Multicultural Awareness Project Part 2
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Multicultural Awareness Project Part 2
Kristine Hubbert Bryant & Stratton College
Career Development III Caps265
Dr. Irem Cuellar
02/14/2024
Kristine Hubbert My name is Kristine, and I am graduating this April with my associate degree in paralegal
studies. My goal after graduation is to pass the Certified Paralegal Exam and pursue a career as a
certified paralegal at a criminal defense law firm. According to the National Center for Cultural Competence (NCCC), cultural competence
can be achieved by identifying and understanding the needs and behaviors of individuals seeking
help. To effectively serve clients, it is important to understand and respect their cultural
differences and similarities. This involves being aware of the defining characteristics of diverse
cultures. Culture encompasses more than just a person's physical features, and includes their
identity, language, thoughts, communication style, behavior, customs, beliefs, values, and
institutions that are unique to certain ethnic, racial, religious, geographic, or social groups.
The legal industry is primarily a service-based industry centered around meeting the
needs of clients. Effective communication is a key element in this field. By understanding the
cultural differences that may arise during client communications, legal professionals can provide
more effective legal services. (Madaan)
The American Bar Association is committed to improving access to legal services for
people with moderate incomes. Cultural competency will remain a key factor in the legal
profession's future, both for lawyers and clients. Lawyers must be able to understand and
effectively communicate with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Lawyers need to learn
and implement certain practices and policies. For example, they should strive to understand the
cultural norms and values of their clients and be aware of any potential biases they may hold.
Lawyers should also try to use language that is clear and easy to understand and avoid using
legal jargon that may be confusing to clients.
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Kristine Hubbert Developing a strong rapport with clients is an important aspect of cultural competency.
This means taking the time to build trust and establish a positive relationship, which can help
clients feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. Lawyers can also seek out
training and education opportunities that focus on cultural competency. This may include
attending workshops or seminars, or engaging in online courses or reading materials that provide
insights into how to collaborate effectively with clients from different backgrounds. (Adams)
For this project I interviewed Jenny Allen, a Certified Paralegal with over 15 years of
experience in the field. Ms. Allen currently works for one of the best criminal defense attorneys
in Birmingham, Alabama. She obtained her bachelor's degree from Samford University and is a
45-year-old white female who has dedicated her career to paralegal studies.
She has experience with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Through our
interview, she shared valuable perspectives on the influence of culture within the workplace and
its impact on clients. In the legal industry, workplace dynamics and client interactions are
influenced by culture. According to Ms. Allen must create a diverse and inclusive environment
within the law firm to utilize the strengths of cultural diversity. She pointed out that having a
team with diverse backgrounds enriches the legal profession by promoting innovation, creativity,
and a broader understanding of legal issues. For instance, Ms. Allen stated that her team's diverse
backgrounds enabled them to effectively deal with cultural differences while communicating
with clients, which led to improved client satisfaction and legal outcomes.
When it comes to working with clients in the legal field, cultural differences can have a
significant impact on the attorney-client relationship and legal proceedings. According to Ms.
Allen, having cultural competency is crucial in providing effective legal representation. She gave
examples of how language barriers, communication styles, and cultural norms can affect clients'
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Kristine Hubbert experiences within the legal system. By acknowledging and respecting clients' cultural
backgrounds, attorneys can build trust, establish rapport, and advocate more effectively on their
behalf.
My biggest takeaway from the interview was the importance of cultural awareness and
sensitivity in the legal profession. Ms. Allen’s commitment to continuously educate herself about
different cultures and challenge her own biases was inspiring. This highlights the essential role
of self-reflection, empathy, and cultural humility in navigating cultural diversity in the legal
field. The knowledge gained from my interview with Ms. Allen, combined with my research,
will significantly benefit me as a paralegal in a multicultural world. By recognizing the impact of
culture within the workplace and in working with clients, I will be able to help attorneys in
providing culturally competent legal support. I will promote diversity, equity, and inclusion
within the legal profession, fostering a more inclusive and accessible legal system for all
individuals. Cultivating cultural awareness is essential for promoting justice, equity, and inclusivity in
the legal profession. Through ongoing education, self-reflection, and empathy, legal
professionals can effectively navigate cultural diversity and advocate for the rights of individuals
from diverse backgrounds. As a paralegal student, I am committed to integrating these principles
into my future career and contributing to positive change within the legal profession and society.
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Kristine Hubbert Adams, Travis (2012) "Cultural Competency: A Necessary Skill for the 21st Century Attorney,"
LawRaza:Vol.4:Iss.1,Article2. http://open.mitchellhamline.edu/lawraza/vol4/iss1/2
Madaan, A. (n.d.). Delivering Great Client Service Cultural Competency in the Practice
of Law
. Arag Legal. Retrieved February 14, 2024, from www.araglegal.com/
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