Top 4 Law Schools in PH for Working Students Who Hustle Hard
Pursuing a law degree in the Philippines is no small feat—it’s often expensive and demands a huge sacrifice of time and energy. For many aspiring lawyers, working while studying isn’t just a choice; it’s a necessity to afford tuition, support themselves, and keep their dreams alive.
Balancing a job alongside the demanding workload of law school means juggling long hours, tight schedules, and constant pressure, making the journey even more challenging but rewarding.
To help you navigate this challenging path, we’ve crafted a comprehensive guide highlighting the top law schools in the Philippines that are ideal for working students. Read on to discover where to study law while keeping your work-life balance in check.
1. Arellano University School of Law (AUSL)
Arellano University School of Law is an excellent choice for working students because it offers flexible class schedules that accommodate full-time workers.
Classes under the four-year program run Monday to Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., allowing students to select schedules that fit their work commitments.
All subjects are offered every semester, including summer, which helps students catch up or advance at their own pace. The school also provides an Executive Class program, a five-year track tailored for working students, with weekend classes that make it easier to balance work and study.
AUSL does not impose a strict maximum residency requirement, meaning students can take longer than usual to finish their degree if necessary.
Tuition fees at AUSL are relatively affordable compared to other law schools. Full-load tuition starts at around ₱55,000, making it a practical option for working students who need to manage expenses and time.
2. University of the Philippines College of Law (UP Law)
UP College of Law is an excellent choice for working students because it offers a specialized five-year Juris Doctor program for part-time and working learners, allowing them to effectively balance their job and studies.
This program extends the usual four-year curriculum, providing more flexibility without compromising the quality of legal education.
Classes for working students are typically scheduled in the evenings, and only those employed full-time are permitted to enroll in this part-time track, which helps maintain a focused learning environment.
UP Law also benefits from its strong academic reputation and extensive alumni network, which includes distinguished professionals in government, judiciary, and private practice. These provide valuable connections and opportunities for working students.
Additionally, the UP Law Center conducts continuing legal education programs and legal research initiatives, enriching its students' academic experience and professional development.
3. San Sebastian College – Recoletos (SSC-R)
San Sebastian College—Recoletos is an excellent choice for working students due to its dedicated Working Student Program. This program allows students to take a minimum of 11 units per semester and six units during summer classes.
This flexibility enables students to complete their Juris Doctor degree in five to six years, extendible as needed to accommodate work commitments.
The law school offers a four-year minimum Juris Doctor Non-Thesis program aligned with the Legal Education Board’s latest Model Curriculum, incorporating clinical education mandated by the Supreme Court. This interdisciplinary approach ensures students gain practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge, which is ideal for those balancing work and study.
A unique feature of SSC-R is its recently launched Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program. It allows students who complete the first two years of law school to earn a graduate degree even if they cannot finish the full Juris Doctor. This pioneering program supports working students facing external challenges by providing a meaningful credential after two years of study.
SSC-R is also known for its supportive academic environment, with access to some of the nation’s best bar review lecturers and authors. The school’s culture emphasizes mental health and adaptive teaching methods, making it a nurturing place for working students to thrive despite the demanding nature of law studies
4. University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P)
The University of Asia and the Pacific is an excellent choice for working students due to its flexible and comprehensive law programs, which integrate a liberal arts foundation with interdisciplinary and international perspectives.
This approach equips students with essential legal reasoning, advocacy skills, and ethical grounding while accommodating diverse schedules.
UA&P offers two main law programs: the Lex Honors, a seven-year integrated program for outstanding high school graduates, and the Juris Doctor, a four-year graduate program requiring a prior bachelor’s degree.
Both programs are designed to meet government requirements for Bar admission and provide rigorous training suitable for students balancing work and study.
Additionally, UA&P accommodates working students by offering part-time study options and a curriculum that includes experiential learning through externships, clinics, and simulations.
Students working full-time in law-related jobs may request waivers for some experiential requirements, demonstrating the school’s flexibility and support for those who hustle hard while studying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you attend law school in the Philippines with any degree?
Yes, you can attend law school in the Philippines with any bachelor's degree. Still, depending on the law school, you must have completed specific required subjects such as English, Social Sciences, Mathematics, and a Rizal course.
How many years does it take to complete a Juris Doctor in the Philippines?
A Juris Doctor program typically takes four years to complete for full-time students. Some schools offer a five-year program option for working students attending evening classes.
Is a Juris Doctor the same as being a lawyer?
A Juris Doctor (JD) degree is the professional law degree that prepares graduates to take the Bar Examination in the Philippines. However, holding a JD does not automatically make one a lawyer; one must pass the Bar Exam and be admitted to the Bar to practice law in the country legally.
Finding Your Best Fit as a Working Law Student
Choosing the right law school as a working student is the first step in your legal journey. To truly thrive, focus on how to prepare for law school by organizing your time, mastering case reading techniques, and staying ahead with syllabus compilation for law school.
Use available resources like free case digests to sharpen your understanding of Philippine laws without breaking the bank. With determination and thoughtful planning, you can balance work and study, turning your hustle into a successful law career. Keep pushing forward—you’ve got this!
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Explore our free case digests today and empower yourself with the best legal research resources in the Philippines. Balancing work and law school is tough, but with the proper support and materials, you can stay ahead and succeed in your legal studies.