By Crisdeniele H. Clemente

Ten senior juris doctor students of the Mariano Marcos State University – College of Law are now set to formal limited law practice, having taken oath as Level II-certified Law Student Practitioners (LSPs). 

The LSPs include Ms. Khayle Marie Apalisoc, Ms. Mayflor Balinuyus, Ms. Angelica Caluya, Ms. Kristia Ruth Mangabat, Mr. Angelo Miguel Martinez, Ms. Debroah Faith Pajarillo, Ms. Ma. Kristel Kae Sacoco, Ms. Kastin Kaye Santos, Ms. May Ann Sarandi, and Mr. Darwin Andres.

They took oath today, October 14, before Judge Maria Corazon M. Labrador, the executive judge of the Regional Trial Courts in the City of Batac.

MMSU - College of Law Dean Brian Jay Corpuz encouraged the students to embrace the challenges and responsibilities that come with their legal expertise, especially that they can start appearing in courts to represent clients, with the supervision of law clinic professors. 

Joining Dean Corpuz in the ceremony was Atty. Ma. Saniata Marcos, college secretary and CLEP focal person. They witnessed the activity at the Branch 18 of RTC - First Judicial Region in the City of Batac.

The law student practice rule, as established under section five and nine of Rule 138-A of the Rules of Court, allows certified law student-practitioners to prepare judicial affidavits of witnesses, represent clients at any stage of legal proceedings or trials before any court, quasi-judicial or administrative body, act on behalf of government agencies in the prosecution of criminal actions, and prepare pleadings for appealed cases. This certification represents a significant step toward the practical application of their legal education and a unique opportunity to contribute to the legal field. (JVBT, StratCom)