Esq vs. JD — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 14, 2024
Esq., or Esquire, is a title of respect used for attorneys in the U.S., while JD refers to the Juris Doctor degree, the primary law degree.
Difference Between Esq and JD
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Key Differences
Esq., short for Esquire, is a courtesy title used primarily in the United States to denote a person who has been admitted to the practice of law. Whereas, JD stands for Juris Doctor, which is an academic degree conferred upon law school graduates.
An individual uses Esq. after their name (e.g., John Doe, Esq.) to indicate that they are a licensed attorney. On the other hand, JD is used to signify that someone has completed the required academic coursework and earned their law degree, but it does not by itself indicate licensure.
Esq. is used exclusively as a professional designation in formal and legal correspondence, distinguishing a licensed attorney. Whereas JD is used in both academic and professional contexts to indicate educational qualification and is often included in resumes and academic settings.
Typically, Esq. is only added to the end of a lawyer's name in professional settings, such as on business cards or official correspondence. In contrast, JD can be included next to one's name in a variety of contexts, such as social media profiles, to highlight one's educational achievements.
Esq. does not reflect the level of education but rather the professional status of being admitted to the bar. JD, however, explicitly reflects the educational attainment and is often a requirement for taking the bar exam in the United States.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A title used by lawyers
An academic degree in law
Usage
Professional title post-nominal
Educational qualification
Indicates
Admission to the bar and legal practice
Completion of law school
Context
Legal, professional
Academic, professional, and social
Requirement
Must pass the bar exam
Completion of law degree
Compare with Definitions
Esq
Title of respect.
After passing the bar, Jane Doe may now be addressed as Jane Doe, Esq.
Jd
Prerequisite for the bar.
She earned her JD before taking the New York State Bar Exam.
Esq
Formal usage.
Invitations to the firm’s gala listed each lawyer’s name with Esq.
Jd
Resume credential.
Applicants must list their JD degree on their resumes when applying for law-related jobs.
Esq
Professional distinction.
Business cards for attorneys often include Esq. to denote their status.
Jd
Educational achievement.
Graduating with a JD requires mastering complex legal concepts.
Esq
Legal professional identifier.
The letter was signed by the managing attorney, John Smith, Esq.
Jd
Academic law degree.
John completed his JD at Harvard Law School.
Esq
Exclusive to attorneys.
Only those licensed to practice law can use Esq. after their names.
Jd
Professional stepping stone.
Obtaining a JD is the first step toward becoming a practicing lawyer.
Esq
A title of respect for a member of the English gentry ranking just below a knight; placed after the name
Jd
Juvenile delinquent.
Common Curiosities
What does Esq. stand for?
Esq. stands for Esquire.
Who can use the title Esq.?
Only licensed attorneys in the United States can use the title Esq.
Is Esq. used internationally?
Esq. is primarily used in the United States, while other countries may have different titles for lawyers.
Does having a JD guarantee the right to use Esq.?
No, a JD is necessary to take the bar exam, but one must pass the exam to use Esq.
What is the main purpose of obtaining a JD?
The main purpose of a JD is to prepare graduates for legal careers and taking the bar exam.
Are there different types of law degrees besides JD?
Yes, other types include the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Master of Laws (LLM).
Can someone use Esq. without passing the bar exam?
No, Esq. is reserved for individuals who have passed the bar exam and are legally recognized as attorneys.
What does JD stand for?
JD stands for Juris Doctor.
Is a JD equivalent to a PhD?
No, a JD is a professional doctorate in law, distinct from a PhD which is focused on research and academia.
Can JD holders practice law immediately after graduation?
JD holders must pass the bar exam in their respective state to practice law.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
