Overview of Law Schools in the Philippines
Law school education in the Philippines has grown significantly in recent years. With several legal education providers available, students now have a wide range of options to choose from. These schools operate on different levels, including regional and law colleges situated in popular universities.
In terms of regional schools, institutions like Angeles University Foundation, Palawan State University, Saturnino Urios University, and University of Southern Philippines Foundation offer law programs. These schools may be smaller in size, but they often have well-recognized faculties and provide quality legal education.
Among the popular universities offering law programs are Ateneo de Manila University, University of Santo Tomas, and University of San Carlos. These universities have established a solid reputation for their legal education programs, producing bar topnotchers and passers.
Which Law Schools Have Produced the Most Philippine Bar Topnotchers?
When it comes to legal education in the Philippines, there are several law schools that stand out for their exceptional track record of producing Philippine Bar topnotchers. If you’re looking to pursue a career in law and aim to top the Bar exams, this comprehensive list of law schools is a good place to start.
Ateneo de Manila Law School
Ateneo de Manila University has consistently produced topnotchers in the Bar exams. Its law school has a reputation for providing quality legal education and producing graduates who excel in various fields of law.
University of the Philippines College of Law
The UP College of Law is widely regarded as the premier law school in the Philippines. It has produced the most Bar topnotchers in the country’s history, with over 50 topnotchers to date. The college is known for its rigorous and comprehensive legal education program.
San Beda College of Law
San Beda College of Law has also produced numerous Bar topnotchers over the years, thanks to its exceptional legal education program. San Beda law graduates are often sought after by top law firms in the country.
University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law
The UST Faculty of Civil Law is one of the oldest law schools in the country, established in 1734. It has produced many Bar topnotchers and has a reputation for providing a well-rounded legal education.
Ateneo de Davao University College of Law
Ateneo de Davao University’s College of Law is a relatively new law school, established only in 1961. However, it has already produced several Bar topnotchers, making it one of the top law schools in the country.
Far Eastern University Institute of Law
The FEU Institute of Law has produced several Bar topnotchers over the years. It is known for its strong emphasis on legal research and writing, which has helped its graduates excel in the legal profession.
University of San Carlos School of Law and Governance
The University of San Carlos School of Law and Governance is one of the oldest and largest law schools in the country. It has produced many Bar topnotchers and is known for its strong emphasis on ethics and social responsibility in legal education.
These law schools have made significant contributions to the legal education landscape in the Philippines, producing topnotchers and well-rounded graduates who excel in the legal profession. Whether you’re a student or a professional looking to advance your legal career, these law schools are great options to consider.
LIST: Top 10 law schools in PH with most bar passers from 2011-2020
Law is a respected profession in the Philippines with many universities offering law programs. If you’re aiming at studying law, you probably want to enroll in a law school with an excellent reputation for producing top quality lawyers. In this section, we’ll look at the top 10 law schools in the Philippines with the most Bar passers from 2011-2020.
Ateneo de Manila University
Ateneo de Manila University is a highly-regarded institution in the Philippines, renowned for its exceptional education and strong emphasis on social justice. The law school is among the top choices for aspiring lawyers in the country.
Founded in 1935, Ateneo’s law school has a rich history of producing successful lawyers, judges, and politicians. The school prides itself on its mandatory legal aid service, which allows students to gain valuable hands-on experience while assisting those in need. The Ateneo Human Rights Center is another unique program that provides students with opportunities to work on human rights cases that reflect the school’s commitment to social justice.
The admission process for Ateneo’s law school is highly competitive. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree and pass the Ateneo Law School Admission Test. The academic requirements are also rigorous, with a focus on legal research, writing, and analysis. Scholarships are available to help alleviate the financial burden that comes with pursuing a law degree.
Ateneo has produced impressive bar exam passing rates, and many of its graduates have become notable bar topnotchers. The school’s faculty members are distinguished academics with experience in both legal practice and research. Several research centers are also available to students, facilitating their academic growth and development.
Student organizations play a vital role in campus life, offering opportunities for extracurricular activities and community building. Aspiring lawyers can join organizations such as the Ateneo Law Journal and the Legal Aid Society to gain valuable experience and build their professional networks.
San Beda College – Manila
When it comes to top law schools in the Philippines, San Beda College Manila definitely deserves a spot on the list. Founded in 1901, it has a rich history of providing excellent education to its students. Its mission is to produce competent and ethical lawyers who live up to the college’s core values of faith, excellence, and service.
San Beda College Manila’s curriculum offers a well-rounded education that equips students with the legal skills and knowledge necessary for a successful legal career. Courses range from the study of fundamental legal principles to specialized topics such as taxation, intellectual property, and international law. Practical training is given importance, too, as internships and legal clinics are integrated into the program to give students hands-on experience of handling legal cases.
The school offers advanced programs for those who wish to focus on specific areas of law and sharpen their legal skills. These programs include the Legal Apprenticeship Program, the Legal Writing Program, and the Legal Clinic Program. Students can benefit from these programs to develop skills needed in the legal profession.
San Beda College Manila has some notable alumni who have made their mark in the legal profession. Among them are former Supreme Court Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, Trial Court Judge Moises Mendoza, and human rights lawyer Atty. Jose Manuel Diokno.
The character of San Beda College Manila is reflected in its seal. The seal features a lion holding a banner with the motto “Ora et Labora”, which means “pray and work”. This speaks to the college’s commitment to the education of the whole person. The lion symbolizes the strength and courage of the San Bedan community in the pursuit of its mission.
Arellano University
Arellano University, located in Manila, is one of the top law schools in the Philippines. The law program offered by the university is designed to provide students with a strong foundation of legal knowledge and practical skills to succeed in the legal profession.
To be eligible for admission to the law program, applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree and must have passed the Philippine Law School Admission Test (PhiLSAT). The PhiLSAT is a standardized test designed to assess a student’s potential for success in the study of law.
Arellano University’s law program offers a wide range of courses, including Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Civil Law, and Taxation Law. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal system and its applications in the Philippines. It also includes practical training in legal clinics and internships to give students hands-on experience in handling legal cases.
The university’s bar exam performance is noteworthy, with a consistent track record of producing top-performing students. According to the 2019 bar exam results, Arellano University had a passing rate of 54.55%, which is higher than the national passing rate of 27.36%.
What sets Arellano University apart from other law schools is its teaching method. The university follows a student-centered approach to teaching, which focuses on individualized attention and interactive learning. The faculty members, who are experienced and renowned in the field of law, create a supportive learning environment that encourages students to collaborate and engage with each other.
Arellano University has produced notable alumni in the legal profession. Some of these include former Chief Justice Reynato Puno, Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin, and former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay. These alumni have made significant contributions to the legal profession, especially in the areas of human rights and justice.
The faculty members at Arellano University are experts in their respective fields and have practical experience in the legal profession. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom, and their teachings are relevant to the legal landscape in the Philippines. Some of the notable faculty members include Dean Jocelyn V. Cruz, a renowned civil law expert, and Atty. Rodolfo Salalima, a telecommunications law expert.
University of the Philippines
The University of the Philippines’ College of Law is one of the top law schools in the Philippines, known for its esteemed reputation and remarkable track record in producing top-performing students in the bar exams. Let’s delve more into what makes this institution stand out.
Established in 1910, the University of the Philippines is the country’s national university, aiming to provide affordable and quality education to Filipinos. The College of Law was founded a year later and has since become one of the most prestigious law schools in the Philippines.
The University of the Philippines’ College of Law follows a traditional method of instruction, which combines lectures, discussion classes, review classes, and examinations. The rigorous program includes courses on various aspects of the law, including civil law, criminal law, and labor law, among many others.
The faculty members of the College of Law are experts in their respective fields and are among the best in the country. Notable professors include retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio and Dean Fides Cordero-Tan, a renowned tax expert. The faculty’s teaching aims to instill in students a critical understanding of the law’s nuances and complexities.
The College of Law’s alumni are among the country’s most notable legal minds, including previous Philippine presidents, senators, and judges. Former President Jose P. Laurel, Chief Justice Reynato Puno, and Justice Antonio T. Carpio are some of the notable alumni from the institution.
The University of the Philippines’ College of Law consistently performs exceptionally well in the annual bar exams. In 2020, the College of Law had the highest passing rate of 92.84%, a remarkable feat compared to the national passing rate of 27.59%.
San Beda College Alabang
San Beda College Alabang (SBCA) is a well-respected institution in the Philippines that offers a high-quality legal education program. With a long-standing tradition of excellence, SBCA’s College of Law continues to produce some of the country’s topnotchers in the Philippine Bar examinations.
One of SBCA’s distinguishing features is its unique and innovative approach to legal education. Instead of relying solely on traditional classroom lectures and discussions, the school also employs clinical programs that expose students to actual legal cases and scenarios. This hands-on training enhances students’ skills and allows them to experience the real-world practice of law, which prepares them to excel in their future careers.
SBCA’s College of Law also offers specialized areas of law for students who want to pursue a particular field of study. The curriculum includes courses in taxation, labor law, intellectual property law, and environmental law, among others. Students can also choose from a wide range of clinical programs that give them practical experience in their area of interest.
In terms of achievements, SBCA’s College of Law has an impressive record of producing topnotchers in the Philippine Bar examinations. In 2019, three SBCA alumni landed on the top ten list of examinees, which is a testament to the school’s commitment to providing a high-quality legal education.
Admission into SBCA’s College of Law is competitive and requires applicants to meet certain requirements. Prospective students must have a degree in any field, as long as they have completed 18 units of English and 6 units each of Mathematics, Social Science, and Philosophy. They must also pass the entrance exam, which evaluates their analytical and problem-solving skills.
University of Santo Tomas
When it comes to the top law schools in the Philippines, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) is a name that comes to mind. Founded in 1611, UST is the oldest university in Asia and has a rich history of providing quality legal education.
Through its College of Law, UST has produced highly successful lawyers and judges who have made significant contributions to the legal field in the country. Notable UST alumni include former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno, who is known for his contributions to the development of constitutional law in the Philippines, and Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio, who is renowned for his advocacy of the country’s territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea.
UST’s College of Law is known for its rigorous academic programs and comprehensive curriculum. It offers courses in various areas of law such as commercial law, civil law, criminal law, and labor law, among others. The school also places a strong emphasis on values education, which aims to develop well-rounded graduates who possess not only technical legal knowledge but also a strong sense of ethics and social responsibility.
The admission process for UST’s College of Law is competitive and requires applicants to meet certain requirements. Prospective students must have completed a Bachelor’s degree in any field and pass the entrance exam, which evaluates their legal aptitude and communication skills.
University of San Carlos
When it comes to the best law schools in the Philippines, the University of San Carlos (USC) is one institution that cannot be overlooked. Recognized for its rigorous academic programs and comprehensive curriculum, USC’s College of Law boasts a long-standing reputation in producing highly successful lawyers and judges in the legal field.
The law program at USC is designed to develop well-rounded graduates who possess strong legal knowledge, critical thinking skills, and a deep sense of social responsibility. The curriculum covers various areas of law, including commercial law, civil law, criminal law, and labor law, among others.
Like other reputable law schools, USC has strict admission requirements for prospective students. Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree in any field and pass the entrance exam to evaluate their legal aptitude and communication skills.
What sets USC’s law program apart is the success of its alumni in the legal profession. USC boasts of producing graduates who have contributed significantly to legal reforms and have excelled in the bar examinations. Among its notable alumni is Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr., a staunch advocate of human rights and democracy, and former senator Rene Saguisag, who is known for his contributions to constitutional law and human rights advocacy.
University of Southern Philippines Foundation
Looking for a top law school in the Philippines that offers an excellent curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities? Look no further than the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF).
Situated in the bustling city of Cebu, USPF boasts modern classrooms, libraries, and study areas that promote a conducive learning environment ideal for law students. The school has an impressive number of students enrolled, with over 600 currently pursuing their law degree.
USPF has earned a reputation as one of the top law schools in the country, thanks to its notable achievements in producing successful legal professionals who thrive in the field. The school prides itself on producing competent and ethical lawyers who make a significant impact in society.
USPF offers a comprehensive law program that covers various areas such as civil and commercial law, criminal law, labor law, and many more. To gain admission, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in any field and pass the entrance exam to demonstrate their legal aptitude and communication skills. The law school’s admission procedures are rigorous, ensuring that only highly qualified students are admitted.
With its diverse course offerings, top-notch facilities, and notable achievements, the University of Southern Philippines Foundation is a fantastic choice for students looking to pursue a degree in law.
San Sebastian College
San Sebastian College of Law is one of the oldest and most esteemed law schools in the Philippines, located in the heart of Manila. Founded in 1948, the college boasts a rich history of producing exceptional legal professionals who have made significant contributions to the field.
The college’s faculty is composed of highly regarded legal practitioners who bring a wealth of experience to the classroom. With a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 40:1, San Sebastian College provides students with an opportunity to receive personalized attention and mentorship from esteemed legal professionals.
The admission requirements to San Sebastian College of Law include passing the Law Aptitude Examination (LAE) and holding a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Students must also have a minimum 2.5 GPA or its equivalent to be eligible for admission.
Over the years, San Sebastian College of Law has produced an impressive and noteworthy roster of alumni in the legal profession. Among these alumni are prominent politicians, accomplished judges, esteemed law practitioners, and successful businessmen. These graduates include former Philippine President Jose P. Laurel, Sr., former Chief Justice Jose Yulo, Sr., and former Solicitor General Frank B. Chavez, among others.
San Sebastian College of Law takes pride in providing comprehensive legal education grounded in values of excellence, honesty, and integrity. By fostering an environment of academic rigor and social responsibility, the college aims to produce graduates who can make a positive impact on society and be leaders of their profession.
University of the Cordilleras
Housed in the picturesque city of Baguio, the University of Cordilleras’ College of Law stands out as one of the top law schools in the Philippines. With a focus on providing a comprehensive and values-based education, the school boasts a growing reputation for producing exceptional legal professionals who are well-equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly-changing legal landscape.
The University of Cordilleras was founded in 1946 as the Baguio Colleges and later evolved into a university in 2003. Its College of Law has since become a major player in the field of legal education. Notable alumni include Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin, who served as the head of the Philippine judiciary from 2018 to 2019.
The College’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in legal theory while also emphasizing practical training and skills development. In addition to traditional coursework, the college offers unique programs like its Legal Aid Clinic, which provides students with hands-on experience working with real clients and cases. This initiative is one of the various ways in which the school tries to nurture compassionate and socially responsible lawyers.
The University of Cordilleras has earned high praise for its approach to legal education. In 2019, the Professional Regulation Commission named the school one of the country’s top-performing law schools. This recognition is a testament to the academic excellence of the College of Law and the university’s commitment to providing a well-rounded and career-prepared legal education.