RPJ’s Hannah Brefeld Featured in HuffPost Article Examining Katie Zacharia’s Legal Credentials
RPJ’s Hannah Brefeld was recently featured in a HuffPost article examining the distinction between a lawyer and an attorney, following questions about White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia’s legal credentials. In the article, Ms. Brefeld explains the educational, licensing, and ethical requirements that distinguish law school graduates from attorneys authorized to practice law.
Ms. Brefeld clarified that while the terms “lawyer” and “attorney” are often used interchangeably in the United States, the distinction is recognized within the legal profession. She explained that becoming a licensed attorney generally requires passing the bar exam and a professional ethics exam, satisfying character and fitness requirements, and taking an oath to uphold the state’s rules of legal ethics. “The most glaring difference between the two roles is that an attorney can represent clients and give legal advice, whereas a lawyer cannot,” Ms. Brefeld noted. Ms. Brefeld Hannah also underscored the distinction by stating, “To be precise, all attorneys are lawyers, but not all lawyers are attorneys.”
The article also explored the many career paths available to law school graduates who do not pursue or obtain a license to practice law. Ms. Brefeld highlighted the value of legal education beyond traditional legal practice, noting that many graduates pursue careers in politics or in roles where a Juris Doctor is preferred or advantageous. “They may be pursuing careers in politics, where a law degree is extremely valuable but being a practicing attorney is not a prerequisite, or careers in what are called ‘J.D. Advantage’ or ‘J.D. preferred’ roles,” she explained, pointing to opportunities in insurance, human resources, contract management, and executive leadership. Ms. Brefeld also emphasized the broad applicability of the analytical skills developed through legal education. “Law school teaches you how to read, analyze and discuss complex legal documents and topics, and that skill has endless applications,” she added.
In light of the questions and controversy surrounding Katie Zacharia’s legal credentials, Ms. Brefeld’s insights offer important context on the distinction between earning a law degree and being licensed to practice law.
Read the full article here.
