Attorney: The other side of this lucrative title

Attorney— an elusive title many had aspired to achieve, but only a few get to have it.

What it takes to be a lawyer

It is a no-brainer that entering law school is hard, let alone trying to survive and graduate from it. After graduation, comes the culmination of everything— the bar examination.

After years of studying and sacrificing, you finally get to be called an attorney. Along with the pride, honor, and prestige this title comes with, it also entails danger.

The dangers of being a lawyer

As what Atty. Chel Diokno has said in one of his interviews, that ever since he began his practice as a lawyer, he got used to receiving death threats as his breakfast.

Two lawyers were ambushed within the first week of April, one in Pasay City and the other one in Cotabato City. Police claimed that these might be work-related attacks.

Last April 6, 2022, Atty. Joseph Samuel Zapata was ambushed while on his way home. Atty. Zapata who works as a lawyer for the Bureau of Customs (BOC) suffered from a gunshot wound at the back of his head.

The shooting happened at around 5:40 p.m. along Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay City, according to his father, he argued with one of the employees of BOC whom he issued a subpoena. The police are still investigating this matter.

On April 7, 2022, another lawyer was ambushed in broad daylight in Cotabato City.

Atty. Ronald Torres was also on his way home with his driver when their armored SUV was shot. The incident took place along Rosal street at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.

The police are still investigating the incident, but the victim believes that the attempt was work-related. He made no further elaborations as the investigation is still ongoing.

The pride and fear of being a lawyer

Being a lawyer, as honorable as it may sound, comes with a price. Every day, their lives are at stake. The danger is always lurking around, waiting for the right timing to strike.

Like any other profession, practicing law also has its pros and cons. As lucrative and prestigious as this profession can be, it is also highly dangerous and stressful.

But for a lawyer who made an oath, this is part of the package. Despite the danger, the will to practice fair legal services and to help people get the justice they deserve still overpowers all the uncertainties. They did not endure the gruesome and hard process of becoming a lawyer just to quit.

The mantra of a lawyer

Fear and quitting have no room in legal practice. Once you graduate, pass the bar, and made an oath, there is no backing down.