Attorney Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Attorney, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Attorney?

(n) Attorney is the person qualified or authorized to practice Law, who has been appointed by a person or entity to represent them on the court or legal procedures. The qualification and requirement to practice law varies from State to State.

History and Meaning of Attorney

The term "attorney" comes from the Old French word "atorne," which means "one who is appointed to plead for another." Attorneys have been around since ancient times, as far back as the Egyptian civilization, where they were known as "scribes of the law."

The role of an attorney varies depending on the jurisdiction, but their main function is to give legal advice, represent clients in court or other legal proceedings, and draft legal documents such as wills and contracts. Attorneys are also responsible for upholding the law, protecting the rights of their clients, and making sure that justice is served.

Examples of Attorney

  1. John hired an attorney to represent him in his divorce case.
  2. The company's attorney advised them on the legality of their marketing campaign.
  3. The defendant's attorney argued that there was not enough evidence to convict his client.

Legal Terms Similar to Attorney

  1. Lawyer - synonym for attorney
  2. Solicitor - a lawyer who gives legal advice and prepares legal documents but does not appear in court
  3. Barrister - a lawyer who specializes in courtroom advocacy and represents clients in higher courts