If you are writing to a woman who has been to law school, but is not practicing law, for example the manager of a company, address her as you would any other professional with the relevant term. [2] X Research source
Modern names have often become unisex. If you are unsure if “Morgan” or “Taylor” is a man or woman and you can’t verify it, open your business letter with the attorney’s full name, “Dear Morgan Smith:” [3] X Research source [4] X Research source If you don’t have a specific name, avoid worn-out cliches like “To Whom It May Concern. " Examples of modern generic salutations include “Dear Sir or Madam,” or “Dear Legal Department. " [5] X Research source Use proper salutations in your email to a female attorney as well.
Esquire, or Esq. , is also always correct when addressing an envelope to a female attorney. However, it is a dated term that is falling out of common usage. Some consider it pretentious. Attorney At Law is the more modern form of address.
Always refer to a judge, whether male or female, as “Your Honor. " The term “counselor” is very formal and usually only used in court between the judge and the other attorneys. It is not wrong to refer to your attorney as “counselor,” especially if the attorney in question is non-binary, but the honorific/surname is preferred.
