# What Is the Difference Between a Lawyer and an Attorney? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Lawyers VS Attorneys 2. What a Lawyer Can Provide 3. How an Attorney Can Help You 4. Pay Attention to Their Name and Title 5. Attorneys From Out of State 6. Selecting an Attorney 7. Contact the Houston Personal Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![Houston Texas Lawyers](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/houston-texas-lawyer-300x200.jpeg) It’s not every day you need legal representation. Because of that, many people don’t really know how to find the person best suited to fight on their behalf. Although the words “lawyer” and “attorney” may sound like they mean the same thing, they don’t.  Even though every attorney is a lawyer, a lawyer isn’t always an attorney. Knowing the difference between the two terms is essential in getting the legal guidance you need.  ## **Lawyers VS Attorneys** While a lawyer has studied U.S. and state law, and graduated from law school, only an attorney can legally represent you in a [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/) court of law.  In order to be able to do that, they need to have successfully passed the Texas bar exam and be licensed to practice law. An attorney is a lawyer who has graduated from law school, passed the bar, met the moral character qualifications required, and has been licensed to practice. Some attorneys choose to practice in a particular specialty ([personal injury](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/), [maritime law](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/maritime-injury-lawyer/), [workers’ compensation](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/), criminal defense, etc.). The Texas bar exam is an intense four-part examination of legal rules and concepts. It takes 2 ½ days to complete. The minimum passing grade is 675 out of a possible 1,000 points. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## **What a Lawyer Can Provide** Because they have a working knowledge of the U.S. legal system, a lawyer can be of incredible help to you. In fact, even though they can’t practice law in a courtroom, many lawyers maintain a long list of clients for their services. In addition to helping an attorney strengthen a case, a lawyer can: - Help you with setting up a corporation - Advise you on a tax issue - Compose a prenuptial agreement - Give you legal advice and tell you about legal procedures - Draft and review contracts - Give guidance for protecting intellectual property with trademarks, copyrights, and patents. Even though they may not have passed the Texas bar exam or be licensed, a lawyer can still be very useful.  ## **How an Attorney Can Help You** No two ways about it: if you have to go to court, it’s time to hire an attorney. When you think of the term “legal eagles,” an attorney is whom you have in mind.  They can defend you in court, argue on your behalf, help you negotiate a plea, select jurors that are favorable to your side and more. A licensed Texas attorney is your best resource to: - Pursue compensation and justice if someone else has injured you (personal injury attorney) - Represent you for an issue with the IRS (tax attorney) - Guide you through the process of a divorce or settling a child support or custody issue (family law attorney) - Recover compensation for the [wrongful death](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/wrongful-death-lawyer/) of a loved one (personal injury attorney) - Negotiate a plea deal on your behalf (criminal defense attorney) - Assist you with an immigration matter (immigration attorney). Remember, an attorney is the only person legally authorized to represent you in a courtroom – where the law is interpreted and applied. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## **Pay Attention to Their Name and Title** Most attorneys will use the initials “J.D.” or the word “Esquire” as part of their names. This lets you know they are attorneys. The J.D. stands for Juris Doctor, which is the name of their law degree. Esquire or “Esq.” is a symbolic title that means they’ve passed the bar exam and are licensed to practice law within a particular area. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## **Attorneys From Out of State** If you want to use an out-of-state attorney for your Texas case, you’ll need to get approval from the Texas Board of Law Examiners.  In order to be considered, the attorney must have: - A Juris Doctor degree from a law school that’s been approved by the [American Bar Association](https://www.americanbar.org/) - A license to practice law in another state - Been actively practicing law for at least five years before applying.  It’s important to remember, though, that an out-of-state attorney may not have a full understanding of local and state laws. ## **Selecting an Attorney** If you’re in a situation that requires a legal solution, take your time and interview several lawyers and attorneys to find the best fit for you and your goals. Don’t reactively go for the first name that appears in a Google search. - Make the effort to select a few who specialize in the area of law that fits your case (personal injury, family law, criminal defense). - Speak with them in person (ask if they’ve successfully handled cases similar to yours and how they see your case playing out). - Make sure you know the person who will serve as your point of contact about the status of your case. - Resist the urge to make an on-the-spot decision about your attorney. Instead, take the time to think things over in the comfort of your own home. Again, even though both lawyers and attorneys have studied the law and can give you legal advice, not all lawyers can provide you with the same level of expertise as an attorney.  ## Contact the Houston Personal Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help For more information,[contact](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/contact-us/) the[Houston](https://www.houstontx.gov/) personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000).  **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Houston**[3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350, Houston, TX 77098](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+Houston/@29.7309684,-95.4262545,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8640bf255e7aaf73:0x52064b120afa59fe!8m2!3d29.7309684!4d-95.4262545!16s%2Fg%2F1tfrxw9q?entry=tts/) **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – East Fwy**[11811 East Fwy, Suite 630-06, Houston, TX 77029](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+East+Fwy/@29.773407,-95.2301421,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8640bd52b80b3fe3:0xb5804dd15c47b17b!8m2!3d29.773407!4d-95.2301421!16s%2Fg%2F11r10lsb0x?source=g.page.share&entry=tts/) **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – South Loop**[2600 S Loop W, Suite 293, Houston, TX 77054](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+South+Loop/@29.6785093,-95.4184191,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8640c1c0e435eacd:0x81fd3c6eb30bc542!8m2!3d29.6785093!4d-95.4184191!16s%2Fg%2F11ry4wjwqr?cid=9366709246148461890&_ga=2.209939733.1628598219.1648478482-1081226185.1622227003&shorturl=1&entry=tts/) **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Katy Freeway**[11511 Katy Fwy Suite 515, Houston, TX 77079](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+Katy+Freeway/@29.7836667,-95.5861677,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8640dbd008653a11:0x9786540c9ab0bfd9!8m2!3d29.7836667!4d-95.5861677!16s%2Fg%2F11y3dw2v44?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111&entry=tts/) **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers** **– Burnet** [205 S Pierce St. Burnet, TX 78611](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+Burnet/@30.7574536,-98.2260966,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x907ba5aa207c69:0xca5503e0175023eb!8m2!3d30.7574536!4d-98.2260966!16s%2Fg%2F11vyqvpllk?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111&entry=tts&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDUyMC4wKgBIAVAD/) **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers** **– Clear Lake** [1300 Bay Area Blvd Suite B268, Houston, TX 77058](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+Clear+Lake/@29.5598212,-95.1152728,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x86409d1b345242c9:0x5895a119f6ed1d9!8m2!3d29.5598212!4d-95.1152728!16s%2Fg%2F11lf7xm8n8?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111&coh=219816&entry=tts&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgxNC4xKgBIAVAD/) **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers** **– The Woodlands** [1776 Woodstead Ct ste 203, The Woodlands, TX 77380](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+The+Woodlands/@30.1548897,-95.4639792,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x864737efe5a3cb73:0xff70634b80d03844!8m2!3d30.1548897!4d-95.4639792!16s%2Fg%2F11y98y92_f?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111&entry=tts&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTExOS4yIPu8ASoASAFQAw%3D%3D/) Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Personal Injury Blog Posts: [![No-Fault vs. At-Fault Insurance](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/no-fault-vs-at-fault-insurance/) [No-Fault vs. At-Fault Insurance](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/no-fault-vs-at-fault-insurance/) Each state has its own laws that regulate car insurance. The significance of whether a state has no-fault or [![Suing for Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Suing-for-Negligent-Infliction-of-Emotional-Distress-in-Texas-300x200.jpeg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/suing-for-negligent-infliction-of-emotional-distress-in-texas/) [Suing for Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/suing-for-negligent-infliction-of-emotional-distress-in-texas/) Being in an accident can cause a person to experience intense emotional distress, even if the person only sustains [![Houston Helmet Laws](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/houston-helmet-laws/) [Houston Helmet Laws](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/houston-helmet-laws/) Many states have passed mandatory motorcycle helmet laws, including Texas. However, Texas law does have an [![Everything You Need To Know About Hot Water Scalding Burns on Children](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Everything-You-Need-To-Know-About-Hot-Water-Scalding-Burns-on-Children-300x195.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-hot-water-scalding-burns-on-children/) [Everything You Need to Know About Hot Water Scalding Burns on Children](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-hot-water-scalding-burns-on-children/) Children are vulnerable to burns for many reasons. Curious about their world, children will play with matches, touch --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-is-the-difference-between-a-lawyer-and-an-attorney/