What Does Esquire Mean💬? Here’s the Real Definition(2026)

I remember the first time I saw “John Smith, Esq.” at the end of an email.

For a second, I thought it was some fancy royalty title or maybe a character from a medieval show. It looked formal and important—but I had no idea what it actually meant.

If you’ve seen “Esquire” or “Esq.” after someone’s name and felt the same confusion, you’re definitely not alone.

To save you the head-scratching…

Quick Answer: Esquire means “attorney” or “lawyer.” It’s a polite, professional title used after a person’s name to show that they are a licensed lawyer.

🧠What Does Esquire Mean in Text?

In texting, emails, or online profiles, Esquire (often written as “Esq.”) is an honorary title used in the U.S. to indicate that someone is a licensed attorney. You’ll typically see it after someone’s full name, like:

👉 “Sarah Thompson, Esq.”

This signals that the person is legally permitted to practice law.

Example Sentence

“You can contact Michael Reed, Esq. if you need help with your contract.”

In short: Esquire = Esq. = a formal title used for licensed lawyers.

📱Where Is Esquire Commonly Used?

You’ll see Esquire / Esq. most often in:

Professional emails 📧
Business cards 💼
Legal documents 📜
LinkedIn profiles 👔
Law firm websites 🌐
Formal letters ✉️

Tone Level

Very formal
Professional
Never casual
Not used in everyday texting unless you’re referencing someone’s legal title

💬Examples of Esquire in Conversation

Here are some natural chat-style examples showing how it’s used:

1.
A: do you know a lawyer who can review my lease?
B: yeah, try daniel brooks, esq.

2.
A: who sent the contract?
B: it was signed by laura kim, esquire.

3.
A: is “esq” like doctor or something?
B: kinda, it’s a title for lawyers.

4.
A: should i put “esq” after my name?
B: only if you’re a licensed attorney lol.

5.
A: who wrote the letter?
B: jacob harris, esq. from the firm.

6.
A: why do lawyers use “esquire”?
B: it’s just a professional title, like mr. or ms., but for attorneys.

7.
A: can i call her “Esquire”?
B: not out loud 😂 just in writing after her name.

🕓When to Use and When Not to Use Esquire

✅ When to Use “Esquire”

Use it when you want to:

Refer to someone who is a licensed attorney
Sound professional or respectful
Address lawyers in formal correspondence
Write legal documents or business contracts
Sign your name (only if you are a lawyer)

❌ When NOT to Use “Esquire”

Avoid it when:

Messaging someone casually
You’re unsure if the person is licensed
Talking to lawyers verbally (the title is not spoken)
Communicating in urgent or emotional scenarios
Referring to yourself in casual text or social media

Comparison Table

Context	Example Phrase	Why It Works
Friend Chat	“ask james, he’s a lawyer”	Casual & friendly
Work Chat	“Please review with Anna Lee, Esq.”	Professional & respectful
Email	“Attached is a letter from John Carter, Esquire.”	Formal & clear
Legal Letter	“Prepared by: Maria Lopez, Esq.”	Required for legal identification

🔄Similar Slang Words or Alternatives

Here are a few alternative terms people use depending on the situation:

Term / Slang	Meaning	When to Use
Atty.	Abbreviation for attorney	Professional but less formal than “Esq.”
Lawyer	General term for someone practicing law	Everyday conversation
Counsel	Formal term for legal advisor	Corporate or legal communications
JD	Stands for Juris Doctor (law degree)	When referring to someone educated in law but not necessarily licensed
Barrister	Lawyer who represents clients in court (UK)	UK-specific context
Solicitor	Legal advisor who prepares cases (UK)	UK legal settings