Written by Dr. Donnavila Marie Panday-Herbster | Photos from LNK
The University of Baguio (UB) School of Law has solidified its role as a pioneering force in legal education by proudly offering the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program. As of this writing, UB stands as the sole institution in the entire Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and one of only 13 law schools nationwide to offer this distinguished postgraduate degree, reaffirming its commitment to academic leadership and regional development.
The masteral degree is designed to be obtained upon the successful completion of the prescribed coursework, which, under the ladderized curriculum, is equivalent to the first two years of the Juris Doctor (JD) program.
The MLS program is strategically designed to address a critical need in the professional landscape: to equip non-lawyer professionals, policymakers, and researchers with advanced knowledge of the Philippine legal system. Its core objective is to provide individuals with the essential competencies to apply specialized legal principles to professional contexts such as compliance, risk management, and public policy analysis. This initiative not only enhances the quality and responsiveness of legal education but also provides an accessible, flexible academic pathway for professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the law without committing to a Juris Doctor degree, while also establishing a foundation for those who may pursue further advanced legal studies.
This groundbreaking offering is a direct and powerful contributor to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. By integrating interdisciplinary coursework focused on research, ethical decision-making, and public administration, the MLS program is central to national efforts in capacity building. Graduates are uniquely prepared to strengthen governance structures and uphold the rule of law. They become leaders capable of developing and implementing legal and policy frameworks that promote accountability and ethical conduct across public and private sectors, directly supporting the establishment of more equitable, inclusive, and strong institutions as defined by The Higher Education (THE)
ranking methodology.
The successful launching of this program is a testament to the academic rigor and forward-thinking vision of the University of Baguio School of Law. The school has worked in close alignment with the Legal Education Board (LEB), the national regulatory body, ensuring the curriculum meets the highest benchmarks for postgraduate legal studies. This institutional commitment guarantees that the program is both compliant with national standards and responsive to the evolving needs of the global community.
The impact of the MLS program is transformative. Immediately, graduates are prepared to excel in specialized professional roles such as Policy Analysts, Legal Researchers, and Compliance Officers for key government agencies and non-government organizations, providing immediate, evidence-based policy support. The long-term effects are even more significant: by cultivating experts in governance and policy frameworks, the UB School of Law is actively developing the next generation of regional and national leaders who will champion ethical practice, promote sustainable development, and ultimately ensure greater justice and accountability in the society they serve. The MLS program is not just a degree; it is a commitment to shaping
tomorrow’s ethical, legally-informed professional landscape
