What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
attorney
Example
I hired an attorney to help me with my divorce case. [attorney: noun]
Example
The attorney presented a strong argument in court. [attorney: noun]
barrister
Example
The barrister cross-examined the witness with precision. [barrister: noun]
Example
She aspires to become a barrister and argue cases in the Supreme Court. [barrister: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Attorney is more commonly used than barrister in everyday language, especially in the United States. Attorney is a versatile term that covers various legal professionals, while barrister is more specific to certain jurisdictions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between attorney and barrister?
Both attorney and barrister can be used in formal contexts, such as legal documents and court proceedings. However, barrister may carry a slightly more formal connotation due to its association with the traditional court attire and specialized courtroom advocacy.
