Connie Aquino: Knowing Women’s Rights Is Important
Lawyer Connie Aquino tackles different legal cases from women’s issues to family to media, but she is first and foremost a mom to her two kids
Some of us have always been fascinated with the life of a lawyer, given how they have been portrayed in books, movies, and television. But in real life, their profession is challenging and time-consuming, especially when they have big cases to handle and a law firm to run.
Lawyer Connie Aquino knows this very well. As a lawyer, her cases range from family, corporate, foreign investments, and technology. Aside from handling cases, Connie is a senior partner for one of the top law firms in the country – Calleja Law.
The Life of a Lawyer
Connie, who has been practicing law for 19 years, is the first to admit that handling family cases can be daunting, given the sensitive nature of the cases and when children are involved. Many of the separation and annulment cases she handled in her early years as a lawyer involved friends and family members.
“It can be quite challenging as being a mother myself I would want the emotional welfare of children to be given utmost consideration,” she said. “I make sure to be sensitive to their needs and feelings.”
Aside from family cases, Connie is known for her work in women’s issues, adoption, guardianship, and special legal proceedings.
When she is not in court, Connie, who was included in last year’s Modern Parenting 100 List, attends to her duties as one of the law’s senior partners.
On the dynamics between seniors and junior partners, she explains, “Senior partners, being more experienced than the associates, should guide the associates of the firm, and try to mentor them, and impart with them the skills and knowledge they have garnered from years of practice.”
Working on cases requires hours away from the family. So how does she do it? Connie points out the importance of time management.
“I ensure when it is family time, it is family time. I travel with them or do activities where we can bond.”
Atty. Connie Aquino during the 2024 ITECH LAW European Conference in Munich. Photo from Calleja Law Firm FB.
Women Can Do It, Too!
Gone are the days when women were often set aside in law. Connie points out that many have made a name for themselves in different fields.
She is aware that there are women lawyers who face harassment threats, and she encourages them to report to the proper authorities.
Lawyers are often tough in court cases and proceedings. But it’s a different story for Connie when she’s with her family. As a mom, she makes a point to let her two daughters speak up when they know they are right.
“I always tell them their rights and give them encouragement to go after their dreams free from limitations,” she said of her kids Maita and Bettina. “I tell them that I give them my full support on whatever endeavors they have set their minds and hearts into. I want them to grow up to be strong, independent women themselves and not rely on anyone.”
Apart from her work and her family, she makes sure to have some time for herself. It includes workouts such as pilates, running, boxing, and biking. She also points out the importance of taking care of oneself.
“Because if you take care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects, you can function properly. You can be a better mother, a better wife. A better worker. At this age, I don’t want to stereotype women that they are just supposed to be at home. We’re past that. We are in the 2020s now,” she told the Inquirer in 2023.
In the same interview, Connie gave seven tips on legal issues and women’s rights, starting with knowledge of basic rights and reminding women not to be afraid.
She reminds parents of the importance of knowing the laws, especially regarding media and technology. With social media as one of the main concerns among parents, she cites the country’s existing laws in protecting their kids from online harm.
“I think we have enough laws addressing these issues [on social media], but there must be awareness so that parents know what actions to take when their children’s rights are violated,” she said. “We have various laws like the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 (Republic Act No. 10627), The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10175, The Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act No. 11313), The Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 9995) and many others.”
She adds that as difficult as it may be, parents should monitor their kids’ online activities.
Atty. Connie Aquino and her daughters Maita and Bettina
Evolving With The Times
Like the laws she needs to brush up on, parenting for Connie also requires checking the issues that may concern her daughters. Now that she is a daughter of teens, it also made her realize the importance of adapting.
“I have learned to adapt to the changes that come with modern parenting, especially in this digital age,” she said. “I always ensure that I, as a mom, have encouraged them to go after their dreams. I also always impart to them the importance of values, character, and integrity. Without these, they will never go far.”
Being a lawyer may be one of Connie Aquino’s achievements, but like any other mom, the welfare and needs of her kids will always be her foremost priority.
More stories of women
Tina Campos: Transforming Passion Into A Sparkling Success
Katrina Calugay-Alvaera: A Love Letter To Motherhood’s Body
Rita Daniela: The Best Role Of Her Life
