Difference Between Lawyer and Attorney

Posted by Al Rowaad Advocates & Legal Consultants on April 4th, 2022

As you search for a lawyer in Dubai, you may come across different terminologies; including ‘attorney,’ ‘advocate,’ ‘consultants,’ and ‘lawyer.’ You’re probably wondering if there is a difference between them, and which legal professional you need for your particular concern.

Lawyer vs. attorney

While most people use the terms ‘attorney’ and ‘lawyer’ interchangeably, there are differences in their definitions. You need to understand the local meaning of these two terminologies.

In the UAE, ‘lawyer’ is a term that pertains to a broad array of legal professionals. Anyone who graduated in law can be called a lawyer, but not everyone may have the legal permission or capacity to represent clients in court.

The term attorney is a widely used synonym for professionals practicing law. It’s also a term used in other legal requirements like attorney-in-fact, a person holding power of attorney.

Lawyer          vs.       advocate

Do note that not every lawyer in Dubai can represent you in court. If you need court representation, you need a licensed ‘advocate.’

Advocates are lawyers qualified to represent you in a court of law. They are professionals licensed by the Ministry of Justice and an Advocate on record.

Advocates must be UAE nationals, at least 21 years of age, and hold a certificate of law from a higher institute or an accredited university. They must have at least one year of continuous legal practice training and be registered with the Ministry of Justice if they practice in Federal Court.

Lawyer vs. legal consultant

A lawyer in Dubai can also be a legal consultant—a professional with a law degree who can give you legal advice but cannot represent you in litigation in state courts. A legal consultant can help in the arbitration process, prepare legal documents, and file requirements.

Find the professional you need

Whether you require a legal consultant or an advocate, you’ll find the right lawyer in Dubai from a reputable and established law firm with expertise in your legal matters or concerns. It\'s better to find a law firm that has a team comprised of both types of legal professionals. Consider booking a consultation to find out how they can help. Most law firms can offer a complimentary initial consultation to help you get started.