What is the difference between a lawyer and an attorney?

The terms lawyer and attorney are often used interchangeably, but they do have distinctive meanings. In most states, the terms are used interchangeably and refer to individuals licensed to practice law. In Utah, an individual must be licensed to practice law professionally and is referred to as an attorney. A lawyer is a generic term for one who offers advice and has such a license. An attorney in Utah is an individual who is admitted to the bar and can practice law in the state. An attorney has been admitted to the bar of the Utah Supreme Court and has received a degree in law from an accredited institution. An attorney may represent individuals or companies in court and can provide legal advice, drafts legal documents, and provide representation in various other legal matters. A lawyer is a more general term for one who provides legal advice, and a lawyer may or may not be a licensed attorney. A lawyer may give advice and provide representation but lacks the authority to actually appear in court or in other proceedings as a legal representative. Overall, the primary difference between a lawyer and an attorney is that an attorney is licensed to practice law, whereas a lawyer is not. Although in other states, the term lawyer may be used instead of attorney, in Utah an attorney is the more specific term for one who is legally licensed to practice law.

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