Top 20 Law Schools in the Philippines

[pristonpiker]

Highest Scores Obtained in BAR EXAMINATIONS

Rank Year Name School Rating
1st 1954 Florenz D. Regalado San Beda College 96.700
2nd 1949 Anacleto C. Mañgaser Philippine Law School 95.850
3rd 1948 Manuel G. Montecillo Far Eastern University 95.500
4th (tie) 1944 Jose W. Diokno Special (University of Santo Tomas) 95.300
4th (tie) 1944 Jovito R. Salonga University of the Philippines 95.300
6th 1940 Claudio M. Teehankee Ateneo de Manila University 94.350
7th 1952 Pedro Samson C. Animas University of the Philippines 94.250
8th 1953 Leonardo A. Amores University of Manila 94.050
9th 1947 Ameurfina A. Melencio University of the Philippines 93.850
10th 2001 Rodolfo Ma. A. Ponferrada University of the Philippines 93.800

bakit hindi nasama dito yung 98.3% ni marcos at 100% bar exam score?

yung 100% ang pagkakaalam ko saksi maraming tao eh, galing talaga ni macoy ehehe

[stellaartois]

^alam ko hindi naman daw totoo na 100% siya sa 2nd oral examination niya, 92%++ ata if I remember correctly. Yung 1st written exam nya 98% which wasn't included in the list kasi naoverride siya ng 2nd bar exam nya.

It's almost impossible to topple this list nowadays. The bar exam was made significantly more difficult sometime during the 50's, biglang bumaba ang passing rate from 50-60% to 20%-30%.

[red_saint09]

^ Yup, so true. Florenz Regalado of San Beda is still considered as the highest scorer in the Philippine Bar History.

[pristonpiker]

^alam ko hindi naman daw totoo na 100% siya sa 2nd oral examination niya, 92%++ ata if I remember correctly. Yung 1st written exam nya 98% which wasn't included in the list kasi naoverride siya ng 2nd bar exam nya.

It's almost impossible to topple this list nowadays. The bar exam was made significantly more difficult sometime during the 50's, biglang bumaba ang passing rate from 50-60% to 20%-30%.

so totoo pa rin talaga yung 98%? galing talaga..

well tanong na lang naten kay bongbong.. hahahha

[dashingdevonair]

During Marcos' time, achieving a 98% score was a realistic possibility. The bar was more lenient during his time. Then again, Marcos had a reputation of fabricating facts so we can't be sure.

[killzone29]

In San Beda, almost all the members of the freshman class would rather study in UP or Ateneo. They just didn't get in. They almost always admit to this when asked by a professor or their classmates during the introduction stage during the first few days of classes. San Beda has never been a popular 1st choice law school but has always been and will always be a safety net for those aspiring to graduate from a prestigous law school. That is why they have to resort to an arbitrary filtration process so that they can stay competitive with UP and Ateneo. This can be seen with their inconsistent appearances in the TOP 10. Sometimes their there, sometimes their not. Every year, they're always hoping that they will land in the TOP 10 while UP and Ateneo would always hope they'd be No.1 for that year.

In Ateneo, while many would still rather study in UP, many are content just to be in Ateneo. This is probably because they have been ateneans in HS or in college, or their parents are graduates of ateneo law, or they simply have the money to burn and would rather study in a high class facility offering the 2nd best academic law program in the country rather than study in the best academic program in the land having only mediocre facilities. But probably the main reason they went to Ateneo is because they either failed to pass the LAE or they were not selected by the "panel". No matter how much they publish statistical data out there or how many places they land in the TOP 10, they have always been and will always be the NO. 2 law school in the country. As the years go by, Ateneo has been relying more heavily on accepting a larger number of freshmen. They just weed out the good from the bad like in San Beda. It seems that getting admitted into Ateneo Law is as almost easy as getting admitted in San Beda nowadays.

Then there's UP. Much has been said and written about the prestige of UP Law. It only adds to its enigma. Its the hardest law school in the country to get in but once in, its much easier to graduate than in Ateneo or San Beda. It has dominated the law profession in the last century. But so far it has not yet made a dominant impact in the last decade of the 21st century. While they're there, it's not quite there yet. Maybe when they transfer their law school at the Fort Bonifacio Global City then we can see them again in dominating form.

[killzone29]

If you decide to enroll in any other law school outside the BIG THREE, there are 5 groups of students that you will encounter. They are as follows:

1. Loyalists- those who since first year have been enrolled in the same Law School. They have not enrolled or taken up any law subjects from other law schools. They are smart and industrious. They are very active in school and often times act as the liaison of the student body to the office of the dean and faculty. They make life in law school much easier for the rest of the student body because of their propensity to persuade their classmates to work together to uplift the school.

2. Ex-Ateneans- You can see these people mingling with each other in groups. Often times discussing updates from their former school. They often times attend class wearing Ateneo Law School jackets and shirts. They are almost all fraternity and sorority members from Ateneo. So be very careful not to step on their toes or you might find a steel pipe being bashed on your head. One thing is for sure, Ateneo Law School has a very efficient and effective filtering process that weed out the dull from the sharp.

3. Ex-Bedans- They easily adapt to their new environment. They are indifferent to what happened to them in their former school. They seem to be smart too. Its either the filtering process of San Beda has flaws or there just too many smart students there that they can afford to throw over-board even those considered as “good fish”. Many of those in the honor rolls are Ex-Bedans. It seems that they tend to view their time in San Beda as “pre-law” and the time in their present school as “law proper”.

4. Ex-UP- Having been accepted to the “finest” law school in the country and suddenly finding yourself kicked-out can do things to your head. It can’t be blamed. Once you’re accepted in UP Law, it’s guaranteed that success is forthcoming. However, the fairytale ends when your one of the unfortunate few to be kicked-out. When they transfer they either just sulk, don’t attend class, drop out from asubject or make a comeback and be one of the brightest students in class. It’s quite different in Ateneo and San Beda when it is more likely that you’ll get kicked-out than be retained so the emotional effect is minimal and most are able to move-on.

5. Transferees from Other Schools- These are those who have no issues transferring to another law school. They view their transfer as a fresh start or just a matter of convenience. Often times, they are not in the hurry to finish law school but there are those who only transfer thinking they can receive their law degree faster which often times lead to disastrous results and shattered expectations.

[Bahay_Na_Bato]

Again, killzone29, you know all this how?

[killzone29]

interesting but whats the point? You failed to mention that UP, nothwithstanding its image as the much-sought after law school, manages to land ALWAYS as the no 3 in terms of passing rate since Beda started producing graduates in the 50s. This, despite the so called high level of intellectuals admitted as freshmen. This, despite the pouring in of taxpayers money. I wonder.

Beda on the other hand, despite the perception as the 3rd choice, manages to slip past UP in terms of passing rate. And the difference is quite of a yawning gap. Beda even at time conquers the No 1 spot in terms of passing rate with Ateneo trailing behind. At any rate it is always Beda and Ateneo going neck and neck with UP ending as the far 3rd.

Ateneo, despite its perception as the 2nd choice for freshmen, has always been consistent in the top ten and in a neck and neck fight with UP for No 1. But its passing rate is way way far from UPs.

You just proved my point. You just threw general statistical data to support the conclusion that U.P. should only be No.3 while Ateneo and San Beda as No. 1 and No. 2 respectively. But you still concede that freshmen applicants will still have their sights on U.P. first followed by Ateneo and San Beda. It’s crazy right? It goes against logic and common sense.

[killzone29]

so Killzone, which category do you belong in the class of students? Methinks you're in 4.

Now, now Nymex, I sense your brewing for a fight. Don't get to critical. Be kind. Me in No.4? Hell no. I didn't even applied at U.P. coz I knew I won't get in. Its a waste of time, effort and money for me. But if I knew if I had the chance hell ya!

[killzone29]

Again, killzone29, you know all this how?

That's easy. Same way as Nymex and most of those in this forum knows. For the ranking of the BIG 3, through statistical data and popular general perception. For the TYPE OF STUDENTS, through observation without scientific process so its only an opinion and disputable. But I don't think many would disagree. So for those who are still in the BIG 3, study hard or you'll end up from types 2 to 4.

[Bahay_Na_Bato]

That's easy. Same way as Nymex and most of those in this forum knows. For the ranking of the BIG 3, through statistical data and popular general perception. For the TYPE OF STUDENTS, through observation without scientific process so its only an opinion and disputable. But I don't think many would disagree. So for those who are still in the BIG 3, study hard or you'll end up from types 2 to 4.

Really? I'm interested.

Let's have both the statistical data and your source for "popular general perception."

Do you also have recordings of what we should presume to be your observations and a proper description of your so-called "scientific process?"

[killzone29]

Really? I'm interested.

Let's have both the statistical data and your source for "popular general perception."

Do you also have recordings of what we should presume to be your observations and a proper description of your so-called "scientific process?"

Statistical data? Just back read this thread. Popular general perception? Just ask your classmates and friends. Scientifc process? I didn't say my observation has a scientific process involved. At least Nymex wrote down her own opinion and not merely questioned someone else's. So Bahay_Na_Bato, lets have yours?

[Bahay_Na_Bato]

Statistical data? Just back read this thread. Popular general perception? Just ask your classmates and friends. Scientifc process? I didn't say my observation has a scientific process involved. At least Nymex wrote down her own opinion and not merely questioned someone else's. So Bahay_Na_Bato, lets have yours?

My opinion is that you have no statistical data to speak of, that your so-called "popular general perception" is nothing more than your opinion which has no basis, and that your observations are unreliable.

In short, it is my opinion that your opinion is either baseless or wrong.

[myelven10]

You just proved my point. You just threw general statistical data to support the conclusion that U.P. should only be No.3 while Ateneo and San Beda as No. 1 and No. 2 respectively. But you still concede that freshmen applicants will still have their sights on U.P. first followed by Ateneo and San Beda. It’s crazy right? It goes against logic and common sense.

General Perception could be against the General Statistical Data. Nope, it's not crazy and against logic and common sense to tell. And it is more effective if you are arguing based on ACTUAL FACTS. Rather than just unsystematic way of back-reading forums to support a GENERAL PERCEPTION. Not all aspiring Law Students are Pexers eh?

[red_saint09]

In San Beda, almost all the members of the freshman class would rather study in UP or Ateneo. They just didn't get in. They almost always admit to this when asked by a professor or their classmates during the introduction stage during the first few days of classes. San Beda has never been a popular 1st choice law school but has always been and will always be a safety net for those aspiring to graduate from a prestigous law school. That is why they have to resort to an arbitrary filtration process so that they can stay competitive with UP and Ateneo. This can be seen with their inconsistent appearances in the TOP 10. Sometimes their there, sometimes their not. Every year, they're always hoping that they will land in the TOP 10 while UP and Ateneo would always hope they'd be No.1 for that year.

In Ateneo, while many would still rather study in UP, many are content just to be in Ateneo. This is probably because they have been ateneans in HS or in college, or their parents are graduates of ateneo law, or they simply have the money to burn and would rather study in a high class facility offering the 2nd best academic law program in the country rather than study in the best academic program in the land having only mediocre facilities. But probably the main reason they went to Ateneo is because they either failed to pass the LAE or they were not selected by the "panel". No matter how much they publish statistical data out there or how many places they land in the TOP 10, they have always been and will always be the NO. 2 law school in the country. As the years go by, Ateneo has been relying more heavily on accepting a larger number of freshmen. They just weed out the good from the bad like in San Beda. It seems that getting admitted into Ateneo Law is as almost easy as getting admitted in San Beda nowadays.

Then there's UP. Much has been said and written about the prestige of UP Law. It only adds to its enigma. Its the hardest law school in the country to get in but once in, its much easier to graduate than in Ateneo or San Beda. It has dominated the law profession in the last century. But so far it has not yet made a dominant impact in the last decade of the 21st century. While they're there, it's not quite there yet. Maybe when they transfer their law school at the Fort Bonifacio Global City then we can see them again in dominating form.

Wow! This is very informative, i didnt know that Ateneo Law's entrance exam is getting easy. I have a classmate who is not that brainy but was admitted to Ateneo Law. Now I know. Hope he'll survive.

[MONTO GAWE]

I know somebody who passed all three entrance exams then enrolled in Ateneo and San Beda at the same time.

After 2 weeks, quit Ateneo and ultimately finished law in San Beda.

Became a lawyer then after 10 years moved on to other interests.

[dashingdevonair]

San Beda in my opinion has the best roster of professors among the three.

Had it not been for the strict retention policy and its habit of weeding out a lot of students, I would have enrolled in San Beda as well

[pristonpiker]

San Beda in my opinion has the best roster of professors among the three.

Had it not been for the strict retention policy and its habit of weeding out a lot of students, I would have enrolled in San Beda as well

Bakit?

May Fr. Bernas ang ateneo

ang beda, well, may atty. amurao..

yung kakilala ko sa ateneo kilala si atty amurao eh..

haha

[geanberniviray]

Hi. I have a question. I'm planning to become a working student while in law school. Will I still be able to enjoy law school as much as full time students do? Thanks!