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Why are you interested in law and aging particularly, helping older people with physical and /or mental disabilities get out of nursing homes and other institutions.
I am a law graduate working as an intern with disability rights organization. I need help with the above question to help me apply for a fellowship.
Thank you all for your response. #law #healthcare #law
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4 answers
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Kim’s Answer
Claudine,
This is a question asking YOU what makes YOU want to work for them. Some people have a personal story to tell: the aunt who was mistreated by the system, a documentary they watched that really "Spoke" to them, etc. It is asking, why, with all the different types of law available, are you interested in advocacy work? Why, of all the different types of advocacy work (immigration, racial injustice, women's rights, etc) are you interested in helping this particular demographic? Even among those who cannot help themselves, there are other branches: children, animals, etc. So, why this?
Remember to write using your best writing skills, as that will be evaluated. Be mindful of the reader's time. Lead with your conclusion and then go on to tell the story.
Good luck!
This is a question asking YOU what makes YOU want to work for them. Some people have a personal story to tell: the aunt who was mistreated by the system, a documentary they watched that really "Spoke" to them, etc. It is asking, why, with all the different types of law available, are you interested in advocacy work? Why, of all the different types of advocacy work (immigration, racial injustice, women's rights, etc) are you interested in helping this particular demographic? Even among those who cannot help themselves, there are other branches: children, animals, etc. So, why this?
Remember to write using your best writing skills, as that will be evaluated. Be mindful of the reader's time. Lead with your conclusion and then go on to tell the story.
Good luck!
Updated
Nick’s Answer
In my experience, organizations that sponsor fellows are looking for a return on investment, so the question is not just why you deserve the fellowship but also what you will do with it to advance the cause and the brand of the organization. I am only tangentially familiar with this area, but it may make you more competitive if you can identify non-traditional practice areas where you could apply your learnings after the fellowship. For example, I work in financial services, and we have an elder abuse reporting requirement based in state laws where banks are encouraged/required to report suspicious activities that may indicate financial exploitation of vulnerable populations. Banks also are involved in this area by being bound by court conservatorship orders and power of attorney contracts. There may be an opportunity to apply your altruistic learnings to a corporate law environment to drive change through a different medium.
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LINDSAY’s Answer
It sounds as if this organization is most likely looking for candidates who have a specific interest and passion for such a niche area. Do you have an emotional connection to this area or a past experience that has drawn you to this? I would start with asking yourself "WHY do I want to work in this area as opposed to any other area of law or line of work?" What is the driving force behind your desire and motivation to get THIS fellowship?
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DENNIS’s Answer
If I were you looking for a fellowship I'd look to AARP. They are an amazing organization which figts for the elderly at every level. They can probably give you the best direction. Good luck!