Creating The Legacy

In the Summer of 1980, the Firm was founded under the leadership of Antonio T. Carpio, F. Arthur L. Villaraza, and Avelino J. Cruz, Jr., young lawyers, erstwhile student leaders and top graduates from the University of the Philippines and the Ateneo de Manila University, who shared the dream of building an enduring legal institution.

Imbued with the passion for excellence of its founding partners, CVC Law has grown to establish a sterling reputation for practicing law with the highest standards and providing unparalleled legal representation that help ensure the success of its clients and shape the history of a nation.

The Firm Today

The Firm is now known as Villaraza Cruz Marcelo & Angangco. It is managed by F. Arthur L. Villaraza and Raoul R. Angangco, who are joined in its Executive Committee by Avelino J. Cruz, Jr. and Simeon V. Marcelo.

Our partners and associates contribute their capabilities and work as one Firm in providing our clients with a full range of legal services drawn from our collective experience and expertise in areas such as Corporate & Commercial Law, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property Law, Strategic & Developmental Projects, Labor & Immigration, Information & Communications Technology, Taxation, Power & Energy, and Mining & Natural Resources.

With more than 60 lawyers recognized by their peers to be at the top of the legal profession and with more than 100 highly trained non-legal staff, the Firm offers professional service of the highest caliber.

Through the years, we have practiced law with an intimate knowledge of the issues corporate decision makers face and deliberately employed tailored strategies that help our clients see opportunities in adversities. With decades of experience in serving a full spectrum of our clients’ interests, our lawyers are equipped to skillfully handle the most intricate problems and provide comprehensive solutions that deliver results.

Exceptional Lawyers

We firmly believe that our people are our best asset, our competitive edge. Since the Firm's inception, we have recruited only the best and brightest from the top law schools in the country. Our lawyers are committed to the highest personal standards and represent the best of their generation.

Lawyers from the Firm are known for their innate talent, diligence, determination and creativity honed in a collegial working environment that promotes personal and professional development. We pride ourselves in providing a fertile training ground for future leaders of the legal community and of the country.

To be a legal institution that upholds the rule of law, our work must impact not only the legal community but the larger society. As consummate professionals, our lawyers practice law with a social purpose. Our dedication to public service has led our lawyers to provide counsel to Presidents of the Republic of the Philippines, engage in public interest litigation and pursue advocacies pro bono in the service of the common man.

In every facet of law and in every line of business, in the pursuit of the bottom line and the common good, the Firm brings its collective competence, creativity and commitment to excellence to help its clients attain success and its lawyers serve the law for a higher purpose.