The term ATTY. DEGREE is a combination of two abbreviations: ESQ (3 letters) and DIST (4 letters). ESQ stands for 'ESQUIRE, ' which is a title given to lawyers in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. DIST stands for 'Doctor of Jurisprudence, ' which is a professional degree in law. Together, the two abbreviations refer to a law degree that is required to practice law in the United States.