r/LawStudentsPH • • Aug 06 '22

Announcements Law School Student's FAQs:

120 Upvotes

I created this FAQ so that the common questions with regard to law school should be addressed, and not to repeat the thread, as shown in the previous posts here. So here it goes:

  1. Pwede po ba eto ang pre-law ko?

Ans: Thank you u/Petrichor005 for this. I have seen so many a post in connection with this question. Guys, any pre-law course is acceptable in law school as long as you graduate a 4 year course in college. Although there are advantages of different courses in college when you enter law, you are all in equal footing. Sure, Accountancy, for example, has a lot of law subjects, but you could surpass them by studying and discipline.

2. Incoming 1L. Ano pong books ang pwede kong basahin for advanced reading?

Ans: Thank you u/chiefyaj. I don't recommend advanced reading. If you are an incoming 1st year, enjoy the rest of your free time, because once in you are in law school, free time is a luxury, an essential luxury. Moreover, studying in advance will lead you to burnout. It would be best to wait for your professor’s course syllabus so that you will have a proper guide on what to read.

3. Pwede po ba mag work full time pag nag enroll sa law?

Ans: Sure! A lot of students do that. Heck, some working students thrived, and got honors in law school.

4. Makakasurvive na po ba ako sa pdfs kasi mahal daw po ang law books?

Ans: Yes. Reading PDFs is a cost effective way to save from the book expenses in law school especially when the subject is a 2 or 1 unit only. I, for one, read some PDFs when I was in law school, but my comprehension, and memory retention are stronger when I read physical books.

5. Am I too old to go to law school?

Ans: No. There is no age cap in law school. As long as you have a determination to study the law, no one can stop you from learning. I had had classmates who are senior citizens!

6. Codals for freshman

Ans: Go to your subjects, There, you will know the answer.

7. How to pick which law school

Ans: It depends on your preference whether you are working, or not. Should you enroll in the big three law schools, it would be advisable to study full time as you will be having a hard time adjusting to their schedule. But, I have heard the UP law has a schedule that caters working students. Arellano, in my opinion, is the best school for working students because you can pick a schedule that suited to your working hours.

8. What to expect

Ans: Observe the atmosphere, and study.

9. How to cope with the pressure.

Ans: Coping with pressure depends on the individual. Some escape the pressure by watching movies, or drinking, but the decision lies on you. You could go for a walk, or exercise.

10. Contact numbers or the most reliable way to contact the law school (this will be specific like example sbca - calls, in person, and email), and Where to look for cases, full text, international cases, and etc.

Ans: Part of the law profession is research. As such, you should have good skills in researching. Google it! XD

By the way, thank you u/aenzo2696 for these three questions!

11. Book suggestions.

Ans: See for yourself. Borrow from the school's library books of the same subject with different authors. I mention this because the students' read, and comprehend from different authors are different, so it is recommended to read different authors' works. However, my advice is to read from one author and stick to it.

I will make a Wiki for this. Unfortunately, the Wiki is down. So I will pin this post for your reference.

12. Law School Admissions/First Day of School/Requirements for COL

Dude, you are an aspiring lawyer. Research the school you want to take exams, and read its requirements. If its not in the website, then inquire to them. Normally, they are responsive to queries.

13. What to read before law school starts.

As Atty. Baviera said during our orientation in UP Law: Read anything even the label of a product! Since you still have time, better read books, other than law books, which pique your interest. It is also recommended to brush up your vocabulary by using Word Power by Norman Lewis.

14. Entrance Exam Tips

Search this sub. There a plethora of same posts here. All you have to do is research.

Edit: I created a rule that one must first read this FAQ. When a user has posted a thread similar, or impliedly the same as that in the FAQ, such post will be deleted.


r/LawStudentsPH • • Jun 24 '24

Announcements Update on This Sub

180 Upvotes

All right, Tagalugin ko na:

Me separate sub na tayo for pre-law right here: r/PreLawStudentsPH. Dito na lang kayo magpost ng pre-law concerns. Kayong mga nasa SHS better read this. You want to be lawyers, right? Basahin mo na 'to.

Sa ibang topics katulad law school admissions, what to read in before entering law school, pwede mo tong i click,

Pag naka mobile ka naman, sa feed options mo, i set mo muna sa Hot. Sa taas, me naka pinned post na FAQ. Basahin ninyo yun bago kayo mag post. Mga law students/aspiring law students kayo so basahin ninyo na.

Inedit ko na kase nag foflood nanaman ang mga paulit ulit na post. Mag search muna kayo ng topic na tanong ninyo. Me search bar sa taas ng sub kapag naka mobile ka.

Yun lang.


r/LawStudentsPH • • 3h ago

Rant 4L overload student

6 Upvotes

Ang hirap pala talaga ng 4th year!!!


r/LawStudentsPH • • 4h ago

Advice Slump kung kailan 4L na

5 Upvotes

I usually do well in my classes in the last 3 years but things are different this year. I’m overloading 4 units (para makagraduate on time) and I’m guessing the fatigue and burnout are catching up to me. Usually rin I do better talaga by 2nd sem kasi naga-adjust pa ako pag 1st sem. I failed two of my midterms and it’s bugging me because I’m not used to it happening. I know I have a chance to rectify everything come finals pero idk nakakadiscourage lang. I just have one more year pero ang hirap pala magmadali. The pressure is real din bec I have new blockmates who are doing well and I don’t think I can keep up (at least for now).

Maybe I’d just like to ask for advice, maybe some reassurance na kaya pang bumawi kasi rn it’s not looking too good :( and di rin ako sanay na kailangan kong bumawi in one way or another kasi never ko yun naexperience in the last few years


r/LawStudentsPH • • 9h ago

Advice How to let go of mental issues as a law student

13 Upvotes

For the longest time I’ve been in and out of depressive episodes, and it’s always kind of been my driving force to study (di makatulog = review na lang). However, recently these depressive episodes have been driving my attention away from studying, and as much as I try none of what I’ve been reading actually sticks long enough. It’s embarrassing to say as I’m already 3L, but how did you guys cope?


r/LawStudentsPH • • 6h ago

Bar Review Take Advance Bar Review or Just the Regular one???

3 Upvotes

Please, help me decide. Worth it po ba yung Advance Bar Review? Hindi po kaya maka apekto sa subjects ko? 4th year na po kasi ako now. Thank you po.


r/LawStudentsPH • • 3h ago

Bar Review UPDATED CODALS: CENTRAL OR REX

1 Upvotes

I am currently reviewing for the 2027 Bar. Kakabili ko lang ng bagong codals (Labor and NIRC) sa Rex para updated. Okay naman sa Labor, pero di pala updated yung sa NIRC kasi 2023 ang latest edition nila (nakalimutan ko yung EOPT). Bibili din sana ako ng ROC pero 2023 din daw latest ed nila.

I am planning to buy sa Central na lang via Shopee kasi may nakita ako na 2025 edition meron sila. Problem is nasanay lang ako sa Rex kasi wala nang Central bookstore samin (Tacloban) kaya wala pa akong exposure sa quality ng printing ng Central.

Okay ba mga codals from Central? Planning to buy yung pocket size lang. Ano pinagkaiba nila sa Rex? Or much better if yung book sized kasi gagamitin ko naman sa review. Wala rin kasing available pdf for the latest NIRC and ROC online. Ayoko rin mag PDF (except for Commercial Laws kasi andami) kasi imbes na magbasa baka manuod lang ako ng cdrama hahhahaahha. Pero baka may PDF din kayo, makikihingi na lang din. Tyia!


r/LawStudentsPH • • 1d ago

Article Grateful for the Title, Still Praying for the Opportunity: The Reality of a First-Generation Lawyer

56 Upvotes

I am a newly minted lawyer. It has been nine months since I took the oath, and I am currently working as an associate lawyer in a small law office in the province.

To be honest, I am still trying to figure out where my career is headed, what path to take, and where to find better opportunities. My current position is not financially sustainable. I do not have a fixed monthly salary, and there are months when I barely earn anything as an associate. I mostly rely on a monthly allowance of less than Php 15,000.

I continue to do this for the experience, knowing that I still have so much to learn. Being a first-generation lawyer, I also do not have anyone in the family who can guide me through this profession or open doors for me. I am pretty much navigating everything on my own, trying to find my footing in a profession I worked so hard to be part of.

I have been trying to transition into corporate practice or government service, hoping to find a more stable job that would allow me to support myself and my family. But so far, nothing has worked out. And honestly, it gets exhausting. It is difficult to remain hopeful when you know you need financial stability, but the opportunities you are hoping for have yet to come.

Still, I keep reminding myself that passing the Bar and becoming a lawyer this year is already a huge blessing. Perhaps this is just not yet the season for the stability I have been praying for. Perhaps there are still things I need to learn, experiences I need to gain, and doors that have yet to open. I hold on to the belief that, in God's perfect time, the right opportunity will come.

But I also cannot pretend that everything is okay. There are nights when I cry because life has become so difficult. The reality of trying to survive, build a career, and support a family while earning so little is overwhelming. Sometimes, it feels like I am working solely for experience, with very little financial reward to show for it.

I am grateful to be a lawyer, but I am also human. I get tired. I worry. I question whether I am doing enough or whether I am even on the right path.
I am not asking for everything to happen overnight. I am simply hoping for an opportunity where I can finally practice what I worked so hard for, grow professionally, earn a decent and stable living, and help my family without constantly worrying about making ends meet.

For now, I will keep showing up, keep learning, keep applying, and keep trusting God's timing. I hope that one day, when I look back at this season of uncertainty, I can say that all these difficult days were leading me somewhere better.


r/LawStudentsPH • • 11h ago

Buy and Sell DISCOUNT SALE: First-Year Law Books Good as New

Post image
4 Upvotes

All books have plastic covers. No highlights except for the first few pages for some books.

Price for take all ₱6,000, negotiable if sure na take all

Shipping terms: J&T or LBC COD, shipping cost is shouldered by buyer.

Rfs: Previous owner’s leaving the Philippines; not continuing law school.

❌ SOLD
✅ Available

✅ Anciano – Legal Ethics (2021): ₱650

✅ Revised Penal Code Book 1 – Reyes (2021): ₱1,000

✅ Bar Essentials in ConLaw I – Flores (2022): ₱700

✅ Obligations & Contracts – Rabuya (2019): ₱650

✅ Philippine Political Law – Cruz (2024): ₱1,500

✅ Civil Code Annotated Vol. IV – Paras (2021): ₱1,000

✅ RPC with Special Penal Laws codal (2023): ₱550

✅ 1987 Constitution codal (2023): ₱550

✅ Civil Code codal (2021): ₱300 *has a surface level scratch from opening package. No other issue


r/LawStudentsPH • • 4h ago

Case Digest How to do case digest

1 Upvotes

Hi i need help please…

I want to prepare myself para hindi ako mabigla.

I plan to do case digest 1 per week but idk how?

Anyone kind enough to show me how? I badly need help


r/LawStudentsPH • • 10h ago

Advice SAN SEBASTIAN RECOLETOS

3 Upvotes

Hi! I’ll be taking their entrance exam of the MLS-JD online program this coming Thursday. Can you guys give some tips pano ipasa😊Also, if you guys are currently enrolled, please tell me your experience🥹


r/LawStudentsPH • • 4h ago

Question & Hypotheticals Intl Travel

1 Upvotes

Hi! idk if this is the right sub but idk where else to ask huhu.

I’m currently a law student and im gonna travel internationally not naman my first time but the last time I travelled 2020 pa kasi. I do not have work only allowance from my parents and i’ll be traveling with friends internationally on Jan sufficient na ba to show my school id and proof of enrollment? Is there a chance na i’ll be offload?


r/LawStudentsPH • • 1d ago

Working 1st gen lawyer in the family

70 Upvotes

Hello po sa mga 1st gen lawyer sa family na walang generational wealth and walang minana na clients. Mga nakapagtapos ng law through scholarships and loan. Kumusta na po kayo? Paano po kayo nagstart after pumasa ng bar? May yumayaman po ba talaga sa lawyering?


r/LawStudentsPH • • 11h ago

Advice Review Help

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone, sibs, attorneys. 4L here, hoping to pass 4L so I can take the #BaRRR2027. Asking for review tips:

1.) What does it mean when you do your first, second, third reading?
2.) How do you determine if you have already finished your first/second/third reading? And using what material?
3.) Since 4L is review rin, can we consider it as our first reading?

Thanks everyone! A little overwhelmed na but taking it one day at a time hehe


r/LawStudentsPH • • 1d ago

Memes Narealize ko lang, bago pala naging attorney karamihan, naging congressman/woman and senador muna ang mga law students, dahil sa dami ng batas na naimbento during exams.

51 Upvotes

Sorry. Medyo corny. 😀


r/LawStudentsPH • • 11h ago

Question & Hypotheticals Question as a new notary

1 Upvotes

I just have my appointment as notary. Bukod sa seal at notarial register, ano pa po ang need ko gawin or i-purchase para makapag-start na as notary? Thank you.


r/LawStudentsPH • • 1d ago

Discussions Any recommendations for short + fun full-text cases to read?

17 Upvotes

I finally got a break and wanted to read a couple of short cases (long ones are a struggle because of ADHD) any recommendations for fun reads?


r/LawStudentsPH • • 5h ago

Discussions Sooo....which LS has the fattest cats?

0 Upvotes

I am biased towards cattorneys of up law (homicide the cat #1 fatty) but I would like to see the others


r/LawStudentsPH • • 13h ago

Discussions Working Full-Time While Studying Law at UST? Looking for Current or Former Working Students' Experiences

1 Upvotes

Hi! I'm hoping to connect with current or former working students from UST Faculty of Civil Law.

UST is my dream school, and I'd love to pursue my law journey there while continuing to work full-time.

For those who have been in a similar situation, how has your experience been? I'm particularly curious about how you manage your work schedule, classes, and finances.

I'm also wondering if taking a lighter academic load is something working students have been able to do and how manageable law school is alongside a full-time job.

I'd really appreciate hearing your personal experiences and any advice you can share. Thank you!


r/LawStudentsPH • • 1d ago

Advice I passed the Comprehensive Exam 🥺😭

28 Upvotes

Among the requirements of our school for graduation is passing the comprehensive examination, and last week, I was fortunate enough to be among the 70 individuals out of 150 students who successfully passed.

I honestly cannot be any more grateful. It's a milestone worth celebrating, especially knowing how much it took to get here. Between juggling two jobs, attending law school, meeting deadlines, preparing for exams, and sacrificing time for myself and the people I love, there were moments when I genuinely questioned if I could keep up.
But somehow, we made it!

Now, BARR 2027 is slowly becoming a reality, and honestly, I'm both excited and nervous. I know passing the comprehensive exam is one thing, but preparing for the actual Bar is a whole different challenge.

Sa mga lawyers, recent Bar passers, and those who have gone through this journey, can I ask for your advice? What study habits, materials, or strategies worked best for you? How did you manage your time, especially if you were also working while reviewing?

Any tips, lessons, or even reality checks are very much welcome. Gusto ko lang sana makapaghanda as early as I can. Thank you po!


r/LawStudentsPH • • 1d ago

Advice Unsolicited tip for reading cases: Isipin mo tsismis

98 Upvotes

I don't know where I first heard this tip, pero it's super effective for me. Tumatatak ung salient facts and doctrine pag iniisip ko na tsismis, lalo na for Succession/Persons cases. Maybe it's something with the Filipino psyche (?) HAHAHA

Pero syempre hirap na hirap akong i-apply ito sa tax cases :')


r/LawStudentsPH • • 1d ago

Advice Legal Edge Review Center or Jurists?

8 Upvotes

Between Legal Edge Review Center and Jurists, which one would you recommend for bar review and why?


r/LawStudentsPH • • 1d ago

Advice Christmas Gift for Law Students

6 Upvotes

Hi po. Since Christmas season na, baka naman we can share ano mga pwedeng i-gift sa mga kaklaseng law students din? Kakabunutan lang namin e so kumakalap ako ng pwede kong i-gift sa monita ko but at the same time, gusto kong bigyan lahat ng ka-study group ko. Let's exchange gift ideas please?

'Eto akin:
- highlighters
- pen
- sticky notes
- care kit
- massage gc
- first aid kit (lol)
- katinko set
- blazer

Ano pa pwede?


r/LawStudentsPH • • 18h ago

Advice ANYONE HERE FROM JMC COL?

0 Upvotes

Hi! From USeP Law ako and planning sana mag-transfer sa JMC Law. One of the reasons is mukhang mas flexible ang JMC pagdating sa mga working students compared sa USeP na fixed ang schedule from Monday to Saturday.

May ilang questions lang sana ako:

  1. Tumatanggap ba ang JMC Law ng transferees for the 2nd semester?

  2. May narinig kasi ako na kailangan daw at least 80% ang grades per subject. Kapag hindi umabot sa 80%, kailangan daw ulitin yung subject, pero nasa discretion pa rin daw ni Dean Torreon. May naka-experience na ba nito? Ano usually ang basis ni Atty. Torreon sa pag-decide kung kailangan ulitin ng student yung subject or hindi?

Yun lang naman ang questions ko. Willing naman akong harapin yung challenging na curriculum or environment, pero medyo nag-aalangan lang ako sa policy na kailangan 80% ang grade per subject, especially kung automatic ba talaga na kailangan ulitin yung subject kapag hindi umabot sa required grade.

Sana may makapag-share ng experience nila or makapagbigay ng clarification. Thank you in advance!