Definition:
An attorney is an individual who is authorized to practice law in a specific jurisdiction. The authorization comes from the passing of a bar exam.
In the United States, attorneys are not differentiated between those who plead cases in court (barristers) and those who don't (solicitors), as in Great Britain and other countries, but many attorneys focus on working in office or as litigators, while others work in-house (within a business) or in practice. Attorneys may specialize in certain areas, but these specializations are not recognized officially in most states. An attorney who works in business areas may focus on specializations such as bankruptcy, employment law, immigration, taxation, and worker's compensation, among others.
Also Known As: Attorney at Law, or Lawyer. The terms "attorney" and "lawyer" are used interchangeably for most purposes.
