Attorney at law

What attorney at law means

In short, attorney at law is a term you will meet in court papers, rules and legal research. The definition above gives its usual meaning in American civil practice. However, the exact meaning can depend on the rule, statute or court decision that uses it. So it helps to read the term in context.

Where attorney at law comes up

The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.

How to research the term

To research attorney at law, begin with the rule, statute or contract where the word is used. Each one can give it a slightly different meaning. Then compare that text with how courts in your area have applied it. Also check the local rules of your court, since they can add requirements. If your case is in state court, the state rules control. So start with our state procedures guide to find them. In the end, always confirm that the source you rely on is current.

You can read the current federal court rules online for free.

Related legal terms

• Assumption: taking on another person's obligation or a known risk.
• Attainder: at common law, the extinction of civil rights and capacities that followed a sentence of death or a judgment of outlawry for treason or felony.
• Attorn: to agree to become the tenant of a new owner or landlord, or to acknowledge a new owner's rights.
• Attorney: a person licensed to practice law, also called an attorney at law. In everyday U.S. usage, "attorney" and "lawyer" mean the same thing. An attorney-in-fact is different: a person authorized to act for another under a power of attorney, who does not need to be a lawyer.

Why precise terms matter

Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.