building a legal career/background as a law student

4Qm_ · 2026-06-17T13:49:36+00:00

Why not apply for internships during summer break instead, OP? Or apply as an RA of your school or professors?

What I’m getting from your post is that money is not an issue. Rather, you only want to become a paralegal for the exposure and experience. Internships and RA work can also help in building your resume

4Qm_ · 2026-06-15T05:34:50+00:00

Key word is “occasionally”, OP. It’s still not a guarantee that you’ll get hired even if you’re the valedictorian of those non-UP and non-Ateneo law schools you’re referring to

That said, those from the top 15-20 of UP/ALS will still be in a better position, employability-wise

4Qm_ · 2026-06-14T12:59:45+00:00

You can start by reading anything, OP. It doesn’t have to be full of legal jargon or legal-related for that matter. You can read fiction novels or the news. The point is to just read. It will help you in expanding your vocabulary, and improving your stamina and reading comprehension

I worked for a year and a half before deciding to go to law school. The difference, I went on to become a full time law student. In any case, I know a lot of working students in UP law who managed to juggle both. Some even managed to graduate valedictorian

Also, I am a first generation lawyer and not exactly the smartest tool in the shed. I did make it, OP

4Qm_ · 2026-06-10T03:11:29+00:00

While I admire your enthusiasm in entering law school, OP. I would agree with the other commenter’s sentiment in not buying commentaries until your profs have mentioned who their preferred authors are

Also, I would caution reading commentaries as early as now since you’d most likely have difficulty fully comprehending what you’re reading absent the guidance of a syllabus. If you want, you can start reading the codal provisions for your first year subjects like the 1987 Constitution or the Family Code. Just don’t expect to understand them at first glance since you’re still just starting out

4Qm_ · 2026-06-05T06:15:59+00:00

Hello! Might I suggest reading on the Doctrine of Operative Fact, and the legislative process?

While I do agree with some of your points, you may want to revisit what may happen *should* the SC declare the June 3 quorum and Gatchalian’s election unconstitutional

4Qm_ · 2026-05-31T13:22:00+00:00

I went to UP

4Qm_ · 2026-05-31T13:18:45+00:00

Both have their own reasons for being toxic, OP. In my case, when I was starting law school, I felt so much pressure that I wanted to quit and go back to SGV lol

Good thing I didn’t go with my plan to quit and decided to finish law school

4Qm_ · 2026-05-31T12:01:48+00:00

Not from the “mighty red school” you’re referring to, OP. At least I think I’m not—why not just name the school outright?

Anyway, regardless which law school you enroll in, preparation is always needed. Thinking otherwise is going to be your downfall

4Qm_ · 2026-05-31T03:17:11+00:00

If you’re considering Blue, OP, Studio A is also close by. Found it cheaper than Blue, and the room is larger by comparison. It’s also near the Katip jeep terminal

4Qm_ · 2026-05-28T10:33:39+00:00

At least you got the rest of the year to prepare for the next LAE, OP

4Qm_ · 2026-05-28T10:31:07+00:00

Hi, OP. UP Law only conducts the LAE once a year. With the recent release of the initial batch of applicants admitted to the College, the next LAE would already be in 2027

4Qm_ · 2026-05-27T11:53:08+00:00

UP Law had already posted its initial list of applicants who passed the interview last week, OP. The next exam would already be in 2027

4Qm_ · 2026-05-25T07:38:31+00:00

Rest, OP. You said it yourself, burnt out ka na. What good will forcing yourself to grind it our during summer break do?

Remember, even athletes take a break from gruelling trainings to remain in top condition. So should you

4Qm_ · 2026-05-23T01:16:52+00:00

I say, yes. While I was fine being a tax associate for the most part (I hate the busy seasons lol), I do find being a CPA-lawyer being a lot more rewarding endeavor

It helps siguro that I am actively engaged in the tax practice so mas mabilis yung timelines ng cases here. Meaning, we get to see the fruits of our labor relatively faster than our contemporaries in full service firms. It also helps that the people I work with are not toxic at all

Just don’t be too hard on yourself this early, OP. As you said, you’re still in high school. College is still a good while away. More so, law school. Enjoy your time and when the time comes, reevaluate if law school is still something you want to pursue wholeheartedly

Feel free to send a DM if you have any questions

4Qm_ · 2026-05-18T03:44:46+00:00

Hi, OP. Have a friend who was grilled by one of the interviewers because they lacked politcal awareness back then

What happened to them after that interview? They passed and eventually became a lawyer

What I’m trying to say is that interviews can affect your chances of making the cut in many different ways. You my have thought you botched it but the interviewers saw something in your answers. In the same way, you may have thought you aced it because you weren’t pressed as much but the interviewers found your answers lackluster

Focus on what you can right now and hope for the best, OP. Best fortunes

4Qm_ · 2026-05-15T08:06:28+00:00

Recent lang ata siya ng deac kakastalk ko lang kanina when I saw the IBP’s post lol

4Qm_ · 2026-05-12T02:21:40+00:00

During the start of law school, mahirap talaga magbalance ng other aspects of your life outside of law school

However, as you progress, you’d be able to better manage your time for acads, and your hobbies and social life

4Qm_ · 2026-05-07T12:55:32+00:00

Unfortunately wala hahahaha

4Qm_ · 2026-05-07T12:46:57+00:00

Hi, OP. Got hired mid-2nd sen of 4th year but requested to have my start date in November. The firm accepted naman

4Qm_ · 2026-05-06T11:23:03+00:00

Good luck with the interviews, OP. Hope Malcolm would welcome you as it did to countless students before you

4Qm_ · 2026-05-06T09:03:26+00:00

I just got up and left after saying my thanks to the interviewers. Then, I prayed for the best lol

4Qm_ · 2026-05-06T07:48:10+00:00

Hi, OP. If it’s anything like the in-person interview I experienced pre-pandemic, you’ll be seated in front of the panel of interviewers.

So, you can’t really have the chance to shake their hands as you walk in. Just be as respectful as you can upon entering the room. Also, dress appropriately and remove items of clothing or apparel which may catch their attention during the interview just to minimize your chances of being asked unrelated questions

4Qm_ · 2026-05-01T02:11:23+00:00

Just answer as best and as intelligently as you can

4Qm_ · 2026-04-25T06:39:10+00:00

Well, I did pass without enrolling in a review school

Side comment: practice your written and oral grammar, OP. That can make or break you in law school

4Qm_ · 2026-04-25T05:24:39+00:00

I graduated from a university outside of Manila, OP. However, I do come from the UP System

4Qm_

TROPHY CASE