A lawyer and an attorney are two titles that are often used interchangeably. However, there is a difference between a lawyer and an attorney. Lawyers are individuals who have earned a degree in law, but have not necessarily been licensed by the state to practice law. An attorney on the other hand, is a lawyer who has been admitted to practice law in a certain state. In order to become an attorney, one must pass a bar exam and be admitted to the bar in the state in which they will practice law.
While lawyers and attorneys may be similar, they are two distinct titles with different meanings. Lawyers may give legal advice and represent individuals in legal matters, but they are not licensed by the state to practice law. Attorneys, however, have passed a bar exam and been admitted to the bar in the state in which they are practicing law and are therefore able to represent individuals in court.