What does "attorney" mean?

1. (a lawyer) a person whose job is to give legal advice and represent people in court. 2. (legal representative) a person who has the legal power to act or make decisions for someone else. 3. (honorific title) a title used before the name of a lawyer, often shortened to Atty.

How do you use "attorney"?

In the US, 'attorney' is often used in formal contexts or titles, while 'lawyer' is more common in everyday speech. Commonly found in the phrase 'power of attorney', which refers to the legal document or the authority itself. Often abbreviated as 'Atty.' in written correspondence and legal filings.

attorney

US //əˈtɝni// UK //ɐtˈɜːni// at·tor·ney

1 a lawyer (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate American English Law

a person whose job is to give legal advice and represent people in court.

a professional practitioner of law who provides legal advice and representation. In American English, this is the standard term for a lawyer.

Example

If you are arrested, you have the right to speak to an attorney.

Example

The defense attorney argued that the evidence presented by the prosecution was circumstantial and insufficient for a conviction.

Usage

In the US, 'attorney' is often used in formal contexts or titles, while 'lawyer' is more common in everyday speech.

Teacher's tip

While 'lawyer' and 'attorney' are often interchangeable in the US, 'attorney' specifically implies the right to act for another in court.
2 legal representative (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Law

a person who has the legal power to act or make decisions for someone else.

an agent or representative authorized to act on behalf of another person, often in financial or medical matters.

Example

She appointed her brother as her attorney to handle her bank accounts while she was ill.

Example

The power of attorney allows the designated individual to sign binding contracts and manage assets on behalf of the grantor.

Usage

Commonly found in the phrase 'power of attorney', which refers to the legal document or the authority itself.

Teacher's tip

Explain to students that in this context, the 'attorney' does not necessarily have to be a professional lawyer; they are simply a legal proxy.

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3 honorific title (n.)
C1 Advanced American English Formal Law

a title used before the name of a lawyer, often shortened to Atty.

a formal title or honorific used when addressing or referring to a member of the legal profession.

Example

The letter was addressed to Attorney Sarah Jenkins.

Example

In certain jurisdictions, it is customary to address a notary or legal practitioner as Attorney followed by their surname.

Usage

Often abbreviated as 'Atty.' in written correspondence and legal filings.

Origin

From Middle English attourne, from Old French atorné, past participle of atorner, atourner, aturner (“to attorn”), in the sense of "one appointed or constituted".