We have heard how life in law school is difficult. No matter how difficult, we have reasons that motivate us to continue with the struggle. The reason builds up the motivation, consequently it is the same reason that fuels hard work.
Hard work does not mean study hard, rather study smart. Most law students could attest that reading tons of cases, thick books, codals, reviewers, and quick references are humanly impossible to do. Hence, study smart!
Studying smart includes examining the bias of your teachers. They are the first you need to hurdle before graduating and taking the most-awaited bar examinations. So, here are some of my life hacks in law school at St. Paul School of Professional Studies:
1. Criminal Law 1- Atty. Merin
He will require you to memorize Article 2 of the Revised Penal Code and recite it in class. He admires it when you exactly recite the same words as they were originally written. Likewise, he always asked the class to memorize Articles 11-15. Though we haven't recited them in class, it pays a lot to be prepared! Atty. Merin likes to repeat his previous lessons the following meeting. Such method helps you to identify the topics that require more focus in preparation for the major examinations.
2. Criminal Law 2- Atty. Moreno
Just prepare your pen and paper. Write everything that he says in class. 90% of the items in the examinations are discussed in class. He has a more creative, but nerve-racking style of recitation. Just imagine that fish bowl technique where we get to pick a piece of rolled paper for the question.
3. Constitutional Law 1- Atty. Modesto
Prepare to be intimidated. He applies the Socratic Method. Atty. Modesto usually gives assignment covering the topics for the next meeting. The items are hypothetical legal problems. From there, you read the chapters or the specific topics of the book that concern the given items of the assignment. I believe his strategy was very effective for me. In preparation for the examination, review the assigned cases and memorize the relevant excerpts of the decision pertaining to the political doctrine/principle.
4. Constitutional Law 2- Atty. Siosana
I had a complete opposite class experience in Consti 2. Atty. does all the lectures, except for the cases to recite in class. She's very considerate and approachable. Make it sure to memorize all the provisions of Article 3 in the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Lastly, never miss the announcement of pointers the meeting before the major examinations.
5. Obligations and Contracts - Atty. Lopez
The subject itself is complicated but the discussions look and sound very easy. Undeniably, Atty. has the expertise of the subject. Definitely, you will admire the way how Atty. lump the complementary provisions accordingly. She discussed the entire provisions on Obligation and we reported in class the topics concerning Contracts.
6. Legal Ethics- Atty. Catalon
Memorize the Lawyer's Oath and the Code of Professional Responsibility (if possible). Go over with the pointers for the Final Examinations. Study them and definitely, you'll get the reward in topping the examination!
7. Persons and Family Relations- Judge Cuaton
The subject is very interesting and probably relatable. Memorize the definition of marriage, the requisites and the other enumerations in the Family Code. Just be straightforward in writing your answers during examinations. Basic questions about the subject are definitely asked.
8. Human Rights Law - Atty. Giron
Atty. Giron highly appreciates class debates. It was because of him that I have learned how to voice my political views in class because I normally keep my views to myself. He loves to hear the opposing views of my classmates. Though we were using the book of Coquia, i have learned a lot in HRL from the book of Petralba. I would consider Atty. Giron as a mentor. He is very supportive with my debating career. He is likewise one of my shadow advisers in the Student Government.
9. Labor Law - Atty. Camiller
I salute Atty. Camiller in his experties.
