Legal Counseling

and
Social Responsibility
JOURNAL
Submitted to: Atty. Jesus Ramon M. Quevenco
Submitted by: Raymond V. Villarin

Foundation University College of Law and

Jurisprudence
 Legal Counseling and Social Responsibility is significantly one of the relevant courses offered in
Law School today practically because of the multi-dimensional aspects it provides in the practice of law.
The continuous call for legal aid and services continually become relevant in our modern society, hence
seeking advice has grown as well as with the corresponding stride in technology in a more complex
human life.

As a senior law student of Foundation University College of Law and Jurisprudence (FU-CLJ), I am
favored enough to have become one of the lucky learners of the said program, to have been exposed in
a serious yet valuable discussions on the subject under the instruction of our dearest heart, the so-called
“father of our college” – Dean/ Atty. Jesus Ramon M. Quevenco.

The first day of class was an introduction to the art and technique of legal counseling as well as
the responsibilities of the lawyer as a counselor. Everybody was amazed how the the Book of Philemon
illustrates the importance of second chance, the equality of believers in Christ, and the power of the
gospel to transcend cultural and social boundaries, which basically reminds us of the Christ-centered
concepts of freedom, forgiveness, mercy and grace. In essence, a significant insight that I gained from
this book is the rich amount of biblical teachings on forgiveness and the concept of asking a favor in
behalf of somebody which really very vital in the context of legal counseling and social responsibility.

Moreover, the importance of using the Dunning Kruger Effect as a chart of conceptual model in
relation to the type of approach to consider in every individual’s personality is necessary in the study of
Legal Counseling by using the DISC profile test in determining personality traits. Meanwhile, the 1997
film “Rainmaker” which is based on the John Grisham novel, tells us the story of a rookie lawyer who
goes up against a corrupt insurance company that sold policies to poor people that they never intended
to honor. The movie gives us a wide range of ideas on how the life of an attorney is set to be introduced
in the different battlefield of problems in which he is bound to fulfill as part of his social responsibility.

On the other hand, the Speech of Justice Brion which emphasizes on the seriousness of on how
to improve the justice system of our country, the Philippines, on advocating on how to institutionalize
the rule of law in the country.

Furthermore, the lecture on leadership is a helpful means of promoting a good quality work of
an attorney to his community or circles of people (organization). Essentially, developing good skills and
abilities of being an effective leader is important in determining competencies that characterizes true
leadership.

Finally, as a CLEP Integrated curriculum, the subject is not only concentrated within the four
corners of the classroom, yet everyone is anticipated to carry their whole law school knowledge with
them and offer such during the time it is most needed especially when we are supposed to conduct
Legal Aid Program for the following chosen issues in the society, to wit: VAWC, Juvenile Delinquency,
Convicts doing community service, Drug users under Rehabilitation and Human trafficking. Successfully, I
was able to join and participate last Mach 10, 2023’s Legal Aid service at NOPA in Bais City wherein my
first time being with the team headed by Atty. Angel Paolo Villahermosa was a blend of anxiety and
excitement. Though, there was only a single client assisted during that time, we as a whole group was
challenged on how to act, talk about, explore on the method of legal advice and understand problem in
such given scenario.
 Now, to conclude this journal, I more than being happy being able to feel and see the worth of
the subject “Legal Counseling” in shaping my journey as an aspiring lawyer. Our goal is to explore and
understand the thoughts and feelings of others before we do the corresponding action of giving advice
and deciding on how to give solution out of the controversy. Let us be reminded that lawyers have a
particularly onerous and multi-dimensional role to fulfill. Be it noted that our society needs lawyers that
are able to handle their legal affairs, be it for free or for fee.