Axel Rupert M. Cruz

Graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies; graduated 5th in his batch (with Second Honors) from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law; consistent Dean's Lister; Business and Circulation Manager of the Ateneo Law Journal; Award for Best Thesis ("Establishing the bases and extent of the principle of "adequate protection" for secured creditors in Philippine corporate rehabilitation proceedings"); and 11th place in the 2003 Philippine Bar Examinations.

Mr. Cruz has extensive litigation and alternative dispute resolution practice since he graduated with honors from the Ateneo de Manila Law School in 2002 and placed 11th in the Philippine Bar Examinations in 2003. He has successfully represented clients before the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Regional and Municipal Trial Courts, National Labor and Relations Commission, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Civil Aeronautics Board, Bureau of Immigration, Maritime Industry Authority,Land Registration Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, and Intellectual Property Office. He has successfully defended clients in arbitration disputes in Manila and Singapore. He has also given advice to various clients on the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and U.K. Bribery Act, local anti-graft and corruption laws, product liability laws, competition laws, energy laws, data privacy laws, e-commerce laws, and local government taxation. Mr. Cruz gives equal importance to enhancing access to justice to the underprivileged and marginalized sector by handling pro bono work for the legal aid unit of the Ateneo Law School.

Work Experience

  • Senior Associate: Quisumbing Torres Law Offices (A Member Firm of Baker & McKenzie International) (2003-2010)
  • Attorney-at-law / Owner: ARC Law Office (2010-2012)

Teaching Experience

  • Director of the Ateneo Legal Services Center (2015-present)
  • Faculty Member: Ateneo Law School, Professor of Clinical Legal Education and Development (2014-present)
  • Faculty Member: Ateneo Law School, Professor of Special Penal Laws (2015-present)
  • Faculty Member: Far Eastern University, Professor of Civil Procedure (2014-present)

Affiliations

  • Member: Integrated Bar of the Philippines, RSM Chapter (IBP)
  • Member: Philippine Chamber of Commerce – Rizal Chapter
  • Member: Philippine Trial Lawyers Association

Specialization

  • Commercial, Civil, Criminal and Administrative Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Competition Law