What Does Esquire Mean?

April 1, 2025 | Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers | Florida Law

Once upon a time, the title “Esquire” designated a nobleman just below the rank of knight. In modern times, “Esquire” or “Esq.,” although seemingly fading out of common usage, is a term some people use to refer to someone who has graduated from law school and passed the state bar exam. Although it might indicate that the person has a license to practice law, you shouldn’t take it as a guarantee.

Can a Lawyer Refer to Themselves as “Esquire”?

Yes, a lawyer may refer to themselves as “Esquire,” although not everyone does. Some lawyers find referring to themselves as “Esquire” to be a bit awkward. According to these people, it is best to simply allow others to address you as “Esquire” without using the title to refer to yourself. Ultimately, this is a matter of etiquette, not law or ethics.

Written vs. Spoken Usage

Although people commonly use “Esquire” in written correspondence and documentation, they seldom use the term in verbal communication.

Can Law Students Call Themselves “Esquire”?

It is inappropriate and misleading for a law student to refer to themselves as “Esquire”—or for anyone else to call them that—until they graduate from an accredited law school and pass the bar exam. In the meantime, refer to them by their first and last names or as Mr./Ms. So-and-So.

Can Retired Lawyers Call Themselves “Esquire”?

Yes, it is appropriate etiquette for a lawyer to continue to use the term “Esquire” even after they retire. In this case, the term is honorary because most retired lawyers are no longer active members of the state bar.

The Consequences of Using “Esquire” to Mislead

The term “Esquire” suggests but does not guarantee that the user is currently licensed to practice law. Nevertheless, much of the public associates this term with licensed attorneys. Consequently, someone might misuse this term for ulterior purposes.

The inappropriate use of “Esquire” by a non-lawyer can lead to the following consequences:

Fines for deceptive business practices: Most state laws prohibit the use of deceptive trade practices. Violators can face stiff fines. Although the law does not specifically mention the term “Esquire,” the use of this term to deceive someone to their detriment is probably prohibited.
Fraud: Suppose, for example, that you hired a “lawyer” based on their use of the term “Esquire.” You could sue them for fraud if it turned out they were not a licensed attorney.
Court sanctions: Someone who uses “Esquire” in court documents to refer to themselves is virtually asking for sanctions if they lack a license to practice law. Sanctions are especially likely if they act like an attorney by, for example, approaching the bar or by speaking on behalf of a “client”. The court might find you in contempt of court or even refer you to the prosecutor for criminal prosecution.
Criminal charges: The unauthorized practice of law is a crime. It can bring stiff penalties and even imprisonment.

Even a retired lawyer should clarify that they are no longer eligible to practice law, at least in situations where it makes a difference.

One thing is for sure: You need an experienced attorney to represent you if you plan on filing a lawsuit. If you believe you might have a viable personal injury claim, you need to act quickly. Contact an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer. They can help you negotiate a settlement or, if necessary, take your case to trial. They generally offer free initial case consultations, no upfront fees, and no attorney’s fees unless they win your case.

Contact a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer from Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Florida today. We have five convenient locations in Florida, including Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, and Lakeland.

We proudly serve Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Polk County, and its surrounding areas:

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
601 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 223-6200

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
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(727) 493-4418

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg Office
111 2nd Ave NE Suite 350, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
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Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
5006 Trouble Creek Rd Unit #200, Port Richey, FL 34652
(727) 910-5060

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Lakeland Office
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(863) 251-6196