03/02/2026
LEB-PALS 2026 National Convention: Reimagining the Teaching and Licensing of Lawyers in the Brave New World
Legal educators from MSU College of Law participate in the 2026 Philippine Association of Law Schools (PALS) National Convention, held at Seda Vertis North in Quezon City.
Representing MSU College of Law at MSU-Sulu: Atty. Meltino J. Sibulan, Vice Dean, and Atty. Alsibar S. Buklasan. For other campuses: Chancellor, Prof. Atty. Alizedney M. Ditucalan, Interim Vice Dean of MSU College of Law at MSU-IIT; Atty. Donna Ann Balboa, Vice Dean of MSU College of Law at General Santos; Atty. Datu Esma Mikee Maruhom, Vice Dean of MSU College of Law at Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (TCTO); Atty. Rojean Romanes, Faculty of MSU College of Law at MSU Maguindanao.
The conventionβs theme, "Reimagining the Teaching and Licensing of Lawyers in the Brave New World," underscores the pressing need to adapt legal education and professional certification to the rapidly evolving landscape of the 21st century. This includes addressing challenges such as technological disruption in legal practice, the growing demand for specialized expertise in areas like digital law and human rights in diverse contexts, and the imperative to make legal services more accessible to underserved communitiesβparticularly relevant for the MSU system, which serves key regions in Mindanao.
The LEB-PALS 2026 National Convention underscores a pivotal moment for legal education and the legal profession. In a rapidly changing world shaped by technology, globalization, and evolving social demands, the traditional methods of teaching and licensing lawyers must be thoughtfully reexamined.
Reimagining legal education means moving beyond purely doctrinal instruction toward a balanced model that integrates technology, ethics, and experiential learning. Law schools must prepare future lawyers who are not only intellectually competent but also practice-ready, socially responsive, and grounded in professional values.
Similarly, rethinking lawyer licensure calls for assessment systems that measure real competence, ethical readiness, and adaptability, rather than mere memorization. Modern, fair, and inclusive licensing processes strengthen public trust and ensure that those admitted to the profession are truly prepared to serve justice.
Through collective reflection and reform led by the Legal Education Board β Philippine Association of Law Schools, the Convention envisions a future where legal education and licensure remain rigorous, relevant, and responsiveβfaithful to the rule of law while fully equipped for the brave new world.