On January 7, 2026, the Supreme Court released the results of the 2025 Bar Examinations held last September. There were 5,594 out of 11,420 (48.98%) Bar hopefuls who successfully passed the 2025 Bar Exams, fulfilling their dreams since the first time they set foot in law school. The results left successful examinees jubilant, law schools beaming with pride, and left a message to those who didn’t make it to rise up, soldier on, and fight another day to eventually claim the coveted title of “Atty.”
Along with the relief and fulfilment of passing the Bar Exams, there is also a mixed feeling of anxiety and uncertainty. A great number of these 5,594 individuals who will enter the legal profession most likely have little to no idea what they will do next as newly-minted lawyers.
This article will discuss possible career opportunities for new lawyers. The author is by no means an expert, but he would just like to provide suggestions on what to do as an attorney with all the responsibilities imposed by law and very stringent ethical standards.
THE TIME-TESTED BUT ROCKY ROUTE
This may sound cliché, but one of the most rewarding yet draining career paths in legal practice is litigation as a private law practitioner. It goes without saying that appearing in court is in itself an art. Many lawyers to this day claim that they are still learning, jokingly saying that the reason it is called “practice of law” is that we are constantly practicing and sharpening our skills in the courtroom and other tribunals.
An advised step is to first try to observe court proceedings to familiarize yourself with how the court operates. Also, it would be best to strive to be courteous and befriend the court staff and counsels. This develops familiarity with the “people” of the court.
Now, you might ask, “Should I start as a solo practitioner or try to apply to an established law firm?” It really depends on many factors.
Financial and social capital are always considered in this context. If you have saved sufficient money to put up your own law office and already have a network of potential clients, who’s stopping you? One disadvantage is that you don’t have senior lawyers who could act as mentors in learning the ropes of legal practice. Your best bet is to also make friends with seasoned lawyers, perhaps even your former professors, people who can provide mentorship.
What is common nowadays is law firms established by law school classmates, fraternity brothers and sisters, and even actual brothers and sisters under one law office. If you have a group like these, you could pool your resources and establish, at the very least, a loose partnership, in which buy-in capital can be less expensive. But expect everything (engagement fees, notarial payments, appearance fees, etc.) to be split equitably among the partners.
If you decide to be a private practitioner and join a firm as an associate, you might be assigned an already filed case or inherit one from a senior partner. You find out that a hearing for this case is coming up. You might feel anxious, even scared, for that day. The best thing to do is to prepare, but first know the incident of the upcoming hearing, whether it be pre-trial or already in its trial stage. If it’s pre-trial, thoroughly go over the pre-trial brief, or if it’s trial, prepare your witness and study the judicial affidavits and evidence to be presented and identified. As a new lawyer, always be teachable; never shy away from the advice of your seniors and opportunities to learn. You may make mistakes in your first hearing, but this is completely normal. It may be draining and frustrating, but it is all part of the process. Learn to give yourself breaks and always remember that every win, loss, or stressful moment is a new opportunity to learn.
GOVERNMENT SERVICE
These are safe choices, especially for new lawyers. If you want a regular monthly salary, this is the path for you. After less than a year in practice, many of my Bar batchmates applied for entry-level positions in the National Prosecution Service and Public Attorney’s Office. Many new lawyers also work as consultants, executive assistants, and in other well-paying positions in local government units.
When working for a national government agency or LGU, ensure that said agency allows the practice of law in a limited capacity. You can request issuance of a limited authority to practice law from the appointing authority in the agency. This allows you to work in the government while also engaging in private practice; more ways to make a living and also contribute to public service.
CORPORATE PRACTICE AND THE ACADEME
Aside from litigation and public service, many lawyers find fulfilling careers within corporations and private institutions. Companies require legal professionals to handle contracts, regulatory compliance, labor issues, and corporate governance. Working as in-house counsel allows lawyers to become strategic advisors to organizations rather than external advocates, which appeals to those who prefer long-term planning over courtroom advocacy.
Teaching remains a very valuable career option. Law schools continue to need competent educators who can guide future lawyers. Aside from law school, other options are teaching law subjects in colleges and even being an accredited professor for the Regional Training Centers of the Philippine National Police.
THE RISE OF REMOTE LEGAL WORK
A growing number of Filipino lawyers are now exploring opportunities in remote legal services, particularly as legal virtual assistants (LVAs). Through online platforms, lawyers can work with international law firms and clients while based in the Philippines. Tasks often include legal research, drafting documents, organizing case files, and managing communications. This career path offers flexibility, a dollar-based salary), global exposure, and the ability to use legal skills.
CONCLUSION
As you can see, there is a plethora of career paths a new lawyer can try. This is not an exclusive guide nor an expert analysis, but a mere article of suggestions from a relatively new lawyer. Whatever you do with your title does not make you less or more of a lawyer. Remember, Canon III Section 1 of Code of Professional Responsibility & Accountability defines practice of law as the rendition of legal service or performance of acts or the application of law, legal principles, and judgment, in or out of court, with regard to the circumstances or objectives of a person or a cause, and pursuant to a lawyer-client relationship or other engagement governed by the CPRA. It includes employment in the public service or private sector and requires membership in the Philippine bar as a qualification.
The most important thing is that you always remain humble and find ways to improve yourself professionally and, more generally, as a person. Finding your niche in the legal world is very ideal: one that gives you more than enough to have a livelihood and one that gives you a chance to serve the public.
But for now, savor the moment that you worked, struggled and prayed for at least six years. You are the pride of your family, school and even your barangay. When you take the oath and sign the Roll on February 6, always look back on what and who drove you to this moment; for it takes a village to make a lawyer. And when you return home, it is high time to give back to that village whether it be in the mountains of Sarangani Province and Kalinga or the urban jungles of Manila and Davao.
Congratulations,Panye!
