Legal services powerhouse DivinaLaw has further cemented its standing as one of the country’s foremost legal institutions, showcasing the prowess of its deep bench as 10 of its top partners, led by managing partner Nilo Divina, who also serves as Daily Tribune counsel, were named among the nation’s best lawyers.

Regional authority Asian Business Law Journal (ABLJ) came up with a list of 100 legal luminaries, making the law firm founded by the University of Santo Tomas College of Law dean a dominant force in the field.

DivinaLaw’s solid 10 included senior partners Edwin C. Uy, Alden Francis C. Gonzales, Roberto L. Tan, Alfonso B. Verzosa, Dara C. Acusar, Enrique V. Dela Cruz Jr., Danny E. Bunyi, Cybill B. Uytiepo and Jose “Jay” Layug Jr.

ABLJ compiled the list “following an extensive nomination process.” The 10 DivinaLaw barristers have been on the roster for successive years in recognition of their dedication to best practices and excellence in service delivery.

Dean Divina was also recognized as one of the country’s 38 legal icons, who ABLJ described 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.”

This marks DivinaLaw’s eighth consecutive year in the country’s Top 100 A-List Lawyers. This recognition is based on nominations from clients, in-house counsels, and Philippine-focused partners at international law firms outside the country.

Consistent excellence

In a message to the Daily Tribune, Divina said, “I am deeply honored to be included once again among the country’s best lawyers, and even more grateful that several DivinaLaw lawyers have likewise been recognized.”

“This distinction reflects not individual achievement, but the collective dedication, competence, and integrity of the entire DivinaLaw family,” he added.

Moreover, Divina said, “We share this recognition with our clients who continue to trust us, challenge us, and inspire us to elevate our craft. It also affirms our commitment to delivering legal service anchored on excellence, teamwork, grit and genuine concern.”

“To my colleagues at DivinaLaw: this honor belongs to all of you. And to the legal community: we will continue to uphold the highest ideals of the profession. As always, Deo Omnis Gloria,” he concluded.

Verzosa, one of DivinaLaw’s senior partners, was featured by ABLJ among Filipino lawyers who are responsive and “willing to go the extra mile to understand clients’ requirements.”

He was nominated by Rizza Colobong, the director of human resources welfare and development at Jubilee Christian Academy, based in Quezon City.

“Alfonso B. Verzosa of DivinaLaw has been an indispensable legal adviser to our institution, providing expert counsel on a retainer basis,” Colobong indicated. 

“What truly sets him apart is his remarkable responsiveness — he addresses urgent matters with swiftness and precision, ensuring that our institution remains protected and compliant.”

His deep commitment to the institution’s success, coupled with his vast experience and approachable demeanor, makes him not just a lawyer but a true partner in our mission, according to Colobong. 

“We are grateful for his unwavering support and look forward to many more years of collaboration,” he added.

Also, at the recent Climate Week in New York City, the world’s largest annual climate event, which brought together business leaders, political figures, civil society representatives, and experts, DivinaLaw senior partner Layug was invited as speaker in The Rockefeller Foundation’s Coal to Clean Forum.

Attended by 150 business leaders, global energy pioneers and philanthropists, the event was part of an initiative to develop a comprehensive standard for the use of carbon finance to incentivize a transition away from coal-fired power plants to renewables in emerging economies.

The Philippines is primed to lead a much-needed transition to renewables given its heavy reliance on imported fuel and its coal moratorium in 2020. The Philippine Department of Energy recently concluded the fourth round of the Green Energy Auction Program successfully soliciting 9.4 GW of new renewable energy power plants to be installed between 2026 and 2029.

Layug co-heads DivinaLaw’s Energy Practice and is globally recognized for his contributions in the Philippine energy industry and the renewables sector.