Mark Casto | March 6, 2025 | Personal Injury Lawyer Near Columbus Georgia

What Does Esquire Mean?

If you’ve ever received correspondence from a lawyer, you may have noticed the abbreviation “Esq.” or “Esquire” after their name. 

The Historical Origins of Esquire

The title “esquire” has a rich history from medieval England. It comes from the French word “escuyer,” which means shield bearer. Initially, it referred to a squire, an apprentice to a knight. The squire carried the knight’s shield and armor while learning chivalry and combat. By the 14th century, this role became a formal rank of nobility, just below knights in the social order.

The title grew beyond its military roots in the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. It became linked to the landed gentry, especially the eldest sons of knights and younger sons of nobles. These esquires often took on roles like magistrates and landowners. By the 17th century, the title symbolized social status for various civil servants, including justices of the peace and attorneys.

In British society, the shift of “esquire” from a military title to a civic honor showed broader social changes. As the legal profession grew in importance, especially after the Norman Conquest, lawyers educated at the Inns of Court began using the title. This practice helped them gain social standing and professional credibility when social rank mattered greatly.

In contemporary American society, esquire (often abbreviated as “Esq.”) has become primarily associated with attorneys. The title is traditionally used after a lawyer’s name in formal written communications, signatures, and business cards.

Understanding when and how to use the title is important for proper legal etiquette. Here are the key distinctions in its usage:

  • Only licensed attorneys should use the title
  • It appears after the name, never before (unlike “Dr.” or “Prof.”)
  • It’s typically not used when addressing someone in person or in casual communication

These guidelines help maintain professional standards in legal communication.

When To Use Esquire

The professional use of esquire requires understanding its appropriate contexts. Consider these common situations where the title is most frequently used:

  • Legal correspondence
  • Court documents
  • Business cards
  • Email signatures
  • Professional directories

These applications help maintain consistency in professional legal communication.

Proper Format and Usage

Clear guidelines exist for the proper formatting of this professional designation. Understanding these rules helps ensure proper usage:

  • Use “Esquire” or “Esq.” (with a period)
  • Place it after the full name
  • Avoid using other titles simultaneously (don’t use “Mr. John Smith, Esq.”)
  • Separate it from the name with a comma

Following these conventions helps maintain professional standards in legal documentation.

Using “esquire” is more than tradition; it shows professional achievements. To use this title, an attorney must earn a law degree and pass the state bar exam. No specific state laws make it illegal for a non-lawyer to use the title. However, using the title to mislead someone could be found to be guilty of fraud. 

Today, the esquire title is a quick way to identify licensed legal professionals. It helps distinguish attorneys from other legal professionals, such as paralegals or legal assistants, who play important roles in the legal system but cannot practice law independently.

At Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm, we understand that knowing what esquire means helps clients better navigate the legal system. Our personal injury lawyers are ready to answer any questions you might have and help you with your legal needs in Columbus, Georgia.

Contact the Columbus Personal Injury Lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm Today

If you were injured in an accident in Columbus, GA, and need legal help, contact our Columbus personal injury lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free case review today.

Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm
233 12th St #808
Columbus, GA 31901
(706) 940-4030