Esquire is usually a courtesy title. In the United Kingdom, Esquire historically was a title of respect accorded to men of higher social rank, particularly members of the landed gentry above the rank of gentleman and below the rank of knight.

What does Esq mean after a name?

"Esq." or "Esquire" is an honorary title that is placed after a practicing lawyer's name. Practicing lawyers are those who have passed a state's (or Washington, D.C.'s) bar exam and have been licensed by that jurisdiction's bar association.

How do you get the title Esquire?

In the legal profession, the title is available for Barristers who have achieved the rank of Queen's Counsel because they are designated as Esquire on their Letters Patent, but the name of every male (but not female) barrister will be followed by 'Esquire' painted on the wig tins provided by Ede & Ravenscroft, the ...