My Path to a Career in Federal Service by Emerson

My Path to a Career in Federal Service by Emerson - June 2023 Scholarship Essay

I have wanted to be an attorney for as long as I can remember, I don’t really remember wanting another career. Since a young age, I have been intrigued with crime and its methodology, I asked my parents often as an elementary student for some completely inappropriate book on crime at the school book fair, they must have thought I was crazy. I come from two parents who absolutely love their careers, both have always headed to work with a smile and are respected, appreciated and important members of our community who make a difference in our town and I hope to emulate that for my career.
I have been connected to law enforcement my whole life as my father is a police Sergeant. Since I was a child running around the police station, I have looked up to him and his co-workers and have seen firsthand the positive difference they make in our community. I look forward to carrying on the family tradition by serving as an attorney in a federal law enforcement agency.
Law Enforcement officers have had a challenging few years and hiring and retention have been a huge challenge. My Father is the Training Director at his agency and enjoys getting to plan the training regimen for the entire department as well as for the recruits. He prides himself on being a mentor to younger officers and I have seen how they look up to him. He is a master trainer in active shooting scenarios and has trained many businesses and schools in our town, providing an invaluable service to so many. His ethics and caring heart are things that I hope to carry with me in the field as they will serve me well.
The other part of my home education has been with my mother who is a Social Worker who handles child abuse cases. I have seen firsthand how trauma can impact families and can lead to disastrous consequences for generations if not put in check. My Mother, like my father, exhibits the utmost ethics with her clients and even when she must make difficult decisions about a client's parental rights, she does so with the utmost respect and consideration. I have seen my mother greet clients in public and never has it been awkward or uncomfortable, she has their genuine trust. My Mother's teamwork and rapport-building skills are what I hope to carry into my career while interacting with my co-workers and other court personnel.
I plan on obtaining my degree in Criminal Justice while learning as much as I can about the theory of crime, data, and statistics. I believe that understanding crime and its technical origins would make me a better-prepared attorney, one who can appreciate the socioeconomic and generational causes behind why people commit crimes as well as the scope of the issues across various communities. I look forward to attending law school and developing a solid background in evidence and in the Constitution, which would lead to a better understanding of the rights of the accused as well as my responsibilities as an officer of the court.
Choosing a legal career is a challenging and rewarding decision that requires dedication and commitment. It is a field that offers diverse opportunities for individuals who have a passion for justice and an interest in solving complex legal issues. As I consider pursuing a legal career, I envision making a difference in the industry by dedicating my time and skills to promoting justice for crime victims.
As an attorney with a federal law enforcement agency, there are many different roles that one may play. These can include working as a prosecutor, representing the government in criminal cases, or serving as a legal advisor to law enforcement officers. Attorneys may also work in areas such as national security or immigration law, helping to enforce federal laws and protect the country from threats. All of these are intriguing career options to me, and I will most likely have a tough time deciding which role to devote my time to.
One of the most rewarding aspects of working as an attorney with a federal law enforcement agency is the sense of purpose that comes with the job. Attorneys in this field are working to uphold the law and protect the public, and this can be incredibly fulfilling., I am drawn to the intellectual challenge that a legal career presents, the law is a complex and ever-changing field that requires critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving skills. I am excited about the prospect of engaging with complex legal issues and working to find solutions that are just and equitable.