Attorney at law, or better known as attorney-at-law, is the legal term for a lawyer who is licensed to practice law in one or more jurisdictions within the United States. This term is commonly used to describe a lawyer in private practice, that specializes in representing clients in both criminal and civil matters before courts and other judicial authorities.
What Does an Attorney Do in Private Practice?
An attorney-at-law in private practice generally offers legal services such as drafting legal documents, providing legal advice, negotiating, appearing in court, and representing clients in various court proceedings. For example, an attorney may draft a contract, represent a client in a court hearing, or provide legal advice to a business. In addition to legal representation, an attorney-at-law may oversee the execution of legal documents, provide consultation on legal and business matters, and may even assist in the formation and/or dissolution of a business.
What Is the Difference Between an Attorney and a Lawyer?
An attorney is a lawyer who has been given the authority by the court to act on behalf of another person or company. A lawyer is a professional who is qualified and licensed to practice law, while an attorney is merely a lawyer who has been admitted to a bar and been given the authority by the court to represent clients in legal matters. Lawyers, on the other hand, are individuals who have either taken a law degree or have earned a qualification in legal studies.
Conclusion
An attorney at law (or attorney-at-law) is a legal practitioner who is licensed to practice law and has the authority to represent clients in court. While they may offer similar services to that of a lawyer, an attorney has been granted the authority to act on behalf of another person or company in a legal capacity. Knowing the difference between an attorney and a lawyer can be beneficial when seeking legal counsel.