What is the difference between a lawyer and an attorney?

A lawyer and an attorney are often used interchangeably, but there is an important distinction between the two. A lawyer is someone who is educated in the law, but may or may not practice. Whereas an attorney is a qualified lawyer who is registered with the bar association in their state and actively practices law. In West Virginia, anyone who wants to practice law must first pass the West Virginia Bar Exam. This is a rigorous examination of general law and the laws of the state. Once a prospective attorney has passed the exam and been licensed, they can begin the process of representing clients in court, helping them in legal disputes, and providing legal counsel and advice. Lawyers can provide legal services as well, but they are not necessarily licensed to do so. They are not authorized to provide legal counsel in court or represent clients, so they typically focus on research and communicating with experts in the legal field. In West Virginia, a lawyer can provide a variety of services such as document review and writing contracts. In the end, the difference between a lawyer and an attorney comes down to their qualifications and their abilities to practice law. Lawyers can provide legal services without being licensed, but attorneys must be officially registered in the state of West Virginia in order to practice law.

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What is the difference between a lawyer and an attorney?

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