The Ateneo de Davao Legal Advocacy Works (AdDLAW) is a service-oriented and student-based organization in the Ateneo de Davao College of Law, geared towards promoting human rights and public interest through legal advocacy. 

AdDLAW advocates are well-rounded law students dedicated to academic excellence and social responsibility, embodying the Atenean values of Magis and Cura Personalis.

THE IMPETUS

The year was 1999, Ateneo de Davao College of Law sent two students to Ateneo de Manila University for its Summer Internship  Program upon the invitation of the Ateneo Human Rights Center of ADMU. Atty. Jennifer Ramos and Atty. Dexter Lopoz, then third year law students, were involved in the Community Immersion Program in Mindoro, undertook the internship proper, and performed paralegal works at the Environmental Assistance Center in Cebu.

THE CAMPAIGN

Through the encouragement of Judge Marivic Daray, Jennifer and Dexter began a room to room campaign and urged law students to join the internship program. Jennifer and Judge Daray envisioned of forming a law student organization undertaking the same program—a service-oriented, student-based organization for human rights and public interest.

THE ADDLAW WAVE

The campaign yielded twenty (20) students from all year levels which constituted the core group who eventually conceptualized the Ateneo de Davao Legal Advocacy Works.

COMMUNITY IMMERSIONS

One of the major activities of AdDLAW are  community immersions in places like jails, orphanages, women's support centers, and juvenile detention centers.

Among other things, we conduct focus group discussions to meaningully engage with the difficulties that different sectors experience, and to learn where the law may help them.

INSTITUTIONAL VISITS

To learn more about advocacy and impactful community service, the AdDLAW holds institutional visits to other organizations and institutions who advocate for women, children, environmental protection, and others.

LAWYER'S VISITS

We also have lawyer's visits to accomplished lawyers and judges who have vast experiences in both public and private practice where AdDLAW advocates can learn more about the legal profession, the lawyer's personal experiences, and how to give back to the community.

1. It will enrich your pursuit of the legal profession by meeting the people most affected by the justice system.

2. It will give you opportunities for mentorship from accomplished lawyers and judges.

3. It will give you exposure and opportunities to practice the legal profession before actually becoming a lawyer.