By Crisdeniele Clemente 

Ten sophomore Juris Doctor students of the Mariano Marcos State University – College of Law took oath as Level I-certified law student practitioners (LSPs) before Judge Maria Corazon M. Labrador, the executive judge of the Regional Trial Courts in the City of Batac, on December 14.

The new LSPs are Mr. Brylle Lancelot Abad, Mr. Dan Wayne Aribuabo, Ms. Azarelle Bilas, Ms. Lauren Rae Carmela Esteban, Mr. Levi Ashley Eugenio, Mr. Jahziel Dale Failano, Ms. Hannah Gagto, Ms. Ma. Karel Mariñas, Ms. Maxime Gaile Pomoy, and Ms. Rizza Swerte Urbina.

They were accompanied by Law Dean Brian Jay Corpuz, the college secretary, lawyer Ma. Saniata Marcos, who serves as CLEP focal person, and political law professor Josiah Patrick Bagayas.

Under the Clinical Legal Education Program, these sophomore students will conduct a 100-hour externship in these agencies: Public Attorney’s Office (3 externs), Provincial Prosecutor’s Office (Batac) (2 externs), and Integrated Bar of the Philippines (5 externs).

The law student practice rule, as established under section five and nine of Rule 138-A of the Rules of Court, allows Level I-certified LSPs to interview prospective clients, give legal advice, draft legal documents, represent eligible parties before quasi-judicial or administrative bodies, provide public legal orientation, and assist public interest policies for policy formulation and implementation.