PLM LAW

FRESHMEN
PRIMER
ARE YOU SURE?

IN COLLABORATION WITH
 "
The first thing we do,
let's kill all the
lawyers.

-
Dick the Butcher in Shakespeare’s ''Henry VI,"
Part II, Act IV, Scene II, Line 73
 PRIMER
CONTENTS
1. YOUR NEW LIFE AS A LAW SCHOOL FRESHMAN

2. PLM JD CURRICULUM

3. YOUR LAW SCHOOL COURSES

4. LAW SCHOOL CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE

5. BECOMING A BEADLE

6. HOW TO READ A CASE & MAKE DIGESTS

7. HOW TO ACE YOUR RECITATIONS

8. HOW TO ACE YOUR EXAMS

9. LAW STUDENT’S LIFELINES

PLM COLLEGE OF LAW FRESHMAN PRIMER

ACCEPT, ADJUST, ADAPT:
Triple As To Welcome Your New Life
As A Law School Freshman
by Ania Lorraine Wu, PLM Law Gazette Editor-in-Chief

Law school is a battlefield like no other (ever wondered why the term ceasefire is not only celebrated by
soldiers but by law students as well? You will know soon enough). As soon as you have completed your
classes for the first week, you will be immediately greeted by a rigorous reading load, a seemingly
foreign language of the law (albeit the words composing it are English), and the very dear and close to
our hearts: Socratic method of instruction.

If you have ever prided yourself on being a dedicated bookworm, entering law school will undoubtedly
challenge your perception of what it means to truly engage with reading material. The stacks of cases,
statutes, regulations, annotated books, and legal commentaries that fill your reading list might leave
you staggering. As you navigate the tangle of legal texts, your analytical prowess will be put to the test
like never before.

Law school doesn't just transform you into a reader; it molds you into a critical thinker, training you to
dissect and comprehend intricate legal concepts. So, if you thought your bookish tendencies were
unparalleled, brace yourself – the intellectually stimulating pages of law school are about to redefine
your relationship with the written word.

Then after hurdling the mounds of readings, at the heart of the law school experience lies the
formidable Socratic Method. The Socratic Method demands quick thinking, effective communication,
and the ability to defend one's ideas under pressure. While it may initially evoke anxiety, it ultimately
cultivates the very skills that define successful legal practitioners: the capacity to dissect complex
issues, formulate cogent arguments, and engage in rigorous debate. Through the Socratic Method, law
students not only gain an intricate understanding of legal doctrines but also refine their ability to
articulate, persuade, and navigate the intricacies of the law with confidence.

Accepting change is an inevitable and transformative aspect of the law school journey. As you step
into this dynamic environment, be prepared to recalibrate your study habits, adapt to new modes of
learning, and evolve as a critical thinker. Law school challenges you to embrace the unfamiliar – from
the intricate concepts you encounter in case readings to the rigorous demands of the Socratic Method.
It's about refining your time management skills to
In law school, growth is the constant
tackle the substantial reading load and honing your
companion, remember that you are
ability to decipher legal jargon. More significantly, it
embarking on a transformative journey
entails a mental shift, where you welcome challenges
that goes beyond academics. Seize every
as opportunities for growth rather than as
opportunity to adjust, collaborate, and
hindrances. By embracing change as an integral part
thrive. Law school is an experience like no
of your law school experience, you'll not only thrive
other and with that:
academically but also cultivate the adaptability that's
essential for success in the dynamic world of law.

Accepting change means

recognizing that growth often
arises from stepping out of
your comfort zone.
Make use of this time as a freshman to adjust your
time management strategies, engage in collaborative
study groups, and utilize the resources available to
you. Remember that it's okay to seek help when
needed and to prioritize self-care amidst the academic
intensity. As you adjust to the unique rhythm of law “Welcome to the real word! It
school, you will not only develop the skills essential for sucks. You’re gonna love it!”
a successful legal career but you will also discover -Monica Geller
newfound strengths within yourself that will serve you
well in the legal profession and beyond.

Lastly, adapting doesn't just mean conforming; it's
about honing your ability to learn effectively in a
competitive and fast-paced atmosphere. This is the
arena wherein the quote, “Study smart, not hard” can
be of great help. It's discovering how you will be able
to absorb intricate legal concepts, adapt your study
techniques accordingly, to suit different subjects, and
the different approaches of the professors that you
will meet.
Adapting isn't a one-time adjustment but a
continuous process of refining your style,
embracing feedback, and growing both
academically and personally. Ultimately, your
capacity to adapt will be a good determinant of not
only your success in law school but also your
readiness to thrive in the ever-evolving and multi-
faceted legal profession.
PLM JURIS DOCTOR DEGREE

CURRICULUM
FIRST YEAR SECOND YEAR

THIRD YEAR FOURTH YEAR

Summer: Clinical Legal Education Program 2 (2 units)

T O T AL UNITS = 1 6 8 U N I T S
 A QUICK ROADMAP
An Overview of your Law School Courses
by College of Law Student Council

“Congratulations!”
“Attorneyyy!”
“I’m proud of youuu!”

These are just common phrases we would hear from our

friends, and family upon knowing that we would be
entering law school. Suffice it to say that these
congratulatory phrases would be our source of strength
as we start our long journey towards our dream of
becoming a lawyer.

Having the eligibility to enter law school is indeed a great

achievement, but little did we know that a long and bumpy
road awaits us. As we thrive for the four letters before our
name, we, of course, need to endure four years of fulfilling
academic processes. Some of you may be curious on how,
why, and what are the subjects you are about to engage
with, for the next years of your lives and, by just barely
looking into the curriculum, you would ask yourselves if
you really can make it to the end - 168 units for the “dot”
that we are all claiming for…
Well, these worries, fears, and doubts are normal. As
days go by, you just need to cope up and face the fact that
your life would be a big different from what it was, prior to
this. For your first year in PLM College of Law, an
“Introduction to Law” subject would help you navigate
and plan your next steps. Here, you’ll get to experience the
actual set-up of recitation in law school like you see and
watch in movies. You’ll get to see how your professor
conducts a recitation which might surprise you as you
would actually compare it to the recitation back when you
were in college. Introduction to Law, as the subject
implies, would serve as your blueprint on how to study
and conquer law school. You will be assigned cases to
read where you will identify basic doctrines in Philippine
Laws. You will be introduced with the structure of cases,
and you’ll learn to identify or spot issue/s of the case and
how the Court solves one.
The first year subjects comprise the fundamental subjects
that we need in our entire law school journey. The
curriculum is not only focused on legal subjects as we
expect like criminal law, and civil law but, it is also
structured to help students apply the provisions of laws
and jurisprudence in the actual setting.
Subjects like legal research and legal writing will
expose students with the legal documents like
pleadings, contracts, affidavits, and such. These
subjects will help you adjust with the legal
terminologies as you would be dealing with various
sources of legal information.
Like any other programs, we also have a subject that
will help us directly apply and practice what we
learned in the four corners of our classroom. For
your higher year, you will be engaged with the
subject “Clinical Legal Education Program” or
CLEP.
There are subjects with higher number of units but
that does not mean that we are to disregard lower
units. There are also subjects wherein we can’t take if
we did not pass the requisite for that subject. This
means that we really need to look closely at our
curriculum so that there is no subject that will be left
behind.
All the subjects that we are to about to study will lead
and prepare us for the bar examinations. Currently
the bar examination subjects are composed of
Political and Public International Law, Commercial
and Taxation Laws, Civil Law, Labor Law and Social
Legislation, Criminal Law, Remedial Law, Legal and
Judicial Ethics with Practical Exercises. May we all
pass the subjects and get that dot.
Goodluck, freshie!
NAVIGATING LAW SCHOOL WITH WIT AND GRACE

THE ART OF CLASSROOM

ETIQUETTE
by Claudine Chelsea T. Faylogna, CLSC President

You must have been excited, elated, and anxious all at once – or in Taylor Swift’s words, “wonderstruck,”
when you saw your name on the list of PLM Law freshmen qualifiers. But what’s next?

Amidst the sea of chaos and caffeine, you'll discover the true test of character. Law school is a
breeding ground for potential social mishaps, tongue-tied moments, and unintentional comedic
brilliance. As freshmen, maintaining classroom etiquette can become a Herculean task, especially
when technology and the quirks of virtual learning come into play. So, grab your gavel, dust off your
wit, and let us navigate what are the do’s and don’ts in the classroom – whether face-to-face or virtual.

DO: Dress to impress, or at least DON’T: Become the "Raise-Handy

to confuse. Guru."
We've all heard that first impressions matter, While participation is
but in law school, you have the unique encouraged, be cautious
opportunity to exercise your creativity when it not to morph into the
comes to attire, so long as you follow the notorious "raise-handy
University Dress Code. It is a must that as guru," especially when
future lawyers, we dress as though we are someone is reciting. Not
court-ready. Women can have Rachel Zane of all professors appreciate
Suits (If you haven’t watched this yet, my dear, volunteers – you might
add this to your list now and deal with it during end up being on deck
Christmas break!) for inspo, while men can during the whole period!
channel their inner Harvey Specter. If you wish Can you imagine reciting
to dress down a little bit and have a more for three grueling hours? I
weather-friendly outfit, you may opt to remove wouldn’t dare.
the coat.
Wait for the perfect time when raising your
hand, like when the professor calls for a
volunteer, or when the table is already open for
For online classes, it’s a must to look questions. It’s also one way of showing respect
composed and professional from the to your fellow classmates, whether they are
waist up, although we know that the doing well in their own recitation or they’re
charming secret lies beneath, where having a challenging time.
pajama pants and slippers mingle with
the polished facade. The art of When it’s your turn, look straight at your
maintaining an illusion is mastered professor (for onsite) or the camera (for online),
through a well-placed camera angle, unless you’re asked to do an episode of
allowing students to effortlessly flip off Birdbox (You’ll know what I mean when you
professionalism at a moment's notice. finally get to it.) as the professors make sure
Just make sure you do not stand up that you’re not looking at anything to get away
and untimely reveal your silky with your recitation.
pajamas!
 NAVIGATING LAW SCHOOL WITH WIT AND GRACE
THE ART OF CLASSROOM
ETIQUETTE
by Claudine Chelsea T. Faylogna, CLSC President
DO: Ensure you’re on “mute”
unless you’re called.
Blaring music, heated arguments, or even
bathroom breaks – these are things best
enjoyed in the privacy of your own room. When
you forget your microphone is on and
inadvertently serenade your class with your
shower performance, it becomes a moment
etched in virtual infamy. Make sure to double-
check that mute button, folks!
DON’T: Make "Me, Myself, and I"
your classroom adage.
We’re back to the face-to-face setting, thanks to
our scientists who worked really hard to
provide us with COVID vaccines. Hence, you can
now interact with their classmates and
experience striking up a conversation with that
cute guy you’ve been eyeing since enrollment.
(Oops!)
Law school can sometimes feel like a marathon
of intellectual prowess. However, it's essential
to remember that the person you share a seat
with might become your future law partner,
employer, or even spouse (Yee-haw!).
So, ditch the elitist tendencies, open up to
your peers, and embrace the power of
networking while also enjoying some much-
needed socializing.
Law school may be known for its
rigorous curriculum and high-achieving
students, but it is also a place where
laughter and camaraderie flourish
amidst the serious pursuit of knowledge.
DO: Choose a good virtual
backdrop.
This is applicable to virtual classrooms. Not all
backgrounds are “instragramable,” so maximize
the use of virtual backdrops. Whether it's a
picturesque library, a bustling coffee shop, or
the dreamy halls of Hogwarts, virtual
backgrounds help law students escape the
confines of their surroundings. However,
beware of the accidental green-screen havoc,
where an unintentional wardrobe malfunction
turns a routine lecture into a whimsical fashion
show.
DON’T: Outlaw snack serenades.
We all know that law school demands an
indecent amount of snacks to keep our energy
levels soaring, but please, spare your fellow
students from the songs of your chewing
symphony. A classroom full of lip-smacking,
crinkling chip bags, and crumb-laden desks is
already chaotic enough. Besides, nobody wants
to be on the receiving end of the professor's
glare due to your snack culprit status.
Further, if you’re in the virtual classroom, you
wouldn’t want to catch anybody’s attention
while you pose for a “mukbang” on their
screens. While some professors allow students
to eat snacks during class, make sure that you
do not distract your classmates or professors.
As much as we stick to this no-brainer classroom
etiquette, we may still slip from time to time, but
in one way or another, we can just laugh it off.
Embracing the humorous side of virtual
classrooms and onsite lectures can serve as a
much-needed reminder that even future lawyers
have amusing moments. After all, a good sense of
humor is invaluable in a profession where every
future courtroom could use a sprinkle of levity.
BECOMING A BEADLE:
YOUR GUIDE TO EMBRACING
THE ROLE WITH A SMILE
by College of Law Student Council

Are you ready to add a dash of charm, a sprinkle of tradition, and a whole lot of heart to your
community or organization? Look no further! We are here to guide you on the delightful journey of
becoming a beadle. Do not worry, it is easier than you think – and it comes with a sense of pride
and purpose that is simply unmatched.

A CURIOUS MIND
First things first, channel your inner explorer. Grab a
01 magnifying glass, well, metaphorically, and embark on a
journey of discovery. Dive into the rich tapestry of your
community or organization's history, traditions, and values. The
more you know, the better you can embrace the beadle's role.

THE SPARKLE IN YOUR EYE

Express your interest in becoming a beadle with a sparkle in

02 your eye that says, "I'm ready to shine!" Whether it's a formal
application or a friendly chat over coffee, let your enthusiasm
be your guide. After all, who can resist someone excited to step
up and make a difference?

A DASH OF QUALIFICATIONS
While there might not be a need for a degree in “beadology”
(yes, we just made that up), having some qualifications that
03 align with the role can be a great bonus. Good organizational
skills, a friendly demeanor, and a willingness to lend a hand are
like the seasoning that brings out the best flavors in your
beadle dish.

BLEND AND CONNECT

In the world of beadles, networking is not just about
handshakes and business cards. Attend meetings, events, and
04 social gatherings within your community or organization. Get
to know your classmates, their stories, and what makes them
tick. It is like mixing ingredients to create a delicious recipe of
camaraderie.
BECOMING A BEADLE:
YOUR GUIDE TO EMBRACING
THE ROLE WITH A SMILE
by College of Law Student Council

EMBRACE YOUR INNER SHOWSTOPPER

05 Public speaking, organization, and a dash of flair – these are

your tools to steal the show when it is time to shine. Channel
your inner showstopper as you lead ceremonies, guide events,
and charm your way through the beadle's spotlight moments.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES MAGIC
Becoming a beadle is not all about the spotlight. Sometimes, it
06 is the behind-the-scenes magic that truly makes the difference.
Be ready to lend a helping hand, organize events with finesse,
and sprinkle your positive energy wherever it's needed most.

WEAR YOUR BADGE PROUDLY

Congratulations, you have earned your beadle badge! Wear it
07 proudly, not just as an accessory, but as a symbol of your
commitment to your community or organization. Keep
learning, keep growing, and keep spreading that beadle magic
wherever you go.

So there you have it, the recipe for becoming a beadle: a dash of curiosity, a
sprinkle of qualifications, a dollop of enthusiasm, and a whole lot of heart.
Now go forth, embrace the role with a smile, and let your beadle journey be as
vibrant as the confetti at a celebration!

BEADLE 101
HARIBON TIPS
HOW TO READ A CASE AND
MAKE CASE DIGESTS
by Jamie Castillo, Haribon Senior Member

First day of classes are around the corner. More often than not, law
students look forward to the first day of class. We’re not excited for
the semester to start, but we’re excited for the illusion of an
extended vacation. Mostly, first day of classes are only for short
periods of time where we listen to introductions and house rules,
and receive our holy grail - the course syllabus. Topics are provided
for in the syllabus which will guide us on how to navigate the
semester with the load of cases.

Case briefs or digests are just

the imdb/rotten tomatoes
plot summary of a case.

As law students, we live for the tea! That’s why we’re called professional tattlers. However,
our teas are most of the time, cases. It will be inevitable that we are to be assigned a
discursive case. Honestly, there are times in which I just skim my way through it. As the gen
z say, bawi na lang ako sa next life. These cases would seem not to follow the principle of
short, sweet, and simple in writing. So you just need to hustle through it.

When professors tell you to read the full text and not just the digests, it’s not because
they’re torturing you (well, maybe, idk) but because there are digests similar to some
Wikipedia pages which are unreliable, non-sensical, and utterly imaginative in details. So
rather than relying on those sites, create your own. Create a digest which fits your needs
and preferences. As such, the few things I suggest you consider when making digests would
be to follow the facts-issue-ruling-doctrine format.
 The Facts.
As we live for the tea, it should have a name. A chismis-worthy case will have a great trigger word/phrase
to remind you of the facts/details. [E.g. Bayanihan Torch [People v. Pugay, G.R. No. L-74324, November 17,
1988]] Be mindful of the names or the characters. There may be cases in which it will confuse you on who
did what and who did which. Confusing the characters will confuse you during the recit proper (been
there, done that). Also, it is better to take note of the procedures per court-level. It is understandable
that you may not know how the courts are categorized but a tip for that – new court-level/category, new
procedures and/or facts.

The Issue.
It’s what makes the tea, “tea”. Don’t be lost when cases have more than one issue. After the
roundabout of facts and procedures, it is in my honest opinion to skim over some of it and
consolidate those after completing the focus issue or that which is related to the assigned topic.
There are ponencias which discuss the issue[s] in depth; we thank the heavens for their existence.
However, there are those, whom are five times as needy – the issue is not laid out on its face,
literally between the lines, and makes a roundabout of facts, procedures, and issues like a circus.

The Ruling[s].
We just don’t live for the tea, but also for its relevance. It is how the law was applied or in our analogy,
how the tea came about. The professors do not assign cases on a whim, but after extensive reading and
reviewing how it relates to the topics. Thus, armed with the facts, the spotted issue and provisions, you
lay down the shortened discussion of how the gods and goddesses of Faura came down to a conclusion.
There may be times when a professor wants the opinion of those who concurred and dissented; what
out for those in the syllabus.

The Doctrine[s].
Now, we don’t come across the tea without the hype. Doctrines are those which sustain this hype. These
doctrines may be the provisions of the law or legal principles upon which the ruling is based. I had made
some digests which does not take out ALL the doctrines in the case, only to regret it later when there is a
need to refer to these cases. You would then read the digest for the facts then the full text for the *new*
doctrine. You’re already summarizing it, then put most of it already – but put it at the latter part, after
the topic initially assigned.

But let’s be honest here, we can’t do it all - we can’t do it all alone. The greatest thing I want you to consider in
reading cases or making case briefs is the synergy between you and your study group (or your group of friends in
every block you get assigned to). Be a full-time student or a part-time working student, there will be days that your
energy will be down the hole. Trust in your friends, trust in yourself. Trust that the digests they share and the digest
you provide will make you survive the night, with just that. However, when things get rough, there are *magical* sites
which provide a wide selection of recit-tested and law student-guaranteed case briefs. [Clues: mlgwz; scd]

There is no hard and fast rule how to make digests - there is no perfect template, no perfect digest, and no perfect recit
days. You just got to find what fits you (and your friends) like a glove. I saw misunderstandings due to that, but at
the end of the day, what makes you comfortable and feel prepared is the best template, best digest, and best recit day.

So don’t be daunted. It’s just a romanticized plot discussion of a case.

HARIBON TIPS
HOW TO ACE YOUR
RECITATIONS
by Reiner Alvin Paglicawan, Haribon Member

If there is one thing that distinguishes law from other disciplines, at least in the Philippines, it
would have to be the dreaded Socratic method, also known as #recits. Many would even
agree that your law school journey will not be complete without getting roasted by your
professors — unless any lawyer would claim to have recited correctly every case or legal
provision he or she had ever been asked before kissing law school goodbye.

While passing the Bar exams is the ultimate goal, acing recits will be your everyday priority.
Good recits are a litmus test of your grasp of the law and jurisprudence. It represents, in fact,
a significant portion of your grade. For there are cases where you will be asked only once
throughout the semester, it can either make or break you. And in case you have no idea how
you fared on your midterm exam, your goal is not merely to survive recits but to ace them.

As much as I would like to provide an unadulterated guide on how to ace your recitations, you
will, along the way, learn to devise your own strategy, a systematic one at that, that will work for
you. But here's my list:

READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE CASE

(or ask your block to make a case digest pool!)

Relying on case digests is probably one of the riskiest things I have ever done in law school so
far. While I may sometimes have survived my recits after having only read the case digests I
found online, the same has not always been the case.

I remember being roasted by Dean Duka during our Labor Relations class for not being able
to recite a case correctly and completely and being told to read better next time.
HARIBON TIPS

HOW TO ACE YOUR

RECITATIONS

Good recits are a litmus

test of your grasp of the
law and jurisprudence.

Dean Duka's words really knocked the stuffing out of me too hard that I decided to skip
his class the following week.

Juggling law school with work at a U.S. law firm, I find reading every assigned case in full
text difficult, if not impossible to do. Thus, I have found to be helpful our block's case
digest pool in which each of us in the block is assigned a case or two to summarize and
write on Google Sheets.

Digest pool is efficient and can come in handy, especially when you find yourself at the
end of your rope. However, it's not always 100% reliable because there will always be at
least one student in your block who will fail to make a decent case digest one way or
another.

Rely on your block's digest pool only when you have not read the case in full text.

FOCUS ON THE QUESTION AND RESPOND ACCORDINGLY

Many mistake recits for being a mere test of memory. While there is so much to say about
a particular provision of the law or case doctrine, leave it to the authors of your annotated
law books. Your job is not to say everything you know about the law. Rather, it is to simply
respond to the question your professor asks you.

In defining a term or concept, briefly state the definition under the law or according to
jurisprudence. Do not be tempted to mention and explain a similar term or concept unless
you are asked to distinguish them.
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If you are asked to distinguish between two or more concepts, on the other hand, do not
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simply state their definitions. Instead, differentiate and contrast them. For example, in
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order to distinguish crimes such as robbery and theft, you may begin by stating the
categories under which they differ such as "subject," "object," and "mode" among others.
When it comes to reciting cases, however, you should always refer to your class syllabus.
Specifically, you should focus on the aspects of the case which are relevant to the topic
according to the syllabus.

Knowing which subject the case is assigned for and which topic it falls under should be
your first order of business before you even start reading the case. Otherwise, you might
find yourself discussing too much about "petition for certiorari" or "writ of mandamus" in
your Statutory Construction class. Believe me, your professor won't care even if you
pronounced the word "certiorari" correctly.

DO NOT ADD FACTS INTO THE QUESTION

Some professors like giving hypothetical scenarios to test how you will be able to apply
the law to it. This method arguably measures whether you have actually learned the law
because, as opposed to case recitation in which an actual case was assigned prior to class,
it will be your first time to hear about these scenarios during your recit. Professors
sometimes ask trick questions, so it is important for you to be able to spot the issue and
articulate your answer as if you were an actual lawyer solving a real-life legal problem.

Some students tend to add facts into the question, thinking it can help them navigate the
problem and make them appear like they mastered the problem. On the contrary, it might
actually give the professor an impression that they really do not understand the question
to begin with. Just stick to the facts mentioned and apply the law that you know will
resolve the issue posed in the question. #NoExtra

KNOW YOUR PROFESSOR'S PREFERENCE OF ANSWERING

It goes without saying that your professors will have their own ways of grilling you under
pressure.

Many prefer specific and straightforward answers, but there are also those who will ask
you to explain a concept or a case doctrine as extensively as if you were presenting an
oral argument before the Supreme Court. Personally, I find these types of professors the
terror ones because they leave no stone unturned in squeezing answers out of you.
For example, some professors are not satisfied with the facts, the issue, and the Court's
ruling only. Sometimes, they would delve into the minutiae — from the procedural aspects
of a case, such as how the trial court rendered its decision or why the appellate court
reversed the same to more substantive ones such as the jurisprudential history of a
concept or a doctrine mentioned in the case.

I will never forget how our Constitutional Law I professor criticized my classmate for not
being able to define and discuss the history of the Judiciary Development Fund (JDF). We
were all surprised because it was barely even mentioned in the case he was reciting.
Lesson learned: try to get a grasp of unfamiliar terms and concepts you may come across
while reading a case. You never know if your professor made a thesis out of it.
I would advise to ask your seniors any #intel about how a certain professor conducts his
or her recitation. In my case, I always reach out to my fellow debaters from PLM MADS for
tips before my classes start. Believe me, their intel will guide you throughout the
semester.
 DO NOT TRY TO OVERIMPRESS YOUR PROFESSORS
It is sometimes tempting for law students, especially 1L, to speak polysyllabic gibberish
during recits. Who wouldn't find you smart if you mentioned "jure gestionis," or "jure
imperii" in front of the class, right? How about mentioning the "doctrine of statistical
improbability" to your Elections Law professor?

Many do this thinking they would impress their professors. They could — but only if the
terms and doctrines they use are actually applicable to the question being asked and if
they are able to recite them with ease. And if not, know that some professors would like
to tease those "pa-bida" in class. Simple rule: know when to shut your mouth.
#GuiltyMe

Indeed, recits are the bricks and mortar of the legal education in the Philippines, and for a good, practical
reason. The legal profession exacts good, if not excellent oral communication skills — before an attorney
gets retained to handle his client's case, during their discussion of the case strategy, and once the attorney
presents the same before the court, in case of those involved in litigation, or at any other instance where an
attorney is required to articulate the law.

FINAL NOTE

Suffice it to say, recits can frighten the hell out of you at times. But it is through
recits that you witness practitioners and students alike living and breathing the
law. You see not only reason but also passion. After all, law students are not
supposed to be taught to become legal automatons which will spew legal
knowledge as if it were mere particles, but rather legal masters who will speak
for those who cannot and will use their voice for justice.
 "
Law students are not
supposed to be taught
to become legal
automatons which will
spew legal knowledge as
if it were mere particles,
but rather legal masters
who will speak for those
who cannot and will use
their voice for justice.

-
Reiner Alvin Paglicawan
 HARIBON TIPS
HOW TO ACE YOUR
EXAMINATIONS
by Marion Dela Cruz, Haribon Member

Your value as a person is not determined by your

performance on this exam or any other exam, your
performance in law school nor the bar exam. Your
value is inherent and inviolate and nothing can take it
away from you." - Professor Shelley Cavalieri.

01 PREPARE
In any exam, giving yourself ample time to review and grasp the lessons and, if
practicable, to study in advance is vital.

You may start by creating a study schedule that suits your style and stick to it. Break
your study sessions into practicable chunks, and take short breaks to keep your brain
fresh.

Remember to cover all the essential topics, especially areas where your professor has
given emphasis. More often than not, you will be asked about those. Also, ensure the
materials/resources you need be accessible while reviewing come in handy. These may
include but are not limited to codals, digests, reviewers, and bar questions and answers.

To sum up, nothing beats preparation, and there are many ways to prepare for an
exam, but always stick with the one that works best for you, as it boosts your
confidence and reduces those pre-exam jitters.
 HARIBON TIPS

HOW TO ACE YOUR

EXAMINATIONS

02 03 BE RESPONSIVE AND
HAVE A STRUCTURED
APPROACH WHEN ANSWERING PRECISE.
EXAM QUESTIONS.
In situations where you have your exam Along with being methodical, answering
in front of you and the time is limited, questions responsively and precisely is
having a clear structure for your answers crucial. A clear and well-structured
can be a real lifesaver! It is a practice response demonstrates your
that can significantly impact your score. understanding and makes it easier for
the professor to give points/grades.
Before answering, read each question,
organize your thoughts, and follow a Avoid veering off-topic or providing or
structured method for a more coherent adding unnecessary facts; your answer
and logical answer. The simple yet should be concise yet comprehensive,
efficient method of answering exam exhibiting your knowledge and
questions is following the ALAC understanding of the subject matter.
(Answer-Law-Application-Conclusion)
method. This will help you stay on the In most law school examinations, a
right lane and avoid being derailed and simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ answer will not
off-tracked. reward you with any points, so backing it
up with relevant laws and/or
jurisprudence and its clear-cut
application in the case at hand would

04 MANAGE YOUR TIME

WELL. help you big time.

Time is of the essence in exams, and you

don't want it slipping away faster than a
blink of an eye. Once you start your
exam, reading the question first saves Acing your tests is within your
you tons of time, letting you focus on the
pertinent facts you need to tackle the control! Just keep in mind to
question/case.
plan ahead, organize your
A good strategy is to allocate time for
each question based on given
responses well, stick to the point,
points/percentage and complexity and and use your time efficiently.
spend more time and energy answering
questions with higher weight and

Good
questions you feel more confident about.
But if you find yourself struggling with a
particular question, move on to the next
one and return to it later; it is better to
have a shot at every question than leave
some unanswered. Luc k!
 AND FINALLY...

YOUR LAW SCHOOL LIFELINES

by Ania Lorraine Wu, PLM Law Gazette Editor-in-Chief

Stress becomes an almost inevitable companion throughout the journey of law

school, as the demanding workload, intricate concepts, and high expectations
converge. However, the silver lining lies in recognizing that this stress can be
effectively managed and mitigated. Managing law school stress requires a
combination of practical strategies, mindfulness techniques, and proactive self-
care. Here are some support systems and coping strategies that might help you
survive the crucial years of law school.

Law school is a sui generis environment, and the only people who can truly
understand your experiences are those that are living it with you. Thus, building a
good and dependable social circle in law school is crucial in helping you survive
the most challenging moments that are bound to come. It is within these
interactions that you'll find a safe space to discuss challenges, exchange study
techniques, and celebrate triumphs.

You are all actively pursuing the same dream and the roll of attorneys does not
have a last page for which you have to clamor for a slot, hence toxic
competitiveness among yourselves should not be tolerated. Instead, camaraderie,
fellowship, and compassion for your fellow students should be exercised at all
times because the bonds that you create during the trying times are the same
bonds that will transcend beyond the walls of law school.

As for coping strategies, it might seem that law school is all you can think about
but you must remember that before you were a law student, you were a son, a
daughter, a friend, a lover, a gamer, a traveler… a person; and in the whirlwind of
law school, it's easy to become ensnared by the demanding workload. The pursuit
of legal knowledge is undoubtedly significant, but it should not overshadow the
importance of nurturing other facets of your identity. As the pages consume your
days, don't let them eclipse the chapters of your life that define you beyond the
legal realm. Engaging in activities that fuel your passions, spending time with
loved ones, and embracing hobbies that bring you joy are essential for maintaining
a balanced and fulfilling existence.

Amidst the overwhelming demands, it's vital to maintain perspective. So, as you
navigate the maze of law school, remember that the mastery of stress
management and the cultivation of a balanced life are not just strategies – they're
pathways to a successful and fulfilling legal journey.
YOUR LAW SCHOOL LIFELINES
by HARIBON HONOR SOCIETY

R E G ISTER HERE

Law school is a sui generis environment,

and the only people who can truly
understand your experiences are those
that are living it with you.
 The PLM Law Haribon Honor Society is the premiere student
organization in the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila College of
Law composed of academically top-ranking students at the college. It
was founded in 2019 in order to foster and promote academic
excellence and ethical conduct in the legal profession. Since its
establishment, the society embraces the finest attributes of the legal
profession and emphasizes its importance especially in promoting
social justice and advancing law for the public interest.