Becoming A Law Student: A Guide For Filipinos

Becoming a lawyer in the Philippines is no easy feat. It takes around eight years of study and hard work to become eligible for the Bar Exam, the results of which will determine whether you can practise law in the country. The process is long and challenging, but it can be one of the most rewarding experiences for those who are truly interested in the law.

Pick a pre-law course that aligns with your interests and the field of law you want to practise in the future

Picking a pre-law course that aligns with your interests and future career goals is an important step on your journey to becoming a law student in the Philippines. While it's not a requirement to have a specific pre-law degree, choosing a course that complements your law aspirations can provide a solid foundation for your legal studies. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

Areas of Interest

Think about the areas of law that fascinate you and look for pre-law courses that overlap with those interests. For example, if you're drawn to criminal law, a pre-law course in criminology could be a good fit. On the other hand, if you're interested in taxation law, accountancy might be a strategic choice. Consider the following popular pre-law courses and how they can align with your legal interests:

• Political Science: This course is popular among pre-law students as it often covers law subjects and introduces the Socratic Method, a common teaching approach in law schools.
• English, History, Sociology, Philosophy, or Literature: These courses develop strong reading, logic, and reasoning skills, which are essential for law students.
• STEM Courses: Fields like engineering and computer science can enhance logical thinking and analytical skills, beneficial for legal studies.
• Journalism or Communication: These majors can improve your writing, speaking, and research skills, all of which are crucial for aspiring lawyers.
• Accountancy or Business: These courses provide a foundation in business law and can make you more employable early on.

Transferable Skills

When deciding on a pre-law course, consider the transferable skills you will gain and how they can benefit your legal education and future law career. For example, a course that emphasises reading and writing will improve your ability to digest legal texts and create clear, concise legal documents. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential for effective advocacy as a lawyer. Additionally, critical thinking and analytical skills are vital for interpreting complex legal information. Courses that foster these skills include philosophy, computer science, and STEM subjects.

Personal Growth

Remember that your pre-law course is an opportunity for personal growth and exploration. Choose a course that not only aligns with your interests but also challenges and excites you. Enjoying your undergraduate studies is important, and you can still gain valuable skills for law school without specifically targeting law-related courses. As one law student advises, "Take any course that interests you [...] Take any course that you would actually like. Worst-case scenario is you take a college course thinking it would help with law school, only to end up not pursuing law or giving up once you enter law school."

Choose the best law school for you, considering the law program, training and career opportunities, and tuition costs

When choosing a law school in the Philippines, there are several factors to consider, including the law program, training opportunities, career prospects, and tuition costs.

Law Program

When considering a law school, it is important to review the curriculum and ensure that it covers a wide range of legal topics. In the Philippines, the Rules of Court require students to pass courses in public and private international law, labor and social legislation, medical jurisprudence, and clinical legal education during their law school studies.

Training and Career Opportunities

Beyond the curriculum, it is worth researching the training opportunities and career services offered by the school. Do they have a strong alumni network? Do they provide career counselling and support with job placements? These factors can significantly impact your future career prospects.

Tuition Costs

Tuition fees for law schools in the Philippines vary depending on the institution. Private school tuition fees typically range from PHP 50,000 to PHP 90,000 per semester, while public schools are more affordable, with tuition around PHP 30,000 per semester. Additionally, there are other costs to consider, such as books, transportation, accommodation, and review materials for the bar exam.

• University of the Philippines: PHP 25,000 - PHP 30,000 per semester
• Ateneo de Manila University: PHP 75,000 - PHP 98,000 per semester
• San Beda University: Around PHP 63,000 per semester
• University of San Carlos: Around PHP 32,000 per semester
• Ateneo de Davao University: Not specified
• University of Santo Tomas: Around PHP 25,000
• San Beda College – Alabang: Around PHP 60,000
• Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila: Around PHP 32,000
• Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan: Around PHP 33,000 per semester

When making your decision, it is important to consider your personal circumstances, such as location, tuition costs, and the school's reputation. While the tuition fees may vary, remember that the quality of education and opportunities provided by these institutions can significantly impact your future career as a lawyer.

Pass the Philippine Law School Admission Test (PhiLSAT) to gain a Certificate of Eligibility

To become a law student in the Philippines, you must pass the Philippine Law School Admission Test (PhiLSAT) and obtain a Certificate of Eligibility. This is a prerequisite for admission to basic law courses leading to either a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor degree. It is conducted by the Legal Education Board (LEB) and is a nationwide aptitude test required for all aspiring law students.

The PhiLSAT is an aptitude exam, similar to an IQ test, and consists of four subjects: Communications and Language Proficiency, Critical Thinking, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. It is important to note that the PhiLSAT is not mandatory, as the Supreme Court of the Philippines has declared the requirement to take it as unconstitutional. However, the court has expressed openness to approving other "standardized and acceptable law admission examinations" in the future.

Preparing for the PhiLSAT can be challenging, and it is essential to develop effective study habits. Here are some tips to help you pass the exam:

• Start preparing early: Give yourself ample time to study and understand the exam material. Create a study plan and stick to it.
• Familiarise yourself with the exam format: Know what to expect on the exam day by reviewing the exam structure and types of questions asked.
• Practice, practice, practice: Solve as many practice questions as possible. This will help you improve your speed and accuracy and identify areas that need improvement.
• Focus on comprehension: The PhiLSAT tests your critical thinking and reasoning abilities. Ensure you understand the underlying concepts and don't just memorise answers.
• Manage your time effectively: Allocate your time wisely during the exam. Some questions may take longer to answer than others, so pace yourself accordingly.
• Take care of yourself: Studying for the PhiLSAT can be demanding, so ensure you get enough rest, eat healthily, and make time for relaxation and self-care.

Once you pass the PhiLSAT and obtain your Certificate of Eligibility, you can submit it to your preferred law school as part of your application. Remember to research the specific requirements of your chosen law school, as they may have additional criteria for admission.

Pass the Bar Examinations, a four-day exam

Passing the Bar Examinations is the final step to becoming a lawyer in the Philippines. The exam is gruelling and is considered one of the toughest in the world. It is a four-day exam, previously held over four Sundays in November, but since 2023, it has been conducted over three separate days in September. The exam is administered by the Supreme Court of the Philippines through the Supreme Court Bar Examination Committee.

The Bar Examinations are divided into six core subjects. The first day covers Political and Public International Law (15%) and Commercial and Taxation Laws (20%). The second day covers Civil Law (20%) and Labor Law and Social Legislation (10%). The final day covers Criminal Law (10%) and Remedial Law, Legal and Judicial Ethics with Practical Exercises (25%).

To pass, candidates must obtain a general average of 75% in all subjects, with no grade falling below 50% in any subject. The passing average is fixed by law, and the Supreme Court has the discretion to change it. The Bar Examinations are written in English, and results are usually released in March or April of the following year.

The Bar Examinations are not regulated by the Professional Regulation Commission. Instead, under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the Supreme Court of the Philippines has sole authority over the rules concerning admission to the practice of law.

The Supreme Court appoints the Committee of Bar Examiners, which is responsible for formulating exam questions, grading papers, and releasing the results. The committee is chaired by an incumbent Justice of the Supreme Court, who serves for a term of one year, along with eight members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

Candidates who meet the academic and non-academic requirements for the Bar Examinations typically enrol in special review classes after graduating from law school. These review programs are held from April to September and are taught by full-time and part-time law professors.

Develop the right skills, including analytical and research skills, attention to detail, organisational skills, and communication skills

Aspiring law students in the Philippines need to cultivate certain skills and qualities to survive law school and the Bar Examinations. Here are some tips to develop the right skills:

Analytical and Research Skills

• Start reading now! Make it a habit to read books, newspapers, and magazines. This will help you develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are crucial for evaluating resources and determining the best approach to a case.
• Learn how to navigate legal databases. Familiarize yourself with legal databases to find primary and secondary sources that support your arguments.
• Conduct independent research. Working independently will help you build problem-solving skills and improve your ability to analyse and evaluate information effectively.
• Review your work frequently. Regularly review your past work and current projects to identify errors and areas for improvement. This will help you refine your analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Utilize multiple resources. Gather research material from various sources, such as legal databases, previous cases, and public libraries, to gain a holistic understanding of the law.

Attention to Detail

• Read on paper. Consider reading documents on paper instead of a screen. Reading on paper can help reduce the tendency to skim over important information.
• Read aloud. When reading the same paragraph multiple times, try reading it aloud to slow down and focus on the proper emphasis of the sentence.
• Highlight and make notes. Use different coloured highlighters and make notes in the margins to summarise important points. This will help you retain and understand information more effectively.
• Tab documents. Use colour-coded tabs or post-its to organise and quickly locate specific documents. This technique will help you keep track of the various documents involved in a case.

Organisational Skills

• Stick to daily routines. Establish a consistent daily routine, including specific times for studying, leisure, and self-care. This will help you stay focused and productive.
• Prioritise tasks. Create a daily priority list of the most important tasks that must be completed, separate from your general to-do list.
• Differentiate between important and urgent tasks. Understand the difference between important tasks that can be planned and urgent tasks that require immediate attention. This will help you manage your time effectively.
• Use a calendar. Instead of relying solely on a to-do list, put your tasks on a calendar to visualise your schedule and improve time management.
• Set specific study times. Set dedicated times for studying and reading, separate from your leisure activities. This will help you stay focused and disciplined.

Communication Skills

• Understand verbal and non-verbal language. Pay attention not only to what your client says but also to their tone, body language, and non-verbal cues. This will help you better understand their needs and concerns.
• Be open and thorough in your explanations. Ensure your client fully understands the legal process and complex information by asking questions and providing clear and concise explanations.
• Build relationships. Cultivate a rapport with your clients by being honest, empathetic, and trustworthy. Effective communication and relationship-building are essential for a successful law practice.
• Be present and attentive. Give your clients your undivided attention during meetings. Choose a quiet and private place to meet, and have all the necessary materials with you to avoid interruptions.

Frequently asked questions