DivinaLaw, now a formidable force of over a hundred lawyers, is where sharp legal minds meet academic trailblazers. With eight current and former law deans in its ranks, the firm is not just practicing law—it’s shaping it. Here, the courtroom and the classroom converge, fueling a culture that inspires, mentors, and raises the bar for the profession. From shaping curricula to crafting landmark legal strategies, DivinaLaw’s leaders are making an imprint that extends far beyond case files and courtrooms.
Atty. Nilo T. Divina, Managing Partner
Since taking the helm of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law in 2009, Atty. Nilo T. Divina has transformed vision into results. Anchored on three pillars—recruiting the best students nationwide, building a faculty of top-tier legal minds, and modernizing facilities—he has propelled UST to the front ranks of Philippine legal education. Under his leadership, UST has produced the highest number of bar topnotchers in its history, culminating in a number one placer in 2023. He continues to inspire, setting the tone and standard for academic and legal excellence.
Atty. Danilo L. Concepcion, Special Counsel
Atty. Danilo L. Concepcion is a towering figure in Philippine legal education and public service. Currently serving as President, CEO, and Chief Academic Officer of Centro Escolar University (CEU), he also holds the position of Vice Chair of its Board of Directors, guiding CEU’s strategic direction and commitment to academic excellence.His distinguished career includes roles as Dean of the UP College of Law (2011–2017), 21st President of the University of the Philippines (2017–2023), and President of De La Salle Araneta University (2000–2002). A former Associate Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Atty. Concepcion brings a unique blend of academic vision and regulatory expertise, strengthening DivinaLaw’s commitment to nation-building through education.
Justice Raoul V. Victorino (Ret.), Of Counsel
At the Philippine Christian University (PCU), Justice Raoul V. Victorino has overseen a remarkable transformation—from an initial 16 law students to over 230 today, with many excelling in the bar exams. For 14 years and counting, his leadership has focused on providing accessible and high-quality legal education.By inviting prominent members of the judiciary and academia to engage with students, Justice Victorino has significantly enhanced the school’s profile and credibility. His commitment to excellence and mentorship continues to shape the PCU College of Law into a competitive and respected institution
Atty. Jose “Jay” M. Layug, Senior Partner
Atty. Jay Layug was the dean of the University of Makati (UMak) School of Law, following a transformative five-year tenure marked by high-impact, values-driven education. UMak’s law school offers full scholarships to students selected based on financial need and academic potential—many of whom come from underserved communities. Layug personally interviewed around 200 applicants each year, ensuring their alignment with UMak’s mission to produce lawyers of integrity and service. Under his leadership, the school achieved near-perfect bar exam passing rates for its first three graduating classes. But for Layug, the true reward lies in hearing heartfelt testimonies from parents who watched their children achieve life-changing success.
Layug personally interviewed around 200 applicants each year, ensuring their alignment with UMak’s mission to produce lawyers of integrity and service. Under his leadership, the school achieved near-perfect bar exam passing rates for its first three graduating classes. But for Layug, the true reward lies in hearing heartfelt testimonies from parents who watched their children achieve life-changing success.
Atty. Jacqueline O. Lopez-Kaw, Partner
As dean of the UST Graduate School of Law, Atty. Jacqueline O. Lopez-Kaw is championing a more accessible and inclusive approach to advanced legal education. In her first few months, she has increased enrollment by over 60%, responding to the unique needs of working professionals balancing careers with academic advancement.Her focus is on fostering a research-driven culture among practicing lawyers and encouraging meaningful community engagement. Despite the challenges of attracting busy professionals, Atty. Lopez-Kaw is determined to expand the role of legal research in society and elevate the academic contributions of Filipino lawyers.
Atty. Mary Jude C. Marvel, Partner
Atty. Mary Jude C. Marvel serves as the founding dean of the De La Salle University – Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) College of Law, which welcomed its inaugural batch of students in August 2024. Rooted in Lasallian values of faith, service, and mission, the college aims to provide not just rigorous legal training, but also a nurturing environment that inspires students to become socially responsible lawyers.Atty. Marvel envisions a law school that moves away from traditional intimidation tactics, offering instead a supportive, empowering academic atmosphere. Her goal is to produce not just successful bar passers, but lawyers who are passionate about justice and community impact.
Atty. Enrique V. Dela Cruz, Jr., Senior Partner
Atty. Enrique V. Dela Cruz, Jr. leads the newly established Baliuag University (BU) College of Law, which opened in April 2025 during the university’s centennial year. As the city of Baliuag’s first law school, BU Law provides local students a new path to legal education and public service.With teaching experience from institutions such as UST, UP Diliman, and Bulacan State University, Atty. Dela Cruz brings a progressive approach that emphasizes digital literacy, ethical grounding, and social responsibility. He aims to build BU Law into one of the country’s top legal institutions—distinguished not just by rankings, but by the positive societal impact of its graduates.
Atty. Mae Elaine T. Bathan, Partner
Since joining the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) School of Law in 2005, Atty. Mae Elaine T. Bathan has helped grow it into one of Cebu’s largest and most respected law schools. From an initial student population of around 150, USJ-R Law now boasts nearly 900 students and a strong record in the bar exams, including Cebu’s lone topnotcher in 2023.Her dual focus on expanding access to legal education and raising bar performance standards has firmly established USJ-R as a leading law school in the region. Under her continued leadership, the institution remains committed to producing competent and ethical legal professionals.
A Shared Vision for Legal Education
Though they serve different institutions, these deans and academic leaders share a common purpose: to shape a new generation of honest, well-equipped, and principled lawyers. With DivinaLaw’s support, they are not only enriching their respective law schools but also setting a nationwide standard for excellence in legal education.
