esquire
n. countablen. a title of respect that people sometimes put after a lawyer's name in writing. In the past, it was also used for men who owned land or worked for a knight.
n. a title of courtesy or respect, traditionally placed after a surname in written address. In modern American usage, it is almost exclusively reserved for licensed attorneys; historically, it denoted a member of the English gentry or an attendant to a knight.
The letter was addressed to Jane Smith, Esquire.
When drafting the formal legal notice, the clerk made sure to append 'Esquire' to the names of all representing counsel.
Used as a post-nominal title (placed after the name); it is never used alongside other titles like 'Mr.' or 'Ms.'
Mr. John Doe, Esq.John Doe, Esq.The title is post-nominal and replaces social titles like Mr. or Ms. rather than being used with them.
Last updated May 8, 2026