What does lawyer mean?
A lawyer is a person who is professionally qualified to advise clients about the law, explain their legal rights and obligations, prepare legal documents, and represent clients in negotiations or proceedings. The word has a broad meaning in both British and American English, although British usage often distinguishes between roles such as solicitor and barrister. In everyday conversation, referring someone to a lawyer often conveys the need for professional legal advice during a serious or complicated matter. Lawyers may work in private practice, government, corporations, universities, or legal-aid organisations, and may specialise in areas such as criminal law, family law, property, tax, or business. The word generally conveys professional status and expertise, though it can sometimes be used figuratively when describing a person who argues forcefully or strategically.
nounA person who is professionally qualified to practise law, advise clients on legal matters, and represent them in court or other legal proceedings. In British usage, the term is broad and may encompass solicitors, barristers, and other legal professionals, although it does not always imply the specific role of a barrister.
- A person professionally qualified to advise on the law and represent clients in legal proceedings.
"She consulted a lawyer before signing the agreement."
"The lawyer explained what evidence the company would need to present."
"Many people seek a lawyer when they receive an unfamiliar legal notice."
The standard plural is formed by adding -s.
"The lawyers presented their arguments to the court."
A lawyer is someone whose profession is turning difficult questions about rights, duties, and consequences into advice you can act on.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lawyer come from?
The word lawyer combines law with the suffix -yer, a Middle English and Anglo-French agent-forming ending that indicates a person who does or practises something. Its development reflects the longstanding use of occupational suffixes to name professions, such as fuller, chandler, and steward. The modern sense is therefore broadly “one who practises law,” and the word belongs to the same legal word-family as legal, lawful, and legalize.
Related word forms
How lawyer is actually used
The term is common in both British and American English. In Britain, lawyer is often used generally, while solicitor and barrister distinguish particular legal roles; in the United States, lawyer is the usual general term and attorney is particularly associated with legal practice, though it can also mean a lawyer.
Easily confused with lawyer
A barrister is a specific type of legal professional, especially one who argues cases in court, whereas lawyer is the broader term for anyone who practises law.