Czarina Michaella Y. Pleyto
ASSISTING ASSOCIATE
Mica has the ability to quickly adapt to any situation and an immense eagerness to learn. These allow her to keep pace with her colleagues, whether new or experienced in the legal profession. Seeing everything as a new learning experience, she commits her undivided attention to each case that she handles. Her work ethic permits her to find intricate details and realize new angles, which gives her an advantage in any legal situation. It is her cheerful and positive disposition which allows her to stay motivated to pursue what comes her way.
Mica has already handled diverse and novel legal issues, which she tackled competently. She has the initiative to go beyond what her task requires. It is in her nature to respectfully voice out her opinions to make sure that all possible directions are covered.
Mica primarily handles criminal, civil, and labor litigation. She has likewise been exposed to cases which require knowledge of Contract Law and Corporate Practice. Unquestionably, if approached with a legal situation which requires a different field of law, Mica will be able to adapt.
Highlights:
- Assisted in litigation and labor cases involving large sums of money
- Handled several cases involving ownership of properties and land disputes
- Provided legal assistance to a top tobacco products manufacturer in the introduction of novel heated tobacco products in the Philippines
- Assisted in the policy-making of a multinational manufacturing company regarding labor relations
Q&A
We heard that you are the only one who decided to take up law in your family. Why did you choose to pursue it then?
I do come from a family with diverse backgrounds, from business, to engineering, and even public service. My exposure, though, to such diversity at a very young age made me realize that I am free to discover and cultivate my own passion. Through the years, I found that my skills and passion align in the field of law.
Have you always set your mind on becoming a lawyer?
Not really. I was only 100% certain after my first year in law school. As mentioned previously, I knew that I have the liberty to tread my own path. For instance, I went into the study of Political Science when I was in college. When I realized that I was more interested in the field of economics, I decided to change my course to AB Management Economics. However, throughout my undergraduate years, there was a constant lingering feeling that I should try entering the law profession and so, I did. Again, after one year in law school, I decided to stay in this path.
What factors did you consider in joining a firm?
I decided early that my primary consideration is whether I could “fit” in their community, and whether I can have a taste of the different fields of law. “Fit,” for me, means that I would be able to not only learn, but also contribute to the firm. Moreover, I preferred being exposed to the different fields because laws are interrelated, and whatever I learn from one field, I could apply to another.
- Juris Doctor, Ateneo De Manila University, School of Law, 2020
- Bachelor of Arts degree, Major in Management Economics, Ateneo de Manila University, 2016
- Academics Head for Election Law and Administrative Law, Ateneo Central Bar Operations, 2019
mica.pleyto@tolosajavierlaw.com
(+63)2 8255 46 56