Law and behold the new lawyers

Ever considered staying in college and burying your nose in books and more books for eight to nine years? Well, these law graduates, who just passed the bar, didn’t have second thoughts about staying longer in school and burning the proverbial midnight oil in pursuit of a dream: To become an attorney at law. Meet some of our new lawyers: Michael Camiña, Lalaine Gonzales, NR Joaquin, Mark Marquez, and May-Ann Lozada. Beyond the shadow of a doubt, these newly sworn-in lawyers would look good in their power suits but then, of course, they’re more concerned about how they’d tackle their lawsuits. So silence in the court and let’s listen to our new lawyers.

Why did you take up law?

Michael Camina: My dad wanted me to take up MBA while I was helping out in the family business, but then there were already a lot of people taking up MBA so I told him I’d rather go into law. Then, when I was in first year high school, I had a religion teacher who was studying law. I liked his air of confidence, how he was always on top of things.

Lalaine Gonzales: My father is a lawyer and because I’m a daddy’s girl, I decided that the best way to flatter him was to be like him. He’s not only flattered, he’s proud of me, too.

NR Joaquin: My father is a lawyer and I grew up wanting to be like him. When I told him I was going to take up law, tuwang-tuwa sya. But before I could enter my second year in law school, he died. I went on a one-year leave to be with my mom and act as the padre de familia. That made me even more determined to be a lawyer.

Mark Marquez: My father is a lawyer. And I’ve always felt that lawyers are in a class of their own. They have a distinct way of relating to others. You’d be able to spot a lawyer a mile away.

May-Ann Lozada: I was inspired by my parents. A lot of people go to them for help and I figured I’d rather be the one helping than the one asking for help.

Having just passed the bar, are you ready to take on your first case?

Michael: I can’t wait to practice what I’ve learned. I think I know the law enough to put it to good use. Of course, the real practice of law would still be different. I know there are still a lot of things I don’t know. But then, it’s only through experience that I’d learn.

Lalaine: Not quite as ready as I thought. There’s a whole new learning curve when you start to practice and right now, I’m still at the bottom of that curve. The learning process never stops.

NR: Law school has prepared me to become a lawyer, but the practice of law is different. There are a lot of factors to consider.

Mark: I’m eager to try. However, I believe that experience is the best teacher. There are a lot more things I need to learn in law practice before I could consider myself ready.

May-ann: There’s a lot of difference, really, between what we learn in the classroom and how it is in real life. I guess if there’s something I’m ready for, it is to learn some more.

What makes a good lawyer?

Michael: A lawyer should have courage and not be afraid. He has to speak and write well to be able to get his point across to the judge. He has to know the legal basis for his case and apply it to the actual facts of the case. He has to be analytical and logical.

Lalaine: A good lawyer is one who advocates for his client’s cause in the best way he knows how without compromising his moral standards along the way.

NR: He’s one who’s steadfast in his beliefs.

Mark: Knowing the law and being able to use it properly.

May-ann: More than intelligence, it’s hard work and creativity.

Do you think there’s a thin line between being a lawyer and being a liar?

Michael: Being a lawyer should never mean that one is a liar. But I believe it does happen that lawyers sometimes lie just to win their case, but that is not lawyering at all! A case will always have a proper and legal basis. It’s just a matter of finding the right law and jurisprudence. A lawyer should not invent. If he lies to win a case, he is not a good lawyer. Actually, he shouldn’t be a lawyer at all.

Lalaine: I don’t think there is. When a lawyer fights for his cause, he has to have some legal basis to back him up. The problem with the law is that it’s not always black and white. These gray areas are subject to various interpretations which a lawyer can use to benefit his cause. But it is not outright lying or stretching the truth. That is what advocacy is all about.

NR: It’s sad that there are a lot of lawyer jokes going around kaya ganyan ang tingin ng ibang tao sa lawyers.

Mark: No. I would like to believe that a lawyer uses the law to achieve a legitimate and lawful objective. On the other hand, what do liars seek to achieve?

May-ann: Not really. No self-respecting lawyer would resort to lying.

Which law series character on TV do you most identify with?

Michael: I want to be on the prosecution side of things, most law characters on air now focus on the defense. I guess Helen Gamble would be best then ... but then she is a girl. Anyway, I think she could represent me because she wants criminals punished. She does go overboard though, something I don’t like in her character. She should still uphold the law in trying to convict criminals.

Lalaine: Ally McBeal because she has too many thoughts running through her head, she’s turning into a real nut case.

Mark: None. Law TV series characters and scenes are too dramatic. It’s very different from actual practice.

May-ann: I guess Lindsay of The Practice. She doesn’t look too fierce or intimidating.

What is your work ethic?

Michael: I will definitely live a balanced life. I understand that there are deadlines and one has to meet them, but proper time management can help ensure that these are all met. I don’t believe in doing overtime work, at least not every day. I do want to have a life outside my law practice. I hope I’d be able to find a law firm that shares my belief.

Lalaine: There’s a framed statement in the library of the firm where I work, which was posted by a partner, and it goes: "Pray not for a lighter burden but for a stronger back." The first time I read it, I laughed. Now, it has become my mantra at work.

Mark: To understand the law the way it should be understood, and to apply it the way it should be applied. Not all the lawyers who know the law use it properly.

NR: The law is a profession and not a business.

May-ann: Always be prepared, put in hard work, address the client’s needs as best you can.

What one recent popular case would you have wanted to handle?

Michael: I guess it would have to do with either the Marcos or Estrada cases ...

Lalaine: Probably the impeachment — it would have been a great feeling to be in the midst of the action, with the entire country watching you.

NR: The Meralco case regarding the collection of the PPA.

What is your ultimate fulfillment as a lawyer?

Michael: To be able to prosecute big-time crooks to really show people that crime does not pay.

Lalaine: As corny as it may sound, I think the ultimate fulfillment is to be able to use your profession to serve others in the best way you know how; using your talent and knowledge for the greater good. I think it applies to all professions.

Mark: Like most lawyers, I dream of starting my own law firm.

NR: The ultimate fulfillment for me would be helping others resolve their legal problems. Helping those who have no money and proving that justice works in this country.

May-ann: It’s knowing that you’ve helped someone sleep better. Also, I’m surrounded by absolutely brilliant people, and I’d like to be able to gain their respect.

What advice can you give to those considering a career in law?

Michael: Study every day. There is no room for cramming in law. It may help you in an exam but it won’t do at all for the bar. Everything you learned during your four-five years of law school may be asked in the bar exam. You shouldn’t study for the bar only after graduation. Every day in law school is a preparation for the bar.

Lalaine: Make sure that it’s what you really want to do and when you’re sure, prepare yourself for some serious studying. But also, don’t forget to have fun and lead a balanced life because it helps a lot. Finally, you should set your priorities straight and not think of law school as the be all and end all of life. Maybe I should take my own advice!

Mark: It’s a commitment. Just try to adjust to the pressure and workload the best and fastest way you can. A law professor once told us that if by 1st year 2nd semester in law school you’re still not adjusted to the demands of law school, there’s no way you would survive the remaining two years, much less the bar.

NR: You should have the patience, focus, perseverance and determination not only to finish law school but also to eventually pass the bar exam and be a lawyer. And although you must be serious, you must also learn to relax. And last but not the least, pray.

May-ann: You have to want it really badly to last the four gruelling years. If you can honestly say that you do, then go for it! Live life, be observant (it helps to know what goes on around you).

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E-mail me at: ice_wave_42@yahoo.com