As you navigate the legal system during your personal injury case, you’ll hear the terms “lawyer” and “attorney” repeatedly. You might wonder if these terms refer to the same type of professional or if there are differences between lawyers and attorneys.
When used to describe a legal practitioner in the U.S., the terms mean the same thing. The term you and your chosen legal representative use will ultimately come down to personal preference.
What Is A Lawyer? What Is An Attorney?
Texas has several laws defining who can use the titles “lawyer” and “attorney.”
A person commits a felony when they falsely use the title “lawyer” in Texas. A person can only promote themselves as a lawyer when they’re licensed to practice law and are in good standing with the Texas State Bar and any other jurisdiction where they’re licensed.
The following individuals would violate this law and potentially face criminal punishment if they hold themselves out as a lawyer in Texas:
- Someone disbarred or suspended in Texas
- Someone licensed in Texas but suspended or disbarred in another state or country
- Someone never licensed in Texas
Texas also outlaws the unauthorized practice of law. Someone who practices law without a law license in good standing from Texas or another jurisdiction commits a misdemeanor. The statute applies when an unlicensed person performs legal work, regardless of their title.
The law defines the practice of law to include the following services:
- Representing another person in a property damage or personal injury case
- Advising someone about their rights and claims for personal injuries or property damage
- Counseling someone about settling personal injury or property damage claims
- Entering into a contingent fee contract for a portion of a personal injury award
Imagine that you get injured in a car accident in Dallas. If you consult someone who advertises themselves as a lawyer but never went to law school or gained admission to the Texas State Bar, they’ve committed a felony even if they never did any work on your case.
By the same token, if you have a non-lawyer negotiate a settlement, they’ve committed a misdemeanor even if they never claimed to be a lawyer.
Becoming A Lawyer Or Attorney
An individual must meet several requirements to become a lawyer or attorney in Texas. These requirements fall into three general categories:
- Education
- Character
- Testing
A candidate must have a degree from an accredited or foreign law school that meets the state’s accreditation standards. They must also have a relatively clean background and meet the moral character and fitness requirements. Finally, applicants must pass the Texas Bar Examination.
These criteria ensure that legal professionals in the state have the knowledge and character to handle cases competently and put their clients’ interests ahead of their own.
What Is A Personal Injury Lawyer?
Any lawyer can handle personal injury cases, but it is important to choose one with experience and expertise in personal injury law to ensure they can effectively represent your interests.
Consequently, you should be careful when choosing a personal injury lawyer for your case. Make sure the lawyer you hire has experience with the type of incident that led to your injury, whether you were injured by a car accident or a dog bite.
Additionally, check the lawyer’s track record of successfully handling personal injury cases. Most accomplished personal injury attorneys list notable case results on their websites. A lawyer who has won or settled similar cases will understand the value of your case based on the injuries, financial losses, and pain and suffering you’ve experienced.
Two Terms, A Single Commitment
“Lawyer” and “attorney” are two words for the same professional, one who has the requisite legal training and is licensed by their state. However, not all lawyers and attorneys can help with your specific case. Choosing a personal injury lawyer with experience and prior successes in similar cases is essential.
Contact The Dallas Car Accident Law Firm of Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Dallas, TX, contact us for more information, please contact the experienced Dallas car accident lawyers at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve in Dallas County and its surrounding areas:
Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers
1825 Market Center Blvd # 350, Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: (214) 777-7777
Hours Open: 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Dallas.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 32.7950252,-96.8241861