attorney
noun (countable)
UK/əˈtɜː.ni/US/əˈtɜːr.ni/
A person appointed to act for another in legal or business matters.
Example Sentences
He appointed his attorney to manage his estate after his passing.
The attorney acted on behalf of the company in all legal transactions.
She signed a power of attorney to allow her sister to handle her finances.
The attorney was responsible for negotiating the terms of the agreement.
As an attorney, he was entrusted with confidential information.
They relied on their attorney to navigate the complexities of international trade laws.
The attorney ensured that all legal obligations were met during the merger.
She granted her attorney the authority to make decisions in her absence.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A practitioner of law authorized to counsel and advocate on behalf of others.An “attorney” (often called a lawyer) is someone who has graduated from law school, passed bar examinations, and holds a license to practice law. Attorneys provide legal advice, draft documents (like contracts or wills), and represent clients in negotiations or court proceedings. They may specialize in areas such as criminal defense, corporate law, family law, or intellectual property. When people consult an attorney, they’re seeking professional guidance to navigate laws, protect their rights, and resolve disputes or transactions properly. In many jurisdictions, only licensed attorneys can file documents with the court or appear as representatives in court on behalf of clients.
Alternatives
Depending on region and context, terms like “lawyer,” “counsel,” or “solicitor” (in the UK) can be used. “Barrister” may appear in some countries where legal representation is split between solicitors and barristers. Each carries nuanced differences depending on local legal systems, but they share a core meaning: a professional who handles legal tasks and defends clients’ interests. “Attorney-at-law” is another formal term, emphasizing official qualification and bar membership. Outside formal settings, “legal counsel” or “counselor” might also describe someone offering legal expertise or advocacy.
Writing
If discussing attorneys in formal or academic texts, clarify their jurisdiction and role—e.g., “A criminal defense attorney represents individuals accused of crimes,” or “Corporate attorneys handle mergers and regulatory compliance.” When referencing case law or legal theory, you might note an attorney’s position in debates or lawsuits. In articles about legal processes, explain how attorneys support clients: investigating facts, drafting pleadings, or strategizing negotiations. If you’re profiling attorneys in news pieces, detail their background, notable cases, or impact on legislation. Providing context—like explaining how attorneys interact with judges, clients, or opposing counsel—helps readers see the multifaceted responsibilities behind legal representation.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “attorney” pops up if friends mention finding a lawyer for a contract, writing a will, or dealing with traffic tickets. Someone might say, “My attorney’s reviewing the lease,” or “We consulted an attorney for estate planning.” People also compare attorney fees or discuss differences in practice—like “I need a family law attorney to handle custody issues.” Sometimes “lawyer” is more common in casual talk, but “attorney” can sound more formal or official. Jokes about attorneys might poke fun at stereotypes, though in reality, attorneys serve crucial roles—representing individuals, corporations, or government agencies to uphold justice and clarify complex rules. If you’re part of a friend group, someone might mention “attorney fees” when they’re in a legal dispute, or “I called my attorney” if facing a significant contract. While many daily legal matters—like small disputes or minor filings—don’t always require representation, attorneys help navigate complicated procedures or high-stake matters. Ultimately, casual references to “attorneys” highlight professional help for intricate or risky legal circumstances, underlining trust in licensed expertise.
Etymology
“Attorney” traces back to Old French “atorné,” meaning “appointed,” which in turn relates to “ad-” (to) plus “torner” (turn). Initially, it signified someone empowered to act for another—like an appointed agent or representative. In Medieval England, “attorneys” arose as individuals officially designated to stand in place of parties in court. Over time, the term solidified into the modern notion of a legally trained, licensed advocate responsible for guiding and defending clients in judicial, administrative, or transactional matters.
