What makes a great lawyer?
Is it a degree, a title, or an unstoppable hunger for justice and knowledge? Hello, law lovers! I’m 
How it all started
When I was young I’ve always had a love for public speaking. Unlike other kids who liked to run around and play outside I really loved acting like a teacher and having my cousins as students.
My mother is a teacher so maybe that is why I find my passion for public speaking through her. She 's also a poet and she encouraged me to enter a poetry contest in elementary school at that time when I was first exposed to poetry and was instantly drawn into the world of how words could really make a difference.
My supportive parents
And without expecting anything, I won first place. Since then, poetry has become a part of my identity. Some of my friends even call me the poet.
This is a Gavel (a legal instrument commonly used by judges). I beg my father to make this one for me 😂 because I really want to experience having to use this one.
What led me to be passionate about law?
Fast forward to my childhood memories, I always noticed my father watching Senate hearings. It made sense—he was a debater in his younger years and loved the art of argumentation. Naturally, his interest in these hearings piqued my curiosity. I began watching them with him and found myself drawn to the debates and legal discussions.
The man in the photo is my father
So, I also started watching Raffy Tulfo’s videos, where I was fascinated by how he handled different cases.
Slowly but surely my interest in legal debates and the language of the law got established, I 'm always interested in the arguments, legal terminology, the procedural steps involved in the decision making and the logic behind each decision (why did they make that decision).
I’m Grade 11 student right now. I have no classes in my curriculum dedicated to the study of law. That didn’t stop me from learning though. I have used my free time to do some self-study.
One of my favorite books is "The Language of Law School: Learning to 'Think Like a Lawyer'"—a book that immerses me in the legal world through case studies and technical terminologies.
Some Legal Terms I’ve Learned:
I learned that the person who initiates the filing of a case (literally someone who initiates a case against another in a court of law) is described by the law as “plaintiff”. The person alleged to have committed the crime or being sued by the plaintiff is called defendant. There are so many terminologies I have learned from this book including, motion, jury, and many more.
What I love about this book is that it teaches me what are the terminologies that the court utilizes during hearings or trials. I felt like I was inside the book and I was one of the lawyers. The way it presents cases for me to solve is kinda challenging at first but I started to develop tactics when it comes to solving cases.
Another website I love reading is the:
Digital Commons Network/ Law (you can use this website as well). This website contains so much information about the law. It has different topics to read. Whether you’re interested in gender laws, human rights, or constitutional law, you can find well-researched articles and legal discussions on this platform.
What does the law mean to you personally?
Law, for me, isn’t just about learning the do’s and don’ts of society. It’s about understanding boundaries, rights, and justice. It’s about knowing where one’s freedom ends and another’s begins.
It’s also a foundation for peace and unity. Unfortunately, while laws are made for order, their poor implementation has contributed to the loss of true justice in our society.
However, due to financial constraints and the long years required to study law, I’ve decided not to pursue it as my college course. Instead, I’m considering education as my second choice since I also love public speaking.
But this doesn’t mean I’m giving up on law. I refuse to let my dreams be defined by barriers. My self-study continues, and I believe that the knowledge I gain now will be useful in the future.
So, what does debate have to do with law?
I believe that a smart lawyer understands how to stand firm in his statements and decisions. For this case, we might regard debate skill as a critical factor to be able to firmly defend someone's right during every trial.
My passion for law continues even though I don't consider studying law as my course. I still see and consider myself a lawyer. Some might say I’m wasting my time learning law if I don’t plan to practice it professionally. But I disagree. We all know, that our world isn't always beautiful as it is. It is where greed and injustice exist, understanding the law is essential for self-protection and empowerment. No matter where life takes us, being legally informed will always be an advantage.
So, my dear hivers, if I could give a piece of advice, it would be that passion doesn’t require permission, and knowledge doesn’t need a price tag. If you truly love something, find ways to immerse yourself in it—read, debate, ask questions, and never stop learning.
The path may not always be traditional or fixed, but that doesn’t make it any less valuable. It's not the degree that defines your ability, it is your dedication. So keep pushing forward, keep speaking up, and trust that every step you take brings you closer to where you’re meant to be.
