What is the difference between a lawyer and an attorney?

A lawyer and an attorney are both professionals trained in the law, and typically people use these terms interchangeably. However, there is a subtle difference between a lawyer and an attorney that is important to note. A lawyer is someone who is trained in the law and can offer legal advice and represent clients in court. A lawyer may advise clients on legal matters, and help them to navigate the court system. Generally, a lawyer is not certified or licensed to offer legal services but may consult an attorney in certain cases. An attorney, however, is a lawyer who is certified and licensed to practice law. An attorney must meet certain requirements in order to be certified, which include a law school degree, passing a bar exam, and passing an ethics exam. In the state of Florida, attorneys must also be members of the Florida Bar Association in order to practice law. Attorneys can advise clients on legal matters, draft documents, and represent clients in court. In short, all attorneys are lawyers, but not all lawyers are attorneys. An attorney is a person who has obtained specific qualifications and is licensed to practice law in their state and offer legal services to clients. A lawyer is someone may be knowledgeable about the law but who is not certified or licensed to offer legal services.

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