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DictionaryattorneyLegal representative
noun

attorney

uh-TUR-nee/əˈtɜːrni/

A lawyer authorized to represent clients in legal matters.

The attorney speaks in court on behalf of the seated client.

In a courtroom, a lawyer stands and speaks for a seated client while the client remains silent beside them.
Etymology
atOld Frenchto
+torneyOld Frenchto turn

“To turn to” developed into assigning or appointing someone. An attorney was someone appointed to act in another’s place; the legal sense specializes that representative role.

In context

Bill of Rights Institute1:27
McDonald's attorney was 39-year-old litigator, Alan Gura.
McDonald v. Chicago | Homework Help from the Bill of Rights Institute
Real Men Real Style3:33
bankruptcy attorney. Me, I had a friend that was a bankruptcy attorney,
I Declared Bankruptcy And Failed BIG... (My PAINFUL Story)

More examples

  • He hired an attorney after the accident.
  • Several attorneys worked together on the appeal.
  • Her attorney explained the next stage of the case.

Forms

attorney · attorneys

Similar words

lawyer
The general profession; attorney often stresses legal representation.
counsel
A lawyer or legal advisers acting in a professional role.