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Monday, March 31, 2014

International Legal Studies Externship Clinic

Bridges Across Borders Southeast Asia Community Legal  Education Initiative (BABSEA CLE) has opened an externship program and is now accepting applications.


International Legal Studies Externship Clinic offers interns a "hands-on" opportunity to make a real contribution helping people achieve access to justice in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos and Cambodia while being involved in a remarkable experience of living and working in the Southeast Asia region.

The 2014 International Legal Studies Externship Clinic is now accepting applications for the following periods:

Beginning May 26, 2014 and running through August 8, 2014*
Early application deadline: January 15, 2014**
Application deadline: March 21, 2014


Beginning December 1, 2014 and running through January 23, 2015*
Early application deadline: August 1, 2014***
Application deadline: September 30, 2014


*Dates may be flexible depending on the needs of the intern, BABSEA CLE and our partners who we work with.

**To be considered for early application for May - August 2014, a non-refundable $200 deposit must be sent along with a completed application. Please note that early applicants will receive a $200 discount from the total clinic cost.

***To be considered for early application for December 2014 - January 2015, a non-refundable $200 deposit must be sent along with a completed application. Please note that early applicants will receive a $150 discount from the total clinic cost.

Many interns are law and legal studies related students but the clinic is not limited to students studying in this field and is open to non-law students, people who have already graduated, and many who are professionally working.

Participation in the clinic is by competitive application. Applicants are invited to indicate their preference for a full time internship in Thailand or participate in a split internship between Thailand and another externship placement country. Please note that while such requests for split or full time placements are considered, placement options are not guaranteed and BABSEA CLE will make the final placement decision.

Clinic Costs:
USD $2,800 May 26, 2014 & running through August 8,  2014

USD $2,350 December 1, 2014 & running through January 23,  2015


2014 Bar Bulletin No. 1

The Supreme Court of the Philippines has issued 2014 Bar Bulletin No. 1: Syllabus for 2014 Bar Examinations.


Sunday, March 30, 2014

Boxing Scholarships in the Age of Recreational Boxing

A four-year college degree does not need to be in process in order for individuals to seek out and receive a scholarship. According to allpro, scholarships exist for almost any vocational trade, any personal or professional certification, new business developments, and even for paying down personal debt! Many of us have heard at some point that millions of scholarship dollars go unclaimed each year. However, the follow up question is always, "Well, where do I find them?" Scholarships exist everywhere and for various reasons. Individuals interested in pursuing sports that are typically considered recreational don't always need to pay out of pocket for their specialized training sessions and other required advancement classes. Boxing, is a prime example. Below are a list of scholarships for those interested in pursuing boxing and a brief description about them:

1. The USA Boxing Foundation Scholarship

The scholarship typically has a deadline of mid-September. In the past, the foundation has awarded two trade school awards of $2,000 each; 7 undergraduate awards for $3,000 each; and 2 graduate level awards for $2,500 each. Check out the website at www.teamusa.org for more information.

2. The United States Intercollegiate Boxing Association

The Ira Mitzner scholarship is a 10,000 scholarship provided to a student in honor of Mr. Mitzner who shows their love and dedication to the sport. Although, it is one scholarship granted, it is a major scholarship that is widely recognized and highly regarded by the association and its club member organizations. For more details go to www.collegeboxing.org

3. The Thomas "Sarge" Johnson Scholarship

This scholarship offered by the US Amateur boxing foundation provides scholarships that are not restricted to an individual seeking a four-year degree. 11 scholarships are given to eligible applicants. The foundation awards two awards of $2,000 for trade school applicants, seven awards of $3,000 for undergraduate program applicants and two awards of $2,500 for graduate school applicants. The deadline for this scholarship is also typically the middle of September of each year. For more information connect to the website at www.boxingfoundation.org

4. The American Association for the Improvement of Boxing

There are two different types of scholarships offered through this association. One is geared towards the high school senior who is looking to attend college and the other is targeted towards those current or former amateur boxers who are interested in attending college. This scholarship for current or former amateurs provides an award of up to 8,000. Check out the association website at www.aaib.org for more information.  

Although, boxing scholarships are not as common, there are still some out there. The decline took effect when colleges stopped having their own boxing teams. However, locating a few boxing scholarship is just a matter of searching below all those unclaimed scholarships and getting down to the one you are most interested in going after. It is also important to sometimes contact the organizations and associations directly to inquire about scholarships that may not be listed on their sites. These organizations may also have new scholarship opportunities that are not yet publicly listed. Going the  extra mile in researching within networks that are already connected to the boxing world are ideal for maximizing the best options in securing a scholarship.

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Student Loan Consolidation

Now that you have been accepted to college and have secured the loans to make your academic dream a reality, it’s time to…start worrying?

One minute you are an eager, hopeful freshman experiencing a whole new world and the next minute, you are a college graduate looking for a job. Oh, and swimming in student loan debt. And, don’t forget working two jobs just to make ends meet.

Can we just rewind to the eager, hopeful freshman and start over?

Along with that framed college degree often comes a lifetime of financial stress. Instead of losing sleep and swallowing antacids, there are options to help young people get out of student loan purgatory.

Student loan consolidation provides a chance to lower monthly payments and ensure that they are made in a timely manner. Not only does this free people up to actually answer their phones and go to the mailbox without fear, student loan consolidation helps to improve a person’s credit.

Poor credit when you’re young can leave a permanent scar on your financial future. Here is a look at some of the steps to take if you are struggling with student loans and want to free up creditors to pursue someone else:

Talk to your creditors
If student loan payments are becoming a monthly challenge, try talking to your creditors about the situation. People in debt often make the mistake of not answering the phone or ignoring letters from creditors regarding their loans.

Instead of sticking your head in the financial sand, try calling your creditors and explaining your student loan payment challenges. Calling creditors may not solve your problem, but it might. You never know until you make the call.

Creditors will sometimes move payment dates or try to find other payment relief measures to help borrowers. After all, a lending institution would rather have some form of payment than to have to write off a loan because of default.

Consider student loan consolidation
When your monthly payments are becoming such a burden that you are having difficulty making them, student loan consolidation is a viable option.

Student loan consolidation can eliminate multiple payments and can result in one monthly payment that is more manageable. If you have Federal student loans, contact www.studentloans.gov to find out about your student loan consolidation options.

For private loans, student loan consolidation should start with a search of lending institutions that offer this service. Not all banks offer student loan consolidation, so find institutions that do and contact them to shop for the best deal.

Every bank handles student loan consolidation differently. Be sure to ask questions like these before pursuing student loan consolidation from a private bank:
  • What kind of interest rates do you offer for student loan consolidation?
  • Are there any fees associated with student loan consolidation?
  • Are there minimum credit score requirements for student loan consolidation?
  • Is my college eligible for consolidation with your bank?
  • What types of repayment terms do you offer for consolidation?
Many young people struggle to meet their student loan payments immediately after college before they are able to find a job. Others encounter unforeseeable hardships that make it difficult to pay back student loans.

To learn more about your options, explore student loan consolidation with CommonBond.


Sunday, March 23, 2014

Laws that Govern Legal PR in the UK

The laws that govern legal PR in the UK are very similar in nature to the laws that govern most professional organisations and entities. They address issues such as fair play, morality, ethical behaviour, and the level of professional standards that should be adhered to at all times. The basis of these laws is embodied in the time honoured principles of integrity, competence, and confidentiality.
These customs and practices have been used to ensure the highest levels of business conduct in the legal public relations fraternity for many years. They describe not only the best practices and procedures, but provide an outline and guideline for the conduct of all its members under penalty of law.
Public relations practitioners are governed by the same principles of law that address the rest of society. They can be charged and convicted in a court of law for illegal activities. If their actions support, lead, or contribute to them on issues such as libel, slander, and defamation of character. In looking out for the best interests of those they represent, legal PR’s must also respect the legal rights of other members of the public.
Statements that are false in nature and result in the ridicule, hatred, contempt, and damage to an individual’s reputation can be construed as defamation. Once it is spoken, it constitutes slander and the written form libel. The law makes no distinction between the mediums used for defamation. Whether it occurs in the broadcast or print media.
In the case of libel, the wisest course of action is to always double check your facts and always accompany statements, opinions, and pronouncements with the facts that can support your stance. PR practitioners are entitled to their own opinions. They can voice their opinions just as any other member of the society. However, when making pronouncements of opinion, responsible behaviour dictates that they should always be highlighted and noted that they are the opinions of the author.
Other important areas of laws that govern legal PR in the UK have to do with copyright laws and trademark laws. Material that is copyrighted needs the permission of the author for its use. Copyright laws govern the use of copyrighted materials and protects work that the firm produces by copyrighting it. This prevents unauthorized use of the firm’s work. For example, press releases, publications, and other materials, which includes music, films, and photos.
Trademarks are used to protect images and names by registering them. It is very important to avoid any hint of impropriety when dealing with products that are trademarked. This is also an important tool for PR practitioners in the legal fraternity who spend so much time building and cultivating images and perceptions. Trademarks should be used wisely and judiciously to protect the hard earned reputation of firms. Trademarks are an important aspect of the laws that govern legal PR in the UK.
Visit Blackletter PR to receive advice on creating your next legal ad campaign.
Check out The Drum for updated information on media and marketing.
Jeremy Peters is a writer who specialises in Legal PR. Working for Black Letter PR and other clients. You can find him on Google Plus. Please add him to your circles.


Wednesday, March 19, 2014

New Lawyers from the University of Mindanao

CONGRATULATIONS 2013 BAR EXAM PASSERS!!!

The following alumni from the University of Mindanao College of Law has successfully passed the 2013 Philippine Bar Examination:

  1. DUMALAG-BORONG, JENNIFE DP
  2. RABAGO-AGUSTIN, FAIRY FAITH B.
  3. RABAYA, GERWIN RYAN L.
  4. SANCHEZ, MALENE JADE G.

Oath-taking ceremonies will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on April 28, 2014, at 2:00 in the afternoon.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Tips for throwing a Party in Your Dorm

Throwing a party in your dorm is one thing, having it go without a hitch and getting away with it the next day is something else entirely. Here a few helpful tips in the planning and carrying underway of a party in your dorm.

Your RA

Is not your enemy! The best way to have a successful dorm party is to be friends with, and invite your dorm's RA. Remember – they are students too, and were freshman once: they’ve tried all the same tricks you have. If you can’t invite your RA, keep in mind that they know what a party sounds like. Remind your guests to try and keep it civil!

Roommates
Are also not the enemy. If you have asked your roommate if you can have a party in your dorm this weekend and they aren’t keen to have random strangers drinking on their bed, respect their right to say no. There’s nothing worse than hating the person you live with – so keep them on side, next weekend is only five days away!

Guest List

Contrary to what you see in the movies, people whispering one to another about your hot party is not conducive to keeping things under control and enjoyable. Noise control is the main issue with dorm parties so try and keep your guest list to a reasonable number – 10, or 12. (Of course, this is dependent on the size of your room also) Even better if they go to your school, so can swipe into the building without having to stand around at wait to be let in – that’s a great way to draw attention to yourselves.

Lay Down the Law

As ‘high school’ as it may seem, house rules are totally necessary. If you’re not providing alcohol, let people know in advance to bring their own – if you are supplying, don’t overdo it, you don’t want comatose kids strewn all over the floor. Tell people they aren’t allowed to smoke in your room: if you forewarn them and the break the rules it’ll be easier to get rid of them if need be.

Decorations

Once you’ve done all the heavy lifting – have some fun! That’s the best part about college: the friends and memories you make. So have some fun with it. A laser projector is a must - it makes your dorm room look so cool. Check out the range available from www.spencersonline.com. Add balloons, strobe lights, or even a second laser projector – whatever you do, just remember a smoke machine or laser projector might be a little hard to hide as they start to fill the hallway.

Alcohol

Avoid bottles, and wine glasses. Glass = broken glass = injuries = people needing medical treatment. If you are able to, drink from cans and plastic cups – they are much easier to dispose of at the end of the night (or the next morning!) too.

The Golden Rule

Treat others the way you want to be treated – so universal it even applies to partying! If your friends drink a little too much and break your laser projector, even if you’re angry at the time, look after them. If they aren’t in a right state to get home, give them a pillow and let them crash in your room. Look after your friends, and when the occasion comes, they’ll look after you too!
Not in college yet? Want to ensure you choose the best school for partying and fun? Check out Business Insider's 20 Most Fun Colleges in US.
May seem pretty simple, but these tips will ensure you have a great dorm party, without too much drama! Do you have any suggestions to add?

2013 Philippine Bar Result

1. ABAD, Anna Fe L
2. ABAD, Katrina Nessa M
3. ABAD, Philip L
4. ABALOS, Mermalyn Hannah C
5. ABANDO, Laura Jean L
6. ABARENTOS, April Wye M
7. ABELLA, Fritzie D
8. ABENOJA, Hazel Angeline Q
9. ABLAN, Ronie T
10. ABLOG, Maychelle S
11. ABRAGAN, John Bryan S
12. ABRENICA, Reyben B
13. ACAY, Jodea Brendalyn R
14. ACEBU, Carlos D
15. ACEVEDA, Arlene C
16. ACHA, Mae Ann S
17. ADAO, Ma. Alice E
18. ADARNA, Ernest G
19. ADRID, Michael Angelo D
20. ADUNA, Fritzie Jane A

Sunday, March 09, 2014

Senate Bill 701

Senate Bill No. 701 was introduced by Senator Francis G. Escudero (Chiz Escudero). It seeks to amend Republic Act 9298 or the Philippine Accountancy Act of 2004.

The amendment is on Sec. 31 of the mentioned law. The amendment is as follows:

"SEC. 31. [Accreditation] REGISTRATION to THE Practice OF Public Accountancy - [Certified Public Accountants,] SINGLE PRACTITIONERS, firms and partnership [of certified public accountants,] engaged in the practice of public accountancy, including partners and staff members thereof, shall BE registered with the Commission and the Board, such registration to be renewed every three (3) years; Provided, That subject to the approval of the Commission, the Board shall promulgate rules and regulations for the implementation of registration requirements including the fees and penalties for violation thereof. PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION SHALL NOT REGISTER ANY CORPORATION ORGANIZED FOR THE PRACTICE OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTANCY.

Senate Bill No. 701 also repealed Sec. 28 of Republic Act 9298.

For the full text of RA 9298, click here.

For the full text of Senate Bill No. 701, click here.