undergraduate law degree in the UK, Australia, and many Commonwealth jurisdictions. In the UK the LLB is the first law degree (equivalent to the US JD in some respects, though taken as an undergraduate degree).
LL.M.
Master of Laws -- a one-year postgraduate degree. Common for foreign-trained lawyers seeking US bar eligibility, or for specialisation (tax LL.M., international LL.M.). Does not by itself confer bar admission. More →

M

Magistrate
A judicial officer with limited jurisdiction, typically handling minor criminal matters, initial appearances, and small civil cases. In federal courts, US Magistrate Judges handle a range of matters delegated by district judges.
Martindale-Hubbell
The oldest US legal directory (founded 1868). Peer-reviewed AV Preeminent and other ratings. Owned by Internet Brands. Companion site Lawyers.com is consumer-facing. More →
MBE (Multistate Bar Examination)
A 200-question standardised test developed by the NCBE, forming the core of the bar exam in most US jurisdictions. Tests contracts, torts, constitutional law, criminal law/procedure, evidence, real property, and civil procedure. More →
MPRE (Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam)
A 60-question test on the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. Required for bar admission in virtually all jurisdictions. Usually taken during 2L or 3L year. More →

N

NALA / NFPA
National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA, offers Certified Paralegal (CP) credential) and National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA, offers Registered Paralegal (RP) credential). The two main voluntary certification bodies for paralegals. More →
Notary Public
A state-appointed official who witnesses signatures, administers oaths, and certifies document copies. No legal training required. Cannot give legal advice. Not to be confused with the civil-law notaire (France) or Notar (Germany) who are legally trained professionals.

O

Of Counsel
A lawyer affiliated with a law firm but not a partner, associate, or regular employee. ABA Formal Opinion 90-357 defines four permitted models. Creates full ethical obligations including imputed conflicts. More →
Outside Counsel
A law firm engaged by a company to provide legal representation on specific matters. The opposite of in-house counsel. More →

P

Paralegal
A trained legal professional working under attorney supervision who handles drafting, research, and case management. Cannot give legal advice, represent clients, or sign court filings. More →
Partner (Equity / Non-Equity)
A senior attorney with an ownership stake in a law firm (equity partner) or a senior attorney with a partnership title but no ownership (non-equity or income partner).
Patent Agent
A person registered with the USPTO to prosecute patent applications who is not a licensed attorney. Can handle patent prosecution but not patent litigation or non-patent legal advice. More →
Patent Attorney
An attorney who is both state bar-admitted and registered with the USPTO as a patent practitioner. Can handle patent prosecution, litigation, and licensing. More →
Pro Bono
Legal services provided free of charge (from the Latin pro bono publico, for the public good). Most state bars encourage (but do not mandate) 50 hours per year. Pro bono work typically goes to indigent individuals or nonprofit organisations.
Pro Hac Vice
Latin: 'for this occasion'. Court permission allowing an attorney not admitted in that jurisdiction to appear in a specific case. Requires an application, fee, and usually association with local counsel. More →
Pro Se
Representing oneself in legal proceedings without an attorney. From the Latin 'for oneself'. Allowed in virtually all courts. Courts may provide some additional assistance to pro se litigants.
Prosecutor
An attorney who represents the government in criminal cases. In state courts: District Attorney (DA) or State's Attorney. In federal courts: US Attorney (head of a district) or AUSA (Assistant US Attorney).
Public Defender
A government-employed attorney who represents criminal defendants who cannot afford private counsel, fulfilling the Sixth Amendment right to counsel established in Gideon v. Wainwright (1963).

Q

Queen's Counsel (QC)
The former title (now King's Counsel since September 2022) for a senior barrister appointed by the monarch in the UK. Historically used during the reign of a queen. More →

R

Reciprocity
In bar admission, a mutual arrangement where State A admits attorneys from State B without retaking the bar, because State B would do the same for State A attorneys. Not all states participate in reciprocity. More →
Retainer
An advance deposit held in the attorney's trust account, billed against as work is performed. Classic retainers range from $1,500 to $10,000+. Unused funds are returned on matter close. More →
Rocket Lawyer
An online legal service offering document preparation, a document library, and attorney Q&A access via subscription (~$39.99/mo). Not a law firm; does not create an attorney-client relationship. More →

S

Senior Counsel
In Ireland and some Commonwealth jurisdictions, the equivalent of King's Counsel -- a senior barrister designation. In US law firms, sometimes used for senior non-equity attorneys. More →
Senior Partner
A senior equity partner at a law firm. The title varies by firm structure; typically a partner with significant equity stake, management responsibilities, or client relationships.
Shareholder (Professional Corporation)
The equivalent of a partner in a law firm organised as a professional corporation (PC or PLLC). Shareholders own shares in the corporation rather than partnership interests.
Solicitor
In England and Wales, a qualified lawyer who handles client-facing legal work, advice, contracts, and lower-court appearances. Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). More →
Solicitor Advocate (UK)
A solicitor who has obtained the Higher Courts Civil and/or Criminal Advocacy qualification, giving them rights of audience in higher courts typically reserved for barristers. More →
Solicitor General
Represents the US federal government before the Supreme Court. Ranked below the US Attorney General in the DOJ hierarchy. More →
Special Counsel
Two uses: (1) a law firm title for senior attorneys in certain firm structures; (2) in government, an attorney appointed outside normal chains of command to investigate specific matters (e.g., federal Special Counsel under 28 CFR Part 600). More →
Super Lawyers
An attorney directory and listing service (Thomson Reuters). Only 5% of attorneys in each state receive the designation via peer nomination, research, and editorial review. Listed attorneys pay for enhanced profiles. More →

T

Taking Silk (UK)
Informal term for becoming a King's Counsel (previously Queen's Counsel). Refers to the silk gown worn by KCs, replacing the junior barrister's wool gown. More →
Trust Account
A separate bank account where attorneys hold client funds under ABA Model Rule 1.15. Funds must be kept separate from firm funds. Misappropriation is a common cause of disbarment. More →

U

UBE (Uniform Bar Examination)
A standardised bar exam (developed by NCBE) used in 41 US jurisdictions. Scores can be transferred between participating states within a set window, allowing multi-state practice without retaking the bar. More →
Unauthorised Practice of Law (UPL)
Providing legal services that require bar admission without being bar-admitted. Every US state prohibits UPL. Representing clients in court, giving legal advice for compensation, and preparing legal documents for others for a fee are the core activities. More →

Every definition is sourced from primary references (ABA, NCBE, SRA, BSB, Black's Law Dictionary) and is consistent with the full explanations on the relevant reference pages. If you notice a term missing or a definition that needs updating, the last-verified date is April 2026.