Davis Law Group Receives Seattle Business Magazine’s ‘Best Companies to Work For’ Award Learn More
Davis Law Group Receives Seattle Business Magazine’s ‘Best Companies to Work For’ Award Learn More
When you face a legal problem, such as injuries from a car accident, you may decide to seek professional assistance. However, many potential clients wonder, “What is the difference between a lawyer and an attorney, and which one do I need?” Under Washington State law and U.S. customs, the terms “lawyer” and “attorney” are interchangeable. Both terms refer to someone authorized to practice law, including representing clients in court and in dealings with third parties, such as insurers.
Under the Washington State Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) that regulate the practice of law, a legal practitioner performs certain functions for clients. They fill the following roles:
The RPC does not express a preference for the term “lawyer” or “attorney,” and most legal practitioners use the terms interchangeably. In other words, anyone who meets the definition of a legal practitioner under the RPC can call themselves a lawyer or attorney.
To become a lawyer or attorney in Washington, an applicant must have good moral character based on a background check, pass the state bar examination, and meet at least one of the following qualifications:
Once someone meets these qualifications, they are admitted to membership in the Washington State Bar. They can portray themselves as a lawyer or attorney and practice law.
Conversely, a person cannot call themselves a lawyer or attorney without meeting these requirements. In other words, the terms “lawyer” and “attorney” are reserved for those who have met the state’s rules for practicing law. If a non-practitioner practices law, they can be charged with unauthorized practice of law, a gross misdemeanor. This crime carries a possible sentence of up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. Prosecutors can charge a repeat offender with a class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Additionally, any lawyer or attorney who assists someone in the unauthorized practice of law can face discipline by the Washington Supreme Court, including censure, suspension, or even disbarment.
Whether you use the term “lawyer” or “attorney” to refer to your legal representative is a matter of preference. Some practitioners prefer one term over the other, but most use both terms. In either case, you know that the person you hire for your personal injury case has met the state’s requirements to practice law. They are also regulated by the Washington Supreme Court. Lawyers are required to put their clients’ interests ahead of their own. When they violate the rules or put their interests ahead of their clients’ interests, they can face discipline for their actions.
If you need assistance with a personal injury matter, a legal practitioner can represent your interests and advocate for your goals. Whether you refer to this person as a lawyer or attorney, they will provide the same level of service and loyalty. Most personal injury firms offer a free consultation, so don’t wait to get help.
If you’ve been injured in Seattle, WA, and need legal assistance, contact Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers. Contact our legal team and schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer today. We proudly serve King County in Washington and it’s surrounding areas. Visit our law office at:
Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
2101 4th Ave 1030 Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 727 4000
Hours: Open 24/7
Complete this CONFIDENTIAL form or call 206-727-4000 for a FREE consultation.
