Atty. Euney Marie J. Mata-Perez Received the ALAAI Distinguished Alumni Award of Excellence in the Practice of Law
We are pleased and proud to announce that Atty. Euney Marie J. Mata-Perez, the Managing and founding Partner of our firm, Mata-Perez, Tamayo & Francisco Attorneys-at-Law, was unanimously chosen as one of the two recipients of this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award of Excellence in the Practice of Law by the Ateneo Law Alumni Association, Inc. (ALAAI).
The ALAAI’s Distinguished Alumni Awards recognized alumni whose accomplishments had brought honor and distinction to the Ateneo Law School and whose professional lives had reflected the values of the legal profession. The awards also sought to recognize those who had inspired others to value and respect the law as an instrument of truth, justice, peace, and order. ALAAI gives the awards in five categories, namely, Excellence in the Judiciary, Excellence in the Field of Education, Excellence in the Practice of Law, Excellence in Public Service, and Excellence in Leadership and Service.
The Award of Excellence in the Practice of Law recognizes lawyers whose careers demonstrated sustained excellence and commitment to the profession. Among the considerations for the award were years of practice, professional standing, ethical conduct, contributions to the legal field, and commitment to justice. The award considered the experience and depth of knowledge developed through years of practice, as well as continued good standing and adherence to the highest standards of professional ethics. It also recognized meaningful contributions to the development of the legal profession through legal research and publications, legal education, legal reform initiatives, advocacy in emerging areas of law, and the promotion of international legal linkages. A commitment to justice was likewise an important consideration, including efforts to provide legal services to underserved sectors and contributions to social justice.
Atty. Mata-Perez’s recognition thus placed her among a distinguished group of Ateneo Law School alumni honored this year for their contributions to the legal profession and public service. Other awardees include Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, who was recognized with the Award of Excellence in Public Service; Justice Ronaldo Roberto B. Martin and Judge Rowena Nieves A. Tan for the Award of Excellence in the Judiciary; Atty. Amparita Sta. Maria for the Award of Excellence in the Field of Legal Education; and Atty. Patricia Angela O. Bunye, who was likewise selected as a recipient of the Excellence in the Practice of Law award. The late Dean Jose Maria G. Hofileña was also conferred, posthumously, the Award for Excellence in Leadership and Service.
The recognition was a fitting addition to Atty. Mata-Perez’s distinguished career in the legal profession. A certified public accountant and a member of the Philippine Bar, she brought 34 years of experience to her practice, with a focus on tax and corporate matters. Her combined background in law and accountancy has enabled her to bring both legal and business perspectives to complex issues faced by clients.
She also occupied positions in national and international tax organizations, having previously served as President of the Tax Management Association of the Philippines, and the Asia-Oceania Tax Consultants’ Association. She has also been active in tax and legal advocacies, education and other advocacies, including good corporate governance and tax compliance. She has contributed articles to several foreign and local publications and has spoken before local and international forums.
Her professional work has earned recognition from both Philippine and international legal circles. She was named among the Top 100 Lawyers in the Philippines by Asia Business Law Journal and has been recognized by Chambers and Partners, among others, as a leading tax practitioner in the country.
Atty. Mata-Perez earned her Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law in 1992, where she graduated as class salutatorian.
Thus, Atty. Mata-Perez’s recognition by the ALAAI marked another significant milestone in her career and underscored her continuing contributions to the legal profession. Together with the recognition given to this year’s other distinguished alumni, the award celebrated the enduring contributions of distinguished Ateneo Law School alumni in the practice of law, the administration of justice, legal education, and public service.
This article was written by Atty. Wenver James C. Dela Rosa. Wenver James C. Dela Rosa is an Associate of Mata-Perez, Tamayo & Francisco (MTF Counsel). This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice where the facts and circumstances warrant. If you have any question or comment regarding this article, you may email the author at info@mtfcounsel.com or visit MTF website at www.mtfcounsel.com.