A-list Ascendancy

Rex Education proudly congratulates three of its distinguished authors — Atty. Hector M. De Leon Jr., managing partner of SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan; Atty. Nilo T. Divina, managing partner of Divina Law and Atty. Tranquil A. Salvador, Partner at Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles—for their recognition in the Asia Business Law Journal’s Philippines Top Lawyers 2025 A-List.

According to Asia Business Law Journal, A-List lawyers are “lawyers who are currently the star performers of the Philippines’ legal profession; the lawyers who are personally undertaking the country’s top legal work, crafting the most cutting-edge legal solutions to complex problems and setting the highest standards in terms of quality, innovation and the ability to handle complex matters.”

The journal also defines Legal Icons as “lawyers who are the luminaries of the Philippines’ legal profession; the titans who command the respect of clients and juniors alike; the mentors who lead the Philippines’ most admired law firms and/or legal teams and who are the country’s most prolific rainmakers.” Among those honored with this distinction are De Leon and Divina, who, aside from being part of the prestigious list, are also recognized as Icons.

Champions of legal practice and education

De Leon Jr. is celebrated nationwide for his dual expertise as a leading practitioner and one of the country’s most prolific and trusted legal authors. His textbooks on Obligations and Contracts, Business Law, and Commercial Law remain indispensable in business programs and law schools. His works on the Philippine Constitution, Criminal Law and related subjects continue to shape the legal literacy of countless law students and professionals.

Divina is equally admired as a premier corporate and litigation strategist and the transformative leader of Divina Law. His authoritative texts on Commercial and Corporation Law are essential references for law students, bar reviewees and practitioners seeking clarity on complex commercial issues.

Salvador, a recognized leader in litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR), is also an esteemed law professor and author whose works advance the study of Remedial Law. Beyond his practice areas — which include aviation, insurance, mining and ADR — he has made a profound impact on legal education through his widely respected textbooks and bar reviewer materials such as Footnotes Vol. I: Civil Procedure and Criminal Procedure. 

“Being recognized as part of the prestigious list and called icons of Philippine law underscores the enduring impact of Atty. De Leon, Atty. Divina, and Atty. Salvador—not only in their respective practice areas, but also in their invaluable contributions to Philippine legal education through their published works,” said Rex Education chief executive officer Don Timothy Buhain. “Their scholarship and leadership align with our aspirations: to nurture minds and transform communities through education.”