Are you searching for a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas? If so, your search may return results for lawyers and attorneys. So, you may ask yourself, “What’s the difference between a lawyer and an attorney?”

Are Attorneys and Lawyers the Same Thing?

Many people use the terms attorney and lawyer interchangeably. However, there is a slight difference in the meaning, according to some.

A lawyer is someone who has attended law school and earned a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. However, earning a law degree does not mean you can practice law. You must pass an examination and be admitted to the bar to practice law.

An attorney has a law degree. However, colloquially, they have passed the bar exam and are admitted to practice. Because they are admitted to practice law, an attorney can give legal advice and represent you in court.

There is some discourse over whether or not the terms are interchangeable, and some legal experts may prefer one term or use both interchangeably. To make sure your legal representation is qualified, you should make sure they have passed the state’s bar and are qualified to represent clients in court. 

Licensing Requirements for Attorneys in Nevada

The Nevada Supreme Court sets the rules for lawyers to be admitted to the state bar. According to the State Bar of Nevada, requirements for admission include:

  • Be 18 years old or older
  • Be present in the state for examinations, interviews, hearings, and investigations, if necessary.
  • Receive a Juris Doctorate degree from a law school approved by the American Bar Association.
  • Good moral character and high ethical standards
  • Not been refused admission to practice law in any state or before a court or government agency on the grounds of unfit character.
  • Not have been disbarred because of unfit character
  • Not exhibited conduct that would prevent the person from practicing law in an ethical, competent, and professional manner
  • Not addicted to alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal drugs
  • Demonstrate financial responsibility
  • Comply with all court orders, including domestic support obligations
  • Pass the state bar examination
  • Pass the multi-state professional responsibility examination

If an attorney is admitted to practice in another state, they may not be required to take the Nevada state bar exam. There are also procedures for admitting attorneys from other states to represent clients in specific cases.

What Happens if an Attorney Practices Law Without a License?

Under Nevada law, a person can be charged with a crime if they practice law without a license. Charges for the unauthorized practice of law depend on the facts of the case; the charge may be a felony or a misdemeanor.

Choosing the Best Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Case

Even though an attorney is licensed to practice law in Nevada, it does not mean they are the best attorney to handle your case. Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations. Therefore, you can “interview” several attorneys to find the right attorney for your case.

Questions to ask a personal injury lawyer during a free consultation include:

  • How much experience do you have handling cases similar to my case?
  • What is your track record for winning cases through settlements versus at trial?
  • How many cases do you take to trial?
  • Do you have any certifications in specific areas of law?
  • How long have you practiced law?
  • Will you handle my case directly, or can I expect my case to be given to an associate or paralegal?
  • What resources do you and your law have to investigate and pursue my claim?
  • Do you accept cases on a contingency fee basis? What costs will I pay if you do not win my case?

Ideally, you want to choose an attorney with substantial experience handling personal injury cases like yours. For example, if you have a medical malpractice claim, you will not want to hire a lawyer who mainly practices product liability law.

In addition to asking questions during a free consultation, you should also confirm the attorney is admitted to practice in Nevada and has a clean discipline history. You can also read reviews on sites like Google, Martindale-Hubbell, Yelp, Avvo, and Justia.

Learn More About How an Attorney Can Help You with a Personal Injury Claim

You may be entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages if someone caused your injuries. Contact Battle Born Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation from an experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer. We will explain your legal options and how we can help you seek the compensation you deserve after an accident or injury.

Contact the Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorneys at Battle Born Injury Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one were injured in an accident in Las Vegas and you need legal assistance, contact our personal injury attorneys at Battle Born Injury Lawyers and schedule a free consultation with our legal team.

Battle Born Injury Lawyers
400 S 4th St Suite 290,
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 357-4868

Battle Born Injury Lawyers – Las Vegas Office
10789 W Twain Ave #100
Las Vegas, NV 89135
(702) 570-9000

Battle Born Injury Lawyers – Reno Office
675 W Moana Ln #206
Reno, NV 89509, USA
(775) 535-7768

Battle Born Injury Lawyers – Henderson Office
8540 S Eastern Ave #200
Henderson, NV 89123
(702) 500-0287