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Do I have to pass the bar (Florida) before I can use the title "Esquire?" Is it something we can use immediately after graduation? I can't seem to find anything authoritative on the matter. Thank you.

Why on Earth would you want to use "Esq." without being a licensed attorney at all.

I am just wondering when I should add it to my name on my resume, Linkedin page, etc. I may not want to practice law after I graduate, but I would still like to use the title if possible. Either way, I am still planning on taking the bar in July.

In the USA, anybody can use "Esq." It's not limited to lawyers, just commonly used by lawyers.

-Kikero, Esq.

mrman17 wrote:I am just wondering when I should add it to my name on my resume, Linkedin page, etc. I may not want to practice law after I graduate, but I would still like to use the title if possible. Either way, I am still planning on taking the bar in July.

What the fuck?


The only time it is appropriate to use ,esq. is if you're signing off on a legal document or, in some cases, a demand letter. Otherwise, it's a title for douchebags.

There was a case in Florida not long ago that dealt with the potential misuse of "Esq." Too lazy to google.

ok, here it is

http://jonathanturley.org/2011/04/01/fl ... f-esquire/

No. I've seen the titled used all over the place lately. In an economy like this, there is nothing wrong with dressing up your name with a few extra titles. I used to think "Esq." was douchy, but now I've seen a lot of respectable, non-douche lawyers using it. Seems that the title only seems "douchy" to law students.

justonemoregame wrote:ok, here it is

http://jonathanturley.org/2011/04/01/fl ... f-esquire/

Thanks!

it is always inappropriate.

justonemoregame wrote:ok, here it is

http://jonathanturley.org/2011/04/01/fl ... f-esquire/

Florida's weird. Every shitlaw office I've ever seen in Florida has a sign outside with "Esq" on it. I would assume that if you are some random person who just likes to put Esq. after their name but is clearly not engaged in legal work, you'd be fine (again, maybe not in Florida). However, it might pose a problem for OP because it could be inferred from his use of Esq. on a resume that he is claiming to be a lawyer.

TL;DR: Don't be a douche, stay away from Esq.

I talked to attorney, who has had his own practice for over 30 years, about why some choose to use "esquire" as their title. He said, "because they are idiots."
true story.

Mr. Pancakes wrote:I talked to attorney, who has had his own practice for over 30 years, about why some choose to use "esquire" as their title. He said, "because they are idiots."
true story.

LOL

I'm going to use it once I get my monocle.

I have no opinion about whether you should use Esq or not. But to avoid appearing that you are holding yourself out as an attorney before becoming barred, it may be better just to use J.D. behind your name.

FWIW, most common thing friends said upon bar passage a few weeks ago: "Well, it's official, I am now John Doe, Esq."

Bear in mind this was for Facebook posts and not for actual use. In my experience (also Florida), you see licensed attorneys in marginal positions using Esq. suffix, such as non-faculty law school staff, westlaw salesmen, attorneys who deal with people walking in off the street, people giving CLEs in non-substantive subjects, etc.

I generally would avoid because it is distasteful, and raises the specter of holding yourself out; and here because you're expressly trying to embellish your resume.

--ImageRemoved--

When you've inherited or been granted the title

Esquire — A rank next below that of Knight.
- The eldest sons of knights, and their eldest sons in perpetual succession
- The eldest sons of younger sons of peers, and their eldest sons in perpetual succession
- Esquires created by letters patent or other investiture, and their eldest sons
- Esquires of knights constituted at their investiture
- Foreign noblemen

With reference to what i understand as a nobility title. For example: Esq, above a gentleman or Sir is this not the case.

The U.S. Constitution forbids aristocratic titles. The Articles of Confederation state that: "nor shall the United States in Congress assembled, or any of them, grant any title of nobility."

This came from some ready and I don't mind being correct if its constructive.

A few years ago I got into an unpleasant back-n-forth with someone and in my [letter] correspondence I cc: to a fictitious name, John Dillinger, esq. They immediately contacted me and apologetically resolved the issue without my mentioning law suit or lawyer. Point: Esq. does have its merits.

It's commonly used once you become an attorney.

I don't know why all these posters seem to think lawyers don't use it as a title. Myself, and every other lawyer I know uses it on all pleadings and letters...anything related to practice. If you don't have "Esq." after your name on pleading a judge will probably wonder if you have any business signing the pleading. It clears things up and explains who you are in relation to the matter in tree simple letters.

mrman17 wrote:No. I've seen the titled used all over the place lately. In an economy like this, there is nothing wrong with dressing up your name with a few extra titles. I used to think "Esq." was douchy, but now I've seen a lot of respectable, non-douche lawyers using it. Seems that the title only seems "douchy" to law students.

I'm a practicing attorney, and I think it's extremely douchy.

silenttimer wrote: I'm a practicing attorney, and I think it's extremely douchy.

And the name of your firm is what again? Yeah, right.

Sheffield wrote:

silenttimer wrote: I'm a practicing attorney, and I think it's extremely douchy.

And the name of your firm is what again? Yeah, right.

I'm at a v-50 firm, and I'm typically on the interview committee for lateral candidates, as well as summer associates. If I ever see "Esq." on the person's resume, I would think the person is douchy. We know you are a lawyer, that's why we're giving you an interview. No need to use "Esq." -- just as lawyers typically do not use "Esq." when filing court papers. I also think it's extremely douchy to use latin phrases in legal writing when the equivalent english phrase would convey the same meaning.

silenttimer wrote:

Sheffield wrote:

silenttimer wrote: I'm a practicing attorney, and I think it's extremely douchy.

And the name of your firm is what again? Yeah, right.

I'm at a v-50 firm, and I'm typically on the interview committee for lateral candidates, as well as summer associates. If I ever see "Esq." on the person's resume, I would think the person is douchy. We know you are a lawyer, that's why we're giving you an interview. No need to use "Esq." -- just as lawyers typically do not use "Esq." when filing court papers. I also think it's extremely douchy to use latin phrases in legal writing when the equivalent english phrase would convey the same meaning.

Not a tough question... again, what is the name of your firm? Flame and what?