Dr. Jose I. Dela Rama Jr. is a highly respected legal scholar and educator, currently serving as the Dean of the Tarlac State University School of Law. She holds a Doctor of Civil Law and a Master of Laws from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), one of the Philippines’ premier law schools. Additionally, he completed a postdoctoral degree in strategic planning from Philippine Christian University.
He has been awarded the Forensic Excellence Award at the 15th IASR International Conference on Forensic Science for his academic excellence, leadership roles, and dedicated advancement of legal education and practice.
Contributions to Legal Practice and Education
Dr. Dela Rama has made significant contributions to legal education through his work as a professor and researcher. His academic excellence has been recognized by various esteemed institutions such as Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) Graduate School of Law, Philippine Polytechnic University (PUP), and San Sebastian Recoletos, where he has mentored and inspired many future legal professionals.
Dr. Dela Rama has also co-authored several notable legal books, including:
- Problem Areas in Legal Ethics
- Problem Areas in Positive Identification, Alibi, and the Emerging Role of Forensic Science in the Appreciation of Evidence
- Property and Land Laws
These publications reflect his in-depth understanding of legal ethics, forensic science, and property law, making significant contributions to the legal field.
Leadership and Professional Roles
Dr. Dela Rama has held various prestigious positions in the legal profession. He was the Governor of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) for the Central Luzon Region and served as Commissioner of the Commission on Bar Discipline. He possesses excellent leadership skills and is highly committed to the legal profession, for which he has received several accolades, including being named Outstanding Commissioner in 2012 and 2023. He is also a sought-after MCLE (Mandatory Continuing Legal Education) speaker and delivers lectures to lawyers on various aspects of legal practice and updates in the profession.
Dr. Jose I. Dela Rama Jr.’s career is proof of his exceptional leadership in the domain of legal education. As a dean and professor, he shaped the academic frameworks of legal programs to ensure they align perfectly with the modern legal challenges. He made every possible effort to modernize existing curriculum by integrating interdisciplinary approaches that bridge traditional legal theory with emerging fields such as forensic law and digital legal practices. His vision for legal education is not limited to the classroom, as he actively promotes hands-on learning, encouraging his students to engage with real-world legal issues.
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout his glorious career, Dr. Dela Rama has been recognized for his contributions to both the legal field and academia. He has been honored with:
- The Golden Tamaraw Award for his outstanding achievements in the academic field
- The St. Antoninus Award from his alma mater, Far Eastern University, and the UST Graduate School of Law
He has also been awarded honorary degrees, including a Doctor of Educational Leadership and Management Honoris Causa by St. James University in Pennsylvania, USA, and a Doctor of Humanities Honoris Causa by Instituto Educado Para A Paz in Brazil.
Inspiring Future Legal Professionals
Beyond his personal achievements, his commitment to teaching and mentoring continues to inspire the next generation of legal professionals. He promotes the culture of continuous learning to ensure his students are thoroughly equipped not only with the theoretical aspects of the profession but with critical thinking and practical skills too. Through his leadership in national and international forums, as well as the numerous awards and accolades he has received, Dr. Dela Rama’s career serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring lawyers.
Also, as an author, Dr. Dela Rama has written extensively on various legal topics, and his publications are a rich source of information for both legal scholars and practitioners. His books and articles reflect his dedication to the continuous advancement of legal knowledge.
Dr. Ranjeet Singh, along with IASR, Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science, Clue4Evidence Forensic Lab, and the entire organizing committee, acknowledges Dr. Jose I. Dela Rama Jr. for the significant contributions he made as a legal practitioner and author, his involvement in high-profile cases, and bringing his deep knowledge of the law to the forefront of Philippine jurisprudence. We wish his impact on the field of legal education and practice will continue to shape the legal domain for years to come.