Attorney
A person licensed to practice law and represent clients in legal matters, also called a lawyer or counsel.
Encyclopedia entry: Attorney
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more
Got it!
attorney
An attorney is someone authorized to practice law; a lawyer , also called attorney-at-law .
Less commonly, an agent authorized to act on behalf of another person, but not necessarily authorized to practice law, e.g. a person authorized to act by a power of attorney . Also called attorney-in-fact and private attorney.
See, e.g. Savings Bank v. Ward, 100 U.S. 195 (1879)
See also:
[Last reviewed in March of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team
]
Wex
Encyclopedia content from Cornell LII Wex (CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5).
Related terms
More legal terms starting with A
Looking for citation help? How to cite law · Citation methodology
See also: Full glossary index
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.