DEAR ABBY: What are the proper uses of "J.D." and "Esq.," especially when it comes to signature lines sent via e-mail? -- LIVONIA, MICH., READER
DEAR READER: The titles are used on both snail mail and e-mail. Some lawyers use the honorific "Esq." after their name. Others prefer the initials "J.D.," which stand for Juris Doctor (Doctor of Law). This is a degree conferred by a law school, unusually after three years of study. And many spell out the title by using "Attorney at Law" after their names.