# attorney

/əˈtɝni/ (US) · /ɐtˈɜːni/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/attorney
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a lawyer

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

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

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

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

Teaching 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

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

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

Teaching 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.

### 3. honorific title

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Formal

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

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

- The letter was addressed to Attorney Sarah Jenkins.
- 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.

## Examples

- You should speak to your attorney before signing the contract.
- The defendant requested a meeting with his attorney to discuss the new evidence presented by the prosecution.
- While the power of attorney allows an individual to manage another's financial affairs, it does not grant the same broad legal representation rights as a licensed attorney at law.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.