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Attorney Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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attorney

[əˈtəːni ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal profession

An attorney is a person who is legally qualified to represent someone in a court of law.

Synonyms

advocate, counsel, lawyer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
attorney

Commonly used in the United States to refer to someone legally qualified to represent clients in legal matters. Often used in formal or official contexts.

  • She hired an attorney to handle her divorce proceedings.
  • The attorney will present the case to the court tomorrow.
lawyer

A general term for someone who practices law. It is broadly used in both formal and informal settings to describe someone qualified to offer legal services.

  • He's studying to become a lawyer.
  • You should talk to a lawyer about your legal issues.
counsel

Used to refer to an advisor, especially in legal matters. Can refer to one or more lawyers representing someone in court. Often seen in formal situations.

  • She sought legal counsel before signing the contract.
  • The counsel for the defense will cross-examine the witness.
advocate

Used to describe someone who supports or argues for a cause or on behalf of someone, especially in legal contexts. It is also common in British English to refer to lawyers.

  • He is a strong advocate for human rights.
  • As your advocate, I will argue your case in court.

Examples of usage

  • The attorney will defend the client in court.
  • The attorney provided legal advice to the defendant.
Context #2 | Noun

general usage

An attorney can also refer to a person appointed to act on behalf of another in business or legal matters.

Synonyms

agent, representative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
attorney

Used in legal contexts to refer to a person who is professionally qualified to represent clients in a court of law.

  • She hired an attorney to help with her divorce case.
  • The defendant's attorney presented a strong defense.
agent

Refers to someone who acts on behalf of another person, often in business or creative industries. It can also imply someone who facilitates specific actions.

  • He is a sports agent managing several top athletes.
  • The real estate agent showed us several properties.
representative

Used in a more general sense to denote someone who represents or acts on behalf of others, often in a formal or official capacity.

  • She is the representative for our district in Congress.
  • The employee representative met with management to discuss working conditions.

Examples of usage

  • The power of attorney allowed him to make decisions on her behalf.
  • She appointed an attorney to handle her financial affairs.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In English law, attorneys were distinguished from solicitors and barristers, with specific functions assigned to each role.
  • The first American Bar Association was established in 1878, setting standards for the profession and elevating the attorney's role.
  • In colonial America, the role of the attorney was crucial in shaping laws and advocating for rights, as many educated colonists began to practice law.

Cultural Representation

  • Attorneys are often portrayed in films and literature as champions of justice, like Atticus Finch in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.
  • Television shows like 'Law & Order' and 'Suits' have popularized the dramatic and intense world of legal work.
  • Throughout history, notable attorneys have often taken on high-profile cases that have influenced public opinion and legal system reforms.

Contemporary Issues

  • The legal profession is increasingly focusing on areas like environmental law and digital rights as society faces modern challenges.
  • Attorneys often engage in pro bono work, providing legal assistance to those who cannot afford it, highlighting the societal role of the profession.
  • Diversity in law has become a focus, with initiatives aimed at increasing representation of various backgrounds within the attorney workforce.

Professional Roles

  • Different types of attorneys specialize in areas such as family law, criminal law, or corporate law, each requiring unique skills and knowledge.
  • Some attorneys also work in the judicial system as judges, reflecting a progression of legal expertise in their careers.
  • Networking and building client relationships are crucial elements of an attorney's work, illustrating the blend of personal and professional skills required.

Origin of 'attorney'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'attorney' comes from the Old French term 'atorner', meaning to appoint or designate, reflecting the role of being chosen to act for someone else.
  • In medieval times, having an attorney represented the idea that you needed someone to speak on your behalf in legal matters.
  • The term has evolved from being a general term for 'one who acts' to specifically refer to those trained in law.

The word 'attorney' originated from Middle English 'attourney', from Old French 'atorne', past participle of 'atorner' meaning 'to appoint, authorize, equip', based on Latin 'ad-' (to) + 'tornare' (to turn). The term originally referred to a person appointed to act for another, especially in legal matters, and has evolved to represent legal professionals.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,002, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.