I.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
1. MISSION STATEMENT

The firm is founded with the end-in-view of living up to the character of the practice of law as a non-money-making venture and as a noble profession. The firm is values-driven, self-competent, efficient, hardworking, dynamic and competent to handle any matter and field of the law. Most importantly, it places great value in the trust reposed on it by the clients. The firm is determined in establishing a trustworthy, strong and lasting lawyer-client relationship with a wide array of clients who have different needs and queries regarding the law. This is not solely for the purpose of enabling the firm to depict itself to the public as a clientfriendly and accessible firm, but as well as to enable clients to shun away their thoughts of avoiding, as much as possible, consultations with lawyers for fear that their secrets may be divulged and, consequently, blacken their reputations. The firm is steadfast in its objective of providing clients with expeditious, good and less costly services and means of litigating their cases. Furthermore, it is keen into giving clients the very best that the law can provide. The firms mission is to pursue justice while serving the clientele at its best. 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE (OVERVIEW) The firm has vast experiences and trainings in the areas of criminal, civil, corporate and transportation laws. The Firms law practitioner has also been exposed to the fields of commercial and tax laws. Moreover, he is well-versed in alternative dispute resolution. The firm offers a wide array of legal services, including not only prosecution of cases in the court room but as well as preparation of pleadings and legal consultations. Pleading preparation ranges from the simplest affidavit to the most intricate case pleadings and briefs. The firm takes pride in providing effective and efficient legal solutions to its clientele through a combination of traditional and front-line innovations. The firm provides such while taking into consideration the clienteles financial means and social standing. The firms business establishment is a wholesome and tranquil place which is accessible to clients. It is also well-equipped with the basic necessities which clients may need while being in an office and while seeking legal services. The firms non-legal staff have undergone character assessments and trainings in order to provide the best office accommodation and service to clients. Said staff are also computer literate and well-versed in the English, Tagalog and Visayan languages. More importantly, most of said staff have had some legal experiences and background before they were employed in the firm.

II.

DATA GATHERED (INTERVIEW RESULTS):

As to the data gathered, please see Appendix A for the full transcript of the interviews conducted. The summary of the relevant results are as follows: Atty. Castanos Usual Rates: 300php with acknowledgment but if has a consideration we charge 0.51% depending on the clients capacity to pay. Legal Fees: Consultation Consultation Fees: The Fees / Apperance Fees standard rate is 300, but we usually charge 500, but if the case is too complicated we charge 1000. Notarization: We do not require them to pay if they immediately pay the acceptance fee. Appearance Fees: The usual Davao rate is 1500-2000, but it varies when you appear in different places. Solo-Practice Set-up and To set-up a law office you Capital Requirements need a capital of at least 200,000 because of the equipment you have to invest in such as a photocopier, printer, and other office equipment. It also requires one secretary and one process server. Management of a law office For employees, I handle payment of the employees salary, the offices permits, and my IBP dues, SSS and other requirements (From the perspective of managing partner, but we are to assume that this responsibility shall also be carried by the solopractioner) Building your law office: You have to make them Appearance Fees: We usually charge 1500-2000, but we also take into account on who will appear. To set-up a law office you need at least 50,000, for your simple office equipment such as a computer and a telephone, but it is very much advisable that you have an office as not to scare the clients away thinking that you are a fly by night lawyer. Atty. Dumalag We follow the standard IBP rates of 5%, but that is inclusive of negotiation and designing of the document itself. Consultation Fees: I only consult when they are held on a retainer basis, which includes management consultations and projects.

You have to provide them with 2

Marketing and Keeping your happy. In a service-oriented Clients profession, we have to serve them with utmost integrity and honesty. If your clients are happy then they will keep coming back to you and will probably refer you. Billing In order to survive, you have effectively bill them, because if you are not firm on how you bill, you will probably incur a loss. You have to be firm.

a particular skill that no other ordinary lawyer can give. You have to upgrade yourself with your clients needs.

The following topics and results were the ones pertinent in our approach to conduct the study.

III.

FINANCIAL PLAN:
1. INITIAL CAPITAL EXPENSES:

Equipment Fax Machine Printer Computer Computer Table Computer Table Chair Telephone Photocopier Lawyers Desk Lawyers Chair Filing Cabinet Bookshelf Airconditioner Sofa Secretarys Table Secretarys Chair Guest Chairs

Description Panasonic HP Laserjet P1102 Lenovo C2000

No. of units 1 1 2 1

Cost 4,500 5,000 18,700 1,000 890 1,750 7,500 4,500 2,500 6,500 5,000 17,000 8,000 2,000 890 500

Total 4,500 5,000 37,400 1,000 890 1,750 7,500 4,500 2,500 6,500 10,000 17,000 8,000 2,000 890 3,000 112,430

Gas Lift Chair 1 w/ Arm Rest Motorola 1 D1001 Fuji Xerox 1 Phaser 1 GT 400 AX 1 Chair 1 2 Carrier wCargo 1 6010EA 2-seater 1 1 Gaslift Chair w/ 1 Armrest Straight-back 6 chair

2. SALARIES AND OFFICE EQUIPMENT:

Classification Staff Staff Utilities Utilities Office Supplies Bookkeeping Services

Description Secretary Process Server Water Electricity

No. of Units/Personnel 1 1 1 1

Cost month 10,500 9,500 750 4,250 2,000 1,000

per Total per year 126,000 114,000 9,000 51,000 24,000 12,000

3. BILLING CHARTS: Service Standard Notarization Description Simple notarization, made document Cost (in Philippine Peso) pre- 250php

This however is subject to a percentage basis if it involves notarization of deeds. This however shall not be charged to clients on a retainer basis. Drafting and Notarization of Drafting of simple 400php Affidavits documents by the lawyer or his/her legal staff with This however is subject to a notarization percentage basis if it involves notarization of deeds. This also will not apply to clients on a retainer basis. Consultation Fees Walk-in clients with legal 300php (First Hour) + problems are advised on 200php (per succeeding their legal dilemma. This hour) but shall not be billing will be different, if the applicable if clients are on a client will immediately retained basis accept the lawyer and pay acceptance fees. Acceptance Fee Covers: Lawyers fee, filing Shall be determined by the fees, drafting of documents complications each case. and other matters directly or indicidental for the preparation of the case Retainer Fee Covers: Standard Shall be determined by the Notarizations, Drafting and agreement of the lawyer Notarization of Affidavits, and client, but in no case Consultation Fees and shall be lower than other pertinent services 3000php/month Appearance Fee May cover Travelling If the lawyer assumes travel expenses expenses: 1. Davao 1,500php 2. Outside Davao, but within the Region 3,000php 3. Outside Davao, but within Mindanao 5,000php 4. Outside Davao, but within the Philippines 5

15,000php If the client assumes travel expenses: 1. Davao 1,500php 2. Outside Davao, but within the Region 2,500php 3. Outside Davao, but within Mindanao 4,000php 4. Outside Davao, but within the Philippines 10,000php *The abovementioned rates are merely standards, but can be subject to negotiations which may depend on the complications and attention required in each case.

4. PRO-FORMA PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT: Year Sales Notarization Fees Legal Fees Total Sales Expenses Payroll Depreciation Utilities Office Rent Others Total Expenses Net Profit Loss / 1 2 3

132,000 180,000 312,000

171,000 324,000 495,000

210,000 414,000 624,000

240,000 22,486 60,000 120,000 36,000 478,486

240,000 22,486 60,000 120,000 36,0000 478,486

240,000 22,486 60,000 120,000 36,000 478,486

(166,486)

16,514

145,514

Important Assumptions: 1. 20 Standard Notarizations per month, which shall increase by 5 per year 2. 15 Drafting and Notarization Documents per month, which shall increase by 5 per year 3. 15 hours of Consultation Services per month, which shall increase by 5 per year. 4. 5 Retainer Clients throughout the entire year, which shall increase by 2 per year 6

5. Estimated life of all office equipment (machineries and furniture) would be five (5) years for the purposes of depreciation expenses. 6. Salaries of office personnel would be the same for the next three (3) years.

5. PRO-FORMA BALANCE SHEET Year Assets Current Assets Cash Total Current Assets Non Current Assets Office Equipment Accumulated Depreciation Total Non Current Assets Total Assets Liabilities/Capital Capital Profit/Loss Total Liabilities/Capital 1 2 3

56,000 56,000

95,000 95,000

263,000 263,000

112,430 (22,486) 89,944 145,944

112,430 (44,972) 162,458 122,486

112,430 (67,458) 44,972 307,972

312,430 (166,486) 145,944

145,944 16,514 162,458

162,458 145,514 307,972

IV.

MANAGEMENT PLAN:
1. TYPE OF LAW FIRM

In this particular study, we have chosen to engage in the solo practice. We will study on how a solo practioner works nowadays. We will study how simple of complicated a solo-practioner operates as to management operations and how he/she reels in clients given his limited amount of resources.

2. ORGANIZATIONAL CHART:

3. JOB ROLES & DESCRIPTIONS 4.1 Attorney Job description: To act as the manager of the business and the legal counsel for his clients. Specific responsibilities: A. As legal counsel: Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations. Prepare and draft legal documents, such as wills, deeds, patent applications, mortgages, leases, and contracts. Prepare affidavits, pleadings, legal briefs and opinions, and file timely motions and appeals whenever necessary. 8

Represent clients in court or before government agencies. Examine legal data to determine advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuit. Prepare legal materials and consult the clients about their rights and legal procedures; Ensure time efficient legal services to client. Maintain and Update Business Files, Client Files, and Court Files.

B. As Business Manager: Ensure that services are rendered in a professional, ethical, timely, and economic manner Meet regularly with the Secretary and Process Server including additions to personnel and changes of policyand to answer questions and address concerns. Monitor cash flow and finance. As the Solo practitioner works on his own, he is also responsible for monitoring his finances, both on the revenue side, including oversight of time posted, bills rendered, and accounts receivable, and on the expense side, including budgetary compliance and approval of non-budgeted expenses. Ensure the firms compliance with ethical standards. Oversee the hiring and orientation of new personnel. Oversee the evaluation and professional development of personnel. Monitor the infrastructure of the firm. The managing partner is responsible for the efficient use and effective operation of the firms infrastructure, which includes its space, library, facilities, and telecommunication and computer systems. 4.2 Secretary Job description:To assist the lawyer in his day to day activities in the office. Specific responsibilities: Prepare and process legal documents and papers, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, and pretrial agreements. Mail, fax, or arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials. Receive and place telephone calls. Schedule and make appointments. Keep appropriate receipts for accounting purposes and monitor all office supply inventory and expenses. Make photocopies of correspondence, documents, and other printed matter. Organize and maintain documents, and case files.

Qualification Requirements: Bachelor's degree of any field (with Accounting and Management units preferably) Entry level/Fresh graduate Proficient in speaking, reading and writing English Must be presentable and with pleasing personality 9

Mature and open-minded Hardworking and dedicated

4.3Process Server Job description:Serve legal processes as required by the lawyer or the court and promptly report on the status of such documents when inquired. Specific responsibilities: Reviews the documents to be served to verify they are completely filled out, signed and have accurate contact information. Maintain proper reports/records relating to service of process. Receive legal documents from attorneys, parties to lawsuits representing themselves, and government agencies. Obtain and replenish office supplies as instructed.

Qualification requirements: Male At least 2nd year College Has basic skills in vehicle troubleshooting. With great familiarity on the major streets or routes of Davao City and nearby areas. Punctual, Dependable and Trustworthy. Hardworking and willing to work Overtime and Holidays Required language(s): English, Filipino

5. OFFICE POLICIES, RULES and REGULATIONS 5.1 General Employee Conduct Employees shall: a) carry out their official duties and conduct themselves with tact and discretion with regard to their duties and which the firm's interests require; b) refrain from any act which may harm the reputation of the firm or the lawyer; c) refrain from publicly doing, stating or publishing anything incompatible with their duties or obligations; d) dress in a manner that is appropriate for a professional practice; e) protect the confidentiality of sensitive, unpublished information that has come to their attention in the course of their official duties; f) continue to be bound by the obligation referred to in d) above after leaving the Organisation; g) promptly attend meetings called by the lawyer, and inform him as soon as possible of any absences due to sickness or other related causes; 5.2 Handling Conflict of Interest 10

Employees are to inform the lawyer with respect to a client or case in which they or someone with whom they have a close relationship has a special personal interest. Any Conflict of interest must be disclosed to the lawyer at the soonest possible time. Where a conflict exists or believed to exist, any doubts as to the propriety of accepting instructions should be considered. The client should be informed of this as soon as possible and a formal written explanation should be given. The lawyer may then offer its recommendation if professionally appropriate. 5.3 Prompt Action It is essential that all personnel act promptly on any of the lawyers instructions. Instructions may be received by email, telephone, text message, or at a meeting. If they are received other than at a meeting they should be acknowledged promptly, having regard to the sensitivity of the matter and its urgency to the client and legal process. 5.4 Record Keeping It is essential that the Lawyer, Secretary, and Process Server keep all appropriate records or documents that they may encounter during their day to day dealings. The type of records which are needed to be kept include: (a) Source documents that substantiate all transactions in your business - e.g. receipts, invoices, vouchers, and other relevant documents issued or received from customers/suppliers; (b) Accounting records and schedules - manual or electronic records of assets and liabilities, revenue and expenses, gains (profit) and losses; (c) Bank statements; and (d) Any other records of transactions connected with your business. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to update, maintain, and keep an efficient record file for all the clients and business transactions. The lawyer may require the Secretary to furnish a monthly report of such transactions or whenever necessary.

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6. OFFICE LAYOUT:

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V.

MARKETING PLAN:

In this study, we study the 4-Ps in Marketing:

1. PROPOSED TARGET MARKET (PEOPLE) The following are our firms target market: 1. Business Firms: It is undeniable that most successful law firms have thrived because of the generosity of their corporate clients. However, like most business firms that retain lawyers for their services, diligence is required of them in rendering each and every service, from litigation to small document notarizations. In piercing Davaos thriving business markets, we have to keep in mind that as solo-practitioner we can only give them a limited amount of time given our heavy workload. That is why, in getting and retaining corporate clients, we only can select a few amount of business firms where we can devote our utmost services to. We also have to take into account that as a solo-practitioner, we can only give a limited amount of service given that legal manpower is not a luxury, at the moment we can afford, which most well-established business establishments are looking for. Thus, our target market should be growing business firms that we can expect to hire us given our current status. In doing so, we get to build a relationship with them as their firm grows, carries that loyalty and familiarity that in the business world is essential to build a healthy attorney-client relationship. 2. Individuals: Walk-in individual clients, who rarely provide retainer agreements, can also be a good target market because of their power of free advertisement through referrals. With trustworthy referrals, it creates a network of meeting new clients, not to mention good reputation. As a solopractitioner, we cannot ignore the fact that we cannot depend on our office staff to advertise for us nor our lawyer-friends to refer their clients to us all the time. This creates a good balance between clients who employ our services once and those in the business industry that retain us for a fixed amount of time.

2. BILLING (PRICE) As mentioned in our interviews, the key to a successful law firm is fair and effective billing. The principle of getting your moneys worth strongly apply to the advocacy that is the legal profession. Therefore, we should be careful on how much we bill our clients as for them not to feel cheated in our services. The following are the criteria as to how we arrive at our billing: 13

1. Time and Effort Notwithstanding our standard billing chart under Chapter II of this paper, the price of each shall be also be determined as to the amount of time and effort to be spent in studying and preparing for the case. 2. Location The venue of each case shall also be a basis for the determination of the price of each case. We have to take into consideration that venue where the case is to be filed and/or tried is a factor in determining proper billing. 3. Difficulty of each case This criterion may the most important, as each case is different from one another. There are cases that are more difficult than others, not only as to its merits, but also as to the parties involved (i.e. family disputes, complications in arriving at a settlement). Therefore, the expensiveness of the price may vary. 4. Financial Capacity of the Client The clients financial capacity should also be taken into consideration, as he/she may or may not have the capacity to pay. However, as a profession that caters to the needs of justice, amount and mode of payment can be negotiated.

3. LOCATION (PLACE) As a solo-practitioner, strategic location is essential to the success of our law firm. Our law firm should ideally be placed in the heart of a busy business district where people are in need of the services of lawyer such as near government offices, ideally near the City Hall where people are in the immediate need of legal assistance when complications arise. Our location should not only be accessible to the public, but also reel in aspiring businessmen who may need legal assistance in their day to day legal needs. These important considerations as to location aids us not only to fit in our standard services, but also to build relationships with clients near these areas to establish an attorney-client relationship.

4. ADVERTISEMENT (PROMOTION): Bound by our legal ethics, we cannot advertise ourselves very well. Like the lawyers we have interviewed, reputation is the best advertisement that a lawyer can make for himself. However, in a feast or famine type of law firm, we have to also see to it we can be seen not only in court, but by the community where we can showcase our legal knowledge and skills. That is why, as part of our advertisement scheme, we plan to engage in the following activities: 1. Participate in Seminars These seminars not only cover the legal seminars, whether mandatory or voluntary, but also in other trades such as business, human rights and other advocacies. This will help us to communicate with other people, who are not lawyers, but may be prospective clients in the near future. This also helps us to be abreast of other issues that may one day aid in our profession.

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2. Participate in legal education seminars Although constrained in time, in our not so busy days, a little showcase of our legal knowledge can go miles. Speaking in a crowd what others probably do not know may impress prospective clients, who may require our services. 3. Joining Organizations Just like the two abovementioned advertisement schemes, building connections may build bridges to people who are of different professions. This may help build our clientele, but this also establishes good relations with others in other professions, who we may ask for help in our legal problems

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APPENDIX A : INTERVIEW

EXHIBIT A: ATTY. CASTANOS: How do you go about the billings? Acceptance fees really depends on the nature of the case and the capacity of the client to pay. How about notarizations? 300 with acknowledgment but it also depends on the kind of document, if its a deed of sale the tariff is 3%, but we lawyers charge 1% even 0.5%, depending on the capacity of the client to pay, sometimes even pro bono. So hindi talaga yan, there is a prescribed tariff for the IBP, but its seldom followed, kasi pupunta ka ng Sanggunian 50 pesos lang eh. Thats why mga abugado ngayon that theres a move from the BIR for lawyers to post their bills, its not realistic. If its a notarization of pre-made documents, no problem, but if you will make the document for them its different. For Consultation Fees? The rate is 300, but here we charge 500, pag complicated gani yung tipong 2 hours na nandito, we charge 1000. How about when they want to engage you as their lawyer, what happens to the consultation, do they still have to pay? Yes, not unless they immediately pay the acceptance fee, pero when they come back bayaran na nila yan. In your office, what are your basic necessities in terms of manpower? You have to have a messenger who will file and serve the pleadings, although some lawyers do it themselves, but for small scales, you really have to have one. You also have to have a clerk, so you have to have two. But thats only for one lawyer, if there are two lawyers, you have to have one secretary for one lawyer kasi mabubuang yang secretary, but okay lang isang messenger. In fact for a building you can only require one. How about associates? Do you require one? For Davao scenario? No need for associates, not unless you have a very heavy workload. So they can concentrate on the more serious ones. I know some law offices that hire associates just to give them light offenses like BP 22. Dati, kailangan naming, pero eventually we got the hang of it na, so we make the secretaries do others, so kami nalang naga memorandum but it really depends on the lawyer. Pero if you want to hire an associate, the minimum sweldo is 6000php, yung 6000php na yun.

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As a managing partner, what are your responsibilities? I manage the employees, pay the taxes, SSS, IBP dues, notarial reporting requirements sa OCC, permits, retainers and their monthly reports. How do you manage the firms funds? Do you separate? Its difficult eh, because we dont get sweldo eh. We just make sure that we have a personal fund for the employees and the office expenses. The rest we just get nalang for us, for savings etc, but is different for highly structured law firm which they pay dividends or they call it sweldo. Its very easy to establish a law firm. If you want to establish a firm, you have to register it with the SEC, kung iisa ka lang, you do not need to get a business permit, you just need receipts from the BIR and you have to pay your PTR and your IBP dues every year and the notarial dues, also your MCLE compliance. Yun lang, wala tayo business bureau, DTI etc., SEC registration is even optional. The davao scenario is very loose, it ventures more on profit sharing. Also its very important that you issue receipts, we issue receipts on every transaction, especially on notarizations because its very easy to trace it. For example retainer fees and you can also put walk-in in the receipt. Its also important that you put the permits outside, because its important. Although if the clients ask for a tariff, we give, wala naman issue, but we tell them we are not bound by that. How do you go about contingency fees? For example you agreed that you will receive 10% if you win the case? Do you still issue receipts? Yes, kung humihingi ang client, the usual practice hindi masyado ginagawa, pero for highly structured law offices, they usually give because they are being audited. How does it cost when you set-up a law office nowadays? Fully functioning, photocopy mo 75,000php which is a must in a law office, ang computer mga 12,000 to 16,000. The rent nowadays is 9,500. Approximately around 200,000 for a single practice para siyang negosyo. For appearance fee? 1500-2000php for davao. Outside Davao usually 5000 kung akin ang kotse. Kung manila, so much more expensive. The appearance fees covers everything na, including gasoline and travelling expenses. Bayaran siya agad through a statement of account. When you decide to go to the private law practice, you really need to learn how to bill because if you dont maulugi ka. You really have to be firm. How about charge of pleadings? How much do you charge?

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Usually when its a brief, its very expensive, I know some law offices that charge 500php per page kaya umaabot ng ganyan kakapal. Standard Davao Rates: CA with tro additional 25,000php, but usual Davao rates its usually 50,000. Sa Supreme Court, kung Agrarian Case medyo mahal mahal, pero kung criminal case 100,000. Mura na yung 50,000 eh. How can you advertise yourselves? Friends, remember that we are in the service-oriented practice so word of mouth talaga yan siya. Maliit pa ang Davao city, so word of mouth talaga yan siya, kung pleased ang clients sayo they will really refer you to another client. So dapat we always have to deal with them with integrity and honesty, kasi nakakahiya. So when you deal with your clients, respeto talaga yan, no misrepresentation as much as possible. When they see na matino ka na abugado, it will spread, its difficult who tried pero hindi talaga nakaya, kasi hindi malapitan and medyo bastos. Kung service oriented ka, kailangan extra effort ka talaga, kunwari magpagawa ng SPA, samahan ko ng affidavit or kapag dalawa ang kaso meron sa RTC at MTC, sabihin mo na sige pakapin na ang MTC. Kailangan talaga na extra effort sa service oriented practice, not to the point naman na iprostitute niyo sarili mo. How do you reel and keep clients in? Make them happy. You give them what do you want, but set limitations to them in the beginning. Pagdating ng ala-singko hindi ako kukunin.

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EXHIBIT B: ATTY. DUMALAG: Standard Notarization Fees? We follow the IBP, but for documents that have a consideration, its usually 5% of the consideration lalo ka kung malaki na yung involved the amount. But kami we include negotiation, we design the legal document that fits to the transaction, hindi pwede na ipickup mo lang sa libro yung form. In a way, hindi lang yung deed of sale, its a design of a document thats why we charge 5%. Kasi kung notarization lang marami naman abugado dyan na magnotarization lang. So basically minimum 5%, if you package the program then 15% of the total consideration, the portion of that is only notarization. Consultation Fees? I dont usually do consultation, dapat may retainer fees. I usually charge 10,000-15,000php kasi kasama ang management consultation fees that includes projects sila na merong binibigay. For Corporate litigation? Its usually 5%. The key there is how to get clients that is not individual, you get clients that corporations that have the capacity to pay. How much do you usually invest for a solo practioner?

Actually simple man lang, capital investment, printer, telephone and a secretary, siguro mga 50,000php pwede na. So basic mo lang is your computer and your computer line. As a young lawyer, you need a space eh, because you cannot get a big client without having a law office, kasi baka isipin nila na fly by night ka lang. How different is it from a partnership? Partnership is a set-up that pours in capital. So for partners, depende yan sa agreement niyo, which may depend on quantum meruit. Tapos meron ilagay mostly sa law office, para in the end of the year, kung merong kita, isplit mo according to your capital infusion. If meron partner mag dala ng client, 70-30% ang sharing, 70 sa nagdala and 30 ang nagdala sa law affirm, the reason being magshare naman rin kayo ng profit. The associates naman, I give fixed salaries, then yung sharing na 70-30%, exclusive of allowance, yung appearance sa kanya na talaga. How much ang appearance fees? 1,500-2000 sa Davao. Depende talaga yan kung saan ka mag appear. Depende rin kung sino mag appear. This appearance fees also covers transportation fees. That covers na actually lahat. Usually kung retainer, hindi masyado malaki, kung hindi retainer malaki talaga charge mo, kasi ang retainer malaki ang binabayaran eh. How does an associate climb to be a partner?

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I consider my associates a partner. Ang problema lang sa associates, if you do not have the skill to get clients, you will end up getting low-end clients. Specialization? If you specialize on something, you can afford to give more like just compensation, banking and others. How to develop clients? I dont usually get individual clients, because the same effort you exert in an individual client is the same effort you exert in corporate clients. If you get corporate clients, you help them expand, with due diligence, you can build good relationships with clients. You give clients what they want, thats not taught in law school. Diskarte yan. Improve your skill, so you can be more than the ordinary lawyer, otherwise, you will become an ordinary lawyer. If you can give them a particular skill that no other lawyer can perform babalik na babalik yan sayo. Set-up is only structure, the bottom line is how one handle an account. Pero ibang lawyer kasi they stopped their learning, they only learn being a lawyer, so to get clients, you have to upgrade yourself, you have to learn other aspects, not only legal like management and banking, theres no added value. So usually, you earn your competence in your clients, but you will lose that if you do not build yourself. Getting a client is also a skill, more so being. Sa akin, of course as a long lawyer, you have to have an office or an associate kasi wala pa man maniwala sayo, but at the end of the day, its up to you as a lawyer. So if youre not better than the other lawyer, hindi ka kunin, so you think about that. The fault of the lawyer is that hanggang law ka lang, at litigation. You have to understand that there are so many aspects in the world that law is just an aspect, a tool. Hindi sa bawat tanong, position paper ka lang or anything.

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