Lawyer: meaning, definitions and examples

A general term for someone who is trained in law and gives advice about legal matters or represents people in legal matters.

• She hired a lawyer to help with the case
• He graduated from law school and is now a lawyer

A legal professional who is qualified to represent clients in court. Commonly used in American English, it has a similar meaning to 'lawyer' but may specifically refer to someone who acts on behalf of another person.

• He consulted with his attorney before signing the contract
• She was represented by her attorney in the trial

Refers to a lawyer or group of lawyers giving legal advice or representation, especially in a formal setting like a court. Can also mean legal advice in general.

• The defendant met with his counsel before testifying
• She sought counsel to understand her legal rights

Often used to describe someone who publicly supports or argues for a cause or policy. In a legal sense, it may refer to a lawyer who represents someone in court, but it can also have a wider meaning beyond legal settings.

• She is a strong advocate for human rights
• He works as an advocate for environmental protection

A lawyer is a person who practices or studies law, and is usually hired to represent clients in legal matters or court cases. The term is specifically used in legal contexts.

• She hired a lawyer to help her with the divorce proceedings.
• The lawyer presented strong evidence in court.

An expert is someone who is very knowledgeable or skillful in a particular area or field. This term can be used in a wide range of contexts, not limited to legal matters.

• He is an expert in cybersecurity.
• They invited an expert to give a talk on climate change.

A specialist is someone who has a deep focus and extensive knowledge in a particular area or field. This term is often used in medical, technical, or scientific contexts.

• She is a heart specialist at the local hospital.
• They consulted a specialist to solve the engineering problem.

Proficient describes someone who is highly skilled or competent in a particular activity or field. It can be used in professional or academic contexts, and is often used to describe a level of skill rather than a formal title.

• She is proficient in multiple programming languages.
• He is proficient at playing the piano.