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Leo Frederick Z. Cruz

Senior Associate

The ability to think critically and adapt to any situation is valuable to a litigator, especially given the varied and unique circumstances that interplay in each case. Through years of practice, Leo has honed this ability and much more. Leo is skilled at analyzing complex legal problems and formulating solutions that are tailor-fit for every case and every client.  

He believes that hard work and preparation are keys to victory. As such, Leo approaches every case he handles with the same meticulousness and dedication, and spares no effort to meet his clients’ expectations. This, coupled with his vast experience, critical thinking, and adaptability, leads Leo to success in handling his cases.  

Before joining the firm, Leo honed his skills and amassed extensive experience as a Senior Associate in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department of the country’s biggest law firm. He has gained extensive experience handling civil, criminal, administrative, commercial, and arbitral cases involving domestic and foreign clients in the industries of banking, energy, water, construction, real estate, manufacturing, and retail. Leo has also represented high-ranking public officials and high-profile individuals. 

Highlights:

  • Prosecuted employees and officers of one of the largest banks in the country for fraud, theft, and violations of banking laws
  • Defended a large bank against involuntary closure
  • Defended a Philippine-based conglomerate in a case for violation of the Securities and Regulation Code
  • Defended a large manufacturing and agricultural company and its officers in an intra-corporate dispute
  • Represented a large contractor in the Philippines in an arbitration case before the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission against a multinational corporation
  • Acted as counsel for a US-based multinational real estate company in prosecuting a local corporation for violation of cybercrime laws
  • Defended transnational and domestic corporations against land grabbing schemes
  • Represented a prominent religious institution in the Philippines in its various high-profile cases
  • Defended senators and local chief executives against high-profile criminal and administrative cases involving graft and violations of procurement laws
  • Acted as counsel in the litigation of family cases for grant of visitation rights and annulment of marriage involving individuals from some of the most prominent families in the country
  • Provided legal advice to the largest energy distribution utility company in the country regarding matters of rate setting and adjustments before the ERC 
  • Provided legal advice to the largest Asia-based fast food multinational company regarding claims for damages

Q&A

You are known to be an avid basketball fan. If at all, how does this help you in your career as a lawyer? 

Aside from providing much needed break from work, a lot can be learned from the sport and applied in any field, including law. Whenever I see players making highlight plays and making difficult feats look easy, I don’t just think about their talent; I think about the hours they spent off the court to hone their skills and perfect their craft. As my favorite player said about his famous mantra: “Hard work outweighs talent — every time… It’s about doing more than the next guy… and trusting in the work you’ve put in.” That is something that I try to observe in my practice. Cliché as it may sound, I believe that hard work and dedication are the foundation of any meaningful success. Having that mentality helps me face the pressure and challenges in my practice with confidence. 

You hail from a family of doctors. Why did you pursue a career in law instead of medicine? 

Growing up, I dreamed of becoming a doctor just like my Dad. In college, I even got into one of the most prestigious pre-med programs in the country to pursue such dream. However, early on, I realized that I was better at analyzing abstract concepts than I was at analyzing the human body. I also found that I enjoy deconstructing complex arguments and engaging in intellectual debates more than I enjoy learning about how the human body works. I had a long talk with my Dad about it and unsurprisingly, he supported me all the way. He even told me that he thinks my analytical mind is better suited in the legal profession; and he’s right. 

You seem to value your Dad’s opinion a lot. What is the best piece of advice he gave you? 

“Do everything in the service of God and of others, and everything else will follow.” Those words will always be etched in my heart and mind. As a lawyer, my main job is to champion the cause of my clients within the bounds of law. Living by my Dad’s advice, I always make the interests of my clients my top priority. I know that if I do well for my clients, success will naturally follow. 

COMMENDATIONS & RECOGNITIONS
  • Recognized as Recommended Lawyer for Dispute Resolution by the Legal 500 in 2021
  • Noted as a key partner for Dispute Resolution by the Asia Law Profiles in 2021
  • Named as one of the finalists for Young Lawyer of the Year in the 5th Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards 2020
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
  • Senior Associate, Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department, Angara Abello Concepcion Regala Cruz Law Offices (ACCRALAW) 

EDUCATION
  • Bachelor of Laws, San Beda University, 2016; Ranked 7th in his class 
  • Bachelor of Science degree, Major in Development Studies, University of the Philippines – Manila, 2011 
CONTACT

leo.cruz@tolosajavierlaw.com

(+63)2 8255 46 56