Darlene Mae P. Beloso
MID-LEVEL ASSOCIATE
When Darlene decided to immerse in the rigorous practice of law, she knew what mattered to her – to do things that were purposeful and lasting. Thus, she initially chose a career in criminal and civil litigation where she could try to make things a little better for other people. In handling litigation matters, Darlene prioritizes strategizing and determining the best course of action to fully protect her client’s interests or to contain the risks and minimize its effects. She finds meaning and success in her professional life in knowing that she represented her clients with invaluable commitment and utmost compassion.
But Darlene’s enthusiasm for lifelong learning encouraged her to hone her skills not only in drafting pleadings and arguing in the courtroom but also in other fields of law such as arbitration, labor, corporate, and immigration. The well-rounded training that she is experiencing in the Firm pushes her to persistently better herself. She continues to adapt to and be humbled by what it means to truly be a lawyer and have an unwavering fortitude to ensure that her client’s cause is championed.
As a young associate, Darlene is always off and running, eager to make good on the opportunity she had been handed every time she is entrusted with a new case or matter. For her, this is how she can do things that are purposeful and lasting.
Highlights:
- Handled significant litigation cases before quasi-judicial and judicial courts
- Represented various construction companies in their arbitration cases before the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission
- Handled intra-corporate disputes and controversies and complex commercial litigation
- Assisted foreign nationals in securing the required permits and visas to work in the Philippines
- Assisted in drafting, reviewing, and documenting employment-related agreements and policies
Q&A
We hear that you participated in national and international moot court competitions when you were in law school. What made you decide to join these moot court competitions?
I love public speaking. Since I was in grade school until college, I have been joining public speaking competitions such as oration, declamation, and debate. I even get invited to host various types of programs and events. When I entered law school, I knew that I should allot time for my passion so, I joined the Ateneo Society of International Law (“ASIL”), the official administrator of the Ateneo Law School for moot court competitions. But the decision to actually participate in competitions and represent the Ateneo came not just from my love for public speaking but also from my desire to continue the culture of excellence that my organization espouses and to honor the hard work, perseverance, and commitment of my teammates.
What other things do you enjoy doing aside from public speaking?
Being outdoors has always been an enjoyable experience for me. Whenever my schedule allows me (before the pandemic), I would plan for a hike or a scuba diving adventure or even just a simple sit-on-the-beach trip. I have a strong appreciation of nature as I originally came from a small town in Batangas that is surrounded by the most beautiful mountains and beaches and going on these trips and adventures give me a semblance of home. Also, lounging under a blue sky with a cold drink dissociates me from the day’s news or legal readings which gives me peacefulness and quietness that allows me to clearly process my thoughts and prepares me to continue to move forward.
You seem to have a good sense of work-life balance. How do you pull this off?
I am not sure what “having a good sense of work-life balance” entails. What I do know though is that too many people burn out before they have a chance to truly shine. So, whenever my body or mind needs to take a break, I listen to it. Of course, this is possible because I am in a Firm that prioritizes a healthy culture and cultivates a happy workplace environment while maximizing its associates’ productivity without compromising the quality of service it offers to its clients.
- Junior Associate, Escudero Marasigan Vallente & E.H. Villareal Law, 2020-2021
- Intern, Office of the Solicitor General, 2017
- Intern, Ateneo Human Rights Center, 2014
- Juris Doctor, Ateneo De Manila University School of Law, 2019
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Legal Management, De La Salle University Manila, 2015
- Philippine Representative, 17th Red Cross International Humanitarian Law Moot held in The University of Hong Kong, 2019
- 1st Runner Up, Best Memorial for the Petitioner, and 1st Runner Up for the Memorial for the Defense, National Moot Court Competition on International Humanitarian Law held in Court of Appeals, 2016
- Criminal Law 2 Subject Head, Ateneo De Manila University School of Law Central Bar Operations, 2018
- Deputy Administrator, Ateneo Society of International Law, 2017
darlene.beloso@tolosajavierlaw.com
(+63)2 8255 46 56