Seventy hours. That was the figure reflected in my DTR as the total number of hours I spent attending my internship. I sighed in disbelief, thinking it should have been more than that.

I quietly placed my DTR inside the drawer of my cubicle. I hurriedly rebooted my laptop to finish my final task. While browsing the internet for trending legal issues in the Philippines, I managed to glance at the huge window behind me, the same window I had looked out of for the past two weeks.

Then, all the memories began to surge.

The serene, subtle sound of music engulfing the office premises. The upbeat mood of everyone. The brief yet meaningful chats in between work schedules. And the silent laughter we all shared every time something funny came up.

I thought to myself, “Seventy hours. Funny how something so brief could leave me feeling so full.”

Going back, I only applied for an internship out of fear that I would be left behind by my classmates in law school who were also interning at different law firms. It was not even a requirement. I saw their stories, and they looked genuinely proud of what they were doing.

So, I began browsing for available internship programs. I came across a post from Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Office. The post was dated April 24, 2026, about three months earlier. I scanned through their Facebook timeline and learned that the firm specializes in Labor Law and Corporate Law. As someone who had always thought that law was all about criminal prosecutions, I found this interesting. It introduced me to an entirely different side of the legal profession, one that I had barely explored before.

I felt excited.

That excitement, however, came with uncertainty. I wondered whether I would fit in. I wondered whether I knew enough to contribute. Like every law student stepping into a real law office for the first time, I carried more questions than confidence.

But those doubts slowly faded.

With every legal research I conducted, every case folder I read, every pleading I drafted, and every discussion I was fortunate enough to witness, and sometimes even overhear, I began to appreciate that the practice of law is not confined to courtrooms. Much of it happens quietly behind office doors, through careful research, thoughtful writing, and countless hours devoted to finding the right answer for a client and the best answer for the case.

What surprised me the most was that the lessons I treasured were not limited to legal knowledge. They came from observing how everyone worked with diligence despite demanding schedules, how they remained approachable despite the pressure of deadlines, and how professionalism could coexist with warmth and laughter. It was an environment that reminded me that excellence in the legal profession is measured not only by competence, but also by character.

One instance that left a lasting impression on me was the character of the lawyers. They were hardworking, professional, and diligent. I witnessed firsthand that, at least for lawyers, learning does not end in law school. Their unwavering dedication and strong work ethic were not merely admirable traits but habits, quietly reflected in the discipline and commitment they bring to the profession every day.

A loud honk from a truck traversing E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue snapped me back to reality. I looked at the clock. It read 12:06 PM. Before I knew it, my seventy hours had come to an end.

Looking back, I find it ironic that I initially applied simply because I did not want to be left behind. I thought I was chasing an experience that everyone else seemed to have. Instead, I found an experience that became uniquely my own.

Seventy hours may seem insignificant when reduced to a number on a Daily Time Record. But some experiences cannot be measured by time alone. They are measured by the perspectives they change, the people they introduce you to, and the person they quietly shape you into.

As I closed my laptop and prepared to leave the office one last time, I realized that I was not bringing home seventy hours of internship. I was bringing home a renewed appreciation for the legal profession and a stronger conviction that this is the path I want to pursue.

Perhaps that is the true measure of an internship. Not the number of hours completed, but the lasting impact those hours leave behind.

By Rafael Dominic S. Somoray

Intern

Rafael Dominic S. Somoray, is an upcoming 4th-year Juris Doctor student at the San Beda University College of Law. 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 Raf—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

All rights reserved.