The bar examinations were concluded last November 25 at the University of St. Tomas. Congratulations to the takers! When I took the bar, we had it at the De La Salle University campus along Taft Avenue and it was on a September. Some say it is the toughest examination in the country because only a little percentage of the examinees pass. Others say it is arrogance to claim or say so but there are stories of examinees suffering depression even leading to insanity. I was one of those who dreamt of becoming a lawyer and enjoying the privilege of using the title. Winning cases against top lawyers was part of the dream. It can also be said that it is the prestige that comes along with the title that makes a bar candidate do whatever he can to pass the examinations. The frequency and regularity of my visit to churches and chapels would embarrass a seminarian. I also saw my fellow examinees bring their test permit, pens, and ID to a chapel to be blessed by a priest and another who placed a red handkerchief with prayers written all over on his head while taking the examinations. All to make sure that we pass the examinations. On our last Sunday, Manila suffered a severe flood, inundating a wide area of the city including La Salle. We finished our examinations the following Sunday. Then we waited. I realized that the wait is almost as unbearable as the bar exam itself. But when I was told that my name was on the list of passers, I was walking on cloud 9. I was excited to use my new gained prefix. I was too excited and probably arrogant that when I found myself in an argument with a stranger, I blurted out the magic spell: “I’m a lawyer!”. To this day, I live with the regret of having said that phrase and I consider it to be the most embarrassing moment in my life. Now, I try to avoid attaching the title “Atty.” to my name that I may atone for my arrogance although sometimes the temptation is just to strong to resist.
After eight years of being a lawyer, I am now in the process of trying to avoid using a title I have so coveted and worked hard to achieve. I have come to the realization that titles really do not spell a person’s character. But if ever I place “Atty.” before my name, it is not to impose upon others the obligation to adopt a certain behavior or render preference or privilege towards me. On the contrary, it is a reminder and an imposition upon myself of the duties, responsibilities and obligations that come with the title.
Again, I congratulate the bar examinees who endured the struggle. Graduating from law school is difficult enough and going through the review, examination, and the long wait for the result is even more agonizing. When you finally get your title, I urge you to use it with much care and responsibility.
