SENIOR Associate Justice Marvic Leonen reminded newly admitted lawyers from the University of Baguio that the practice of law is a principled calling that demands moral courage.

Leonen told the newest officers of the court that they are entering the profession guided by moral instincts shaped by a desire to be of service, rather than merely to achieve success.

“But in time, you will discover that doing the right thing does not always feel safe. There will be moments when choosing what is right brings discomfort, risk, and fear,” he said during the University of Baguio lawyers’ testimonial dinner on February 14.

He explained that the legal profession requires sacrifice, discipline, and difficult choices, as the work of the law often goes beyond personal convenience.

“There will be moments when you are asked to choose between convenience and conscience, between what advances your career and what serves justice,” he added.

The Senior Associate Justice emphasized that the role of lawyers is not to “save people,” but to empower them by expanding access to justice and ensuring that the law is understandable—so that people can approach it, comprehend it, and trust it.

A total of 35 graduates from the University of Baguio School of Law passed the 2025 Bar Examinations.