Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers | April 25, 2025 | Personal Injury
If you’ve ever received a letter from an attorney or browsed a law firm’s website, you’ve probably seen the word “Esquire” or the abbreviation “Esq.” following a lawyer’s name. But what does Esquire mean—and why should it matter to you when you’re seeking help after a car accident or personal injury?
What Does “Esquire” Actually Mean?
“Esquire” is a title used in the United States to denote a person who is licensed to practice law. It’s most often seen in writing, like in signatures or on official legal correspondence, as an honorific placed after an attorney’s name.
The term has historical roots tracing back to England, where it once referred to a rank just below a knight. Over time, it evolved into a professional designation, and in the modern U.S. legal system, it’s used solely to identify licensed attorneys.
Importantly, it’s not a title you give yourself just because you graduated from law school. To use “Esquire,” a person must be admitted to the bar in at least one state—in other words, they must have passed the bar exam and met the state’s requirements for practicing law.
Why It Matters in a Personal Injury Case
When you’re recovering from an injury due to someone else’s negligence—whether it’s a car accident, a slip and fall, or a workplace injury—you want to make sure you have a licensed legal professional on your side. The “Esq.” after an attorney’s name tells you that this individual has gone through the proper legal training and is authorized to advocate for your rights.
This is especially critical in personal injury law, where the stakes are high. Your attorney must know how to navigate complex insurance negotiations, gather evidence, and, if necessary, take your case to court. A lawyer with “Esq.” behind their name has the credentials to do exactly that.
Esquire and the Florida Bar
In Florida, the right to use “Esquire” is tied directly to membership in the Florida Bar, which is the official organization of all lawyers licensed to practice law in the state. According to Chapter 4 of the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct, attorneys are required to adhere to specific standards of conduct and continuing legal education. Being a member of the Florida Bar means the attorney is not only licensed but is held to ongoing ethical and professional standards.
So, when you see “Esq.” on a Florida personal injury lawyer’s signature, you’re also seeing a badge of accountability under Florida law.
Common Misconceptions
It’s worth noting that “Esquire” isn’t a job title, like “attorney” or “partner.” Nor is it a degree like “J.D.” (Juris Doctor). Instead, it’s a courtesy title that indicates legal licensure. You might have a law degree, but until you pass the bar and are admitted to practice, you shouldn’t use “Esquire.”
Also, while anyone can call themselves a “legal advisor” or “consultant,” these titles don’t guarantee that the person is licensed. If you’re considering legal representation after an injury, always check for “Esq.” and verify that the attorney is in good standing with the Florida Bar.
What It Means for You as a Client
Not all attorneys who can legally use “Esquire” are the right fit for your specific legal needs.
In a personal injury claim, you want an attorney who:
- Has a track record of winning fair compensation
- Is familiar with Florida’s comparative fault law (Florida Statutes § 768.81)
- Can guide you through insurance negotiations and medical liens
- Is willing to take your case to trial if needed
An attorney with the right experience, who’s also a licensed “Esquire” in Florida, will be your strongest ally in recovering damages for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, please contact an experienced Personal Injury lawyer at Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We proudly serve Fort Lauderdale, Clermont, and its surrounding areas:
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
633 S Andrews Ave Ste 401, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 361-3997
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
1655 E Hwy 50 ste 316, Clermont, FL 34711
(352) 77-33866