Legal Profession Outline

I. Introduction
In the society, almost every one dreamed of having an occupation when they
were young. During the graduation ceremonies in preparatory schools, most
students were asked What do you want to be when you grow up? At the very
young age, some would say doctor, teacher, pilot or policeman. Deriving from this,
most people planned of having a profession when they were still young, though the
profession they might do be different when they grow up.
Profession starts from day one of your preparatory school. Education is the
foundation of profession.
Profession requires certain credentials, including academic achievements. Some
require basic education achievement. Others require the highest degrees of
education and some even require a license. The similarity of all professions is the
education or knowledge of each and every individual to perform their respective task
in their field of profession.
II. Profession
A. Definition
As defined in Merriam Webster Dictionary, profession is a calling requiring
specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation, a type
of job that requires special education, training, or skill. 1
B. Distinguishing Characteristic of Profession
1. a specific body of knowledge;
2. accredited training programs;
3. a professional organization of peers;
4. credentialing of practitioners such as licensure;
5. a code of ethics;
6. legal recognition; and
1 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profession accessed Aug. 11, 2015

7. other standards of excellence.2

C. Purpose
Professional activity is an important part in the smooth functioning of the
modern society. However, some highly esteemed professionals have misused
their skills for personal gains. To prevent other professionals from abusing their
skills or knowledge, each organization for the professionals have developed their
Code of Conduct or Ethical Standards that every professionals must follow.3
D. Difference of Profession vs Occupation vs Job vs Skill
a. Profession a profession needs extensive training and specialized
knowledge. A profession can be called an occupation when a person is paid
for his particular skills, and his deep knowledge. A profession is guided
through certain ethical codes, and regulated by certain statute.
b. Job a set of tasks and duties performed, or meant to be performed, by one
person, including the employer or in self employment.
c. Occupation refers to the kind of work employed in a job. It is a set of jobs
whose main tasks and duties are characterized by a high degree if similarity.
Persons engaged in an occupation are not paid for their knowledge, but only
for what they produce. An occupation does not need any extensive training.
d. Skill ability to carry out the tasks and duties given to a job.
1. Nature of work performed in the tasks and duties
2. Level of formal education
3. Amount of informal on-the-job training or previous experiences
E. International Standard of Classification of Occupation 4
1. Managers
2 http://www.pearsonhighered.com/assets/hip/us/hip_us_pearsonhighered/samplechapter/013265797X.pdf accessed on Aug. 12,
2015

3 http://www.jstor.org/stable/40697621 accessed on Aug. 12, 2015

4 International Labor Office, International Standard Classification of Occupation Vol. I 2012

2. Professionals
3. Technicians and Associate Professionals
4. Clerical Support Workers
5. Services and Sales Workers
6. Skilled Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Workers
7. Craft and Related Trades Workers
8. Plant and Machine Operators and Assemblers
9. Elementary Occupations
10. Armed Forces Occupations
F. Professionals Major Group5
1. Science and Engineering Professionals
2. Health Professionals
3. Teaching Professionals
4. Business and Administrative Professionals
5. Information and Communication Technology Professionals
6. Legal, Social and Cultural Professionals
G. Code of Ethics6
1. Place the integrity of the profession and the interests of clients above your
own interests
2. Act with integrity, competence, and respect
3. Maintain and develop your professional competence
H. Standards of Professional Conduct7
5 Id.
6 http://www.cfainstitute.org/ethics/codes/ethics/Pages/index.aspx accessed on Aug. 12, 2015
7 Id.

1. Professionalism and integrity of the capital markets

2. Duties to clients and employers
3. Investment analysis and recommendations
4. Conflicts of interest and your responsibilities
III. Conclusion
A. Profession requires skill specialization in terms of their field of knowledge.
B. It also requires the highest skill level. It involves the performance of tasks that

require complex problem solving, decision-making and creativity based on an

extensive body of theoretical and factual knowledge in a specialized field. 8

International Labor Office, International Standard Classification of Occupation Vol. I 2012