In the United States, Esquire is used by some lawyers in a departure from traditional use. In letters, these lawyers will ask to be addressed by adding the suffix Esquire (abbreviated Esq.), preceded by a comma, after the lawyer's full name.

Do lawyers go by Esquire?

When to Use Esq.

The esquire title isn't generally used by an attorney when referring to himself. Instead, it's a courtesy title that is used when addressing correspondence to a practicing lawyer, or attorney, who is now an esquire.

Why do lawyers use Esquire?

Esq. is short for Esquire, which is a professional significance indicating that the individual is a member of the state bar and can practice law. In other words, “Esq.” or “Esquire” is a title that an attorney receives after passing a state's (or Washington, D.C.'s) bar exam and becoming a licensed attorney.