[rootusrootus]

I agree with them just being an asshole. A lawyer is someone with a JD. An attorney is someone licensed to practice law. For a lay person, I don't think it's at all inappropriate to conflate the two, and giving them crap about it is definitely an asshole move.

[amalter]

Fwiw, as married to someone awaiting character and fitness confirmation from 2nd department of New York State - you cannot declare or imply that you are a lawyer, attorney or otherwise able to practice law until duly licensed and sworn in. While Websters says a lawyer includes those that study law, putting that in your email footer is a great way to never be barred.

Thus the definitions are in usage synonyms.

To the GP comment, 100% someone being an asshole.