I interviewed a lawyer from the Philippines for this COL project, his name is Alexis dela Vega. His field of work includes family law, real estate law and criminal law. Attorney Alexis’ roles and responsibilities on each of them is to be an advocate for his clients’ legal rights and interests, and his main goal is to win his client’s cases.
I specifically chose to interview him because he is expose to different types of law and this will assist me to know what process I need to undergo ahead of time. At this time, I am not certain on what type of law I want to take in the future. Having a discussion with him about his experiences and about his career gave me plenty of ideas on what might happen if I take this field of work.
I learned that to become a lawyer, it will take a huge amount of time and commitment, a massive responsibility and a lot of obligation, and lastly, you will need to have a tough mindset to get through obstacles and to fight for your client. It became an interest of mine to pursue law because I want to help people out on what problem they have and to be a great help to resolve the situation they are in. It’s also a passion of mine to solve problems because it gets my mind to critically think outside the box.
I had an opportunity to meet Atty Alexis while I was still in the Philippines. He’s an exceptional lawyer that takes the case of my relative. This interview also gave me plenty of helpful advice that I can use when I study law. This interview is also an opportunity for me to learn more information about law, which motivates me even more to become one someday.
Atty Alexis’ email: charlexdelavega13@yahoo.com.ph
FB page: Axel Gotos dela Vega
Attorney Alexis dela Vega
Attorney Alexis’ law firm office
Interview Questions:
- Why are you passionate about your job?
- “As a lawyer, I am very passionate about winning my client’s cases when they are being oppressed and violated with their rights, as well as helping them find legal remedy with their problems. I worked in the government for two years as lawyers for the farmers who cannot afford to pay the legal services of a private practicing lawyer, and during my stay I was able to uphold and advance the rights and interest of poor farmers, like saving them from being illegally evicted from the lands they cultivate, negotiating for a fair settlement for them, and helping them perform their duties. With my help and assistance to them, my clients were protected from abuses and got served with justice.”
2. What obstacles have you faced to get you where you are today?
- “One of the obstacles I dealt with to get where I am today is when I had leave home, my comfort zone, and study in farther Law school alone- I knew no one which made it more difficult for me. It was an obstacle because I had to start from nothing, I was on my own. I endured being sick and lonely away from home, prepare my everyday stuff alone. During my Law proper course, I had to devote 12 hours of the day reading laws and decided cases, memorizing laws and cases, write notes, practice my handwriting. I attended classes for four hours Mondays through Saturdays, from 5 o’clock in the afternoon until 9 o’clock in the evening. With the demands of my Law study, I had to forgo hang outs, family events and celebrations, and sacrifice lengthy vacations just to cope up.”
3. What advice would you pass on to someone interested in what you are doing?
- “My advice to those dreaming to become a lawyer is for you to be certain of what you really want, what you love and what you want to pursue. Do what you love, love what you do and you’ll succeed. Happiness is a personal choice, and others cannot make it for you. In life, you do not commit mistakes, you only learn. The legal profession is not as easy as you see and know it, but it is all about public service, a service to the humanity.”
4. How long did it took you to become a lawyer? What preparations and process do you have to go through?
- “My advice to those dreaming to become a lawyer is for you to be certain of what you really want and love and pursue. Do what you love, love what you do and you’ll succeed. Happiness is a personal choice, and others cannot make it for you. In life, you do not commit mistakes, you only learn. The legal profession is not as easy as you see and know it, but it is all about public service, a service to the humanity.”
5. When did you started to like law?
- Growing up, I found myself enjoying and competing in classrooms and school district-wide public speaking competitions. Little by little, I developed the interest in winning arguments and debates competitions. Eventually, I saw that becoming a lawyer means helping the destitute and oppressed of the society. That justice should be available to all and for all. Now that I am a lawyer, I realized that that God has made me a lawyer for that reason.
6. Would you be open to further contact Riverside students and if so, how can someone contact you?
- “Sure, I’d be glad to have contact with Riverside students. You guys could reach me through my email: charlexdelavega13@yahoo.com.ph, and through FB page: Axel Gotos dela Vega.”
Screenshots of our conversation:
His answers to my questions:
credits:
2 people talking cartoon image
The 2 pictures (Attorney Alexis’ picture and office) are given to me by Attorney Alexis
I screenshot our conversation and his answers to my questions..
Thank you, Gianna. Hope that anyone reading this finds inspiration on what I do and advocate and courage to pursue the things they are so passionate about.
very good gianna
Thank you for submitting your Community Connection assignment for COL. We have reviewed your Edublog post, and have the following observations regarding your work:
– Great job interviewing someone and seeking out information regarding their expertise
– Way to incorporate your answers on your edublog
Thank you,
Mr. Barazzuol and Mr. Robinson
COL Teachers