ATENEO LAW SCHOOL

ADMISSION TO THE JURIS DOCTOR (J.D.) PROGRAM

Eligibility for Admission

To qualify for admission to the J.D. Program, the applicant must have obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Arts or
Sciences, or a higher academic degree, from an authorized and recognized university or college. Following
requirements set by the Legal Education Board (LEB), in order to qualify for an ALS diploma, the applicant must
have completed at least eighteen (18) units of English, six (6) units of Mathematics, eighteen (18) units of Social
Science subjects, and at least three (3) units of a Rizal course.

Please note that pursuant to ALS policies, persons who have enrolled and completed at least one (1) semester in
any law school are not eligible for admission to the J.D. Program.

Decisions regarding admission are made by the Dean, upon the recommendation of the Admissions Committee,
and taking into consideration the applicant's scholastic records and abilities, entrance exam results and character
references.

Admission Requirements for School Year 2018-2019

The applicant must accomplish the online application form which will be accessible on this page starting 8
November 2017. Please take note that online application will require you to upload the following documents:

 Photocopy of collegiate transcript of records

 If graduation is not yet reflected in the transcript, a true copy of grades or a certification of candidacy
for graduation.
 PhilSAT results or Certificate of Exemption (if already available)
 It is not mandatory to take the PhilSAT prior to application; but to be qualified for admission for the
School Year 2018-2019, you must have taken the PhilSAT prior to enrollment.
 A 2"x2" I.D. picture with red background
All applications must be made online and submitted on or before 16 February 2018.

After the successful completion of the online application, the applicant will then be allowed to take the ALS Entrance
Examination upon payment of the testing fee of Three Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (PhP3,500.00). The applicant
will be assigned his/her exam schedule upon payment of the testing fee.
In addition, the applicant is required to cause the submission of two (2) recommendations coming from (i) the dean
of the applicant’s school or a former professor, and (ii) someone who knows the applicant well enough to provide a
true character reference. Such recommendations should be accomplished on the required recommendation form.
Once completed, these forms must be submitted to ALS in sealed and signed envelopes by 16 February 2018.

Material Dates

Please note the following dates that are material in the application process:

Entrance Exam Dates:

24 February 2018
10 March 2018
17 March 2018
07 April 2018
14 April 2018

Interview Period:
From 2 May to 15 June 2018
Interviews (for those requested to undergo an interview) will be conducted only on assigned dates within the
interview period. Each applicant is responsible for ensuring that he/she is available when necessary.

J.D. CURRICULUM
3rd and 4th year students take up tracked electives that complement their core subjects. They specialize in one of
three tracks: (1) Corporate and Business Law, (2) Dispute Resolution, and (3) International Law
and Development. The tracking system paves the way for a possible grant of a double degree to students who
complete a single additional semester after graduation from the J.D. program. The tracked electives will be
equivalent to one semester of study under the LL.M. Program.

FIRST YEAR - CORE SUBJECTS

FIRST SEMESTER SECOND SEMESTER
Subject Credits Subject Credits
Introduction to Law 1 Obligations and Contracts 5
Legal Research 1 Constitutional Law II 3
Persons and Family Relations 4 Criminal Law II
4

Constitutional Law I 3 Legal Technique and Logic 2

Criminal Law I 3 Legal Writing
2

Philosophy of Law 2 Theology and the Social 2

Teachings of the Church
Statutory Construction 2
Legal Profession 1
Total Units 17 Total Units 18

SECOND YEAR - CORE SUBJECTS + APPRENTICESHIP

FIRST SEMESTER SECOND SEMESTER
Subject Credits Subject Credits
Criminal Procedure 2 Corporation Law 4
Negotiable Instruments 3 Civil Procedure 4
Property 4 Taxation I 3
Partnership and Agency 2 Administrative Law and Public Officers
2

Sales 2 2
Public Corporations and Election Law

Credit Transactions 3 Public International Law

2

Forensic Medicine 1 Legal Ethics

3

Land Titles 2
Special Penal Laws 2

Total Units Total Units

21 20

SUMMER APPRENTICESHIP – 120 hours (2 units)

THIRD YEAR - CORE SUBJECTS + APPRENTICESHIP + THESIS WRITING

FIRST SEMESTER SECOND SEMESTER
Subject Credits Subject Credits
Succession Evidence 4
4

Labor Law I 3 Labor Law II 3

Taxation II 3 Special Proceedings 2
Insurance 2 Transportation 2
Torts and Damages 2 Conflict of Laws 2
Fundamentals of 1 Legal Forms 2
Thesis Writing I
Electives 5 Fundamentals of 1
Thesis Writing II
Electives 5

Total Units 20 Total Units

21

SUMMER APPRENTICESHIP – 120 hours (2 units)

FOURTH YEAR - REVIEW CLASSES + THESIS DEFENSE

POST BAR PERIOD - LL.M. THESIS ONE SEMESTER OF SPECIALIZED COURSES

The tracking system paves the way for a possible grant of a double degree to students who complete a
single additional semester after graduation from the J.D. Program. The tracked electives will be equivalent
to one semester of study under the LL.M. Program.
THESIS (First Semester) – 6 units
FIRST SEMESTER SECOND SEMESTER
Subject Credits Subject Credits
Civil Law Review I 4 Civil Law Review II 4
Constitutional Law Review 4 Commercial Law Review 4
Criminal Law Review 4 Remedial Law Review 5
 Practice Court and Trial Technique I 2 Practice Court and Trial Technique II 2

Tax Law Review 3 Labor Law Review 3

Electives
Electives 4 4

Total Units 21 Total Units 22

CORE SUBJECTS*
FIRST YEAR, First Semester
Constitutional Law I (3 units)
The course undertakes a survey and evaluation of basic principles contained in the Philippine Constitution dealing
with the structure of the Philippine Government.
Criminal Law I (3 units)
A study of the characteristics of Criminal Law, the nature and classification of felonies, the circumstances affecting
criminal liability and the extent and extinction of criminal liabilities as well as the civil liability of the offender, the
nature, manner of computation of penalties, complex crimes, habitual delinquency, juvenile delinquency, the
application of the Indeterminate Sentence Law, and the Probation Law. The course covers Book One of the Revised
Penal Code and related laws.
Introduction to Law (1 unit)
This is a general course given to first year students, usually a week in advance before the actual start of the school
year. It provides for an overview of the various aspects of the concept of law; with emphasis on the relationship
between law, jurisprudence, courts, society, and public policy, presented through selected provisions of law, cases,
and other materials depicting settled principles and current developments, both local and international, including a
review of the evolution of the Philippine legal system.

Legal Profession (1 unit)

The course begins with an examination of the role of lawyers throughout history, through the study of the major legal
systems in the world, and evolves into an examination of how these systems figure in the history and development
of the legal profession in the Philippines. Students survey the various elements of the practice of law in the
Philippines, its basic ethical standards, its goals and role in society. It ends with an integrative exploration of both
the challenges and opportunities for the Philippine legal system in a changing and more globalized world, more
specifically, the role of the Ateneo lawyer in the Philippine society.

Legal Research (1 unit)

The course focuses on the importance of legal research and teach the students how to effectively research using
various sources and tools. It introduces students to the methodology of legal research and the preparation of legal
opinions, memoranda, expository or critical, and related matters.

Persons and Family Relations (4 units)

The course is a study of the laws on Persons and Family Relations as contained in the Preliminary and Human
Relations chapters of the New Civil Code of the Philippines; the entire coverage of the Family Code of the
Philippines; and the chapters of the New Civil Code of the Philippines on Funerals, Care and Education of Children,
Use of Surnames, Absence, and Civil Registry. Special laws relevant to the family are also included such as
Domestic Adoption Act, the law on Inter-country adoption, special law on the Protection of Children (RA 7610), the
Anti-Violence against Women and their Children law (RA 9262), and the Solo Parents Welfare Act (RA 8972).

Philosophy of Law (2 units)

A study of the historical roots of law, the schools of legal thoughts that spurred its growth and development, and the
primordial purpose of law and legal education. It involves a philosophical reflection on the nature of law - its basis
and sources, role in society, and relationship to ethics and power. It surveys classical, modern, and contemporary
theories of law. Moreover, it seeks to develop in the student a reasoned, healthy, and critical approach toward the
law and its institutions, including legal education. With this, the student will hopefully become an effective member
of, if not a vibrant agent of change in, the legal community and society as a whole.
Statutory Construction (2 units)
A course that explores the use and force of statutes and the principles and methods of their construction and
interpretation.
FIRST YEAR, Second Semester
Constitutional Law II (3 units)
A study of the Philippine Constitution, specifically the bill of rights, citizenship and suffrage, social justice and human
rights, and judicial review of acts affecting them.
Criminal Law II (4 units)
An appraisal of specific felonies penalized in Book II of the Revised Penal Code, their nature, elements, and
corresponding penalties. (Prerequisite: Criminal Law I)
Legal Technique and Logic (2 units)
A course on the methods of reasoning, syllogisms, arguments and explanations, deductions, the truth table
demonstrating invalidity and inconsistency, and propositional functions. It also includes the logical organization of
legal language and logical testing of judicial reasoning.
Legal Writing (2 units)
A foundational course on the principles, elements and techniques of legal writing. It involves a review of the basic
rules for form and style, argumentation, advocacy, legal research, legal citation and legal bibliography, case
digesting and reporting analysis, legal reasoning, and preparation of legal opinions or memoranda.
Obligations and Contracts (5 units)
An in-depth study of the nature, kinds and effect of obligations, and their extinguishment; contracts in general, their
requisites, form and interpretation; and defective contracts, including quasi-contracts, natural obligations, estoppel,
and prescription.
Theology - Social Teachings of the Church (2 units)
The seminar will trace the historical development of significant Papal encyclicals that deal with various social
questions and situations that have relevance to the practice of the legal profession (e.g., from Leo XIII’s
“RerumNovarum” to Pope John Paul II’s writings on labor, other relevant Vatican II decrees and pertinent Jesuit
documents are taken, in order to provide a better understanding of the mission of the Church in the modern world,
and the role that lawyers and judges play. Most importantly, the seminar will endeavor to contextualize the vision
and mission of the Church in the Filipino setting and culture, in order to achieve an interiorized consciousness of the
challenges that face members of the legal profession.
The course aims to lead the students to understand how the Catholic Church wishes to be understood, and thus, to
a wonderful discovery of the splendor of truth, justice, faith, hope, and charity, as these virtues vivify Catholic life.

SECOND YEAR, First Semester

Credit Transactions (3 units)

The law governing loans and deposits, including mortgages, pledge, antichresis, guaranty, suretyships and other
securities or collaterals, the law on concurrence and preference of credits, and the Insolvency Law. (Prerequisite:
Obligations and Contracts)

Criminal Procedure (2 units)

The course studies the rules on criminal procedure, including the basic rights of the accused, the jurisdiction of
courts, and the system of criminal justice administration.
Land Titles (2 units)
The course undertakes a study of the system and methods of registration of titles and deeds to land, including
related land tenure instruments.
Forensic Medicine (1 unit)
A study of both medical jurisprudence and legal medicine. Through lectures and problem-based case discussions,
the legal principles that relate to the medical field and medico-legal cases will be examined. It provides an overview
of forensic medicine as it relates to legal problems, particularly in the fields of criminal and civil law, including
appreciation of crime scene and evidence. Topics in medical jurisprudence important in medical negligence and
related problems in the health field is also discussed.
The course is designed to provide the future lawyer with practical knowledge in approaching problems where the
disciplines of both law and medicine intersect.
Negotiable Instruments (3 units)
An examination of the statutory provisions governing negotiable instruments as well as other commercial papers,
including investment papers and money market instruments.

Partnership and Agency (2 units)

The course studies the non-corporate media of pursuing business and transactions in the Philippines, namely
agency, business trusts, partnership, and joint venture arrangements. It studies the laws on agency and trusts as
the basis for a better appreciation of the law and practice on partnerships and joint ventures. It covers Title X
(Agency), Title V (Trusts), and Title IX(Partnerships) of Book IV of the New Civil Code of the Philippines and all
relevant jurisprudence related thereto, as well as rules and regulations issued by government agencies, such as the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), bearing
on the matters covered by the course. (Prerequisites: Obligations and Contracts)
Property (4 units)
The course studies the law on the different classifications of property, ownership, co-ownership, condominiums,
possession, usufruct, easements, nuisance, and the different modes of acquiring ownership, including donations
(but excluding tradition, intellectual creation, and succession). (Prerequisite: Obligations and Contracts)

Sales (2 units)
An in-depth consideration of the provisions of the New Civil Code on the contract of sale, its nature and form, the
obligations of the vendor and the vendee, warranties, remedies, breach of contract, and conventional and legal
redemption. It includes assignment of credits and incorporeal rights, the Statute of Frauds of the New Civil Code,
and the relevant provisions of the Electronic Commerce Act, Realty Installment Buyer Protection Act, relevant
provisions of Presidential Decree 957, the Bulk Sales Law, the Retail Trade Liberalization Law, and relevant
provisions of the Anti-Dummy Act. (Prerequisite: Obligations and Contracts)

Special Penal Laws (2 units)

The study includes related offenses provided in special laws, such as the Dangerous Drugs Act, the Anti-Graft and
Corrupt Practices Act, the law on wire-tapping and related violations of privacy of communication, the Anti-
Carnapping Law, the Gambling Law, and the Cattle Rustling Act. (Prerequisite: Criminal Law I)

SECOND YEAR, Second Semester

Administrative Law and Public Officers (2 units)
The course begins with the development of the law and proceeds with the various principles used by administrative
agencies in the performance of their functions. It focuses principally on the powers exercised by an administrative
agency, namely: investigatory, rule-making and adjudicatory, as provided in the Revised Administrative Code of the
Philippines, and the availability of judicial relief. Thereafter, the course deals with the various laws and doctrines
governing public officers, from commencement of official relation until the end of the official relation.

Civil Procedure (4 units)

The course is a study of Rules 1-71 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure (effective 1 July 1997). It starts with a
review of the differences between substantive and remedial law, the basic principles of jurisdiction, and the power of
the Supreme Court to promulgate the Rules of Court. The crux of the course is the analysis of the relevant rules,
jurisprudence, and related laws governing procedure in civil cases, provisional remedies, and special civil actions.

Corporation Law (4 units)

A study of the Corporation Code and other special laws governing private corporations, including foreign
corporations and the concept of doing business in the Philippines. The course includes in-depth analyses of the
applicable common law and commercial law principles underlying the various relationships in the corporate setting,
with emphasis on the corporation being a medium for business enterprise and a means of providing equity
investment market. The course includes the study of the structure, the powers and jurisdiction of the Securities and
Exchange Commission and the pertinent provisions of The Securities Regulation Code.

Legal Ethics (3 units)

A course that focuses on the canons of legal ethics involving the duties and responsibilities of the lawyer with
respect to the client, the court, the bar and the public.

Public Corporations and Election Law (2 units)

The course is an integral component of Political and Constitutional Law. Law on Public Corporations with specific
focus on Local Government Law (first topic) deals with the various types of public corporations, the manner by which
they are created, their nature, powers, authorities, structure, sources of revenues, and accountability mechanisms.
Election Law (second topic) covers relevant laws and resolutions on the electorate, elective officials, qualification
and disqualification of candidates, activities prior to and after election day, and election-related dispute resolution.

Public International Law (2 units)

The course provides an overview of the legal principles governing international relations based, among others, on
the United Nations Charter, and other treaties, and the decisions of international tribunals. It includes an
introduction to the law of nations and international organizations, and a review of relevant international and
Philippine case and treaty law. Upon completion of the course, the student should have a basic understanding of the
evolution and roots of international law, and the relevant aspects of the Philippine Constitution relating to
international relations and treaty law, as well as an appreciation of the new and evolving aspects of international law
in the political, economic, human, and environmental development fields of specialization.
Taxation I (3 units)
The general principles of taxation and statutory provisions on income taxation, including pertinent revenue
regulations.
THIRD YEAR, First Semester
Fundamentals of Thesis Writing I (1 unit)
An instructional guide to the preparation and writing of a thesis, with the objective of choosing a subject and drafting
the outline for the thesis to be submitted and defended by the student as part of the requirement of the J.D.
program.
Insurance (2 units)
A study of the Insurance Code and related laws, including the concept and function of insurance, the nature of the
insurance contract, insurable interest, special forms of insurance and government regulation of the insurance
business. (Prerequisite: Obligations and Contracts)
Labor Law I (3 units)
An introduction to Philippine Labor Laws, which will cover Preliminary Title, Pre-Employment (Book I) and R.A. 8042
Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act; Book II on Human Resources Development, and The TESDA Law (RA
7796) and the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (RA 7277); Book III on Conditions of Employment, including the
specials laws on 13th month pay, paternity leave, protection and welfare of women workers, sexual harassment,
and child abuse; Book IV on Health, Safety and Social Welfare Benefits, including the law on the Social Security
System, the Government Service Insurance System, and PhilHealth.
Succession (4 units)
A detailed evaluation of the law on testate and intestate succession, including wills, institution of heirs, computation
of legitimes of compulsory heirs, disinheritance, and partition and distribution of the estate. (Prerequisite: Persons
and Family Relations)
Taxation II (3 units)
A study of the concepts and general principles of transfer (estate and donor’s), value added, excise, and other
percentage and miscellaneous taxes, including documentary stamp tax, provided in the National Internal Revenue
Code; the remedies available to the government and the taxpayer; fundamentals of local taxation; both under the
Local Tax Code and Real Property Tax Code; and the general principles on tariff and customs
duties. (Prerequisites: Persons and Family Relations, Corporation Law, Property, Taxation I, Succession)
Torts and Damages (2 units)
An analysis of the law on quasi-delicts as well as the nature, classes and extent of damages. (Prerequisites:
Obligations and Contracts)
THIRD YEAR, Second Semester
Conflict of Laws (2 units)
A course dealing with legal transactions or relationships involving foreign elements with emphasis on the choice of
law, including problems in jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments.

Evidence (4 units)
A course which looks into the rules of presentation, admissibility, and weight and sufficiency of evidence, including
burden of proof and presumption.

Fundamentals of Thesis Writing II (1 unit)

An instructional guide to the preparation and writing of a thesis, with the objective of choosing a subject and drafting
the outline for the thesis to be submitted and defended by the student as part of the requirement of the J.D.
program.
Labor Law II (3 units)
Study of the General Principles in Book V of the Labor Code on Labor Relations, specifically governing areas on
government machinery, labor organizations, unfair labor practices, representation issue, collective bargaining and
administration agreements, grievance machinery and voluntary arbitration, lockouts, strikes and other concerted
activities; Book VI on Post-Employment, covering areas such as classes of employees, termination of employment
and retirement; Book VII on penal provisions of the Labor Code and prescription of actions and claims.
(Prerequisite: Labor Law I)
Legal Forms (2 units)
A course which trains students in the drafting of various legal documents and deeds, as well as judicial pleadings
and briefs. (Prerequisites: Obligations and Contracts, Property, Sales, Credit Transactions, Negotiable Instruments,
Agency, Trusts, Partnerships and Joint Ventures, Land Titles, Insurance)
Special Proceedings (2 units)
A study of Rules 72-109 of the Revised Rules of Court dealing with the procedural rules on the settlement of estate
of deceased persons, escheats, guardianship, appointment of trustees, adoption, hospitalization of insane persons,
habeas corpus, change of name, voluntary dissolution of corporations, judicial approval of voluntary recognition of
minor natural children, constitution of family home, declaration of absence and death, cancellation and correction of
entries in the Civil Registry, and appeals on special proceedings. The course covers also the rules on injunctive
writs and temporary restraining orders, as well as the special rule covering the writ of kalikasan.
Transportation (2 units)
The course is a study of the general principles and basic regulations governing common carriers by land, sea, and
air. Specifically, it examines the laws relevant to transportation of goods and passengers by land, sea, and air, for
compensation, as well as the relevant cases that establish the obligations and liabilities of the common carriers to
owners of goods and passengers.
FOURTH YEAR, First Semester
Civil Law Review I (4 units)
A general integration of the principles in civil law covering the effect and application of laws, the law on human
relations, persons and family relations as amended by the Family Code, property, ownership and its modifications,
the different modes of acquiring ownership, including donations.
Constitutional Law Review (4 units)
An integrated survey of the Constitution of the Philippines, including administrative law, law on public officers, Local
Government Code, and election laws. (Prerequisites: Constitutional Law I and II)
Criminal Law Review (4 units)
A general review of the Revised Penal Code with its latest amendments, and decisions of the Supreme Court and of
the Court of Appeals, as well as other penal statutes. (Prerequisites: Criminal Law I and II)
Practice Court and Trial Technique I (2 units)
This is a clinical offering which exposes the students to the practical aspects of the law, particularly in the trial of
cases. It covers practical instruction in the preparation of cases and trial briefs before actual trial of cases, focusing
on civil cases. It includes practical suggestions on effective methods of gathering the facts of cases, the formulation
of the theory of the case, search for legal authorities, construction of pleadings, interview and examination of
witnesses, with particular emphasis on Sections 1 to 19, Rule 132, of the Rules of Court. Outstanding cases
illustrating the effective and efficient utilization of procedural rules in enhancing successful litigation are analyzed in
detail and, where appropriate, hypothetical cases are presented for solution by the students. (Prerequisite:
Evidence)
Taxation Law Review (3 units)
A general integration of principles of tax laws, including income, transfer, value-added and other business taxes. It
also includes a review of local and real property taxation, as well as remedies available to both taxpayer and taxing
authorities, and the basic principles of the Tariff and Customs Code. (Prerequisites: Taxation I and Taxation II)
FOURTH YEAR, Second Semester
Civil Law Review II (4 units)
A general integration of the principles in civil law relating to succession, obligations and contracts, sales, lease,
quasi-contracts, quasi-delicts, and damages.
Commercial Law Review (4 units)
A comprehensive survey and review of the laws on partnership, agency, trusts, corporations, Securities and
Exchange commission, secured transactions, negotiable instruments, insurance and transportation, secured
transactions, negotiable instruments, insurance, and transportation.
Labor Law Review (3 units)
An integration of Labor Standard and Labor Relations, including a survey of jurisprudence in labor. (Prerequisites:
Labor Law I and Labor Law II)
Practice Court and Trial Technique II (2 units)
The course is a continuation of Practice Court I. Under faculty supervision, students participate in mock trial work,
including the preparation of trial briefs and methods of presenting evidence. It covers practical instruction in the
preparation of cases and trial briefs before actual trial of cases, focusing on criminal cases. It includes practical
suggestions on effective methods of gathering the facts of cases, the formulation of the theory of the case, search
for legal authorities, construction of pleadings, interview and examination of witnesses, with particular emphasis on
Sections 1 to 19, Rule 132, of the Rules of Court. Outstanding cases illustrating the effective and efficient utilization
of procedural rules in enhancing successful litigation are analyzed in detail and, where appropriate, hypothetical
cases are presented for solution by the students. (Prerequisite: Evidence)
Remedial Law Review (5 units)
A general survey and integration of the principles of court jurisdiction, civil and criminal procedure, special civil
actions, special proceedings, provisional remedies, and evidence.

*The Ateneo Law School reserves the right to revise the above course list and descriptions in compliance with the
requirements of the Legal Education Board or as it may otherwise deem necessary.

ELECTIVE COURSES
The Juris Doctor (J.D.) Tracking Program was implemented beginning AY 2016-2017 as part of the ALS’
Curriculum Enhancement project. Utilizing the elective courses taken by third and fourth year programs to complete
the J.D. degree, this program allows students to choose a “Track” that helps them develop specialized knowledge
and skills in a chosen field of law. Of the total number of units of elective courses, two-thirds (2/3) must be “tracked”
while the remaining one-third (1/3) are considered “free.” Tracked electives are courses belonging to the chosen
Track or Stream, while “free” electives are those in other Tracks or Streams.

The three Tracks currently offered are Corporate and Business Law, Dispute Resolution, and International Law
and Development. These Tracks, except for Dispute Resolution, are further divided into “Streams,” which are sub-
specializations which a student may opt to take. For Corporate and Business Law, the Streams are Corporate
Finance, Corporate Litigation and Dispute Management, and Intellectual Property Law. For International Law and
Development, the Streams are International Environmental Law, International Human Rights Law, and International
Economic Law. These Tracks and Streams consist of foundational and cognate courses. The former are required
courses for students to complete the Track while the latter are related courses that may be taken from the different
Streams within the Track. However, for students with chosen Streams, the cognate courses must be taken from the
Stream.

The program seeks to guide students, particularly in writing their theses since the electives that they will take are in
line with their chosen area of specialization. The electives from their Track and Stream will equip them with the
fundamentals of a specific field of law. Moreover, priority will be given to students belonging to a Track during
enrolment. Upon completion of the J.D. Tracking Program, a student will receive a certificate during the
commencement exercises indicating the Track or Stream taken.

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
As a condition for graduation, students are required to undergo apprenticeship for a minimum period of 240 hours.
Apprenticeship may be undertaken in one or two summers after a student has completed his second year in the Law
School. Existing rules of the apprenticeship program allow students to perform apprenticeship work in accredited
law firms, government agencies, public or private legal assistance agencies and in courts.

The apprenticeship program requires qualified attorneys who shall assist the students in the actual practice of law.
The supervising attorney evaluates the performance of the students and recommends to the Dean whether
academic credits can be granted on the basis of such evaluation. Students must earn a total of four (4) academic
credits from apprenticeship work to be eligible for graduation.

Students participating in the Human Rights and Legal Aid programs may earn academic credits for apprenticeship,
subject to fulfillment of certain conditions.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
The primary method of instruction in the classroom for the J.D.Program is by recitation – a system found to be most
effective in developing the student’s power of analysis, reasoning ability and facility of expression. Daily
assignments on codal provisions, court decisions, and authorities are given by the professor, and the student is
called upon to recite to determine whether he/she has properly and correctly assimilated the law, its philosophy, and
its application.

Faculty members assist the students in the determination of the correct interpretation and practical application of the
legal theories and provisions of law by judiciously supplementing the recitation method with occasional lectures
designed to clarify whatever doubts the student may have on the subject. Lectures are also delivered by the
professor to harmonize seemingly conflicting provisions of law, to point out recent court rulings, and to integrate the
student’s knowledge of the course under study.

As a rule, however, the major burden of classwork is borne by the students in order to promote conscientiousness
and responsibility in their studies, as well as to develop their initiative, train their intellect and ultimately, help them
attain full competence in the practice of the profession of law.

Academic Term: The J.D. Program is operated on the semestral basis

Sessions: Afternoon sessions normally begin at 1:00p.m. and evening sessions at 6:00p.m.

Grading System: Students are graded numerically, 60% to 100%

Conferment of JD: The J.D. degree will be conferred only to those students who complete all the requirements
under the J.D. Program. The Law School does not offer a course leading to the LL.B. degree.

J.D. THESIS
J.D. students are required to prepare and defend a thesis on a subject of law, which must deal with a legal issue
which has not been resolved by the courts and requires extensive discussion and analysis of laws, legal principles,
and jurisprudence relevant to the thesis proposal. The preparation of the thesis is supervised by a thesis adviser
chosen by the student who is a member of the ALS faculty. The J.D. thesis must be based on a thesis proposal
previously approved and must contain at least 13,000 words excluding footnotes. Once the thesis is completed and
certified by the thesis adviser as ready for defense, the student is required to defend his or her thesis before an oral
defense panel of three (3) persons knowledgeable in the relevant field of law.

The Thesis course, which includes preparation and defense, is graded numerically and carries an academic credit of
six (6) units, computed as part of the student’s quality point index (QPI) upon graduation.

See Thesis Guidelines for further information.

TUITION & FEES

Schedule of Fees
The amount of tuition and fees due are published during the enrolment period at the start of each semester. The
Law School reserves the right to suspend from all classes a student who fails to settle his/her account within the
prescribed time. Further, his/her transcript of record or credits earned will not be released until the indebtedness is
paid in full.
Tuition Refund
In case of refunds on tuition payments, the Law School follows in essence the ruling of the Department of Education
as embodied in the Manual of Information for Private Schools (1970 Edition), Section VII, Article 137, as follows:

1. When a student registers in the Law School, it is understood that he or she is enrolling for the entire
school year;
2. A student may transfer or otherwise withdraw only by written notice to the Office of the Dean;
3. A student who transfers or otherwise withdraws, in writing, before or after the beginning of classes and
who has already paid the pertinent tuition and other school fees in full or for any length longer than one
month may be charged ten percent (10%) of the total amount due for the term if he or she withdraws
within the first week after the official start of classes;or twenty percent (20%) if within the second week of
classes, regardless of whether or not he has actually attended classes;
4. Such student shall not be entitled to any refund for school fees paid, and shall be liable in full for all the
school fees not yet paid, (if he or she withdraws anytime after the second week from the official start of
classes);
5. The basic fees paid by a student upon registration are always non-refundable if the student withdraws
from the Law School.

SCHOLARSHIPS & STUDENT LOANS

Scholarships, grants-in-aid, and student loans, are given by the Ateneo Law School to deserving students in
accordance with Law School policies. Scholarships are granted on the basis of academic achievement and actual
need. These awards are granted on a semestral basis. The maintenance of a high scholastic and moral standard is
a necessary condition for the continued enjoyment of a scholarship.

Application for scholarships and other grants-in-aid should be filed with the Office of the Dean at the start of every
semester.

REFERENCE
http://ateneo.edu/aps/law/jd-program-law/admission-juris-doctor-jd-program