In the United States, "Esq." or "Esquire" is a title of courtesy given to a lawyer and commonly appended to his/her surname when addressing the lawyer in written form. It is an honorary title that is placed after a practicing lawyers name. The term "Esq." often appears at the end of an attorneys name, and it is used most frequently in written legal communications. It offers a sign that you have communicated directly with an attorney rather than a legal assistant, paralegal, or someone else within the office. The use of "Esq." in written conversation is a formal way to address someone who is a lawyer, and it is most commonly used in legal documents and correspondence, indicating that the document’s content comes from an attorney. In the United States, "Esq." is a professional title for lawyers to indicate that they are qualified to practice law. Any lawyer can take on the title "Esq.," regardless of what type of law they practice. It is important to note that it is traditionally considered a solecism to append "Esq." or "Esquire" to one’s own name. In England, "Esquire" does not carry the same professional meaning but is instead a mostly obsolete courtesy title, appended to a man’s name when he has no other title.