On November 18, 2025, the John Wesley School of Law and Governance (JWSLG) marked another milestone in its commitment to legal education when its fourth-year students formally advanced to Level 2 of the Clinical Legal Education Program (CLE II), after taking their Oath of Commitment before Executive Judge Johnmuel Romano Mendoza at the Regional Trial Court, Branch 26, Old Capitol Compound, Burgos Avenue, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.

The ceremony confirmed their Level 2 Certification under the Revised Law Student Practice Rule, A.M. No. 19-03-24-SC (Rule 138-A), which officially recognizes them as Law Student Practitioners.

This advancement reflected the continuing work of JWSLG in preparing its students for actual legal practice. The CLE II students would be under the guidance of their Adviser, Atty. Rossini Ann R. Torres.

“The law school has made clinical training a central part of its program to help produce lawyers who understand both the theory and the daily realities of the profession. Through CLE II, students can gain practical experience that strengthens their skills and builds their confidence in handling real legal work,” cited Atty. Darren J. Gonzales, JWSLG Associate Dean.

By taking their oath, the students accepted the ethical responsibilities required of future members of the legal profession. They committed to uphold the Canons of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability. With their Level 2 Certification, and under the supervision of an accredited Supervising Lawyer, they would be allowed to assist clients, draft legal documents, and appear before courts, quasi-judicial bodies, and administrative agencies as provided under Section 4 of the Rule.

The law school’s Law Clinic would serve as the main training ground for these new practitioners. It would handle a wide range of concerns from indigent and underserved clients within the province. The students who have just been certified would now help address the Clinic’s growing workload and contribute to improving access to legal services in Nueva Ecija.

Judge Mendoza’s role in administering the oath reflected the strong relationship between the judiciary and the JWSLG. This partnership helped ensure that future lawyers are trained with a clear understanding of the needs of the local community and the standards of the courts they will soon appear before.

The advancement of the CLE II students demonstrated the commitment of JWSLG to its mission of producing competent, responsible, and service-oriented lawyers. It also affirmed the growing contribution of the law school to the legal landscape of Nueva Ecija, where many of its graduates now serve in government, private practice, and community-based legal work.#

Article and photos courtesy of Darren J. Gonzales