Written by Lois Danielle P. Dimaano, Shelly Kate M. Bacosa, and Reynald L. Bautista
A tale of success chiselled out of sincere dedication and hard work lives on to inspire the dreamers to flare higher. Personifying the spirit of holistic goal, San Beda College of Law breathes flaming pride for its very own alumnus, Atty. Rowell D. Ilagan.
Cast as one of the triad Managing Partners of Gargantiel Ilagan and Atanante Law Ofices, Atty. Ilagan’s academic and professional profile is impressively lit. Upon earning his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science at De La Salle University, he finished off his Bachelor of Laws at San Beda College as Class Salutatorian In 2010, he took and passed the Bar Exams titling himself as an “attorney.”
Dream Chaser
“It has always been my dream to someday become a lawyer since I was a child.” Buttressed by the best support system, the chase of his dream of becoming a lawyer began early in his life. The lawyer credits his family, especially his mother, for what he has become ever since he pursued his dream career. Throughout his years in law school and even more so during his practice, he aspired to make her proud. Atty. Ilagan recalled that he never had any problems with regard to his finances as a student all because of the support of his family.
He also stated a little lesson to bear in mind for the students: “The best thing you can give your parents is for them to be proud of you, of what you have achieved and of what you have become.”
The Bar
The bar is the goal of every student in law school. It is what separates the public from the legal barons of the community. For some, it is the hardest exam in the country. It is also considered as the pinnacle of everything a person has learned from his entire stay as a student of the law.
When asked about his fondest memory during his preparation for the bar, Atty. Ilagan jokingly smiled and asked, “is there any?”
However, on a serious note, he said that it was the time he spent reviewing with his friends, and preparing for the bar exam, rain or shine. Preparing for the Bar exams, although fulfilling as it is, is really stressful as per Atty. Ilagan. The stress and pressure pile up as days pass by. What kept him fighting was the knowledge that there was a good end waiting for him after everything.
The Legal World
As for Atty. Ilagan, he has been in the field for seven years already. He was a former associate at ACCRALAW as part of the litigation department for two years. During such period, he handled the landmark case of Gamboa v. Teves (G.R. No. 176579, June 28, 2011). He related that it is one of his most memorable cases, wherein they represented PLDT before the Supreme Court. He notes that his main take-away from such case is the importance of good preparation.
“When there is an oral argument before the Supreme Court, the justices can ask you any question and anything under the sun,” he emphasized. When asked if he planned to be a Managing Partner, he simply said “no.” After resigning from the ACCRA Law offices, he eventually joined his current firm as a Senior Associate. Just two years after, he was promoted as a Name Partner. He also stated that he prefers working in private practice for it gives him the freedom and independence as to how he would tackle every case he will be handling.
Managing Partner
At 32, Atty. Rowell Ilagan is one of the youngest Managing Partners in the nation today. He said that “it is both a privilege and a fulfillment to become a Managing Partner of your own firm.” However, it is also burdened with obligations and responsibilities. Aside from litigation and court appearances, his responsibility now entails the external and internal management of the firm.
“You are never too young to chase big dreams. Focus on your goals and dreams and not on your circumstances and excuses.”
However, for Atty. Ilagan, his youth, at times, is a disadvantage. He mentioned that some people question his credibility because of his age, which motivated him more rather than be discouraged. Despite the doubts, Atty. Ilagan still believes in himself and views his current situation as an “alignment of dreams that are slowly starting to be realized.”
The firm is composed of promising, young, and vibrant lawyers. According to him, although they do not actually prefer younger lawyers, such is what befell the current situation of the firm. He also stated that the branding of the firm is manifested in the work of their associates as they are more adaptive and enthusiastic in delivering legal services, and meeting the demands of their clients for the firm is more open to changes and adept at cutting-edge technological breakthroughs.
What’s Next?
“A dreamer” – this is what Atty. Rowell Ilagan refers to himself outside of the profession. Elaborating on his Instagram status as someone who “wears many hats”, Atty. Ilagan described himself as someone vested with a lot of responsibilities including being a lawyer, a Managing Partner, a professor, and of course a member of his family.
When asked about his future plans, he said with a wandering thought that considering he is still young in his profession, there is still a lot that he needs to learn and experience. The plan of taking further studies abroad and specializing in a specific field of law is also on the horizon. But his main goal in sight is to make a name for himself and to expand the practice. As a Managing Partner: “the goal is to be one of the biggest law firms in the country.”
Outside of his profession, he admits that prioritizing himself is one of his prime concerns. For him, a healthy life and body is one of the keys to better perform as a professional. Interestingly, he also aims to travel more.
Breaking The Trend
“My goals and my dreams keep me moving despite the hardships. I know that there is an end that I’ll be getting and a goal that I’ll be achieving.”
“Being relevant is what makes great people great.” Atty. Ilagan said that it is what makes him break the trend—being relevant to the profession and the academic life. “Always set standards, HIGH standards.”
When asked of his advice to future lawyers, Atty. Ilagan said:
“To students, there’s really no shortcut to success. It’s really all about hard work. I understand that the students are going through a lot of stressful times and moments in their lives, they’re incurring a lot of opportunity costs, the time they were not able to spend with themselves, with loved ones, friends and probably their partner, but beyond all these, there is an end that is waiting for you. A good end or a great gold that is waiting for you, so everything will be worth it. “
And every time you feel doubt about yourself, or competence, or your capabilities and capacity to become a lawyer, always think of me and all of the other people who were able to achieve it. And since we’re able to do it, I’m pretty sure you can, too. It’s just a matter of time. Just wait and work hard.