The short answer
In everyday American usage, there is no practical difference. "Attorney" and "lawyer" describe the same professional: someone licensed by a state bar to practice law and represent clients. The technical distinction people sometimes cite, that a lawyer is anyone trained in law while an attorney is one authorized to act for clients, has almost no relevance to you as a consumer, because anyone advertising legal services to the public in Alabama must be a licensed member of the Alabama State Bar either way. Travis Johns is a lawyer and an attorney. So is every other licensed practitioner in the state.
So is it better to hire a lawyer or an attorney?
Neither, because you're choosing between two words for the same thing. The question that actually matters is whether the specific person you're hiring is licensed, in good standing, experienced in your type of case, and someone you can reach when it counts. A title on a billboard answers none of that.
The words that actually mean something
- Licensed and in good standing: verifiable for any Alabama lawyer through the Alabama State Bar's public directory. This is the one credential that's non-negotiable.
- Esq. or Esquire: a courtesy title, nothing more.
- Counsel, counselor: interchangeable with the rest in ordinary use.
- Paralegal or legal assistant: valuable professionals who are not licensed to give legal advice or represent you in court. If you're paying for legal representation, confirm a licensed attorney is doing it.
What to ask instead
Ask how much of the lawyer's practice is cases like yours. Ask who you'll communicate with during the case. Ask for the fee structure in writing. Those three answers will tell you more than any label ever will. If it's useful, start here: this firm's practice, fees, and the attorney's background are all published on this site, and the first conversation is direct with the attorney.