Have you ever typed “attornies” and wondered if it looks wrong — or maybe even got that red underline from spell check? You’re not alone!
Many people confuse “attornies” and “attorneys”, especially when trying to write the plural form of attorney.
In this simple guide, we’ll explain:
✅ What each word means (and whether both are real words)
✅ The correct plural form of “attorney”
✅ Easy examples and a memory trick so you’ll never mix them up again
By the end, you’ll know exactly which spelling is right — and why it matters in English writing.
What Does Each Word Mean?
Let’s start with the basics.
1. Attorney
- Meaning: An attorney is a person who is legally qualified to represent others in court — basically, a lawyer.
- Part of Speech: Noun
- Plural Form: Attorneys
Examples:
- My attorney helped me write a contract.
- The attorneys met with their clients before the trial.
- She dreams of becoming an attorney one day.
So, the correct plural is attorneys, not attornies.
2. Attornies
- Meaning: ❌ Incorrect spelling of the plural form of “attorney.”
- Part of Speech: None (it’s not recognized in standard English).
- Usage: It’s a common misspelling caused by confusion with words that end in “-y,” like city → cities or baby → babies.
Examples of wrong usage:
- ❌ The attornies discussed the case.
✅ The attorneys discussed the case. - ❌ Five attornies attended the meeting.
✅ Five attorneys attended the meeting. - ❌ He works with attornies in his firm.
✅ He works with attorneys in his firm.
The Key Difference Between “Attornies” and “Attorneys”
Here’s a quick visual to make it crystal clear:
| Feature | Attornies | Attorneys |
|---|---|---|
| Status | ❌ Incorrect spelling | ✅ Correct spelling |
| Meaning | None (misspelling) | Legal professionals (lawyers) |
| Word Type | — | Noun |
| Plural Of | — | Attorney |
| Example Sentence | ❌ The attornies met at noon. | ✅ The attorneys met at noon. |
Quick Tip to Remember
If a word ends with -ey (like monkey or attorney), its plural adds -s, not -ies.
Example: monkey → monkeys, attorney → attorneys.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
❌ Mistake 1: Changing “-ey” to “-ies”
- Wrong: Attornies
- Why it happens: Many English nouns ending in y change to ies in plural (like baby → babies).
- Fix: If a word ends in -ey, just add -s!
✅ attorney → attorneys
❌ Mistake 2: Using “attornies” in documents or resumes
Using attornies in professional or legal writing looks unprofessional. Always double-check your spelling with a grammar tool or dictionary.
❌ Mistake 3: Thinking both spellings are accepted
Only attorneys is correct in all forms of English — both American and British.
When to Use “Attorney”
Use attorney when you’re talking about one legal professional.
Examples:
- My attorney will call you tomorrow.
- She’s an attorney who specializes in family law.
- The attorney spoke confidently in court.
- You should always consult an attorney before signing legal papers.
- He’s a young attorney at a big law firm.
When to Use “Attorneys”
Use attorneys when you mean more than one attorney — plural form.
Examples:
- The attorneys reviewed the documents together.
- Five attorneys from our office attended the seminar.
- Both attorneys agreed to a settlement.
- The law firm hired two new attorneys last month.
- Many attorneys volunteer their time to help others.
Memory Hack
Words ending in “-ey” stay friendly — they just add an s!
Think: monkey → monkeys, turkey → turkeys, attorney → attorneys.
Quick Recap: Attorneys vs Attornies
- Attorney = One lawyer
- Attorneys = More than one lawyer
- Attornies = ❌ Not a word (incorrect spelling)
In short:
✅ Attorney → Attorneys
❌ Attorney → Attornies
Easy Rule:
If a word ends in -ey, add -s for plural.
Advanced Tips (for Curious Learners)
Word Origin
“Attorney” comes from the Old French word atorné, meaning “appointed.”
Originally, it referred to someone appointed to act for another — which makes sense since an attorney represents clients in legal matters.
Formal vs Casual Use
- Attorney is more formal and legal (used in law, courts, documents).
- Lawyer is the more common everyday term.
- Example: “She’s a lawyer” (casual) vs. “She’s an attorney-at-law” (formal).
Usage in Exams or Writing
In essays or formal letters, always use attorneys (never attornies).
Even in U.S. legal writing, “attorneys” is the only accepted plural form.
Mini Quiz: Test Your Understanding
Fill in the blanks with the correct word — attorney or attorneys.
- My ______ will help me file the paperwork.
- Two ______ met to discuss the settlement.
- She dreams of becoming an ______ when she grows up.
- The ______ reviewed the case files carefully.
- Always consult an ______ before signing a contract.
Answers:
- attorney
- attorneys
- attorney
- attorneys
- attorney
5 Common FAQs About “Attornies or Attorneys”
1. Which is correct — attornies or attorneys?
✅ Attorneys is the only correct spelling. Attornies is a common mistake.
2. Why do people write “attornies”?
Because many English nouns ending in y change to ies (like baby → babies), people assume the same applies here. But words ending in ey only add -s.
3. What is the plural of attorney general?
It’s attorneys general (not attorney generals). The word attorneys gets pluralized, not general.
4. Are “attorney” and “lawyer” the same?
Almost — all attorneys are lawyers, but not all lawyers are licensed to act as attorneys in court.
5. How can I remember the correct spelling?
Think of monkey → monkeys. If it ends in ey, just add s! Simple as that
Conclusion
Now you know the truth:
- Attorneys ✅ is correct.
- Attornies ❌ is a spelling mistake.
Remember — if a word ends in -ey, you just add -s to make it plural.
So next time you write a report, email, or resume, you’ll confidently spell it right.
Celeste Rowan is a creative writer and editor at WordContrast.com, crafting compelling stories across topics like motivation, education, and personal development. She combines a warm narrative voice with data-driven insight to make her writing both relatable and reliable. Celeste believes words can spark change—and she writes to make that change happen.
