Arellano University School of Law: Philippines Law Schools

Introduction to Arellano University School of Law

Arellano University School of Law (AUSL) is one of the most respected and strategically located law schools in the Philippines, particularly known for serving working professionals and non-traditional law students. Situated in the heart of Manila, AUSL has earned a reputation for practical legal education, accessibility, and strong preparation for the Philippine Bar Examination.

Founded as part of Arellano University, which traces its roots back to 1938, the School of Law was established to address the growing demand for legal education among employed individuals, government workers, and career shifters. Over the decades, AUSL has become synonymous with evening and weekend law programs, producing thousands of lawyers who now serve in private practice, government agencies, the judiciary, and corporate sectors across the country.

Historical Background and Institutional Philosophy

Arellano University itself is named after Cayetano Arellano, the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. This heritage strongly influences the School of Law’s philosophy, which emphasizes public service, judicial integrity, and practical legal competence.

The School of Law was designed from the outset to be inclusive and flexible. Unlike traditional law schools that cater primarily to full-time students, AUSL positioned itself as a professional law school where students can balance work, family, and legal studies. This mission has shaped its curriculum, class schedules, and academic policies.

AUSL’s philosophy centers on discipline, resilience, and real-world application of legal principles. The institution believes that lawyering is not only an intellectual pursuit but also a profession rooted in ethics, service, and accountability.

Location and Campus Environment

Arellano University School of Law is located in Manila, near key government institutions such as courts, government agencies, and major law offices. This strategic location provides students with exposure to the legal environment beyond the classroom.

The campus is designed to support evening classes, with facilities that remain operational late into the night. Libraries, study halls, and administrative offices accommodate the schedules of working students. While the campus may not be as expansive as those of larger universities, it is functional, accessible, and purpose-driven.

The urban setting allows students to attend hearings, internships, and legal work during the day and proceed directly to classes in the evening. This proximity to the legal ecosystem is one of AUSL’s major strengths.

Academic Programs and Degree Offerings

Arellano University School of Law primarily offers the Juris Doctor (JD) program, which is the standard law degree required to take the Philippine Bar Examination. The JD curriculum complies with the requirements set by the Legal Education Board (LEB) of the Philippines.

The program is structured to accommodate both full-time and part-time students. Many students enroll on a part-time basis, taking fewer units per semester to manage work commitments. Despite the flexible structure, academic rigor is strictly maintained.

Core subjects include Constitutional Law, Civil Law, Criminal Law, Commercial Law, Remedial Law, Political Law, Labor Law, Taxation Law, and Legal Ethics. Advanced electives and review subjects are offered in the latter years to prepare students for the Bar Examination.

Class Schedule and Learning Format

One of the defining features of Arellano University School of Law is its class scheduling. Most classes are held in the late afternoon, evening, and on weekends. This setup makes AUSL particularly attractive to:

• Government employees

• Court personnel

• Law firm staff

• Corporate professionals

• Entrepreneurs and business owners

Classes are typically lecture-based, supplemented by case discussions, recitations, and examinations. Professors expect students to come prepared, as cold calls and recitations are a core component of legal training at AUSL.

Despite accommodating working students, the school does not compromise on academic standards. Students are required to meet retention policies, pass qualifying requirements, and demonstrate consistent academic performance.

Faculty and Teaching Approach

The faculty of Arellano University School of Law is composed of experienced legal practitioners, judges, justices, senior lawyers, and legal scholars. Many professors actively practice law or hold positions in government, which allows them to integrate practical insights into classroom discussions.

Teaching at AUSL is heavily case-oriented, reflecting the demands of the Bar Examination and actual legal practice. Professors emphasize:

• Legal reasoning and analysis

• Mastery of jurisprudence

• Application of law to factual scenarios

• Bar-style questioning and exams

This pragmatic approach has helped students develop not only theoretical knowledge but also the ability to think and argue like practicing lawyers.

Bar Examination Performance and Reputation

Arellano University School of Law has consistently produced Bar Examination passers, including notable topnotchers in recent years. While its overall passing rate may vary depending on the year and cohort size, AUSL is widely recognized as a “bar-focused” law school.

The school is particularly known for producing successful Bar passers among working students, a demographic that traditionally faces greater challenges due to limited study time. This reputation underscores the effectiveness of AUSL’s teaching methods and academic support systems.

AUSL’s alumni network includes judges, prosecutors, public defenders, legislators, corporate counsels, and private practitioners. The growing presence of AUSL graduates in the legal profession has strengthened the school’s standing among Philippine law schools.

Admission Requirements and Selection Process

Admission to Arellano University School of Law is competitive but accessible compared to some elite institutions. Applicants must meet the requirements set by the Legal Education Board, including possession of a bachelor’s degree.

Applicants are generally required to undergo:

• Submission of academic records

• Entrance examinations or assessments

• Interviews or evaluations, depending on the academic year

While AUSL is known for being inclusive, admission does not guarantee retention. Students must demonstrate the ability to cope with the demands of legal education, particularly in the first and second years.

Tuition Fees and Cost Considerations

One of the reasons many students choose Arellano University School of Law is its relatively affordable tuition compared to other private law schools in Metro Manila. While costs may vary by academic year and unit load, AUSL remains a cost-effective option for aspiring lawyers.

Payment schemes are often flexible, accommodating installment arrangements that suit working students. This financial accessibility aligns with the university’s mission to democratize legal education.

Additional costs include books, review materials, bar preparation expenses, and miscellaneous fees. However, overall expenses are generally manageable for students who are employed while studying.

Student Life and Academic Culture

Student life at AUSL is distinct from traditional undergraduate or full-time law school environments. Most students are working professionals, resulting in a mature and disciplined academic culture.

Competition exists, particularly during exams and bar review periods, but collaboration is common. Study groups, shared notes, and peer support are integral to student success.

Student organizations, legal fraternities, and interest groups operate within the school, providing opportunities for networking, mentorship, and leadership development. Activities are usually scheduled to fit evening and weekend availability.

Bar Review and Academic Support

Arellano University School of Law places strong emphasis on Bar Examination preparation. Review subjects are integrated into the curriculum, and professors often tailor their teaching to bar trends and frequently tested topics.

Many faculty members are experienced bar reviewers or examiners, giving students valuable insight into effective study strategies. Mock bar exams, pre-bar lectures, and intensive review sessions are commonly conducted.

The school’s culture encourages early and consistent preparation for the Bar Examination rather than last-minute cramming.

Alumni Network and Career Opportunities

AUSL boasts a large and active alumni network spread across the Philippines and abroad. Graduates work in diverse fields, including:

• Judiciary and prosecution

• Public service and government agencies

• Private law firms

• Corporate legal departments

• Academia and policy research

The strong presence of AUSL alumni in courts and government offices has created informal mentorship channels for current students and recent graduates. This network can be particularly helpful for job placements, internships, and professional referrals.

Strengths and Distinctive Features

Arellano University School of Law stands out for several reasons:

• Strong focus on working professionals

• Flexible class schedules

• Practical, bar-oriented teaching

• Affordable tuition compared to many private law schools

• Strategic Manila location near courts and legal institutions

These features make AUSL an attractive option for students who value accessibility and practical legal training over prestige branding.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its strengths, AUSL also presents challenges. Balancing work and law school requires discipline, time management, and personal sacrifice. Students must be prepared for long days that involve both professional responsibilities and demanding academic work.

The self-driven nature of learning at AUSL means students must take initiative in mastering the material. Those expecting a lighter workload due to evening classes often find the program more rigorous than anticipated.

Conclusion

Arellano University School of Law occupies a unique and important position among law schools in the Philippines. By prioritizing accessibility, flexibility, and practical legal education, it has empowered thousands of working professionals to achieve their dream of becoming lawyers.

For aspiring law students who need to balance employment with legal studies, AUSL offers a proven pathway to Bar Examination success and professional growth. Its emphasis on discipline, resilience, and real-world application makes it a compelling choice for those who view law not merely as an academic pursuit, but as a lifelong profession dedicated to service and justice.

As Philippine legal education continues to evolve, Arellano University School of Law remains a cornerstone institution, demonstrating that quality legal training can be both rigorous and accessible.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is Arellano University School of Law a good choice for working students?

Yes. Arellano University School of Law (AUSL) is widely recognized in Metro Manila for its accessibility to working professionals. Many classes are scheduled in the late afternoon, evening, and on weekends, making it possible to maintain full-time employment while studying. That said, “work-friendly” does not mean “easy.” AUSL’s academic culture still requires intensive reading, case digestion, and frequent recitations. If you have a demanding job, you should plan your weekly schedule carefully and build consistent study habits early in the semester.

What degree program does AUSL offer, and how long does it usually take?

AUSL primarily offers the Juris Doctor (JD) program, which is the standard professional degree required to qualify for the Philippine Bar Examination. The length depends on your unit load each term. Students who take a lighter load due to work commitments may take longer than the standard timeline. The program is structured to allow flexibility, but progression still depends on meeting prerequisites and passing core subjects in sequence, especially in major areas like Civil Law, Remedial Law, and Criminal Law.

How difficult is the first year at Arellano University School of Law?

The first year is often the most challenging because it forces students to adapt to legal reasoning, heavy reading assignments, and Socratic-style questioning. Most students experience an adjustment period, particularly if they have been away from school for several years. Expect to spend significant time reading cases and learning how to brief them. The key to surviving the first year is consistency: read daily, outline weekly, and take recitations seriously, because class performance often reflects your preparation habits.

Does AUSL have a strong focus on Bar Exam preparation?

AUSL is commonly described as “bar-oriented,” meaning many courses and teaching styles are aligned with what students will later encounter in the Bar Examination. Professors often emphasize jurisprudence, issue-spotting, and bar-type questioning. In the later years, students typically take review and integration subjects designed to strengthen bar readiness. However, no law school can “guarantee” bar success. Your results will still depend on discipline, mastery of fundamentals, and a structured review plan.

What is the usual class format at AUSL?

Most classes are discussion-based and case-focused. Students are expected to come prepared to recite, explain rulings, and apply doctrines to new fact patterns. Exams often involve essay questions, issue-spotting, and bar-style hypotheticals. Because many professors are active practitioners, judges, or government lawyers, classroom discussions may include practical perspectives on litigation, court procedure, and legal strategy. Attendance and participation matter because consistent engagement helps develop confidence in legal analysis and oral argument.

How should I prepare for AUSL’s admission process?

Applicants generally need a completed bachelor’s degree and must submit academic records and other requirements. Depending on the current policies, you may encounter an entrance assessment and/or interview. Preparation should include reviewing basic reading comprehension skills, writing clearly under time pressure, and being ready to explain your motivation for studying law. If you are applying as a working professional, it helps to communicate your plan for balancing work and academics, since time management is essential for retention and success.

Is AUSL considered affordable compared to other Manila law schools?

Many students consider AUSL relatively cost-effective compared to several other private law schools in Metro Manila. Tuition and fees vary by term and unit load, and additional expenses include books, printed cases, bar review materials, and transportation. Even if tuition is manageable, the hidden cost is time: law school requires sustained focus for years. Prospective students should budget not only for tuition but also for study resources and a lifestyle that supports consistent learning.

What study strategies work best for AUSL students?

Effective strategies usually combine daily case reading with weekly consolidation. Many students benefit from creating subject outlines early, maintaining a digest system for key cases, and practicing bar-type questions before major exams. If you are working, a realistic plan matters more than an ambitious one. Short, focused sessions on weekdays plus longer blocks on weekends often work well. Also, learn how your professors test: some emphasize codal provisions, others prioritize jurisprudence and application.

Can AUSL students find internships or legal exposure while studying?

Yes, although opportunities depend on your schedule and initiative. AUSL’s Manila location can be an advantage because courts, government offices, and law firms are nearby. Some students gain exposure through work itself if they are employed in legal-related roles. Others pursue clerkships, internships, or part-time roles in law offices. Even without formal internships, students can build practical skills through moot court, legal writing exercises, and participation in student organizations.

What kind of careers do AUSL graduates typically pursue?

AUSL graduates enter a wide range of legal careers, including private practice, corporate legal departments, prosecution, public defense, compliance, policy work, and government service. Some pursue judicial careers later after gaining experience. Because many AUSL students are already employed while studying, career paths can be diverse: some use the JD to shift industries, while others deepen their existing professional track. Building networks through classmates, professors, and alumni can be a meaningful advantage.

What should I consider before choosing AUSL over other law schools?

Consider your lifestyle, budget, and learning style. If you need a schedule compatible with full-time work, AUSL is often a practical choice. If you prefer a traditional full-time campus environment or a heavily research-oriented culture, another school might fit better. Also consider commute time, support systems at home, and your long-term career goals. The best law school is the one you can consistently attend, perform well in, and complete with strong fundamentals for the Bar Examination.

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