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Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University
Reviewed: 4/12/24
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between an Esq and J.D.? In this guide, we’ll be going over Esq vs. J.D. and their different career options.
A person might get confused with many titles and terms when looking into the legal field, especially if you want to work in it; you must know your terms and the various legal qualifications.
Some of the many titles people get confused with are “Esq.” and “J.D.” In this guide, we’ll be going over the differences between the two and the various career options.
Esq. stands for Esquire and is added to a lawyer's name once they pass the bar exam. J.D. stands for Juris Doctor, which is earned by graduating from law school. Someone given the title of J.D. has received a law degree but cannot practice law because they’re not a bar member.
An “Esq.” or “Esquire” is an honorary title for a practicing lawyer. Practicing lawyers are people who have passed the bar exam and are licensed by the bar association.
Often, lawyers only use the Esq. title when conducting business. They may use it on official court documents, signs, letterheads, and business cards.
Although it’s purely customary to use Esq., some states have disciplined unlicensed J.D.s for using it. However, the majority of lawyers prefer to use J.D. rather than Esq. because they find it old-fashioned.
The term “J.D.” stands for Juris Doctor and is awarded to a person who has received a law degree from an accredited law school. Lawyers will use this title for business purposes. They will have it on their resumes, business cards, letters, emails, etc.
J.D. programs typically last three years. If you take a part-time program, it will typically take longer.
Having a J.D. means a person is not a bar association member and cannot practice law until they’ve been admitted to the bar. A person can receive a law degree; however, they can only practice law if they’ve passed the bar and therefore become a member of the bar.
To some people, being an "esquire" can be seen as having a higher status in the legal profession because they're actively practicing law, whereas having a "J.D." is just the first step toward becoming a lawyer.
However, it's important to remember that a successful legal career depends on more than just titles or degrees; it also involves experience and expertise in the field.
Let's look at the pros and cons of earning a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree:
Before pursuing a J.D. degree, carefully consider your career goals, values, and the potential challenges of the legal profession. Speak with practicing attorneys to gain insights into the field and make an informed decision about your path in law.
A Juris Doctor or a law degree is what people aim to obtain because they want to pursue a career as a lawyer. However, if you complete your law degree and don’t want to pursue a career as a lawyer, there are other career options you can pursue.
Average salary: $64,609 per year
An insurance adjuster works in the claims department of an insurance company. An insurance adjuster investigates insurance claims by conducting interviews with witnesses, obtaining hospital records, and inspecting property damage.
Once the investigation is complete, the insurance adjuster determines if the insurance company should pay a claim and how much. Becoming an insurance adjuster can be a viable career option for someone who has obtained a law degree. Their legal education and skills can help them out with the role.
Average salary: $98,344 per year
A mediator is a person who assists and guides parties through negotiations. The mediator's goal is to have the parties settle their conflict. Many mediators work within the court system, while others work in the private sector.
Those who have completed their law degree have the skills and experience in negotiations and meditations, making this career an excellent one for them.
Average salary: $165,536 per year
As a law professor, you'll need an L.L.M. education and have gained experience in a specific legal field. If you have a J.D., you're well-equipped to teach law as a professor at a college.
Average salary: $77,113 per year
A lot of politicians often have law degrees. If you have a political science degree, you can explore various roles within the government. You could run for office at different government levels, work as a political advisor, policy analyst, or campaign manager. Opportunities also exist in foreign affairs, such as becoming a diplomat. Additionally, you could work in consumer or human rights advocacy, immigration services,
Average salary: $59,731 per year
A lawyer oversees a paralegal, whose main role is to assist the lawyer. Paralegals help lawyers prepare cases for clients, requiring good research and communication skills. They also find witnesses for court cases and often summarize depositions and testimonies.
Average salary: $55,930 per year
The main job of a law enforcement officer is keeping neighborhoods and people safe. This job is perfect for people who know much about law, like those who studied law. They write tickets, drive around neighborhoods, and arrest people who break the rules.
Let's weigh the upsides and downsides of choosing a career in law and earning that "Esquire" title.
Before diving into a legal career, think about what matters most to you and your long-term goals. The law can be rewarding, but it also demands hard work and dedication. It's worth talking to practicing lawyers to get a real feel for the profession.
As mentioned before, Esquires are practicing lawyers and bar members. That said, they have many career options other than being a lawyer.
Average salary: $97,244 per year
The role of a judge is to conduct hearings in an unbiased manner. To become a judge, a person must work as a lawyer for some time and then work towards a judgeship. Becoming a judge is a very viable career option for an esquire because an esquire has the knowledge and experience to work as a judge,
Average salary: $86,450 per year
A legal consultant is an attorney hired by a law firm to help with a case. Often, they're an expert in a specific field of law. Their specialization in that field of law makes them valuable and qualifies them to be a consultant for that firm. This career option is a great one for esquires because they work as an attorney in a field they specialize in.
Average salary: $77,650 per year
Many people with law degrees work in executive search, human resources, and law firm recruitment. They may lead teams that recruit summer interns, articling students, and new associates for law firms.
Average salary: $67,876 per year
Legislative assistants mainly help write and understand laws. They help politicians and do things like fixing and changing laws. If you want to do this job, you have to do lots of research, talk to the government, and make presentations about the laws they're working on.
If you need help deciding which legal field to pursue, check out our What Type of Lawyer Should I Be? quiz. It’ll help you find the right legal field for you.
If you still have questions about the difference between Esquires and J.D., check out these frequently asked questions below.
No, a person with a J.D. and an esquire are different. A person with a J.D. has a law degree and is not a bar member, whereas an esquire is a practicing lawyer who is a member of the bar association.
There isn't a difference between esquire and attorney at law because they're both synonymous. Attorneys are practicing lawyers just like Esquire; the only difference is that the title "esquire" isn't used anymore, whereas the term "attorney at law" is still commonly used.
An esquire is a practicing lawyer who's a member of the bar. A person with a J.D. has a law degree but isn't a practicing lawyer. In that case, an esquire is considered higher than a J.D. because they're a practicing lawyer.
Rarely anyone in the U.S. uses the esquire title. It isn't common; however, if you want to use the title, you can. Often esquires use the title for business purposes.
When looking at a career in the legal field, it’s important to know the difference between the different titles. You also need to know who is considered a practicing lawyer and who is not.
It’s also important to note that you can still work in the legal field with a J.D. without being a practicing lawyer. This guide has shown you the difference between Esquire and J.D. and the many career options available out there.
Reviewed by:
Former Head of Northeastern University's Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University
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