Ateneo Law celebrates 2024 Bar passers in homecoming and testimonial dinner

The Ateneo Law School proudly welcomed its newest batch of lawyers during the 2024 Bar Passers Homecoming and Testimonial Dinner, held at the Ateneo Rockwell Campus. The event, marked by celebration and gratitude, gathered alumni, faculty, and students to honor the remarkable achievements of the latest batch of Ateneans who passed the Bar.

The evening began with a Mass at the St Thomas More Chapel, setting a solemn and reflective tone for the milestone event. Fr Antonio Roberto G Sian SJ, Chaplain for Higher Education (Professional Schools) was the main celebrant.

Following tradition, the unfurling of the Bar passers’ tarpaulin, accompanied by the lively beats of Ateneo’s Babble Battalion, filled the campus with cheer.

The testimonial dinner at the building roof deck was graced by distinguished members of the Ateneo Law School community.

Dean Maita Chan-Gonzaga, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, delivered the opening remarks, expressing pride in the graduates’ resilience and dedication. Dean Maita Chan-Gonzaga  praised the achievements of the 2024 Bar passers while acknowledging the community that supported them. She highlighted the Ateneo Law School’s legacy of visionary leadership through its deans and the enduring influence of Father Joaquin Bernas SJ, describing him as "the guiding light" and "your biggest cheerleader." Dean Maita also reminded the new lawyers to express gratitude to those who contributed to their success, saying, "This testimonial dinner is also a way to remind you to show gratitude for everyone in the village who helped you make it here tonight."

Dr Maria Luz Vilches, Vice President for Higher Education, delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing the University’s dedication to excellence and service. She lauded the remarkable passing rate, recognizing Ateneo Law School as the top-performing law institution in the country for 2024. Dr. Vilches also highlighted the core values instilled in Ateneans, such as cura personalis, magis, and a 'faith that does justice'.

Atty Filemon Ray L Javier, a Bar Examiner, reflected on his role in crafting and grading the 2024 Bar Exams, particularly the unintended difficulty of the Labor Law subject. He shared the challenges of checking answers, working late nights while balancing his duties at the Department of Education. Despite moments of exhaustion, he remained committed to fairness, ensuring each paper was reviewed to the best of his ability.

Atty Maria Christina S Aniceto, a Bar topnotcher, shared her reflections on the challenges of the Bar exams and the deeper journey of becoming a lawyer. She acknowledged the exhaustion and self-doubt that came with the exams but emphasized resilience, friendships, and the lessons learned through failures.

Mr Jose III L Dorado, speaking on behalf of the Ateneo Central Bar Operations, expressed gratitude to the bar passers for their trust, patience, and confidence. He acknowledged the dedication of the bar operations team, including its Chair Clarence Lim and all advisors, whose hard work contributed to the success of the batch.

The night concluded with a celebratory toast and closing remarks by Associate Dean Chan-Gonzaga, who represented Ateneo Law School Dean Jose Maria G Hofileña in this part of the program. Dean Maita’s closing remarks emphasized the importance of paying it forward and using success to uplift others. She encouraged the new lawyers to mentor future bar candidates, support students in need, and continue fostering kindness in their professional journeys.

She also shared a message from Dean Hofileña, reminding everyone of Coach Norman Black’s words: "No yabang." However, acknowledging the momentous occasion, Dean Joey added in jest, "Puedeng yabang. Ngayon lang."

Finally, she reminded the bar passers that the power they gain as lawyers is not merely given but entrusted to them for a purpose—to serve with excellence, integrity, and justice. She concluded with a toast, urging them to "go forth and set the world on fire."

The program concluded with a rendition of the “Song for Mary”, a fitting tribute to the Ateneo spirit.