EXECUTIVE Judge Raymond Joseph Javier has approved last week the application for Level 1 certification of 46 Law Student Practitioners (LSP) of the University of St. La Salle-College of Law (USLS COL) in Bacolod City.

After which, Javier administered their oaths at the lobby of the Bacolod City Hall of Justice.

Dean Rosanne Juliana R.Gonzaga of the USLS COL recognizes its duty to develop practice-ready lawyers and enhance its course offering by incorporating into its curriculum the Clinical Legal Education Program (CLEP) pursuant to Rule 138-A of the Revised Rules of Court.

Javier told the LPs to become a learning machine even after law school since lawyers always need to keep learning.

He encouraged the LSPs to choose the courts as their externship in order for them to learn the realities of the practice of law, apply their legal knowledge to the betterment of our society and absorb the role of being servant leaders when they become lawyers.

“It is the vision of the Supreme Court to stay attuned and responsive to the issues and needs of all the stakeholders in the field of legal education,” Javier stressed.

The oath-taking ceremony of the LPs were attended by IBP Negros Occidental Chapter President Atty. Josephine Natalaray, GOJUST2 Team Leader Atty. Christian Eldon, USLS COL faculty members Judge Ana P. Bernad, Prosecutors Elnathan C. Lim and Johnnil Acero and Atty. Anton Pandan.

The Law Student Practice Rule is in compliance with Supreme Court Administrative Matter No. 19-03-24-SC which took effect in July, 2019 allowing a law student to engage in limited practice of the law under the supervision of a member of the Bar.

Level 1 certified law students can provide legal advice, draft legal documents and represent eligible parties before quasi-judicial or administrative bodies, among others. (PR)