Many people get confused when writing the plural form of attorney.
Should it be attornies or attorneys?
This confusion often appears in legal documents, emails, resumes, and online searches.
Since English plural rules are not always simple, people want a quick and clear answer.
Using the wrong spelling can make writing look unprofessional, especially in legal or business settings.
That is why people search this keyword so often.
This article explains the correct spelling, where the word comes from, how it is used in different countries, and how to avoid common mistakes.
By the end, you will know exactly which form to use and why it matters.
Quick Answer
The correct plural form is attorneys.
Attornies is incorrect.
Attorney ends in -ey, so it follows the standard rule: add -s, not -ies.
Examples:
- The firm hired three attorneys.
- Several attorneys at law attended the meeting.
The Origin of Attornies or Attorneys
The word attorney comes from Old French atorné, meaning “appointed” or “assigned.”
It originally referred to someone appointed to act for another person.
Over time, the term became a formal legal word in English.
Because the word ends in -ey, it follows a regular plural rule: add -s.
That is why attorneys is correct and attornies is not.
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no spelling difference between British and American English for attorney or attorneys.
However, usage differs between regions.
| Feature | American English | British English |
|---|---|---|
| Common legal term | Attorney | Solicitor/Barrister |
| Use of “attorney” | Very common | Rare |
| Plural form | Attorneys | Attorneys (if used) |
Even in British English, if the word attorney is used, the plural is still attorneys.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Always use attorneys, no matter your audience.
- US audience: Attorneys
- UK or Commonwealth audience: Still attorneys (if used)
- Global audience: Attorneys
Never use attornies, as it is incorrect in all forms of English.
Common Mistakes with Attornies or Attorneys
The company hired five attornies.
The company hired five attorneys.
Several attornies at law reviewed the case.
Several attorneys at law reviewed the case.
The attornies filed the paperwork.
The attorneys filed the paperwork.
Attornies or Attorneys in Everyday Examples
Emails
- Please contact our attorneys for legal advice.
- Our attorneys will review the contract.
News
- Government attorneys filed an appeal.
- The defendant’s attorneys requested more time.
Social Media
- Looking for trusted attorneys near me.
- Proud of our team of experienced attorneys.
Formal Writing
- The firm employs licensed attorneys across multiple states.
- Several attorneys at law attended the hearing.
Attornies or Attorneys – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows that attorneys is searched far more than attornies.
The incorrect spelling mostly appears in typing errors or spelling confusion.
Popular related searches include:
- How to spell attorney plural
- Attorneys at law
- Attorneys general
- Power of attorney
- Attorney plural possessive
This confirms that users search attornies or attorneys mainly to confirm the correct spelling.
Comparison Table: Attornies or Attorneys
| Form | Correct? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney | ✔ | She is an attorney. |
| Attorneys | ✔ | The attorneys filed the case. |
| Attornies | ❌ | Incorrect spelling |
| Attorney’s | ✔ | The attorney’s office |
| Attorneys’ | ✔ | The attorneys’ office |
FAQs
1. Is “attornies” ever correct?
No. “Attornies” is always incorrect.
2. What is the correct plural of attorney?
The correct plural is attorneys.
3. Why is it “attorneys” and not “attornies”?
Because words ending in -ey take -s, not -ies.
4. Is “attorneys at law” correct?
Yes. It is a formal and widely used legal term.
5. What is the plural of “Attorney General”?
The correct plural is Attorneys General.
6. What does “power of attorney” mean?
It is a legal document that allows someone to act on another person’s behalf.
7. How do you write the plural possessive of attorney?
Use attorneys’, as in the attorneys’ office.
Conclusion
The confusion between attornies or attorneys is common, but the correct form is clear.
The correct plural spelling is attorneys, and attornies is always wrong.
Whether you are writing legal documents, business emails, or academic content, using the correct form improves clarity and professionalism.
Special phrases like attorneys at law, attorneys general, and power of attorney also follow specific grammar rules that are important to understand.
By following this guide, you can write with confidence and avoid common spelling mistakes in professional and legal communication.
I am Daniel Cross, a unique and modern name with a strong digital identity.
I am a trending presence on Grammexa.com, representing creativity and innovation.
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