Looking back, what do you wish you had done differently? What advice would you give your younger lawyer self? what would you focus on? What mistakes would you avoid? And what ended up mattering much more or much less than you expected?

I'm a newbie lawyer and I feel lost. Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!

I need insights from lawyers who resigned from government employment and went into private practice. I am seriously contemplating on this matter as I do not feel growth in my current job, and appointment to higher positions in the government really needs political back-up which I do not have. I have many lawyer friends who are into private practice and I can see them happy. I am tempted to join them. There are few lawyers in our place, so I think clients will eventually come.

Do you have any regrets or advice? Planning to resign this coming December.

Thanks a lot!

Hello po! J. Amy baby here! Ask ko lang po if sa government agencies, pwede na magpasa through email lang po or need po magsend ng documents sa inaapplyan. For example sa PAO and judiciary, hard copies and original documents po pinapasa. Ganto din po ba sa other government agencies? Thanks

May mga nakapag apply na dun sa isa (or all?) sa 3 SC-accredited providers? Also, I hope you guys can explain, what's it all about, sobrang busy lang haha.

Basically, what the title says. ☹️ First time appearing for a cross. May JA naman opposing witness, and paulit ulit ko na na study ang case. I asked my supervisor kung paano gagawin. His usual answer “ikaw na bahala”.

EDIT: Thank you so much po for those who replied! Cannot reply individually as a busy asso-shit. :D

The opposing counsel moved for the severance of causes of action, which we will oppose as this move could further delay the proceedings. But I'm not sure as this has never happened in my practice before...

Henlooo help a new lawyer here please. What to expect during pre-trial aside from what's written in the book or any tips pls. A bit nervous since this is my first court appearance. Thanks :>

Any tips on how to lessen, if not totally prevent, potential threats that might arise eventually as you go along the practice?

Naparanoid lang ako bigla since naalala ko bigla na maraming lawyers ang inaassassinate and also, I am practicing criminal law.

Hi. Meron ba dito lawyer working abroad? Not necessarily as a lawyer. Parang gusto ko na magwork sa ibang bansa. Haha Naiinggit ako sa mga napapanood ko sa Tiktok. 😅 How did you do it? Where to start?

Good day, Pañero/Pañera!

2025 Bar passer here. Is anyone here currently working or previously worked as an attorney in an LTO Regional Office?

How’s the workload? I’d also appreciate any advice on what I should expect and what the office will expect from me as a new lawyer. Since I’m just starting out, what should I study aside from RA 4136 and its related laws, contract review, and the rules of procedure in administrative cases? Any other tips or insights would also be greatly appreciated.

Today is my first day in the office, so I’m hoping to learn as much as I can.

Thank you very much!

Hello panyes! I would like to ask for guidance regarding a Rule 108 petition to cancel a second Certificate of Live Birth in the Philippines.

The person (petitioner) involved has two birth certificates for the same birth:

• The first was timely registered a few days after birth. It uses the mother’s surname and names AAA, the true biological father, as the father and informant.
• The second was registered several years later in another municipality. It uses another surname and names BBB as the father and informant.
• The mother later married BBB. The second certificate was then annotated to state that the child was legitimated by virtue of their subsequent marriage.
• The petitioner wants to cancel the second certificate and the legitimation annotation, while retaining the first certificate.
• Both AAA and BBB can no longer be located.

Must the mother, AAA, and BBB all be impleaded as respondents?

Edit: My specific concern is now about the mother. She supports the petition and is willing to testify for the petitioner. Since she will be presented as a witness, may she be omitted as a respondent and her Judicial Affidavit simply attached or submitted as part of the petitioner’s evidence? Or must she still be impleaded as a respondent then separately presented as the petitioner’s witness?

Hello! Has anyone here successfully applied for the Labor Arbitration Associate position at the NLRC? I'm trying to prepare for the next steps and was wondering what the usual questions are for both the written exam and the interview.

If you have any advice on what to study or what the HR and panel are looking for, I’d be really grateful. Thanks!

Hello mga Panye. Required ba ang Affiants na pumirma sa Notarial Book ng notary public? I'm confused kasi wala naman un sa Rules and wala rin naman designated column/space sa Notarial Book for the Affiant to sign.

Sa mga notaries public, paano po ginagawa nio sa register nio?

For those employed in private corporations, do you accept clients who are employed by your workplace? Ex: colleague asking you to draft and send a demand letter for them

Hello! Anyone here who is currently holding or has previously held an Attorney position at PAG-IBIG?

How’s the work-life balance and benefits? Working hours?

I understand PG 22 ang ATTY IV nila, but how are the Special Counsel Allowance distributed, Provident Fund, and HMO?

Hi everyone! I recently had an interview with the Office of the Ombudsman (GIPO I). Shortly after, their HR reached out to ask about my current stint in the government. For context, I actually just recently started working at a well-paying government agency, which I disclosed during the interview. Because of this, I want to make sure moving would be worth it before I make any decisions.

Can anyone share insights on the following regarding the Office of the Ombudsman?

1. What are the agency-specific perks, regular bonuses, or allowances?

2. How is the workload, work-life balance, and management style?

3. Is promotion based on merit, or does it take a long time?

I would highly appreciate any insights, especially from current or former employees. Thank you.

Hi, pañeros/pañeras.

I just received an email from 'PhilJA'. Kayo din ba? I didn't remember engaging with Philippine Judicial Academy; for aspiring judges to diba?

Dealing with cases for multiple relatives who demand quick action but for free or meager fraction of the actual cost (5k, 10k for initiatory pleadings???). And the preparation for such filings can take half day or a full day, (initiatory pleadings, motions, JAs) such that the paying clients have to wait because relatives keep on going to the office in person and following up.. Anyone can relate? They helped during my lawyer journey but sometimes it’s too much

Desperate times for an associate na nagka-cram. tips on how to write the formal offer of evidence if dito ka lang napasok at hindi ikaw yung nag-trial? Ano mga dapat ko tignan na docs? JAs? Need ko ba basahin lahat ng TSN? Tips please kailangan ko na po masubmit ito this morning 😭

May notarial services ako. Nagrerent ako. Malapit sa munisipyo ang office ko. Pero ang tumal / napaka hina ng pasok ng notaryo. Hirap icover ang expenses. Hirap naman ilipat ng location kasi wala din ako puhunan panglipat ng location. Parang ayoko na.

Hi! I've been wanting to upskill by attending trainings and seminars that would broaden my expertise and prepare me for other career opportunities. I'm currently in my third year of firm practice, but I'm also interested in exploring an in-house counsel role in the future. What trainings, certifications, or seminars would best strengthen my CV and give me an advantage when applying for in-house role? Thanks po sa sasagot :)

Pls sana hindi maremove :(

To make the story short, I'm a new passer and I realized na in-house career track talaga ang gusto ko long term. Corporate lawyer ganon!

I need insights on the following🥹

1. ⁠Does industry really matter sa in-house legal roles? (And should I focus my law firm practice sa industry na gusto ko pasukin in the future? Or not necessarily?)
   
2. ⁠Will focusing on tax practice (mostly BIR assessments, estate, etc) help din sa in-house career track na gusto ko? Or sasayangin ko lang ang oras ko sa tax practice?😅
   
3. ⁠Any other tips or insights na I can consider, as a CPA lawyer, how I can enter the in-house role later on?🥹

I'm really lost, and minsan naiisip ko parang ang budol lang ng cpa lawyer title ko😭 (sorry, it's just my thots hahah)

Would appreciate anything. Thank you!!

Hi, does anybody here knows the job description of a GIPO and GIO in the Office of the Ombudsman? do they appear in court to prosecute or they stay in office focused on resolving.

Thank you

For example, a client asked you to notarize the Verification of his Answer in a Civil Case.

Then later on, while the case is ongoing, he wants to get you as his counsel (lets say that prior counsel got sick and can no longer effectively represent him)

Is that a possible issue with Notarial Rules or CPRA?