Is It Hard To Be A Lawyer In The Philippines in 2024? 3 months ago
Becoming a lawyer is perhaps romanticized by our society, oftentimes portrayed as a path to prestige, influence, and financial success. However, behind this polished image lies a complex reality — while the legal profession offers opportunities for intellectual growth and contribution to society, it also comes with challenges that can test one’s resolve.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree and Law School
Embarking on the journey of becoming a lawyer in the Philippines requires a significant investment of time, effort, and resources. An aspiring lawyer must first complete a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a field related to law, before they may pursue a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school. With regards to time, undergraduate studies are usually accomplished in four to five years, followed by another four to five years for law school.
Passing the Philippine Bar Examination
Once you obtain a law degree, the next step for you is to pass the Philippine Bar Examination, otherwise known as the Bar Exam. Considered as one of the most rigorous licensure tests in the country, the Bar Exam evaluates candidates on different aspects of Philippine law — including civil law, criminal law, labor law, and legal ethics, among others. In 2023, the passing rate for the Bar Exams was 36.77%. The grueling nature of the Bar Exam coupled with the low passing rate adds considerable pressure to hopeful lawyers. Nonetheless, adequate time is given for you to study and prepare — physically, mentally, and emotionally — for the Bar Exams.
Upholding Justice in Practice
Beyond the academic and professional requirements of earning a law degree and passing the Bar Exam, lawyers in the Philippines undoubtedly confront systematic challenges that can hinder their pursuit of justice. Considering that the Philippines ranked 115th out of 180 countries in the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), corruption is a leading contributor to these challenges. In relation to upholding justice, legal services remain uneven and inaccessible — with only 20% of Filipinos being able to access legal help, leaving 80% of them without legal assistance, as per the World Justice Project 2028 Survey. Needless to say, marginalized sectors of society struggle to afford competent legal representation.
Balancing Client Interest, Ethics, and Advocacy
Lawyer’s are not mere advocates for the clients’ interests — they are also stewards of justice and guardians of ethical standards. This dual role could pose ethical dilemmas, for example, in cases where a client’s interest comes into conflict with principles of fairness, integrity, and even of law. Being a lawyer requires unwavering commitment and moral courage, especially when faced with instances or temptations that compromise their integrity. A strong moral compass and adherence to the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability is thus required.
Work-Life Balance in a Demanding Profession
Legal practice is demanding — it can take a toll on your personal lives, which results in unclear boundaries between work and rest. Thus, balancing grueling legal practice with your personal well-being is imperative if you seek longevity and fulfillment in your career. Achieving work-life balance, however, is easier said than done. You must learn to prioritize self-care. Learn to set boundaries, have a hobby or an interest, and maintain your relationships with others — more importantly, know that this process will take time.
Conclusion
The most important step towards your dream is the first one.
Being a lawyer in the Philippines is challenging, given the rigorous academic requirements, obstacles and challenges posed by the system, personal and ethical dilemmas, and the attainment of work-life balance. Notwithstanding these challenges, the path to becoming and being a lawyer in the Philippines is imbued with purpose, significance, and positive change in society. Embracing the aforementioned challenges ahead is necessary, since the legal profession is not merely a pursuit of personal ambition, but is likewise a call to uphold justice, fairness, and of course, the rule of law.
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