American Justice Studies Institute - School of Law

[Lawyer]

A Lawyer wrote:
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> I just read your information on the use of ‘Esq’ and while I found the information valuable and informative, I have a question.
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> In the Bar Association of New York piece (May 1994) you reference the use of Esquire by lawyers working in another professional capacity, which is illustrated as being ethical, as the use of Esquire is commonly accepted as a form of respect for lawyers.
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> Sorry to paraphrase badly, but my question is somewhat different from the above inquiry.
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> What if someone has graduated from law school but did not take the bar and has never practiced as an attorney? At my office the other day, I overheard someone arguing with the department-head that she should be allowed to use “Esquire” after her name, despite the fact that she never took the bar, has never had a job even in our corporate Legal Department let alone a law practice, and her job is not linked to law. Should she still be allowed to use “Esq.”? My opinion is no, because she never took the bar.
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> What does the law say?
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> Thank you!
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You must understand the definition and use of the terms "counsellor at law", lawyer, attorney and esquire.

The STATE, in caps is a corporation created by a government of a state(county-land) this corporation makes all the business rules under UCC and admin code. This corporation decides who get to work for that STATE corporation and it grants titles if you wish to work in that corporation. I have a degree in law by that very nature I am a lawyer. In the STATE of ANYSTATE INC. only a lawyer that has passed the INC's standard is allowed to represent persons (also corporations) .ANYSTATE INC refused in 2006 to define the term lawyer but does define attorneys. Why? because accountants, tax preparers and others do 99% of what all lawyers do.

Go to Corpus Juris Secundum and American Jurisprudence and read their definitions and you will understand if you have a formal legal education you are a lawyer. I know many people that use esquire and they are not lawyers. Esquire is a title of respect like madame, mister etc. Others may argue. I have had that issue before the 3rd Circuit taking this position and they left it unanswered for the obvious reason.


I as a lawyer will tell you that the legal education system is BOGUS - the so-called education only teaches what the current powers that be want you to know. I take ICLE seminars on topics I am very familiar with and I get dumbed down!

I was in court with a Harvard law grad - she turned out to be an arrogant moron and got booted off the case as counsel of record - touting "I am a Harvard grad, I know the law, don't tell me" She got fired from the firm.


I use Esquire at times to indicate my legal knowledge as a non attorney. I do pro bono legal consultations, have authored many articles and books and hold a court office - I am still not an attorney in my state and I am not interested in being one given what you and I already know (assuming you do)

ANYONE CAN USE ESQUIRE as far as I am concerned unless there is a LAW AGAINST IT - Let her use it and defend her right to do so.

So to answer your question where is the law that regulates its use?
It is in the dictionary of choice - ultimately it is the intended use and as long as their is no fraud and deception involved you can use it any way you like!

Our Constitution gives right to legal counsel not to an attorney or lawyer.

Me, Esquire, Lawyer and Counselor at Law

P.S. - all paralegals are lawyers, i.e. on par with lawyers and you must know that.




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