Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia

Our Firm

United by common ideals and shared values, fifteen accomplished individuals founded Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia in 2013. Since then, fifteen new partners have risen to the challenge of leading the firm into the next generation. This partnership of seasoned practitioners is forged on a commitment to build a lasting legal institution that will carry on the values of professionalism, meritocracy, and mutual respect.

The firm is led by Avelino “Nonong” J. Cruz, Jr., Simeon “Sonny” V. Marcelo, and Joe Nathan P. Tenefrancia. Cruz previously served as the nation’s Secretary of National Defense and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, while Marcelo defended the public interest as the Ombudsman and Solicitor General. Tenefrancia represents the next generation of partners who will continue the legacy of professionalism and excellence.

The firm’s lawyers are highly regarded individuals whose counsel is sought by leaders of the nation, captains of industry, and the common person. With highly motivated lawyers working in teams and ably supported by the country’s best non-legal personnel, we bring together our collective expertise, skills, experience and networks to practice law as one firm. With committed advocacy and wise counsel as hallmarks of our practice, we are our clients’ reliable partners in achieving winning solutions. Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia provides exceptional legal representation in various fields of law as a fullservice firm.

Our core partnership values translate into our governance principles and are integral to ensuring that we provide our clients with top-notch, cost-effective legal services while emphasizing teamwork, creativity, and responsiveness.

Our Story

We trace our roots to a firm founded by young legal scholars and student leaders in 1980 that would rise to become a preeminent law firm in the Philippines. Tested through time and united by common ideals and shared values, fifteen founding partners established Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia in 2013 as a full-service firm composed of accomplished professionals dedicated to building a legal institution that will carry on the torch of professionalism, meritocracy, and mutual respect – lawyers committed to doing well while doing good.

Our lawyers have never wavered in their commitment to excellence and meeting the highest professional standards. Our constant aim is to deliver the highest quality of effective legal service in all facets of our practice to help our clients attain success.

Within a decade from its inception, Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia has risen to become a top-tier law firm in the country and in the Asia Pacific Region. Today, our lawyers continue to distinguish themselves and earn peer recognition through countless awards bestowed by leading international publications such as Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, Asialaw, the World Trademark Review, Asian Legal Business, Asia Business Law Journal, the International Financial Law Review, Benchmark Litigation, and Who’s Who Legal.

As our practice continues to grow and our partnership expands, we all remain committed to our shared Vision & Mission.

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