11/09/2025
Article:
๐๐ผ๐๐๐๐ผ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฟ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ฟ๐๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐๐พ๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ผ ๐พ๐ผ๐๐๐๐
Leonilo B. Capulso, PhD
Editor-in-Chief
The Honorian Law Journal
"Buhay, kalayaan, at pag-asa ang nakataya sa bawat batas at bawat artikulong binabasa ninyo" (Life, liberty, and hope are at stake in every law and every article you read). You want to succeed? You sacrifice."
- Justice Hernandez, Bar Boys (2017)
Drawing inspiration from the film โBar Boysโ (2017), the challenges that aspiring lawyers face are powerfully highlighted. However, these difficulties are significantly amplified for students who are also employed, whether they are single or married. The complex task of balancing demanding legal studies with the obligations of a job creates a distinct set of obstacles. These issues can be categorized into three main areas: maintaining academic performance, managing financial pressures, and navigating the complexities of time management.
As a working student, excelling in academic performance is a demanding task and demands a personal approach. A successful study approach requires proactive engagement with the material. The following tips can be useful: 1) Before attending class, review the topics to prepare for lectures and participate in discussions, 2) Beyond just taking notes, actively process the information by creating your own personalized briefs and outlines, which is more effective for deep learning than using pre-made ones ; 3) To boost retention, use active recall methods, such as the SQ3R technique or the Feynman Technique(a learning method for understanding complex topics by simplifying them ) instead of simply rereading your notes; and 4) To prepare for exams, practice answering sample questions to familiarize yourself with the question-and-answer format.
The biggest challenge for working law students, however, is probably time management. Law school demands a significant time commitment from its students, who must spend a great deal of time reading cases, getting ready for lectures, and doing coursework. Feelings of fatigue and burnout can commonly result from persistently trying to strike an acceptable compromise between these expectations and work hours.
An article written in New England Law (Boston) website entitled โHow to Manage Your Time Effectively in Law Schoolโ suggested practical tips in handling time management in Law School which includes creating a comprehensive schedule, establishing routines, and prioritizing well-being to maximize productivity and prevent burnout. Key strategies include setting realistic goals, focusing on one task at a time, and regularly reassessing your approach to ensure it remains effective.
Economic strain is yet another serious obstacle. The relatively high cost of tuition for law schools and the accompanying living expenses can put a heavy pinch on working students. This pressure may drive them to work longer hours, further reducing their already limited study time. Working law students in the Philippines commonly face financial challenges due to high tuition fees and demanding curricula that limit earning potential, often compounded by family financial obligations. This can lead to mental health issues like burnout and anxiety. To mitigate these issues, law students are encouraged in developing financial literacy, seeking aid and scholarships, reducing living costs, improving time management, using school resources, building support networks, and finding flexible work or paid internships.
The combined effects of economic constraints and time restrictions could impact academic performance. Employed law students could find it tough to keep up with the reading and assignments, which could result in low marks and risk their standing in the classroom.
Despite all of this, working law students learn valuable skills, which include resilience, discipline, and time management. Since the legal profession often involves long hours and challenging workloads, these skills can be highly beneficial.
Some Practical Tips to Balance Work and Law School:
1. Implement strict time management: Create a detailed schedule that sets aside specific time blocks for work, school, studying, and personal activities. Avoid letting work tasks, such as emails, bleed into your designated personal or school time.
2. Prioritize and focus on one task: Instead of multitasking, which can reduce memory and productivity, concentrate on a single critical task or exam at a time. Identify your most urgent priorities and tackle those first.
3. Communicate with your network: Keep your teachers and employer informed about your law school commitments. This open communication can help you gain understanding and potentially negotiate more flexible hours when needed.
4. Prioritize self-care: To prevent overwhelming stress and burnout, regularly schedule time for healthy habits like sufficient sleep, good nutrition, exercise, and relaxation.
5. Utilize available resources: Take full advantage of the resources offered by your law school, such as academic advisors and study groups. Additionally, consider using audio resources during commutes or lunch breaks to maximize your study time.
Ultimately, a student's success in law school is not measured by the number of setbacks they face in exams or recitations, but by their resilience in overcoming those challenges and their ability to pass the bar examinations by drawing on their unique backgrounds and experiences. All lawyers should remember that their duty is to defend "life, property and liberty," not just for their loved ones, but especially for the disadvantaged. This concept aligns with the perspective of former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay, who challenged legal professionals to remember that โHe who has less in life should have more in lawโ
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References:
1. Digest PH. (2025, May 07). How Much Does Law School Cost in the Philippines? Tuition.... Retrieved September 11, 2025, from https://www.digest.ph/blog/how-much-does-law-school-cost-in-the-philippines-tuition-expenses.
2. Educations.com. (2024). How to achieve work-life balance as a law student. https://www.educations.com/articles-and-advice/law-studies/how-to-achieve-work-life-balance-as-a-law-student
3. New England Law | Boston. (n.d.). How to manage your time effectively in law school. Retrieved September 11, 2025, from https://www.nesl.edu/blog/detail/how-to-use-time-management-effectively-in-law-school.
4. St. Francis Law School. (2022). Tips for Balancing Work and Law School. https://stfrancislaw.com/blog/tips-for-balancing-work-and-law-school/.
