Lawyers are probably the most stereotyped persons in the entire world. Here in the Philippines, lawyers are always pictured as old, non-smiling, big-bellied individuals wearing crumpled barongs and holding large leather briefcases. Most believe that lawyers spend their days creating ways to manipulate the legal system so that they could screw the innocent and the hard working. Lawyers supposedly spend their nights in sleazy nightclubs with fourteen-year old “Guest Relations Officers”.
This is how the country, and perhaps, the whole world, envisions us lawyers. But that is not necessarily the case. Let me shamelessly use myself as an example.
My name is DON CARLO R. YBANEZ. At the time I wrote this post, I am thirty-seven years old. I have been a litigation lawyer for more than fourteen years. I am a Junior Partner in the Law Firm of Chavez Miranda Aseoche. I usually spend my mornings inside a courtroom, arguing a well-researched legal issue. I spend my lunch meeting with clients, discussing the nitty-gritty details of their legal controversies. I spend my afternoons writing Complaints, Answers, Motions, Memorandums and other legal documents. But despite this, I truly believe that I am far from the lawyer-stereotype described above.
After office hours, I take off my suit, and grab my Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray. Yes, I play the bass guitar for a local grunge rock band called “Lucille”. We play in different rock clubs around Metro Manila. As of date, we are recording an album to be released by late 2015. Aside from this, I am a photographer. I am one of the proprietors of Penthouse Photography Studio and Snapster Creative Snapshots. I am also an active member of the Ayala Alabang Camera Club. I was the 2014 President, and still an active member and adviser, of the Junior Chamber International of Makati City. As such, I organize socio-civic and humanitarian projects, individual development training workshops and other activities for young professionals. During weekends, I choose between playing football, firing a few rounds at the firing range, lifting some weights at the gym or doing boxing. I am also a video gamer, a comic book collector, a TV and movie buff, a creative writer and (obviously) a blogger. On top of it all, I am a husband and a father.
Am I simply selling myself or is there is a point to this brazen self promotion. Well, I simply want to prove that — contrary to popular (or unpopular) belief — lawyers can be fun, hip, fashionable, techy and trendy. And this is what this blog is all about. Here, we will be featuring unique lawyers who are known not only for their legal practice but also for other endeavors such as music, sports and the like. We will be talking about trendy lawyers’ fashion; legally relevant gadgets, software and apps; TV shows, movies and books involving cool lawyers.
But this blog is not just for the legal practitioner. This will be an informative site, which features laws, decrees and ordinances useful for the young, everyday person. Surely, most youngsters would want to know what laws are needed when travelling, partying or buying the latest gadgets?
This is Trial Trendy, where we show you the fun, hip, young and groovy side of the law.
Photos by Lian Cayco and Peter Baltazar
First thing i’d like to say or rather ask is, do you ever sleep? Second, you forgot to mention being a male babysitter (yayo as you have told us) and a driver. Evidently, you do have a lot going on in your life and I don’t know how you do it. However, what matters is you get to do what you love and I honestly believe that it’s one way pf keeping yourself sane. Congratulations on your blog Carlo. keep doing what you’re doing Mr. attorney by day and bass guitarist by night!
Thanks Paz. And yes, I do sleep. A lot, apparently, these days. Anyway, sorry I missed the reunion. The past few months were really busy for me. But I hope to see you guys next reunion.
Wow, nice blog Carlaw!
You make us look like we’re not doing anything. Hehe
I’m sure this will be an informative and entertaining blog!
Good job!!!
Thank you Kell. I will make this blog as informative and entertaining as possible.
Welcome to the blogging world! As a female programmer / gamer, I can relate to breaking the stereotypes. I’m a fan of crime drama shows (CSI, NCIS, HTGAWM) and would love to know a thing or two more about your profession. Keep rockin’ (on and off the court room) \m/
Thank you Dems. I will be posting a lot stuff about the legal profession. And if you have a knack for the series How to Get Away with Murder, check out this post: How to REALLY Get Away with Murder — http://trialtrendy.com/how-to-really-get-away-with-murder/
Hi, Attorney! Wow, it’s refreshing to read this. Who would have thought lawyers could be literal rock stars. You’re right. Society stereotypes you. But to be fair, that’s what societies do. 🙂 So it’s best to ignore the labels they give us.
I have a flashback of the 90’s show Ally McBeal (halata na edad!). No, you’re nothing like her. But it was a deeper look on a lawyer’s personal life as well.
Looking forward to read more interesting posts here. 🙂
Welcome to blogging!
Hi Lux. Thank you for the nice comment. Firsr of all, Ally McBeal didn’t air that long ago. Or did it?
About ignoring labels, yeah I agree on that. Especiall if they’re all true. Hehehe.
Again, thanks for reading.
Hello Don Carlo Ybanez,
I am a recent graduate currently on an internship and planning on sitting for bar exams in my country, but I am also more of a singer/songwriter and at this moment in time, I am trying to figure out how to strike a proper balance in doing what I love. I can relate to your choice of a lifestyle and I hope I can manage to find a balance like you have.
Your blog posts are interesting, (I didn’t know Gerard Butler was a law graduate) I wish you all the best! Keep your posts rolling to inspire and encourage the newbies like myself.
Thank you!
Thank you for the kind words Gloria. I’m sure you can find a way to find a balance between music and law. It was hard for me at first but once I found my rhythm, it became really easy. I hope you do pursue law. And at the same time, continue with your music.