Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo has urged the country’s law schools “to integrate real-world issues into the curriculum and foster a deep sense of social responsibility in your students.”
In his message during the recent annual convention of the Philippine Association of Law Schools, Inc. (PALS) in Pampanga, the Chief Justice said: “You shape legal education to produce professionals who will advocate for those in need, challenge injustice, and uphold the fundamental values of a free and fair society,”
Gesmundo emphasized the importance of shaping a curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and values essential for responsible legal practice.
At the same time, Gesmundo urged law educators to adopt technological tools like artificial intelligence (AI) as he pointed out their growing role in the legal field.
“AI and other technological tools are reshaping the practice of law, from legal research and document review to predictive analytics and case strategy,” the Chief Justice noted.
He stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders, particularly between the Legal Education Board (LEB) and PALS, in implementing these needed reforms in the legal education system.
Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier, chairperson of the 2025 Bar Examinations Committee, reminded law deans that law school training plays a vital role in preparing students for the Bar Exams.
Justice Javier asked the law schools’ assistance to ensure the success of the 2025 Bar exams, which shall continue to be digitalized and localized.
“This is a reality that the Court has fully embraced and seized in its leap forward to be technologically-adaptive,” she said.
She also addressed concerns about the use of technology as she clarified that AI will not be used in the Bar examinations.
For his part, Associate Justice Mario V. Lopez, chairperson of the 2024 Bar Examinations Committee, encouraged law deans to focus on admitting students with strong reasoning and language skills while advocating for structural and methodological reforms, including an updated Basic Law Curriculum, promotion of high ethical standards, and collaboration among the SC, PALS, and LEB.