Career Profile Personal Statement

Career Profile Personal Statement

CAREER PROFILE PERSONAL STATEMENT 1 Career Profile Personal Statement School Name Date Personal Statement 1. How does the law impact your current workplace and/or position? Currently, I work part-time as a client service professional at H&R Block, a team member at Arby's restaurant, and a patient care assistant at an establishment for the elderly. In those positions, it is mandatory for me as an employee to maintain and uphold professional ethics, and adhere to all rules and regulations of those organizations. In each position, I obtain basic understanding of the laws within the company.

However, I am willing to seek additional knowledge of laws in which I am oblivious to. As a client service professional, I have gained basic knowledge on legal issues by handling confidential files. It is imperative as a client service professional to be fully aware of all the legal consequences of breaching the duty of confidentiality. In addition, my work in this position has enriched my knowledge of various legal issues through the daily experience of interacting with clients from diverse backgrounds and different tax situations.

I have also gained experience working as a team member at Arby's restaurant. Laws relevant to this position include the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which governs minimum wage, overtime pay, and recordkeeping; the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), which ensures workplace safety; and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regulations, which prohibit workplace discrimination. Understanding these laws helps me recognize my rights and responsibilities as an employee, ensuring compliance and protecting myself and my coworkers from legal violations.

Working as a patient care assistant in an elderly care setting, I understand that the practice of law significantly impacts my behavior, especially when documenting incidents on the incident report form and promptly reporting them to supervisors. Additionally, awareness of laws against elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation is crucial in safeguarding the wellbeing of residents. Laws such as the Elder Justice Act enforce the protection of elderly individuals and require staff to report any suspected abuse or neglect, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and adherence to legal standards in providing quality care.

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The legal landscape in my current workplaces profoundly influences my conduct and responsibilities. In generic terms, laws establish the boundaries within which I operate and inform me about my rights and obligations across different roles. Specifically, my role as a client service professional involves handling sensitive client information, and awareness of confidentiality laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in healthcare-related environments, guides my interactions and data management (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2023). Breaching such confidentiality can lead to legal penalties and damage to professional reputation. In my work at H&R Block, understanding tax laws and regulations helps ensure compliance during client interactions and filing processes (Internal Revenue Service [IRS], 2023).

My position at Arby's restaurant exposes me to labor laws designed to prevent exploitation and ensure fair employment practices. The FLSA mandates minimum wage, overtime compensation, and prohibits child labor, while OSHA enforces safety standards designed to prevent workplace injuries (U.S. Department of Labor [DOL], 2022). EEOC regulations support equal opportunity, forbidding discrimination based on race, gender, age, or disability. Familiarity with these regulations ensures I recognize unlawful practices and foster a compliant, respectful work environment.

In the healthcare context, especially in elderly care, laws against elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation play a critical role. The Elder Justice Act emphasizes the importance of reporting and preventing maltreatment of seniors (Department of Justice [DOJ], 2022). As a patient care assistant, I am trained to recognize signs of abuse and must report any suspicions immediately, adhering to legal obligations designed to protect vulnerable populations. Proper documentation of incidents is also legally significant, serving as evidence in investigations or legal proceedings, thereby impacting care quality and accountability.

My exposure to legal issues across these varied roles enriches my social awareness and understanding of social justice issues within society. Such experiences underscore the significance of legal literacy in everyday life, whether in protecting client confidentiality, ensuring workplace fairness, or safeguarding the elderly from harm. My awareness continues to evolve through active engagement and a commitment to ongoing learning about the legal obligations inherent in each professional role.

How will an understanding of the law and/or US legal system benefit your career track?

Understanding the legal system of the United States is vital for my professional growth and effectiveness, especially given my aspirations to work as a Juvenile Court Counselor or a Juvenile Defense Attorney. Knowledge of the legal framework helps in interpreting laws, court procedures, and regulations that influence juvenile justice. It ensures that I am aware of what constitutes lawful and unlawful conduct, enabling me to advocate appropriately for my clients and uphold ethical standards (FindLaw, 2022). For instance, understanding juvenile sentencing laws, probation regulations, and the rights of minors helps tailor my interventions in compliance with legal mandates.

Proficiency in the US legal system also enhances my confidence when responding to legal issues that arise during my professional duties. Whether collaborating with legal professionals, preparing case documents, or engaging in advocacy, a solid grasp of legal principles permits me to navigate complex situations effectively (National Juvenile Defenders Center [NJDC], 2021). Moreover, understanding legal terminologies and court processes reduces misunderstandings and fosters clearer communication with stakeholders, including judges, prosecutors, and families.

Importantly, legal literacy aids in recognizing what is acceptable and unacceptable conduct within my chosen career. This awareness not only safeguards my integrity but also ensures compliance with legal standards, thereby minimizing risks of legal violations. For example, knowing the limits of confidentiality concerning juvenile records or parental rights allows me to make ethically sound decisions while respecting clients’ rights (American Bar Association [ABA], 2023). Such knowledge promotes professionalism, trustworthiness, and credibility in my future practice.

What are your plans for using the MSL in your current position or your desired future workplace?

To me, the adage 'knowledge is power' encapsulates the essence of pursuing a Masters of Studies in Law (MSL). I believe that obtaining an MSL will significantly enhance my understanding of legal principles applicable to my current and future roles, providing a solid foundation for more sophisticated legal reasoning and problem-solving. In my role as a client service professional, the knowledge acquired from the MSL program will deepen my understanding of client confidentiality, privacy laws, and legal procedures, ultimately improving my ability to respond to legal issues confidently and competently (American Bar Association, 2021).

Furthermore, in a fast-food environment like Arby's, the legal issues surrounding premise liability and tort claims are vital. Gaining insight into premises liability law through the MSL curriculum will help me appreciate legal responsibilities concerning safety violations, accidents, and customer injuries. Such knowledge will inform my actions, ensuring compliance with safety standards and reducing legal risks for the employer (Levinson & Valverde, 2021).

In my capacity as a patient care assistant, understanding health laws pertinent to the elderly, including state-specific long-term care and health planning laws, will allow me to comprehend the legal frameworks guiding healthcare delivery. The MSL program’s broader perspective on health law will enable me to better support residents and advocate for their rights under laws such as the Patient Self-Determination Act and state elder care statutes (The Johns Hopkins University, 2022).

Most importantly, my long-term goal is to become a Juvenile Court Counselor or Juvenile Defense Attorney. The complex legal environment surrounding juvenile justice mandates a thorough grasp of statutes, court procedures, and regulations. The advanced legal knowledge from the MSL program will be instrumental in performing my duties effectively, advocating for juvenile clients, and contributing to reform efforts aimed at juvenile justice (National Juvenile Justice Network, 2023). The program will also bolster my ability to interpret and apply legal precedents, ensuring my practice is legally sound and ethically responsible.

Is there any further information you would like to include about your application?

Throughout my career, I have continuously worked to enhance my leadership, teamwork, and work ethic skills. My capacity to perform independently or as part of a team underscores my adaptability and commitment to professional excellence. Interacting daily with individuals from diverse backgrounds has strengthened my interpersonal skills, enabling me to communicate effectively and empathetically. These attributes, coupled with my consistent pursuit of legal knowledge, affirm my dedication to becoming a competent and ethical legal practitioner.

The decision to pursue the MSL degree stems from a desire to deepen my understanding of the law to serve my clients better and excel in my intended career paths. I am confident that the MSL will provide me with the critical legal insights needed to navigate complex legal landscapes, advocate effectively for vulnerable populations, and contribute meaningfully to the justice system. I am committed to lifelong learning and believe that this advanced degree will be a pivotal step toward achieving my professional aspirations (American Bar Association, 2023).

References

  • American Bar Association. (2021). Why pursue an MSL degree? https://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_education/resources/
  • American Bar Association. (2023). Ethical obligations in juvenile law. https://www.americanbar.org/groups/juvenile_law/
  • Department of Justice. (2022). Elder Justice Act overview. https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice
  • Department of Labor. (2022). OSHA standards and compliance information. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs
  • FindLaw. (2022). Juvenile law basics. https://www.findlaw.com/state/juvenile-law.html
  • Internal Revenue Service. (2023). Tax laws and regulations. https://www.irs.gov/
  • Levinson, S., & Valverde, M. (2021). Premises liability law in the US. Harvard Law Review, 134(2), 345-378.
  • National Juvenile Defenders Center. (2021). Legal resources for juvenile defense. https://njdc.info/
  • National Juvenile Justice Network. (2023). Juvenile justice reform initiatives. https://jjanetwork.org/
  • U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2023). HIPAA compliance resources. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/index.html

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