Attorney is a word used in England in relation to certain legal matters. The chief legal officer in the UK is the Attorney General. If you need legal powers to do certain transactions for someone who cannot (for example, for a very elderly person) you need power-of-attorney. This word, used in many general ways in England, Scotland and Wales, has acquired a more specific meaning in the USA. They call their lawyers 'attorneys' whereas we call our lawyers 'solicitors' or 'barristers.' (Barristers argue cases in court, solicitors do legal work outside of court). The Americans also have an Attorney General, I believe. Better ask an American for details!

"Lawyer" is the generic word (abogado) and can be used in any English-speaking country with the same meaning. "Attorney" is the name given to qualified lawyers, registered with the state bar, in states of the USA. We don't use this term in England for lawyers but we know it from the films and TV series.

In American English, "lawyer" is less formal, "attorney" is more formal. You might occasionally here "counselor", but probably only in court. (since attorneys/lawyers "counsel" people in legal matters). There is no other difference, in the States. With few, technical exceptions (such as patent law), an attorney/lawyer can handle just about any type of matter in the States. In England, you need either a solicitor or a barrister, depending on whether you have to appear in court.