Written by: Jaira Lou Batangan, Kristi Anne Biares, Ella Marie Mercado, and Mary Philline Rodriguez
MENDIOLA, MANILA—Last November 7-8, 2024, the College of Law hosted R.I.S.E. (Reaching Innovative Success through Experience), a career fair to guide law students from academic learning to legal practice. The event was organized and spearheaded by the Law Student Government (LSG).
It featured booths from prominent law firms and organizations, providing students with opportunities to explore various practice areas, participate in mock interviews, discuss internships and job prospects.
This initiative was particularly beneficial for students who began their law education online or in hybrid settings, offering them a crucial chance to build essential connections and prepare for their future careers.
Firm Presentations & Keynote Speakers
The morning session kicked off with a presentation from Atty. Maxencio A. Rios, Jr. from PwC Philippines followed by Mata-Perez, Tamayo, & Francisco, Reyes Tacandong & Co., De Guzman San Diego Mejía & Hernandez, De Leon Arevalo Gonzales Law Offices (DARGON LAW), AccountrackPH, Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices (ACCRALAW), Mosveldtt Law Offices, De Guzman San Diego Mejia & Hernandez, Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra, and Ocampo & Suralvo Antonio Aurellano Law Offices, who likewise gave very insightful presentations of their respective firms.
Represented by mostly Bedan graduates, the firms gave a general idea regarding their areas of expertise, specializations, and exciting opportunities for students. To give the students a glimpse of their daily lives and office environment, interns and young lawyers were likewise invited to share their personal experiences.
During the afternoon session, the atmosphere was charged with inspiration and enthusiasm as Bedan Law alumni Atty. Tosca Leira Mansujeto, Atty. Frances Camille Francisco, and ASG George Ortha shared their compelling stories. The keynote speakers recounted their journeys from struggling law students to successful Bedan lawyers, highlighting the same challenges and obstacles that current students face today. Their relatable narratives resonated deeply with the audience, offering both comfort and motivation.
Also present was Atty. Andre De Jesus from Ateneo Law and A.R. De Jesus and Associates, who shared his amusing and relatable anecdotes from his days as a law student and his journey to becoming a successful legal practitioner. He emphasized the importance of understanding one’s role in the broader context, sharing his experience with the Maguindanao Massacre case.
“You have to know your place in the entire scheme of things,” he advised. Although his team ultimately lost the case, they fought valiantly, demonstrating the resilience and dedication required in the legal profession.
Employer Insights
Employers shared that they admire Bedan graduates for their grit, tenacity, and consistency arising from their classroom training. Bedans work with “grace under pressure,” a rare quality that reflects their ability to maintain composure and deliver results even in the most challenging circumstances.
“Although mahirap [ang practice], alam mong at the end of the day, kaya mo,” one of the employers shared, as a Bedan graduate herself. This resilience, rooted in their educational experience, give Bedan lawyers the confidence to face tough situations with assurance.
The demanding environment at San Beda equips them with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in the legal profession.
Student Experiences
The fair offered a more focused exploration of specific legal sectors, expanding students’ perspectives on specialties. “I hadn’t seriously considered corporate law before,” Brenda Valle, a second-year student, said, “but speaking with representatives from firms with strong corporate and commercial practices highlighted the potential of this field. I realized how much demand there is and began seeing corporate law as a promising career path.”
Meanwhile, the upperclassmen were asked what non-negotiable quality or offer an employer or firm must possess.
Third-year Verne Quiambao shared that he’s looking for a firm that offers a healthy work environment, employee wellness, work-life balance, and mental health support. For graduating student Luigi Mendoza, his non-negotiables are the location and prestige of the firm.
“My proximity and commute to the workplace are realistic factors that I have to consider when choosing which firms to apply to. The traffic situation in Metro Manila worsens by the minute, and it would hamper productivity to have to sit in traffic for hours just to get home,” he shared with thebarrister.
Whether it’s gaining insight into niche legal practices, like corporate law, or considering factors such as work-life balance and firm location, the fair encourages students to think critically about their future. By facilitating these connections and conversations, it empowers students to make well-rounded, informed decisions that align with both their career ambitions and personal priorities.
THE BARRISTER 