How to become a lawyer in the Philippines

First of all, I am not yet an attorney nor claiming to be one, well, not yet. As of writing this article, I am waiting for the result of the recent bar exam and I am hoping and praying for a positive result (please pray for me! :))

Before posting anything else in this new blog, allow me first to give some brief discussion on how to become a lawyer in the Philippines. It is a common belief that becoming a lawyer is really tough. As a law graduate myself, I cannot argue otherwise. Going through the process of obtaining this elusive "A-t-t-y" title is indeed one hell of a journey. From daily recitations in class, preparing tons of case digests and passing grueling exams, any law student for that matter would say that it is really difficult. Setting aside, below are the requirements set forth by present laws, rules and regulations for admission to the Philippine law practice.

Taken from http://ndvlaw.com/

Pursuant to Rule 138, Sec. 2 of the Rules of Court, the following may be admitted to the practice of law in the Philippines: Citizens of the Philippines; at least 21 years of age, of good moral character, and a resident of the Philippines. In addition, the lawyer-aspirant must produce satisfactory evidence of good moral character, certifying that no charges involving moral turpitude have been filed or are pending against him in any court in the Philippines.

In addition to above, it is a mandatory requirement that the aspirant shall go through formal legal education in any recognized law school in the country. Depending on the curriculum of a particular law school, the law course or degree is called Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B) or Doctor of Jurisprudence (JurisDoctor). Before admission to law school, there are also some requirements, namely:  Pre-law Bachelor's Degree in Arts of Science duly obtained in any authorized college or university; and passing the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), the questions of which is now uniform in all law schools pursuant to latest memorandum circular of Legal Education Board (LEB).

After obtaining the above-stated law degree, and assuming the possession of all other requirements, the student is now eligible to take the Philippine Bar Examination. Upon passing the bar, there is only one thing left to complete the process, the passer signing in the Rolls of Attorney. At that point, he can now claim the title "A-t-t-y", which is reserved only to those duly admitted to the Philippine Bar.

Now you go, that is the brief discussion for the admission to Philippine Bar. Some matters were purposely not discussed, particularly law school studies and bar exam experience and others, as I intend to post them in different articles. If you have some questions or corrections to this article, feel free to comment below. I would be delighted if you do that. Thank you! Till the next article!