University of Cebu School of Law

The University of Cebu School of Law wishes to greet a happy, happy birthday to its remarkable Assistant Dean and UC's Executive Vice Chancellor, Atty. Manuel Elijah J. Sarausad!

Atty. Jack, your amiable nature, firm and steadfast principles, and diplomatic approach have made you an invaluable asset to the academic community.

Your unwavering commitment to upholding integrity and fairness sets a commendable example for all. Your cool, calm, and unflappable demeanor in challenging situations is truly admirable, making you a pillar of strength for students and colleagues alike.

As we celebrate your special day, it's important to recognize the impact you have had on those around you. Your reliability and unwavering support have touched the lives of many, creating a positive and nurturing environment within UC and UC Law. Your approachability and warm presence make interactions with you a delight, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among all who have the privilege of knowing you.

Atty. Jack, may your birthday be filled with happiness, love, and moments of joy. Your dedication to excellence and your ability to radiate warmth wherever you go are truly inspiring. Here's to a year ahead filled with continued success, fulfillment, and countless blessings. Happy Birthday, Atty. Jack!

The University of Cebu School of Law is certified by the Legal Education Board to offer and operate a refresher course program ("Refresher Course").

The Refresher Course shall cover all review classes required at the fourth-year level of UC Law's Juris Doctor program.

For those who wish to enroll in UC Law's Refresher Course, please send your inquiries and/or requirements through UC Law's official email address: [email protected].

Refresher Course classes start on July 15, 2024.

UC Law is the #1 law school nationwide among law schools with 50-100 Bar takers based on the 2023-2024 Bar Examination results.

The University of Cebu School of Law would like to extend its warmest birthday greetings to one of its hardworking, resourceful, and trustworthy staff members, Ms. Evanie D. Gabunada.

Ms. Van, we consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have you as a part of our team. As an Administrative Assistant for Academic Affairs, your meticulous and reliable nature is truly commendable. Regardless of how busy the office and everyone else may be, you always remain understanding and in a good mood. You never let the myriad of tasks and strict standards overwhelm you or sour your mood.

Not only are you dedicated to your work, but you are also ever-supportive of your peers, superiors, working scholars, and faculty. Your service-oriented demeanor never goes unnoticed, even if you don't boast about your accomplishments.

You are the understanding, considerate, but strict "mother of dragons" for the working scholars. Your wisdom, guidance, kindness, and support light their way and make them not only better students but also better people.

May all the goodness you selflessly give away return to you in abundance in the coming year.

Happy, happy birthday, Ms. Van! We hope your special day is filled with joy, laughter, and beautiful memories.

The Office of the Dean of the UC School of Law will be closed on June 17, 2024, in observance of the Eid'l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice.

For your information and guidance.

🇵🇭 Happy Independence Day, Philippines! 🇵🇭

On this day, we commemorate the bravery and resilience of our ancestors who fought for our freedom. As we celebrate 126 years of independence, let us also reflect on the importance of upholding the rule of law and promoting justice in our society.

At University of Cebu School of Law, we are committed to nurturing future legal professionals who will uphold the principles of justice, equality, and integrity. Today, let us honor the sacrifices of our heroes by continuing to strive for a more just and equitable society.

May the spirit of independence inspire us to work towards a brighter and more inclusive future for all Filipinos.

Happy Independence Day!

The Office of the Dean of the UC School of Law will be closed on June 12, 2024, in observance of the Philippine Independence Day.

For your information and guidance.

UC Law is now accepting admission applications for the first semester of School Year 2024-2025!

The University of Cebu School of Law is now accepting applications for admission to the Juris Doctor Thesis and Juris Doctor Non-Thesis programs for the First Semester of School Year 2024-2025 until July 27, 2024.

For those who wish to avail of scholarship privileges, applications will be accepted until July 15, 2024.

Admission and enrollment may be done online or on-site. Kindly refer to the Simplified Admission Process below.

You may download the Application Form using the URL indicated in the poster.

For questions or clarifications, please email [email protected] or text/call (+63) 9231404470 or (+6332) 5054978.

The University of Cebu School of Law comes together today to celebrate the birthday of a remarkable force of nature, a person of character, a steadfast presence in the lives of those she has encountered, our very own School of Law Secretary, Atty. Emi Rose S. Remoroza-Parcon.

Fondly addressed as Atty. Emi, she is the calm in an often turbulent world. As the School of Law Secretary and the supervising lawyer of the Business Transactions Legal Clinic, Atty. Emi is well-organized and has the foresight to anticipate possible problems. She is a good crisis manager who works behind the scenes and makes things happen as they should. She is firm and holds true to standards yet is compassionate and caring. With her soft-spoken and gentle demeanor, she conveys the message with clarity, force, and grace. Her positive influence is felt most when she helps our students and staff become better versions of themselves.

As a UC Law alumni and with all that she has done for the UC Law community, Atty. Emi appears to be unassuming but truly worth emulating.

You truly are an inspiration.

For your dedication and commitment in upholding the values of the law school, your UC School of Law family thanks you, and wishes you a Happy Birthday, Atty. Emi.

The University of Cebu School of Law recently honored Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh with the conferment of the Doctor of Laws (LLD) honoris causa degree. The ceremony took place on May 26, 2024, at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.

This prestigious recognition was bestowed upon Justice Singh by UC Law due to her outstanding contributions and exemplary character in the field of law and justice education. She has shown remarkable integrity and has made significant advancements in areas such as access to justice administration, promotion of gender-responsive courts, leadership, and service throughout her impressive career in the judiciary. Justice Singh's experience extends across all levels of the judicial hierarchy, further solidifying her credentials.

UC Law commends Justice Singh for her extensive contributions to the legal academe. She has made notable contributions as an author and a law professor in various esteemed legal educational institutions. Additionally, she has served as a valuable resource person for the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education and as a professorial lecturer at the Philippine Judicial Academy. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the first and only female chairholder of the Metrobank Professorial Chair.

Moreover, Justice Singh is a true embodiment of the UC Law ideals of Ethical Excellence, Global Competence, and Social Responsiveness. Her unwavering commitment to upholding ethical standards, her deep understanding of global legal issues, and her dedication to addressing societal needs through her work make her a shining example for aspiring legal professionals.

UC Law acknowledges Justice Singh as an advocate for justice who continuously strives for judicial reforms. Her unwavering commitment to promoting gender and development in the legal profession and among members of the bench is truly commendable.

By conferring the LLD honoris causa degree upon Justice Singh, UC Law recognizes and expresses its admiration for her exceptional accomplishments and dedication to the field of law.

The University of Cebu School of Law extends warm birthday greetings to Atty. Nelia Lagura-Prieto, who continues to illuminate our students' academic journey with her brilliance and passion.

Atty. Nelia's classes serve as sanctuaries of learning and growth, where her gentle guidance and profound wisdom on Gender Sensitivity inspire students to excel. Her dedication to fostering an environment of openness and exploration empowers them to embrace new perspectives and challenges with confidence.

Calm, soft-spoken, yet passionate, fun, and engaging, Atty. Nelia allows her students to shine by providing opportunities for them to express their thoughts and perspectives during class discussions. This approach cultivates a learning environment that values diverse experiences and viewpoints.

In Atty. Nelia's classes, theoretical concepts seamlessly integrate with practical applications. Her liberal-mindedness encourages students to think innovatively and beyond conventional boundaries.

Happy birthday, Atty. Nelia! May you continue to nurture your students with your compassion and wisdom.

We are happy to announce that this year’s Voice of the Class is Mr. Lord Lawrence L. Latonio, Juris Doctor Non-Thesis ‘24!

Congratulations! 💛💙

The University of Cebu School of Law announces its official candidates for graduation for School Year 2023-2024.

You made it! Congratulations, Class of 2024!

The University of Cebu School of Law proudly congratulates our esteemed former dean, Atty. Al-Shwaid de Leon Ismael, for being named In-House Counsel of the Year (Technology) by Asian Legal Business (ALB). This prestigious recognition, selected from hundreds of nominations across Southeast Asia, highlights Atty. Ismael's legal innovations and exceptional contributions as head of legal of a company that operates in challenging markets.

Affectionately known in UC Law as Dean ALI, Atty. Ismael serves as the General Counsel and Vice-President and Group Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs at Frontiir, a leading international technology company that operates in Asia and North America.

Dean ALI distinguished himself early on by achieving the 8th highest score in the 2006 Philippine Bar exams, as part of UC Law's pioneer batch, which boasted an impressive 80% passing rate. He is the first of many UC Law Bar topnotchers. He is also licensed to practice law in New York, U.S.A. His exemplary career serves as an inspiration to our students, alumni, and faculty. Dean ALI previously taught International Business Transactions and Commercial Law Review in UC Law and international commercial law subjects in the master of laws programs of other prominent law schools in the Philippines.

The ALB awards, now in their 20th year, honor outstanding achievements in the legal field, recognizing exceptional performance among private practitioners and in-house counsel across Southeast Asia and beyond. The 2024 Annual ALB Southeast Asia Law Awards ceremony was held at InterContinental Singapore on May 16, 2024.

ALB is owned by Thomson Reuters, a global leader in providing business and professional information.

At UC Law, we are committed to nurturing globally competent, ethically excellent, and socially responsive legal professionals. Join us in celebrating Dean ALI's remarkable achievement and our ongoing tradition of excellence.

The University of Cebu School of Law extends its heartfelt birthday wishes to Atty. King Anthony Y. Perez, one of its diligent and youngest professors, esteemed alumnus, and a multifaceted individual embodying many admirable qualities.

Atty. King stands as a beacon of excellence within our academic community, serving as an inspiration to all. His remarkable journey includes being a two-time recipient of prestigious full scholarship grants from the Foundation for Liberty and Prosperity (FLP), established by Former Philippine Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban Jr.

With a background in journalism, Atty. King has garnered notable accolades, such as the esteemed GMA Media Excellence Award in April 2013 and a second-place honor in the Features category of the Justice Awards presented by the International Justice Mission (IJM) in 2013. Additionally, he has been recognized with a Special Citation for TV Special Event at the Cebu Archdiocesan Mass Media Awards (CAMMA) in 2015 and achieved the second rank in the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) accreditation examinations in Cebu in 2015.

A fervent advocate, Atty. King's causes encompass student rights and welfare, HIV awareness and prevention, child protection, and promoting understanding of LGBTQIA+ rights. He is a respected speaker on the legal aspects of SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression).

Known for his firm yet compassionate approach, Atty. King is revered for providing direct and constructive feedback that motivates students to strive for excellence. His disciplined teaching style and competitive spirit inspire those around him to reach their full potential. His teaching methods are characterized by clarity, structure, and efficiency.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Atty. King is recognized for his qualities as a family-oriented, diligent, principled, and resilient individual. He is a fighter, a good friend, a good listener, and empathic in his interactions. Known for his independence and strong sense of responsibility, Atty. King navigates his roles with unwavering dedication and integrity.

Once again, we send our warmest birthday greetings to Atty. King! Your unwavering dedication, passion, and remarkable qualities continue to uplift and inspire us all.

UC Law MBE ends today.

The University of Cebu School of Law's Mock Bar Examinations (MBE) come to a close today, May 5, 2024. This rigorous three-day program mirrors the actual Bar exam setting, challenging 4L students with expertly crafted questions curated by seasoned examiners. UC Law's MBE examiners are comprised of experienced law practitioners, renowned law authors, and esteemed law school deans nationwide.

As the MBE concludes today, UC Law celebrates the dedication and achievement of our 4L students. Their meticulous preparation and exceptional performance during this simulation herald a promising path toward success in the real Bar examinations and beyond.

The University of Cebu School of Law celebrates today the birthday of a highly regarded and beloved member of the UC Law Community, none other than a home-grown legal talent, Atty. Stephen L. Yu.

Atty. Stephen is one of UC Law's many omnipresent personalities who have come to represent what makes the law school a good place to breed excellent lawyers.

Like the UC lawyers who came before him and who were his very own mentors, Atty. Stephen continues a legacy of excellence in legal education by teaching Taxation and Legal Ethics. It is often fondly said, "It's not UC Law without Yu." Indeed, no law student experience at UC Law is complete without going through Atty. Stephen's classes.

A total package of looks, brains, and character, he is soft-spoken and humble, yet firm in his beliefs and principles.

Aside from being a good teacher, he is a reliable mentor. His advice is extremely helpful. Calm and steady, he goes out of his way to help students even on matters not related to his classes. Often anticipating needs and addressing them before they're voiced, he is truly an inspiration.

Ever humble, Atty. Stephen goes about quietly without seeking attention for his accomplishments. Yet his influence and teachings reverberate loudly through the community and are felt by those fortunate to have learned from him.

For all that you do, and for all that you've done, your UC Law family wishes you a Happy Birthday, Atty. Stephen. We wish you continued success, happiness, and good health.

The University of Cebu School of Law greets one of its youngest, creative, efficient, and passionate professors, Atty. Nichol Jon Burt A. Ruaya, a happy birthday!

One can be forgiven for thinking that law school is the end of one's creative spirit or its redirection from traditional artistic pursuits to the formulation of effective legal strategy. For Atty. Nichol Jon Burt Ruaya, or Atty. Nic as he is most fondly called, law school meant the growth and evolution of his creative spirit, making him into the proficient legal practitioner and efficacious legal educator that he is today.

Atty. Nic's detailed, constructive criticism of his students' examination results which he individually emails to them is proof of how eager and passionate he is to teach them and help them improve. Atty. Nic is very calm in class and helps his students whenever they have difficulty in their recitations. He is efficient and can cover dozens of cases in one session. He is approachable, charming, and very understanding. His structured Labor syllabus is an effective guide. He is also open to feedback and not afraid to say sorry whenever he gets corrected.

We wish Atty. Nic the happiest of birthdays. Universally beloved, he is a true emblem of UC Law alumni, excellent, and most importantly, ethical. He is a great example not only to his students but also to the whole legal community at large. Dedicated and driven, Atty. Nic shows us all that we can always be more and that we can always do more.

May you always be blessed, and may you continue to soar to greater heights, Atty. Nic!

The University of Cebu School of Law proudly congratulates its esteemed alumna, Atty. Karla Kristie Salva, from batch 2020, for her remarkable achievement in successfully passing the February 2024 New York Bar examinations!

Atty. Karla's accomplishment is even more impressive as she relied on her UC Law education and did not study in a United States law school. Her dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the legal profession have been duly recognized. As a testament to her exceptional legal acumen and hard work, Atty. Karla has proven herself worthy of this prestigious accomplishment. We celebrate her success and wish her continued excellence in her future endeavors.

At UC Law, we firmly believe in nurturing global excellence. Our institution is committed to providing a comprehensive legal education that equips our students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the legal field on an international scale. Atty. Salva's accomplishment serves as a testament to the quality of education and guidance provided by UC Law. We take immense pride in the achievements of our alumni and their significant contributions to the legal profession worldwide.

Join us in celebrating Atty. Karla Kristie Salva's extraordinary achievement and the success of UC Law in producing competent and ethical legal professionals. Together, we continue to uphold our commitment to quality legal education, ethical excellence, global competence, social responsiveness, and making a positive impact in society.

The University of Cebu School of Law Dean Ria Lidia G. Espina recently delivered a talk on "Dealing with Outside Pressures" at the International Association of Law Schools (IALS) 2024 Americas & Asia-Pacific Regional Law Deans Forum hosted at the University of California, Berkeley.

Joining her in discussing this crucial topic was Dean Hamahinder Singh from Taylor’s University School of Law and Government, Malaysia. The insightful discussion was moderated by Antony Page from Florida International University, USA.

Dean Ria's speech delved into the challenges confronting law schools in the Philippines due to external pressures, particularly focusing on governmental/regulatory issues and the heightened expectations from the public. She provided a comprehensive overview of the division of authority among Congress, the Executive Branch, and the Supreme Court, emphasizing the state's role in regulating legal education while upholding academic freedom. Dean Ria highlighted the importance of effective communication, understanding, and the pursuit of consensus and compromise in the ongoing dialogues involving the Philippine Association of Law Schools (PALS), the Legal Education Board, and the Supreme Court.

Moreover, Dean Ria shed light on the lawyer-to-population ratios in the Philippines and the United States, underscoring the urgent need for more legal professionals in the Philippines. She also stressed the significance of ensuring that newly licensed lawyers are adequately prepared for legal practice upon passing the bar exam.

Dean Ria emphasized that the Supreme Court mandates bar applicants to complete the Clinical Legal Education Program as a prerequisite for taking the bar exam, emphasizing the importance of producing practice-ready law graduates.

She showcased UC Law's Clinical Legal Education Program specialty clinics alongside the UC Legal Aid and Law Center. However, Dean Ria also highlighted the challenges posed by the lack of supervising lawyers and resources in this context.

Finally, Dean Ria reiterated the paramount importance of academic freedom and ongoing efforts to strike a balance between regulatory requirements and the quality of legal education in the Philippines.

The IALS Forum culminates today, April 19, 2024.

The University of Cebu School of Law extends its warmest birthday greetings to one of our esteemed professors, Atty. Rose-Liza Eisma-Osorio.

As a professor, Atty. Os, you have consistently demonstrated exceptional mentorship in both life and career. Your unwavering dedication to encouraging your students to strive for excellence is deeply admired. You create an environment that fosters growth and exploration, allowing us to reach new heights. Your innate ability to inspire individuals with your grace and courage has left an indelible mark on all those fortunate to be guided by you.

Your accolades extend beyond the classroom, as you are also a renowned environmental lawyer. Your significant contributions to the field are not only inspiring, but they also reflect your unwavering commitment to excellence.

Your leadership roles within and outside the university underscore your profound influence and dedication to your profession.

Your students and colleagues wish to express our deepest gratitude for your guidance and mentorship. Your passion for teaching and unwavering support have profoundly impacted our lives. You have imparted more than just knowledge, you have instilled in us a sense of responsibility towards the environment and the importance of upholding human rights.

Your dedication to your students and your field is truly inspiring, and we consider ourselves privileged to have you as our mentor. Thank you, Atty. Os, for being an exceptional mentor and for all the invaluable contributions you have made. Here's to another year of inspiring us all!

Two students from the University of Cebu School of Law have been accepted into the prestigious Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) Legal Internship Program (LIP). Deane Marie S. Yase, a 3L student, and Chaira Jane Maica Villahermosa, a 2L student, have secured coveted spots among the 60 interns selected from a competitive pool of applicants nationwide.

The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) is an independent and autonomous office attached to the Department of Justice. It is the biggest law office and the principal law firm of the Government. The OSG is headed by the Solicitor General, who serves as the foremost legal defender and representative of governmental interests.

The LIP is an esteemed annual legal internship initiative spearheaded by the OSG, engaging law schools across the nation. Described by the LIP Committee as an 'intensive, comprehensive, and structured seven-week program tailored for outstanding law students,' it provides a unique platform for aspiring legal professionals to gain invaluable experience and contribute meaningfully to the legal landscape.

Congratulations to Deane Marie S. Yase and Chaira Jane Maica Villahermosa for this notable achievement and significant professional opportunity.

The University of Cebu School of Law Dean Ria Lidia G. Espina, CPA, left for California, United States to attend the International Association of Law Schools (IALS) 2024 Americas & Asia-Pacific Regional Law Deans Forum on April 18 to 19, 2024, at the University of California, Berkeley.

Dean Ria will speak on the topic "Dealing with Outside Pressures," along with Hamahinder Singh, Dean of Taylor’s University School of Law and Government, Malaysia, with moderator Antony Page of Florida International University, USA.

Dean Ria is one of the three delegates from the Philippines.

The Forum's focus is on Artificial Intelligence, Pedagogy, and Leadership in the context of law schools' roles in civil society and their role in helping to reduce the fracturing of communities under attack from technology and political tensions. The forum presents a chance for UC Law to work with leaders from law schools across both regions to formulate a crucial set of issues and proposals for addressing current challenges.

This forum will serve as preparation and planning for the upcoming 2024 Global Law Deans’ Forum and Annual Meeting to take place in September at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland.

"The International Association of Law Schools is a private, non-political, non-profit, volunteer, collaborative, learned society dedicated to serving the worldwide legal education community. It is an association of more than 250 law schools and departments from over 60 countries representing more than 12,000 law faculty members. [Its] primary mission is the improvement of legal education throughout the world."*

In UC Law, we collaborate and learn from other law schools worldwide to continue giving our students quality legal education that is relevant to the times. UC Law has been a member of IALS since 2006.

* IALS website

Tonight, the court becomes a battleground! ⚖️🏀

Witness professors and alumni from the University Southern Philippines Foundation School of Law and the University of Cebu School of Law face off in the Basketball Exhibition Game.

More than a game, it's a testament to our shared passion, camaraderie, and community spirit.

Be there at the UC Banilad Quadrangle at 10:30 PM to find out which team will rule the court. Bring your energy and your cheers!



"

ARE YOU READY FOR IT?!

Today is an exciting day for as the USPF School of Law battle against the UC School of Law in a Basketball Exhibition Game. This is not just an ordinary game of ball but a game that fosters camaraderie, friendship, and a sense of community. 🏆🥳

Who will prevail? Who will emerge victorious? 💪

See you later at 10:30Pm at the UC Banilad Quadrangle. Bring your loudest cheers.🎉

DID YOU KNOW?

On April 3, 2007, or exactly 17 years ago today, the University of Cebu School of Law (UC Law) made history when its first batch of graduates obtained a passing percentage of 80% and produced a Bar placer. About 30.6%, or 1,896 out of 6,187 examinees, passed the 2006 Bar Exams, and UC Law ranked fourth nationwide based on the overall passing percentage of law schools. More than 90% of the pioneer graduates are now members of the Philippine Bar.

The valedictorian of their batch is now the current UC Law dean and one of the past presidents of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Cebu Chapter.

The first Bar placer, the immediate past dean, is now the General Counsel and Vice-President for Corporate and Legal Affairs for an international company with operations in the U.S. and Asia. The other pioneer graduates are now judges, prosecutors, Public Attorneys Office lawyers, law office partners, law school professors, and senior legal counsels, and senior officers of various government agencies and private companies.

To date, UC Law has produced five Bar placers, one Excellent passer, and eleven exemplary performers and many top-notch, passionate, and conscientious lawyers.

UC Law is the TOP 1 law school nationwide for Category B for law schools with 51 to 100 first-time Bar takers with a 76.7% passing percentage based on the results of the 2023 Bar Examinations.

If YOU would like to know more about our law school and the law programs that we offer, or how to be admitted to our Juris Doctor programs, you may:
1. visit our website, or
2. email us at [email protected], or
3. call us at (+63)(32) 5054978 or (+63) 9231404470.

Admission for the first semester of School Year 2024-2025 starts on May 1, 2024.

Enrollment period: June 1, 2024 to August 10, 2024

Start of classes: August 12, 2024