INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

for Atty. Rizalino C. Estanislao, Jr.

1. What do you like and dislike about your work as a litigator? Why?

I like litigating because it makes me feel like I am doing real lawyer work,
like in the movies. Litigating is really the reason I decided to become a
lawyer.

I enjoy preparing pleadings, appearing in court and meeting with opposing

counsels to negotiate an amicable settlement. I believe that these are the
trade of a real lawyer.

I, however, dislike waiting in the courtroom for your case to be called. I

am also not fond of the travel time to get to a particular court. In my
opinion the time spent waiting in traffic and/or in the courtroom, although
time billed to the client, are wasted time.

2. Who encouraged you to become a litigator? Or what drove you to

become a litigator?

When I was growing up, my parents often asked me what I wanted to be

when I grow up. I used to answer in jest said that I wanted to be a fireman.
This changed after I saw the impeachment trial of former president Jose
Estrada.

I will never forget watching Estelito Mendoza, Serafin Cueva and Jose
Flaminiano at work during the impeachment trial. It was a life changing
moment for me. That was the time that I told myself that lawyering,
specifically litigating, was what I was going to be when I grow up.

3. Can you please describe your experience the first time you appeared
in court as a lawyer?
My first appearance in court as a lawyer was not very exciting. I was
supervised by a seasoned litigator. I was asked to prepare to present a
witness in an annulment case. I can say that I was ready. However, when
the case was called, my senior lawyer decided to conduct the direct
examination himself. I still learned a lot that day though.

My first solo appearance was a different matter. I was excited and nervous
at the same time. It was only a motion hearing but I prepared like my
career depended on the outcome of that hearing. After the hearing, I
realized that I was anxious for no reason at all and that my life as a litigator
will be easy. This is because there is nothing to be afraid or nervous about
appearing in court, especially if you are well prepared.

4. What do you think is the toughest problem you have handled in your
work as a litigator and what did you do to overcome the situation?

I remember taking over an Estafa case, wherein my client was the accused
and she told me that she will pay the civil aspect of the case. I appeared in
court to ask for a postponement, to give the parties a chance to settle
amicably, only to find out that the hearing was set for the promulgation of
judgment. I had to talk my way out of that mess and convinced the
opposing counsel and the judge to agree to a postponement.

5. What is the best and worst career decision you have ever made?
Why?

I regard my decision to join the Aquila Legis Fraternity as the best I did for
my career. Our fraternity helped me a lot to get to where I am right now.

I do not know what my worst decision was. Whatever it was, it still got me
here where I am very happy and fulfilled.

6. What would you advice a fourth year law student in terms of career
planning?
I advise you to study well and finish law school strong. Take the bar with
confidence and aim not just to pass it but to make top it. Be a friend to all
your classmates. You will never know when you may need a favor from
them.

When you become a lawyer, I implore you to practice litigation even if its
just to find out if it fits you. In the process you will learn a lot from the
experience and meet a lot of lawyers. At the end of the day, if you think its
not for you, its easy to transfer to another field of practice. I think its also
good to start litigating while you are a young lawyer.

7. What do you think are the opportunities for advancement in the field
of litigation or practicing in a private law firm?

I think you cover more fields of practice with litigation because your cases
can be civil, criminal and commercial. Thus, your foundation will be
better.

Being in a private law firm is advantageous because you learn a lot and
you will be able to manage your own time. This makes you more flexible
in terms of balancing work and leisure.

8. How do you go about answering legal queries and giving legal

advice? What are your methods and techniques in doing the same?

I answer legal queries in the same manner you answer the questions
in your law school exams. First, I get the story straight. This means I
make sure I get all the facts. Thereafter, I apply the relevant law and
give a direct to the point answer/advice.

I seldom tell the client what to do. Rather, I give them options and
tell them the repercussions of each.

9. Can you please describe your typical work day?

 I am usually at the office before 11am and off by 6pm. We have a very flexible
work schedule, especially for litigants like me. I can leave the office at any time if
I need to do something personal or for my family. I just need to make sure I file
all my pleadings when the fall due, be ready and attend all my scheduled
hearings and meetings.

During my time in the office, I prepare pleadings and prepare for upcoming
hearings. I make sure to discuss my cases with other lawyers, senior or junior
alike. I think this set up in the office is very effective. Everyone gives an opinion
on a certain case and we make a collegial decision on what to do.

If I have a hearing scheduled in the morning, the office driver picks me up

around 7am to 7:30am, depending on where the hearing is. I like to be at least 30
minutes early in the court room to make sure there are no suprises.

10.How do you achieve work-life balance?

I achieve balance by leaving work in the office. I seldom work past 5:30pm. At 5pm,
the brods gather at the lounge in the office to chat and have a good laugh before
heading out.

I make sure I break a sweat every now and then. I think this is important. You have to
release stress regularly.

At home, I avoid discussing work with my wife. I play computer games or watch
Netflix, just like you do.

Similarly, on weekends, as much as possible no work for me. I make sure I spend
quality time with my wife and/or good friends.

I also make sure I dress down on weekends. I wear the most comfortable clothes and
sneakers are mandatory. “This makes me feel like a regular guy” who does not solve
other people’s problems for a living.

Massage (legit) is a regular too. It helps with the stress.