The new lawyers from the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos (UNO-R) School of Law, who successfully passed the 2024 bar examination, were honored at a testimonial dinner hosted by the school on February 1, 2025, at Saltimboca, located on 15th Lacson Street, Bacolod City.
The event was attended by UNO-R School of Law Dean Dodie O. Turla, law professors, and Rev. Fr. Romeo Ben Potencio, Jr., OAR, the school’s Vice President for Academics and Research. The celebration recognized the new lawyers for their significant achievement.
These newly minted attorneys took their oath and signed the Roll of Attorneys under the supervision of the Supreme Court on January 24, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.
The UNO-R School of Law proudly celebrated these new lawyers, who have made a mark both for themselves and for the pioneering law school in Negros Occidental.
Dean Turla expressed his joy and pride, saying, "It is always an overflowing joy for me because the UNO-R School of Law has excelled in producing bar passers. In the past four bar examinations, we’ve graduated more than a hundred lawyers, which is no small feat. This achievement reflects the dedication of our law students, faculty, administration, staff, and Law Student Council officials, all of whom share a common goal of bringing new lawyers into our community."
He also highlighted the evolving perception of law school. "Gone are the days when law school was merely seen as a convenient option for those seeking credentials for promotion or those curious about the legal field. Law school should now be approached with seriousness," Dean Turla remarked.
He added that, through the collective support and collaboration of all stakeholders, the UNO-R School of Law has surpassed the national passing rate for first-time bar takers and now ranks among the top half of law schools in the country.
"We will continue to work hard until we become the best law school in Negros Occidental. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the new UNO-Rian lawyers—my Pañeros and Pañeras. I pray that you all succeed in your legal practice," Dean Turla concluded.
The new UNO-Rian lawyers include Atty. Joland Jose Abraham, Atty. Faith Joy Abuana, Atty. Abegail Bayona, Atty. June Karl Cepida, Atty. Darlene Mae Deguit, Atty. Janica Divinagracia, Atty. Valerie Durias, Atty. Wennie Estares, Atty. Leilanie Shiela Gaca, Atty. Jose Kim Hirro, Atty. Finserglen Choclit Lopez, Atty. Michael Christian Parel, Atty. Kierstine Marie Perido-Barcelo, Atty. Abraham Sampalocia, Atty. Remelyn Selda, Atty. Bea Singuay, Atty. Irrah Micah Su-ay, Atty. Kareyn Ann Sumaylo, Atty. Reynee Talisay, Atty. Raphy Trinidad, and Atty. Ma. Arianne Valdevieso.