Admission to Partnership of Mr. Joseph Anthony I. Malaya
Mr. Joseph Anthony I. Malaya was formally admitted to the ACCRALAW partnership on 1 January 2023. He joined ACCRALAW in August 2012. Since then, he has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the practice of law, consistently contributing to the Firm’s success and earning the respect of peers and clients alike.
Mr. Malaya obtained his Juris Doctor degree with Second Honors from Ateneo De Manila University in 2011. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the same university in 2007. Mr. Malaya specializes in construction arbitration, environmental law, and mining issues.
Retirement of Mr. Francisco Ed. Lim, Mr. Emerico O. de Guzman, and Ms. Ana Lourdes Teresa A. Oracion
Mr. Francisco Ed. Lim, a revered legal veteran, was honored during the Testimonial Dinner for his distinguished career at ACCRALAW. His journey commenced with academic excellence, earning a Bachelor of Philosophy (Magna Cum Laude) and a Bachelor of Arts (Cum Laude) from the University of Santo Tomas, both in 1975. He subsequently obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree (Second Honors) from Ateneo de Manila University in 1981. In 1987, he pursued a Master of Laws degree from the University of Pennsylvania in the United States.
Mr. Lim joined ACCRALAW in 1981 and was admitted to the Partnership in 1990. Throughout his tenure at ACCRALAW, Mr. Lim made significant contributions to the Firm’s success, serving as Co-Managing Partner from 2002 to 2004 and heading the Firm’s Corporate and Special Projects Department from 2013 to 2014. His retirement marks a distinguished career that has had a lasting impact on the Firm and the legal community. He continues to serve as ACCRALAW’s Senior Legal Counsel.
Mr. Emerico O. de Guzman’s journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of the Philippines in 1977, followed by a Bachelor of Laws degree from the same university in 1982. His pursuit of excellence led him to attend prestigious programs such as the Executive Program in Negotiation of NUS and Kennedy School in 1999 and the Academy of American and International Law in Dallas, Texas, USA, in 2005. In 2018, he further enhanced his expertise through the Leadership in Law Firms Program of Harvard Law School Executive Education.
Mr. de Guzman joined ACCRALAW in 1983. Since then, he rose through the ranks as he was admitted to the Partnership in 1990; became the head of the Firm’s Labor and Employment Department from 2008 to 2013; and finally, the Firm’s Managing Partner from 2014 to 2021. He continues to serve as ACCRALAW’s Of Counsel.
Ms. Ana Lourdes Teresa A. Oracion earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of the Philippines in 1977, followed by a Bachelor of Laws degree from the same institution in 1981. In 1984, she obtained a Master of Laws degree from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
Ms. Oracion joined ACCRALAW in 1982 and was admitted to the Partnership in 1991. Her tenure at ACCRALAW includes serving as the Head of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department from 2016 to 2018 and as Co-Managing Partner from February to December 2019.
Mr. Lim, Mr. de Guzman, and Ms. Oracion have played integral roles in shaping ACCRALAW to what it is today. Their remarkable contributions have left an indelible impact on the Firm’s growth and success.
A Celebration of ACCRALAW's Excellence and Legacy
The Testimonial Dinner served as a testament to ACCRALAW’s commitment to fostering exceptional legal talent and upholding a legacy of excellence. With the admission of Mr. Malaya and the retirement of Mr. Lim, Mr. de Guzman, and Ms. Oracion, ACCRALAW enters a new chapter, guided by the principles of integrity, professionalism, and unparalleled legal expertise.
The Firm’s dedication to providing top-tier legal services to its clients remains unwavering, as it continues to shape the legal landscape in the Philippines and beyond.