Al Christopher D.

Lagera
11683058

What makes a good lawyer is the question that comes into mind when I try to
think of which lawyer I admire the most. Aside from academic excellence and
adhering to legal ethical standards, I believe a good lawyer is someone who fights
for the oppressed, has an advocacy in limiting the gap and strives to bring equity in
society.

Criminal law 1 was my first class onp my first term as a freshman law
student. There I first became acquainted with Atty. Theodore Te as our professor. I
had the impression that he was a serious yet approachable mentor. Probing deeper
on the background of Atty. Te further confirmed my impressions about him, that he
is indeed a brilliant and an admirable lawyer.

With vast knowledge and experience his credentials and advocacy speaks out
for himself. His educational attainments from the University of the Philippines to his
Master of Law at Columbia University of Law are indeed impressive. But beyond
these attainments his years spent with the Free Legal Assistance Group, the
countrys oldest organization of human rights lawyers proves he is true to his
advocacies. His active participation in legal matters of public concerns such as the
constitutionality of death penalty and the Visiting Forces Agreement verifies he
really wants to fight for the oppressed and bring equity in society.

The achievements and contributions he lent to the legal system didnt go

unnoticed.33 As he is well respected in society and organizations and was even
awarded 2002 Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Awardees for Human
Rights/Legal Aid.

His advocacy extends to the academe when he started teaching in 1995, with
criminal and remedial law as his area of expertise is also one of the reasons I admire
him. Known as being the one who gave out one of the most difficult bar exams on
criminal law I believe that what he actually wants is to instill in the minds of future
lawyers the importance of the subject specially in our society today.44
I feel privileged to be one of the many students that went through his class.
The manner of how he teaches students is worth noting, as discussions are very
engaging and one will notice that the whole class can relate and understand his
lectures. I like the way that he is very articulate in teaching principles and
importance of criminal law. During discussions he really listens and gives full
attention to the students. In contrast to pushing them to do well in class he instead
guides and encourage them to learn. He gives out constructive criticism to help us
improve and have a deeper understanding of the course. Not all who are in the
academe are able to impart knowledge to students as effectively as he does. I can
attest to anyone that he undeniably possesses a gift for teaching.
Quoting one of the things he said to examinees after the bar exams ..be fair,
be good, and work justice and know that, as you become lawyers, all three are never
done but are part of an ongoing struggle and that what counts is not only the fruit
but also the pursuit. This inspires me knowing that despite what our society has
become we as stewards of the justice system should never become tired of doing
what we believe in as it is a continuous journey.
As small in stature he may be, Atty. Theodore Te serves as a great inspiration
and mentor for me. And as they say good things, come in small packages.