c. What are your observations from the activity?

We observed in court that the persons facing criminal charges were accompanied by two police
officers. Out of all the persons present, they were the most solemn. Before the court session began, one
of the accused made some inquiries to which the defense lawyer answered. It is easy to deduce that the
prosecuting layer and the defense lawyer are on friendly terms as they were casually exchanging topics
before the hearing began. All the court personnel were formally dressed and everyone who attended in
court became silent when the proceedings started. The judge made it very clear to the defendants the
crimes for which they were accused, whether they understood the consequences of their admission of
guilt, and stated the penalties which they must face after they reaffirmed their plea of guilt. The judge
made sure that their duty to be informed was not neglected. The defense lawyer also closely stood by
their side to explain to them as some have difficulty understanding certain technical terms. Overall, our
court visit was a good exposure to observe what our future work as lawyers would entail.

Attorney Paula Azurin

Civil Rights Law Practice

a. What made you choose your field of law? 

The compensation package and work-life balance.

b. What skills are needed in your field of law?

Excellent writing skills and good grammar. 

c. Describe a typical work day.

As an associate in a law firm, my day usually started with attending hearings at 8am and going back to
the office at around 5 or 7 pm to begin my actual work of drafting contracts, pleadings, letters, and other
documents. This continued until 12 or 1 am. I went home at around 1 or even 5 am. I just went home to
change and left at 6am because I had hearings to attend. I repeated this cycle for 2 and a half years.

As a court attorney, I read through the records to understand the nature of the case and begin drafting the
report. It takes me some time to draft it because I have to check every single case cited in the pleadings
to see if these are applicable or not. I go through the same process for my own citations in my draft. It
would usually be reviewed and revised on the same day. I go home at 4:30 pm. But, I usually bring my
work home with me so that I can think about any further additions or revisions. 

d. What are the challenges that you face in modern day practice?

The lack of adequate facilities and manpower for trial courts and the failure to adapt to technological
advancements in sending and receiving summons, pleadings, and other court communications. This,
however, is being addressed in the proposed revised rules on civil procedure.

e. Did law school adequately prepare you for the practice of law?

No. Law schools only teach what a lawyer should know. They don’t teach how to handle cases, what
evidence should be offered, how to write pleadings, or methods in handling a client’s requests. Law
schools also fail to teach how lawyers should act in and out of the courtroom. However, the skills a lawyer
needs are usually learned by joining extracurricular activities such as the law review and the moot team.

f. Is there a disconnect/inconsistency between law school and actual law practice?

Yes. Law school requires students to think in a linear way and rely heavily on memorization instead of
critical thinking skills. Actual practice relies heavily on critical thinking since a practitioner can simply look
up what a particular provision is and think on how and where it can be used or applied. There is no need
to memorize the case or provision because a practitioner is more concerned on how it can help his case
rather than being able to recite it without batting an eyelash.

g. Any tips on how law students can prepare for the bar exams? 
 
The first day of law school is the first day of your preparation for the bar exams. What you will remember
is the 4 years of study and not the 5 months of bar review. Also, refine your writing skills. 

h. How do you think law schools can better prepare students for the practice of law?

Require law students to intern with law firms as early as their second year and work on actual cases so
that they know what to expect and how to work in law firms. They should also be acquainted on how to
dress and act in a courtroom, a boardroom, and other settings where lawyers always required. 

i. What advice can you give to students as they prepare themselves for the legal profession?

Ensure that you have strong writing skills and good grammar. Cases are won by pleadings and not
through pretty speeches in the court room. This, however, is not exclusive to litigation since these skills
are also required in all practices.

j. What aspects of law practice in our country need to be improved?

The requirements on mailing and the use of antiquated English in pleadings. There is also a need to
expand the practice of arbitration to lessen the courts’ workload and offload cases that can be simply
negotiated between the parties such as commercial arbitration for certain corporate disputes. 

k. Any tips on how a lawyer can stay honest despite the rampant corruption going on in our country?

Always ask yourself if your actions can be put on record without incurring any liability.

l. What do lawyers feel after losing a case?

They feel like they’re failures. But, they already know, before the case is submitted for resolution, if they
will win or not. 

m. Where did you first work after you passed the bar?

I worked with a law firm in Makati City as an underbar.

n. (if private lawyer) Did you ever consider working for the government?
  (if government lawyer) Did you ever consider working for the private sector?

I worked in a law firm before transferring to the government. The workload and hours are easier and allow
me to live a healthier lifestyle. But, every lawyer should at least start with a law firm and get a feel of
litigation and other practices before transferring to the government.