Open to opportunities

Ralph Derek Manuel

@ralphderekmanuel

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Licensed junior attorney and legal researcher who turns deep research into strong litigation strategy.

Philippines

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a junior attorney role where I can deepen my litigation and legal research skills—drafting and arguing confidently, preparing for trial, and contributing to strong case outcomes through clear, rigorous work.

I’m a Licensed Attorney who builds litigation advantage through rigorous legal research and careful analysis of statutes, jurisprudence, codes, and legal articles. In my current role, I support case development by investigating facts, identifying viable causes of action, and strengthening legal defenses.

From my time at the National Privacy Commission, I learned how to prepare for trial with disciplined research—gathering and analyzing legal materials, investigating facts and applicable law, and helping shape the Commission’s legal decision-making process. I also draft and file pleadings, motions, and other legal documents, and I appear as counsel in court and administrative hearings, handling preliminary conferences, compliance matters, and follow-up proceedings independently.

Before fully focusing on legal practice, I led marketing and editorial work that trained me to communicate clearly under deadlines—overseeing social media content strategies, analyzing engagement data, and writing brand messages for lead generation and revenue goals. That same structured approach carries into how I strategize case approaches, coordinate with government bodies, and produce work that holds up in real proceedings.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Junior Associate

Current

Aceron & Attorneys

Feb 2025 - Present (1 year 4 months)

Conducted in-depth legal research to support case development and litigation strategy, including statutes, jurisprudence, and legal articles. Drafted and filed pleadings and motions and appeared as counsel in court and administrative hearings.

Legal Research Jurisprudence Litigation Strategy Legal Writing Court Appearances

Legal Researcher III

National Privacy Commission

Aug 2023 - Jul 2024 (11 months)

Gathered and analyzed legal research materials, including statutes, decisions, codes, and documents, to support the Commission’s casework. Investigated facts and applicable laws to help determine causes of action and prepare for trial.

Legal Research Statutes Review Document Analysis Cause Of Action Analysis Legal Writing

Marketing Executive/Writer

Aureas Media Group

Dec 2019 - Jan 2024 (4 years 1 month)

Planned and executed viral news articles and corporate-market content for marketing purposes. Wrote news articles, blog posts, and social media advertisement scripts to support campaigns.

Content Planning Copywriting Blog Writing Corporate Market Content

Head of Marketing

The Builders Agency

Jul 2021 - Jan 2023 (1 year 6 months)

Oversee public-facing interactions by implementing content strategies across social media platforms. Analyzed engagement data to identify trends and plan digital campaigns to grow an online community.

Social Media Strategy Content Strategy Marketing Analytics Community Building Trend Analysis

Editorial Writer

International Business Times

Jan 2021 - Nov 2022 (1 year 10 months)

Worked on the marketing editorial team, helping strategize weekly deliverables for target readers across the United States. Created brand partnerships and sponsorships and wrote customized brand messages and editorial pieces for lead generation and revenue quota goals.

Editorial Writing Brand Partnerships Sponsorship Messaging Customized Brand Copy Lead Generation Revenue Focused Editorial Work

Paralegal

Ardent Paralegal and Business Solutions Inc.

Feb 2018 - Jul 2018 (5 months)

Handled client cases by developing case approaches and drafting required legal documents. Coordinated with government bodies to support timely case resolution.

Case Strategy Support Legal Research Legal Writing

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Arellano University School of Law

Juris Doctor, Law

2018 - 2023

Activities and societies: Academic Societies: Arellano Law Forensic Guild. Honors: Grand Final Champion & Best Speaker (Philippine Law Debate Championship, Jul 2022); 4 Best Speaker (Jul 2021); Philippine Exhibition Team (Phillip C. Jessup Intl Moot, Feb 2020); Grand Final Champion & 2 Best Speaker (5 Cayco Cup, Sep 2019).

Earned a Juris Doctor degree in Law from Arellano University School of Law. Completed academic and debate achievements including multiple Philippine law debate championship awards.

San Beda University

Bachelor of Science (Minor: Business Management), Legal Management

2012 - 2016

Activities and societies: Academic Societies: San Beda Debate Society; Junior Law Bedan Circle. Honors & Awards: Sinag Cup Champion (Philippine Inter-Collegiate Debate Championships, Apr 2014); Champion (Alliance of Legal Management Associations of the Philippines, Jan 2013).

Completed a Bachelor of Science in Legal Management with a minor in Business Management at San Beda University. Participated in campus debate organizations and earned multiple inter-collegiate debate honors.