Graduates of law schools in Georgia are being reminded that they cannot call themselves “lawyers” or “attorneys” until they have passed the bar exam and been formally admitted to the State Bar of Georgia. This reminder comes as many recent graduates await their bar exam results, a period that can feel uncertain after years of study.
Georgia law prohibits anyone who is not a licensed attorney from presenting themselves as entitled to practice law. O.C.G.A. § 15-19-51(a)(1) states: “It shall be unlawful for any person … [t]o practice or appear as an attorney at law for another in any court of this state … or in any manner to hold himself or herself out to the public or otherwise as being entitled to practice law.”
The Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct also make clear under Rule 5.5 that only those who are licensed may represent others in legal matters.
Graduating from law school grants individuals a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, but it does not authorize them to represent clients, appear in court, or use professional titles such as “lawyer” or “attorney.” In Georgia, these titles are reserved for those who have passed the bar exam, completed character and fitness requirements, and have been sworn in by a judge.
Using these titles prematurely—on business cards, social media profiles, email signatures, or job applications—can be considered unauthorized practice of law (UPL). This can result in civil penalties and criminal charges. Additionally, misrepresenting oneself during the State Bar’s character and fitness review could impact eligibility for admission due to concerns about honesty.
Employers and clients expect transparency regarding qualifications. Misrepresentation can harm one’s professional reputation even if done unintentionally. The law specifically addresses this under O.C.G.A. § 15-19-51(a)(7), which makes it unlawful for anyone “to assume or use or advertise the title of ‘lawyer,’ ‘attorney,’ ‘attorney at law,’ or equivalent terms ... as to convey the impression that he is entitled to practice law.”
Until formal admission, graduates are advised to use alternative descriptions such as “J.D.,” “law school graduate,” “bar candidate,” or “awaiting bar results.” They should avoid signing legal correspondence unless authorized under supervision according to Student Practice Rules.
“While completing law school is a tremendous achievement, using the terms ‘lawyer’ or ‘attorney’ in Georgia requires bar exam passage and formal bar admission. Georgia’s laws and ethical rules are clear: only those admitted to the bar can hold themselves out as authorized to practice law. Waiting to use those titles protects your future career and upholds the integrity of the legal profession,” wrote Scot Goins, Associate Dean of Academic Achievement, Bar Success, and Data Analytics at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School.
These requirements are outlined by both state statutes and guidance from the State Bar of Georgia.