I applied to Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices hoping to gain real-word experience in a fast-paced legal environment. As a Legal Management student intending to study law after graduation, I wanted to immerse myself in the profession I have been aspiring to be a part of for the past decade. I started my internship eager to prove to myself that I belong in this field. I wanted so badly to prove my diligence and work ethic. 

I learned quickly that I needed to refine my understanding of diligence and work ethic if l wanted to survive in the legal field. 

Prior to my internship at Alburo Alburo and Associates Law, I interned at a provincial legal practice. I was provided more freedom with my time in achieving projects and focused almost entirely on legal research and writing. While I was oriented on the other responsibilities I would be assigned at Alburo Alburo and Associates Law, I was still expecting a roughly similar, albeit more challenging, experience. 

I was taken aback by the difference in the workload and pacing between my prior experience and my internship here. If, at my previous internship, I would spend entire days perusing jurisprudence and carefully outlining legal arguments, here I had to develop the same level of detail while increasing my tempo in achieving deliverables. I learned to adapt to handling several urgent tasks while achieving the items in my growing list of pending assignments. It was a struggle at first, juggling a variety of tasks, such as organizing case files, conducting legal research for cases and special projects, writing legal articles and letters, and attending court hearings. I learned that the work habits I have developed and relied on throughout my years in college would not match the pace at which I had to work in the office. I had to unlearn assumptions developed by purely theoretical practice and to acknowledge my very real limitations. 

Frankly, I wanted to show that I deserved to be an intern at this law firm. I tried my hardest to stay at attention, to learn, and to contribute meaningfully. I kept myself always running at 100% hoping that my earnest attitude would show through my hard work. However, I did not realize how straining it would be to maintain that mindset every day, for 8 hours, sitting at a desk. After my first two weeks, I felt I had overexerted myself in trying to practice the same kind of diligence I would maintain in my academic endeavors.

In my first year of college, my peers would frequently say, “College is a marathon. It is a test of endurance, to keep going even when you stumble.” I thought adjusting to the challenges college had to offer would prepare me for the workplace. It goes without saying, but working at a law firm and studying as a student are leagues apart. Focusing throughout a day full of classes or comfortably writing essays and presentations in a quiet study space does little to prepare one for the grit and adaptability needed to stay afloat in a real, fast-paced legal environment. It was a challenge to maintain a fresh mind behind a cubicle, or to accomplish unfamiliar, and sometimes overwhelming, tasks with the same mindset I had developed in school. 

As such, I decided I had to temper my understanding of diligence. It became a matter of assessing my limitations and actual capabilities in relation to the task handed to me. I made a point to not think about work while I was away from the office and to give myself genuine breaks. 

I focused on keeping a sustainable workflow, so that I could be more consistent. While there were still times I made mistakes, overexerted myself, and stressed over deadlines, I know l did my best to adjust to what the work demanded. 

My internship at Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices challenged me in a lot of ways. It tested my concept of diligence and work ethic, it made me realize limitations about myself, and it forced me to unlearn assumptions and habits I would developed throughout the years. These hard lessons make me especially grateful for my time here. While I found myself mentally and physically strained at times, I cannot imagine myself interning somewhere that would demand less of me. l am incredibly grateful for my supervisors. Throughout my internship, they supported and guided me, thoughtfully providing me challenges that would help me learn and develop as someone earnestly pursuing a profession in law. I can confidently say that Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices, and all the wonderful people in its employ, have taught me essential things about myself and the professional environment I wish to one day be a part of. 

By Rolando C. Balagtas, Jr.

Intern

Rolando C. Balagtas, Jr., is an upcoming 4th-year BS Legal Management student at the Ateneo de Manila University. He previously completed his internship at Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices, where he gained practical experience and honed his skills in a dynamic legal environment.

Inspired by our intern’s journey?

If you’re eager to gain real-world work experience — just like RJ—Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices is now accepting applications for its OJT/Internship Program!

💼 As an intern, you’ll:
✅ Get hands-on exposure in your chosen field
✅ Collaborate with experienced legal, business, and support professionals
✅ Develop essential skills for your future career
✅ Immerse yourself in a dynamic and collaborative work environment

📍 Location: Unit 402, Seneca Plaza, 1152 E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, New Manila, Quezon City
💻 Note: Interns must bring their own laptops.

📩 Ready to apply? Send your:
• Updated Resume
• Letter of Intent

📧 To: mscruz@alburolaw.com
📌 Subject Line: OJT/INTERN – [FULL NAME]

Start shaping your future today—apply now and take your first step toward building your career.

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