In one word, bar topnotchers talk elections

MANILA, Philippines — They made news this week for topping the 2015 bar exams.

 

As the best and the brightest among the country’s new lawyers, we tried to pick their brain on how they survived the bar review, their next plans, advice to aspiring lawyers, and what they think about the elections and the justice issue they want our next leaders to address.

 

How did you prepare for the exam? 

 

Before I graduated from Ateneo Law School, I made a review schedule and a list of reference materials. I opted to use my old books and reviewers to save time in highlighting and making notes. Also, it was my practice in law school to outline the codal provisions for easier understanding of the law. 

 

My decision to stay at our home in Pulilan, Bulacan during the bar review contributed a lot because it gave me a relaxed environment. Being surrounded by my loved ones during such challenging period gave me a sense of security. In terms of physical preparation, I had at least eight hours of sleep every day. I also played basketball daily during the bar review.

 

What is your next plan?

 

I am planning to stay at Puyat, Jacinto & Santos Law Office and specialize in corporate law and litigation. In the long term, I want to be engaged in the public service, either in the government or in my private capacity.

 

What advice can you give aspiring lawyers?

 

In the first place, all aspiring lawyers should strive to stay as good persons because it is much more important than being a lawyer. Also, it is indispensable that they should enjoy the study of the law. Law school is very demanding. If an aspiring lawyer does not love what he or she is doing, the sacrifice is not worth it.

 

What do you think is the biggest election issue? 

 

Corruption. Because it is a legitimate concern of the voters that haunts almost every candidate, in one way or another.

 

What word will you describe this 2016 elections? 

 

Unpredictable. Because the race for the positions of president and vice president is very competitive.

 

What law or justice issue do you want our next leaders to address? 

 

Accessibility. Because it is too burdensome for the people, especially the poor, to avail of our justice system due to the expenses and long delays.

 

How did you prepare for the exam? 

 

There's nothing really special to say here. I just studied hard, put in the work, and took care of myself by going to the gym every other day. As for survival, I drank coffee and had a few, what I'd like to call, "Empe Nights," for my stressful days. I just always remembered to relax and place my trust in God knowing that no matter what happened, it was His will.

 

What is your next plan?

 

Continue working at V&A Law Firm and to learn as much as I can about the practice of law, and hopefully to develop my skills as a lawyer. I've always wanted to be a justice of the Court of Tax Appeals so hopefully I can make strides in that direction. At the same time, I'd also like to start my own law firm in the future.

 

What advice can you give aspiring lawyers?

 

For law students, try to UNDERSTAND your lessons. Don't just memorize. Do the work and never forget to have fun and forge friendships.

 

For those taking the bar this year, just set a schedule for when you'll be studying during the day (for me it was 8 hours) and strictly follow that schedule. After studying, relax, meditate or do anything to reward yourself after a long day's work. I don't think studying 14 hours a day is effective. Go to bed, wake-up then repeat. It's all about discipline and endurance. If you're feeling tired, then take a break. But NEVER give up!

 

I wasn't the best in law school nor was i known to be the most diligent. If I can do it, so can you!

 

What do you think is the biggest election issue? 

 

Truth. We don't know what's true anymore especially because of the ease that people are able to bend the truth and circulate false news on the internet.

 

What word will you describe this 2016 elections? 

 

Intense. Because of all the exchanges on social media.

 

What law or justice issue do you want our next leaders to address? 

 

Corruption. It impedes the trust of the people towards the government which makes it harder for people to respect our system and laws.

 

How did you prepare for the exam? 

 

I studied about 8 to 10 hours a day, inclusive of breaks. I did not study on weekends. Also, I ran every morning before I started the review for the day, and went out with friends every Friday night.

Aside from the obvious help from my family, what helped me survive bar review was the unwavering support of my girlfriend, Bea Benedicto, who always reminded me to never settle for less. That was my mindset throughout the whole bar review.

 

What is your next plan? 

 

I am currently an associate in SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan, and I plan to continue working therein.

 

What advice can you give aspiring lawyers? 

 

There is no substitute for hard work and perseverance. Come the bar exams, you will truly reap what you sowed during the four years of law school. Ultimately, the journey to becoming a licensed lawyer is long and arduous, but definitely worth every second.

 

What do you think is the biggest election issue? 

 

Credibility. Will the candidates really follow through on their respective platforms or is it just for show?

 

What word will you describe this 2016 elections? 

 

Convoluted. So many unnecessary issues and events are distracting the voters from the real issue at hand.

 

What law or justice issue do you want our next leaders to address? 

 

Efficiency. I firmly believe that justice delayed is justice denied.

 

How did you prepare for the exam? 

 

I pep-talk myself into studying. I'm easily distracted and easily bored, so you can just imagine how hours of studying can be frustrating to me. But I tell myself that this is what I want, and I'm gonna get it. 

But my greatest inspiration was my father, who died last December 2013 from a heart attack. After that, I promised myself that I would survive law school and the bar exams because I wanted him to look down from heaven and be proud of his daughter. He was always my no. 1 fan and cheerleader, along with my mom. That promise kept me going.

 

What is your next plan?

 

I don’t really have any concrete plans yet. I’m still living in a bubble of euphoria after discovering I made it.

 

What advice can you give aspiring lawyers?

 

Anyone can top the bar. And law school is your greatest foundation for passing or topping it, not the bar review. So put your best foot forward while you're in law school, and chances are good that you'll pass the bar. 

 

What do you think is the biggest election issue? 

 

Presidency. With all the last-minute issues popping up against the presidentiables, it's anybody's game.

 

What word will you describe this 2016 elections? 

 

Interesting. I haven’t seen people this passionate about their choice of candidates in a long while.

 

What law or justice issue do you want our next leaders to address? 

 

Corruption. It's the root of poverty. Government programs are good, and if money goes where it should, implementation is more effective and people are served well. 

 

How did you prepare for the exam? 

 

I just read all the materials I could read and tried to retain as much information as possible. I attended the lectures of the UP Bar Review Institute and participated in the mock bar exams. The support of family and friends helped me survive the bar review.

 

What is your next plan? 

 

I plan on staying with the law firm that I am currently working for.

 

What advice can you give aspiring lawyers?

 

First of all, pray. Prayer helps a lot in keeping yourself strong and focused. Second, prepare yourself physically and mentally for the study of law. It is a grueling experience and it is easy to get discouraged without the proper preparation. Third, develop a support system with friends and batchmates to help you overcome the challenges of law school and keep you from being discouraged.

 

What do you think is the biggest election issue? 

 

Transparency. A lot of the candidates are being accused of being dishonest with respect to their personal circumstances, particularly their financial status and track record. Candidates need to be more forthcoming with credible information regarding these things.

 

What word will you describe this 2016 elections? 

 

Monumental. This elections could serve as a turning point for our country. It is crucial that we elect leaders who would improve the life of the Filipinos instead of seeking to profit themselves.

 

What law or justice issue do you want our next leaders to address?

 

Impunity. I want our leaders to stop the culture of impunity in our country, wherein lawbreakers manage to commit crimes without being held accountable for their actions.

 

How did you prepare for the exam? 

 

I prepared for the bar exam like how I prepared in law school: study, study and study. After law school graduation, I planned how I will spend my review days. I made my own calendar-planner with marks on what subjects I should be reading or studying that day.

 

Focus and inspiration helped me survive reviewing during the bar. I have always thought that reviewing for the bar is a test of mental fortitude. I drew focus on my goal – to become a lawyer. I drew inspiration from family, friends and simple things, like watching cartoons to refresh my mind.

 

What is your next plan? 

 

Well, right now, I am a volunteer paralegal for Senators Grace and Chiz. After elections, I intend to pursue a career in labor and corporate law.

 

What advice can you give aspiring lawyers?

 

Believe in your dreams. It is you – and no one else – who will make them happen.

 

What do you think is the biggest election issue? 

 

Integrity. Candidates should be measured not on the promises they make left and right during campaign but on their moral uprightness. A candidate without integrity makes empty promises.

 

What word will you describe this 2016 elections? 

 

Uncertain. Right now, the future of the Philippines is equally uncertain as the leaders who will be elected come 2016 elections next week.

 

What law or justice issue do you want our next leaders to address? 

 

Patriotism. Nowadays, both the government and the citizens do not love the country well enough to follow its law, avoid corruption, and help one another in building the nation. If there can be a law, not to force, but to cultivate love for the country, then the Philippines will be as great as it can ever be.