“I want to be a lawyer.”

“I want to top the Bar.”

“I want to be a Senator.”

It may sound trivial, but the more I grew older, the more my dreams grew bigger. Hence why I applied for a voluntary internship from an established law firm — Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices. I discovered their internship program from my Facebook feed on a random summer day. Little did I know that this happenstance would change the way I perceive the law forever.

I’ve always had a fascination with the legal field. To my juvenile self, it was equated to a sense of excellence — important people in corporate attire with a knack for public speaking and debate. I am well aware now that this notion of the law is surface level at best. Alburo Law Offices taught me that the law is intricate, exponential, and most of all, real.

During my stay in the firm, I was tasked to do case digests, write legal articles, and even got to accompany one of our lawyers, Atty. Pat Rodriguez, to a live court session. With this, I realized that the legal field was not as glamorous as I initially thought — but that was a good thing.

Alburo Law Offices specializes in business and labor law. Because of this, I got a glimpse of how essential the law is to millions of Filipino laborers fighting for their rights to receive just treatment and fair conditions in their workplaces just to get by. On the same hand, modern employers struggle to keep up with the times with the emergence of Al, competition in the cutthroat industry, and the capitalistic opportunism that threatens local businesses.

This was like a bucket of cold water over me.

To be completely honest, there were times that I felt weary after a long day at the office. But as I sat in my comfortable armchair with a spacious cubicle in an air-conditioned room, I was reminded how fortunate I am to be one of the chosen interns at this firm. You see, Alburo Law Offices doesn’t just provide legal guidance. They realize the importance of fostering legal education by honing the next generation of law-versed individuals. They do this through seminars, in-house seminars, and internship programs, which is the reason why I’m writing this piece today.

This type of environment is just what I needed to remain grounded, to not let my ambitions blind me into delusions of grandeur. Aside from learning about the complexities of the law, I got to meet people within the firm whose guidance I will carry with me forever: Ms. Aki who tolerates my countless restroom breaks with a smile, Ms. Diane who teases me about my office outfits, Ms. Kate and her gentle murmurs of instruction, Atty. Pat with her stern yet caring demeanor, and Ma’am Ange with her uplifting playlist. These people, along with other employees from the two offices we occupy, humanized and brought my internship experience to life.

I was also able to interact with other interns like RJ who patiently helped me with my queries during my first few days, and Adrian whom I shared little time with but a lot of similarities with. Just like me, these interns walked through the door with optimism and ambition, then walked out with practical knowledge and a profound sense of mission.

This is the kind of experience that Alburo Law fosters to their interns. Despite being a third year Political Science student with no legal classes undertaken, the firm never once patronized me or made me feel insignificant. They pushed me to thrive, yet offered guidance and consideration when needed. They treated me like I’m capable, and because of this support, I was able to exceed even my own expectations. What was once a spontaneous attempt to build my CV became a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn from the realities of the legal field.

With all of these in mind, I realize now that the path I’m taking shouldn’t be rooted in ambition, but in the reverence of the law and the passion to serve the greater good. If you asked me again what my dreams in life are, my answer would no longer revolve around publicity and validation. Whatever comes may come.

I want to do good.

By Mary Margarette I. Aquino

Intern

Mary Margarette I. Aquino, is a 3rd-year AB Political Science student at the Ateneo de Manila University. She previously completed her internship at Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices, where she gained practical experience and honed her skills in a dynamic legal environment.

Inspired by our intern’s journey?

If you’re eager to gain real-world work experience — just like Mary—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.

Read other Intern’s Insights here

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