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No Fee Unless We Win Your Case
(206) 800-8000Posted by Matthew Dubin
A car crash on I-5, a fall on a Redmond sidewalk, or a dog bite in a Tacoma neighborhood can leave someone searching for legal help within hours. During that search, most people notice the terms “lawyer” and “attorney” used interchangeably, and in casual conversation, they usually are. But the difference between attorney and lawyer carries real weight once a case moves toward representation or a courtroom. At Dubin Law Group, our Seattle personal injury lawyers work with injured people across Washington State, and clients feel more confident once they understand who they are hiring and why that distinction matters for their case.
At the Dubin Law Group, our Seattle lawyers fight to get the best possible result in personal injury cases of all types. Our team of attorneys brings over 180 years of combined experience to these cases.
An attorney is someone licensed to practice law and represent clients in legal proceedings, distinguishing this role from an attorney-in-fact, who acts under a power of attorney but does not necessarily practice law.
In Washington, that authorization is not automatic. State law sets specific requirements before anyone may call themselves an attorney or perform legal work for compensation. Under the qualifications on admission to practice, a person may not act as an attorney or counselor at law unless admitted to practice law in the state. That licensing step is what separates the two terms: an attorney has taken the additional step of bar admission, which means an attorney answers directly to the state bar.
A lawyer is a broader term describing anyone trained in the law. This includes people working in research, policy, or advisory roles after law school, as well as those who go on to pursue bar admission and courtroom representation.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, lawyers research the intent of laws and judicial decisions and determine how those rulings apply to a client’s specific situation, acting as both advocates and advisors in criminal and civil matters.
Most working legal professionals are lawyers who have also become licensed attorneys, which is why the two words get used interchangeably so often. The overlap is real, but the distinction still matters when a case requires someone authorized to stand before a judge.
The clearest distinction sits with licensing.
Someone can be a lawyer through education alone, but Washington law requires bar admission before that person may practice as an attorney. That requirement protects the public by ensuring anyone acting on a client’s behalf in a Washington courtroom has met the state’s training and accountability standards.
This matters directly for injury cases. Negotiating with an insurance adjuster or filing a claim falls within the scope of practicing law, work reserved for attorneys under Washington’s admission requirements.
At Dubin Law Group, our Seattle attorneys are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes in personal injury cases across the board. Our team is equipped to effectively fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Choosing the right legal professional starts with identifying what the case requires. Anyone can search a name through the Washington State Bar Association to check licensing status, which helps clarify whether a legal professional’s authorization matches what the client’s situation calls for.
Beyond licensing, a few factors help narrow the decision to fit the client’s needs. Case experience matters, since a personal injury matter involves different evidence than a real estate dispute. Communication style matters too, since an injured person juggling medical appointments needs someone who explains options in plain language.
Cost structure deserves attention as well. Many personal injury attorneys work on contingency, meaning payment comes only from a settlement, removing the upfront barrier that often keeps injured people from seeking help.
Beyond “attorney” and “lawyer,” a few related terms appear often enough that a quick reference helps:
Many people assume “lawyer” and “attorney” describe two entirely separate professions. In reality, both terms describe someone with a law degree, and the split happens only at licensing. Every attorney qualifies as a lawyer, and most working legal professionals in Washington hold both labels because they completed law school and passed the bar exam. Treating the terms as unrelated professions creates unnecessary confusion during an already stressful search for help.
It is easy to assume that the word “attorney” signals a longer track record than “lawyer.” Licensing status has nothing to do with years of practice or case outcomes. A newly licensed attorney and a lawyer who spent a decade in legal research both hold accurate titles, just different scopes of authorized work. The better question for an injured person is not which label someone uses, but whether that person is currently admitted to practice in Washington and has handled similar cases.
No Fees Unless We Win
Understanding the difference between attorney and lawyer helps clarify who can actually stand beside you in a claim against an insurance company or in a Washington courtroom. Dubin Law Group represents injured people across Seattle, and our team is admitted to practice throughout the state. If a crash, a fall, or another person’s negligence has disrupted your life, call us at 206-800-8000 to discuss your situation and learn what options may be available to you.
Matthew D. Dubin has represented injured people throughout Washington since 1995. He is the founding attorney of Dubin Law Group and focuses his practice on personal injury claims involving motor vehicle accidents, dangerous products, premises liability, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death.
Education
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Matthew D. Dubin, who has more than 20 years of legal experience in personal injury cases.
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At the Dubin Law Group, we bring more than 40 years of experience to cases involving injuries to children and adults. We handle all accident cases on a contingent fee basis, meaning you will pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
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