What is the difference between an Attorney and a Lawyer
The terms lawyer and attorney are often used interchangeably in the United States, but there is a subtle distinction:
Lawyer
A lawyer is someone who has been educated in law, typically by earning a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school.
Has legal training and knowledge.
May provide legal advice (subject to licensing rules).
Is not necessarily licensed to practice law in court.
May work in business, academia, policy, compliance, or consulting.
Attorney (Attorney-at-Law)
An attorney is a lawyer who has been admitted to a state bar and is licensed to practice law.
Has completed law school (or otherwise met state requirements).
Has passed the bar examination and character-and-fitness review.
Can represent clients in court.
Can file legal pleadings, negotiate on behalf of clients, and provide legal representation.
Simple Example
A person who graduates from law school but has not passed the bar exam is generally a lawyer, but not an attorney.
A person who graduates from law school and is licensed by the state bar is both a lawyer and an attorney.
In Everyday Use
In the United States, most people use the terms interchangeably because the majority of practicing lawyers are also attorneys. If you need someone to represent you in court, however, you should ensure they are a licensed attorney in the relevant state.
Salary Comparison
There is usually no salary difference based on the title alone. Compensation depends on:
Practice area (corporate law, healthcare law, litigation, intellectual property, etc.)
Experience
Employer
Geographic location
For example, a healthcare attorney working for a hospital system may earn a different salary than a criminal defense attorney or a law professor, regardless of whether they are called a lawyer or attorney.
Bottom line: Every attorney is a lawyer, but not every lawyer is necessarily an attorney.
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