Top 5 Hardest Subjects in Law School (Philippines) and How to Tackle Them

Law school in the Philippines is known for its grueling pace, dense readings, and unforgiving oral recits. But if you ask any law student which subjects are the hardest, you'll likely get passionate—and slightly panicked—responses.

This guide outlines the top 5 hardest subjects in law school, what makes them difficult, and how you can better prepare. Whether you're a first-year student or a Bar hopeful, this article is your practical roadmap for surviving law school in the Philippines.

Why Law School Is Challenging in the Philippines

Studying law in the Philippines means going through a rigorous Juris Doctor program, typically lasting four years. The curriculum includes both theoretical and procedural courses—many of which are built on complex legal codes, jurisprudence, and case law.

Aside from weekly readings, law students face daily recitations, surprise quizzes, midterms, finals, and eventually, the Bar Exam. All of this creates a high-pressure environment where preparation and strategy are essential.

Law School Subjects in the Philippines

Before we dive into the most difficult subjects, here’s a quick look at the core subjects that Filipino law students typically take:

Political Law and the Constitution
Civil Law (Persons, Obligations, Property, Family, Succession)
Criminal Law
Commercial Law
Remedial Law
Labor Law and Social Legislation
Legal Ethics and Practical Exercises
Taxation Law
Public International Law
Environmental Law

These are taught across different years and tested in the Bar, with varying degrees of weight and difficulty.

Top 5 Hardest Subjects in Law School

Here are the most challenging courses, according to student feedback and Bar performance:

1. Remedial Law

Remedial Law is often cited as the most complex subject in the entire law curriculum. It focuses on the rules of procedure—how cases move through the courts. The subject requires a deep understanding of jurisdiction, motions, evidence, and timelines.

Study Tip: Use flowcharts to track procedural steps and deadlines. Practice answering bar-type questions regularly. Master the Rules of Court early.

2. Taxation Law

Tax is tough because of its technical nature, frequent changes, and math-heavy computations. Laws are precise, and minor errors in logic or figures can cost points.

Study Tip: Focus on BIR rulings, case digests, and numerical problems. Join review groups or consult your school reviewer collection.

3. Commercial Law

This subject covers a wide range of topics: Corporation Law, Insurance, Banking, Intellectual Property, and Negotiable Instruments. Its breadth makes it challenging.

Study Tip: Group topics by related legal frameworks. Master the Corporation Code and use Digest.PH's free case digests to simplify jurisprudence.

4. Civil Law

Civil Law is vast—spanning everything from family law to succession. It is not just about memorization, but about understanding how various rules apply in life scenarios.

Study Tip: Make diagrams for family trees and property partitions. Break down codal provisions by book. Use Digest AI to clarify confusing doctrines.

5. Political Law

Though taught early in law school, Political Law becomes more nuanced the deeper you go. It includes Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, and Law on Public Officers—all vital Bar subjects.

Study Tip: Start with foundational cases like Angara v. Electoral Commission and study the 1987 Constitution alongside the compiled syllabus for law school.

What Are the Easiest Subjects in Law School?

While every subject is demanding, some students find relief in subjects like:

Legal Ethics Shorter coverage and based on practical applications.
Environmental Law – Often taught as an elective, less codal memorization required.
Public International Law – Concepts can be abstract but easier to grasp than procedural subjects.

Still, “easy” is subjective. What’s light for one student may be difficult for another.

How to Overcome Hard Law Subjects

1. Master the Syllabus

Use the compiled law syllabus from Digest.PH to track topic coverage and Bar weight per subject.

2. Study in Layers

Begin with codals, move to commentaries, and finish with case digests. Don’t jump to jurisprudence without a strong foundation.

3. Join Peer Study Groups

Studying with others helps you clarify confusing topics and stay accountable.

4. Use Study Aids

Tools like Digest AI can answer questions, explain doctrines, and generate sample questions.

5. Prioritize Mental Wellness

Pace your review sessions. Don’t cram—consistency beats intensity in law school.

Law School Subject Difficulty Checklist

Subject	Bar Weight	Difficulty Level	Study Tip
Remedial Law	High	Very Hard	Use flowcharts and procedural drills
Taxation Law	Moderate	Very Hard	Focus on codal + sample computations
Commercial Law	High	Hard	Group laws by industry/topic
Civil Law	High	Hard	Break down topics into codal blocks
Political Law	High	Moderate-Hard	Start with Constitution + key cases
Legal Ethics	Low	Easy	Memorize codes and use mock exams
Environmental Law	Low	Easy	Understand real-world application

FAQs: Hardest Subject in Law School

What’s the most difficult subject in law school?

Remedial Law is widely considered the hardest due to its technical nature and vast scope.

Is Taxation Law harder than Criminal Law?

It depends on your strengths—Tax is more technical, while Criminal is more conceptual.

What subjects do law students take in the Philippines?

Subjects include Civil, Political, Criminal, Remedial, Commercial, Labor, Taxation, and more.

How do you survive hard subjects in law school?

Use your syllabus, practice using free case digests, and stay consistent. Focus on understanding, not just memorizing.

Key Takeaways

Law school in the Philippines is difficult—but some subjects are tougher than others.
Remedial, Taxation, and Commercial Law top the list of hardest subjects.
Using the right tools and strategies can significantly ease your study journey.
Focus on understanding concepts, not just memorizing legal texts.
Tools like Digest AI, free case digests, and the law syllabus compilation can help you prepare smarter.

Conclusion

Struggling with the hardest subjects in law school is normal—it means you’re being challenged. But with the right preparation, you can conquer even the most demanding topics. Stay organized, be patient with yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Use the tools at your disposal—because law school isn’t just about surviving. It’s about growing into the kind of lawyer who can thrive.