They say life is shaped by moments, and it is only by looking at the past, and understanding beginnings that one is guided with the challenges of the now.
It is for this very reason that The Advocati is launching its alumni series: Ab Initio.
Known as one of the power couples of MSU Law Gensan, Atty Janesa Mariam G. Ladjiman-Sales and Atty. Manuel B. Sales IV take on the hot seat as they honor Advocati the privilege to look at the secret behind their successful careers in the legal profession. But like us, they were once law students, too.
Lend us your ears as we introduce this hottorney couple, the perfect choice for the first entry of our Ab Initio series.
Tell us a short background about yourself.
Atty. Sales: Full time houseboy, lawyer on the side.
Atty. Ladjiman-Sales: I am Janesa, a lawyer engaged in litigation in General Santos. I am a Muslim and I take pride in being one. I took my bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing in the University of the Philippines. So yes, arts and literature has always been a hobby. I also finished my law studies in MSU-GSC.
Have you always wanted to become a lawyer?
Atty. Sales: No. I wanted to become a doctor, initially.
Atty. Ladjiman-Sales: No, but it always felt like I needed to be one.
What was the most unforgettable experience you have had in law school?
Atty. Sales: Too many to mention. The best time of my academic life.
Atty. Ladjiman-Sales: Actually, there are a lot. One of which was when I was asked by my favorite professor to stand up for almost an hour to recite. I was the only one who stood then.
Can you share one hack that helped you stay in law school until the very end?
Atty. Sales: Surround yourself with good people who lift you up.
Atty. Ladjiman-Sales: Have good company. In fact, I had and still have an amazing partner and great friends.
What are the things you wish law students would stop doing?
Atty. Sales: Stop taking yourself too seriously. Learn to laugh at your mistakes.
Atty. Ladjiman-Sales: I really wish that law students will stop whining about the reading assignments that they have. Law school is about reading and studying the law and anything related to it. In fact, that’s how it still is in the practice of law.
What is your advice to students who have to juggle work and school at the same time?
Atty. Sales: Manage their time wisely and learn to rest.
Atty. Ladjiman-Sales: Without compromising your work or your current profession, prioritize law school and the study of law. Always put in mind that you aim to be lawyers, and not just to stay within the four corners of your current employment.
If there are things you could change or you wish you had done differently while in law school, what would it be and why?
Atty. Sales: None. Life is too short for regrets.
Atty. Ladjiman-Sales: None. Looking back, I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
How did law school help you in your transition in the practice of law?
Atty. Sales: By finding mentors in the person of our esteemed professors – Atty. Eliseo Vencer II, Atty. Don Valenzuela, Atty. Eufemio Simtim, to name a few.
Atty. Ladjiman-Sales: One of the best things that law school has taught me is not to take myself and other stresses in life too seriously. Bringing that in mind until now, it has helped me to try my best to look at all things in relation to the practice of law in a positive light.
What is the most fulfilling part of being a lawyer?
Atty. Sales: Being a lawyer is fulfilling in and of itself.
Atty. Ladjiman-Sales: To see a beam of hope in the eyes of those whom I seek to defend, and to try my best to deliver justice to those who need it the most.
Do you have any advice to students of law?
Atty. Sales: Semper ad meliora.
Atty. Ladjiman-Sales: Find peace and joy in the thought that you are fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to study the law and become advocates of truth and justice.
