USC, UC law schools among country’s best

CEBU, Philippines - The University of the San Carlos College of Law and the University of Cebu College of Law have been recognized as among the best performing law schools in the country.

USC ranked fourth while UC placed seventh in the Top 10 performing schools recognized by the Legal Education Board (LEB).

The ranking is based on cumulative performance of law schools in the Bar examinations in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

USC has a passing average of 58 percent while UC has an average of 41.49 percent.

The University of the Philippines ranks first with a passing average of 73.71 percent followed by the Ateneo de Manila University Law School with an average of 67.55 percent. San Beda College-Manila ranked third with an average of 67.13 percent.

Ranking fifth is Ateneo de Davao University with 53.02 percent followed by University of Santo Tomas with 43.98 percent.

Placing eighth is San Beda College-Alabang 39.10 percent followed by Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and Xavier University in ninth and 10th places, respectively, with 35.80 percent and 32.20 percent.

USC Law Dean Joan Largo said USC’s achievement is proof that students from the Visayas and Mindanao need not go outside the region to get quality law education.

“The recognition that USC Law is the number 1 law school in Visayas and Mindanao and number 4 in the country highlights the mission of the University to provide the best legal education so aspirants won’t have to go elsewhere,” she said.

Largo said USC Law has been in the Top 10 since 2011. She said USC does not only aim for topnotchers but make all its graduates pass the bar.

“It’s an appreciation being recognized by the LEB,” she said.

Meanwhile, UC College of Law Dean Baldomero Eztenzo said the recognition is both an honor and a challenge.

“It is an honor and a challenge. An honor because it gave recognition to the efforts exerted by the students, faculty and staff of the UC College of Law and the full support of the administration. We are the youngest law school in Cebu and we already achieved milestones, which older law schools in the country still have to attain,” Eztenzo said.

“Surely, we will try our utmost best to do better,” he added.

The Supreme Court’s Office of the Bar Confidant has certified the ranking. — Mylen P. Manto/JMO (FREEMAN)