Marvin Lee Balaoro Tolentino, a proud Cordilleran from Abra, is the first ever Filipino Bar topnotcher, ranking 5th in the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), London, United Kingdom (UK) last December 2020.
Atty Tolentino graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree with Second Class Honors (Upper Division) from University of Surrey in London and finished at the top of his class as Summa Cum Laude in July 7, 2015, an honorary title used by academic institutions to exemplify a degree that was earned "with the highest distinction".
He completed his Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the University of Law in 2016.
Atty Tolentino has been admitted as a solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales effective January 1, 2021 after complying with the Solicitors Regulation Authority Authorization of Individuals Regulations to earn the position.
The 27-year-old Cordilleran is the eldest son of Mr. & Mrs. Manulito and Perlita Balaoro Tolentino and traces his roots from Bai, Lagayan, Abra. He is now someone the people of Dolores and San Juan in the same province can be proud of.
In a Facebook post, his proud uncle Treblig Dickenson congratulated his nephew on bringing honor and pride not only to their clan but also to the Philippines.
Congratulations to my beloved nephew Attorney Marvin Lee Balaoro Tolentino the eldest son of my cousin Mr. & Mrs. Manulito & Perlita Balaoro Tolentino and the pride & Dayaw of our humble town BAI, Lagayan & the municipalities of Dolores, & San Juan, ABRA of Cordillera Administrative Region (C.A.R.) for passing the London (United Kingdom) bar examination as one of the TOPNOCHERS (placing TOP 5).
Thank you for giving us such honor & pride not only to our clan but as well to our country for being the 1st & only Filipino lawyer to pass the bar exam placing in the top 5 spot at the young age of 27 years old.
As your uncle I & our whole Clan join you and your proud parents in celebrations for this huge success & achievement that is surely a source of pride & joy to all Filipino people - here & abroad.
Congratulations to another Cordilleran who brings honor not only to the people of the Cordilleras but also to our country. Long live, Attorney Marvin Lee Balaoro Tolentino!
