John W. Redmann | May 6, 2025 | Miscellaneous
People often use “lawyer” and “attorney” as if they mean the same thing. The terms sound alike but carry different meanings. We understand how this confusion can lead to problems when you need legal help. The real difference depends on state bar admission, legal titles, and the duties each person can carry out.
How State Bar Admission Sets Attorneys Apart
Bar admission distinguishes attorneys from lawyers. While all attorneys are lawyers, not all lawyers are attorneys. A lawyer is someone who has completed law school, but only those who pass the state bar exam and receive a license are considered attorneys. This license grants the legal authority to represent clients in court and provide legal advice—privileges that unlicensed lawyers do not have.
Once someone passes the bar, the title “attorney at law” is given to them. That license gives them the privilege to draft legal documents, appear in court, and serve clients directly. A lawyer cannot stand before a judge or speak for a client in court without bar admission.
In other countries, titles like “barrister,” “solicitor,” or “advocate” reflect similar roles within different legal systems. But in the U.S., when you need legal help, you want a licensed attorney—someone who can stand with you in court and navigate complex legal procedures from start to finish.
Misconceptions That Affect Legal Representation
Many people misunderstand the roles lawyers and attorneys play. Some believe the terms are interchangeable, but this is a common mistake. An unlicensed lawyer cannot argue before a judge or prepare official filings. That restriction makes a real difference when you are facing legal issues.
Others believe any legal title guarantees strong service, but the reality is that skill levels vary widely. Success depends on legal training, court experience, and subject-matter knowledge. A lawyer cannot help you in the same way as an attorney who handles similar cases daily.
If you want to recover maximum compensation for your personal injury case, you need someone who knows how these cases work. A lawyer may not know the timelines, the rules, or the legal complexities that can hurt your claim. A licensed attorney brings both focus and legal authority to your personal injury case. You deserve someone with the credentials and experience to represent you effectively and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.
Choosing the Right Legal Professional for Your Case
When you face a legal problem, you need the right person in your corner. The law limits who can take action on your behalf. You need an attorney who is licensed, experienced in trial litigation, and focused on handling cases like yours.
If your case involves business law, you need someone who works in that area daily. If it involves personal injury law, you need someone who has handled those claims and stood in court with injured clients.
Before you choose a lawyer, check each personal injury attorney’s background. Look for their license to practice in your state, law school credentials, and courtroom experience.
Contact the Gretna Personal Injury Lawyers of The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC for Help Today
If you were injured in an accident in Metairie or Gretna, Louisiana, and need legal help, contact our personal injury attorneys at The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC, to schedule a free case review today.
We serve Jefferson Parish County and Louisiana’s surrounding Areas
The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC – Metairie, LA Office
2901 N Causeway Blvd, STE 202
Metairie, LA, 70002
(504) 500-5000
The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC – Gretna, LA Office