The Partners
Atty. Marie Christine A. Duran-Schulze
Managing Partner
Atty. Marie Christine Duran-Schulze earned her Dual Degree in Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Masters in Business Administration (M.B.A) from the Far Eastern University-Makati and De La Salle Graduate School of Business- Makati, Philippines. She was admitted into the Philippine Bar in 2009, and completed her Bachelor of Science in Business Economics from the University of the Philippines (U.P.), Diliman, School of Economics in 2003.
As the Managing Partner of the Duran & Duran-Schulze Law (“DDS”), Atty. Duran-Schulze’s expertise lies in mergers and acquisitions, international taxation and venture capital investments. She provides assistance to various startup companies in their investment rounds and represents high-growth companies in their due diligence efforts. Atty. Duran-Schulze has also aided retained clients in their PEZA and BOI registrations and compliances, and has assisted in the establishment of their holding or investment companies offshore. In addition, she collaborates with foreign entities interested in conducting business in the Philippines, particularly those who want to participate in government public bidding.
Aside from her legal expertise, Atty. Duran-Schulze is also a licensed Real Estate Broker, having passed the Board Examination given by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in 2015.
Atty. Mary Wendy A. Duran
Founding Senior Partner
Atty. Mary Wendy Duran obtained her Juris Doctor (J.D.) Degree Non-Thesis from San Beda University, Mendiola, Manila, Philippines and was admitted as a member of the Philippine Bar in 2007. Atty. Duran completed her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from AMA Computer University, Quezon City, Philippines in 2001. She is also a Foreign Legal Consultant registered in the State Bar of California.
At present, Atty. Duran leads the Duran & Duran-Schulze Law (“DDS”) Litigation Team, which specializes in Family, Civil, Criminal, Special Proceedings, and Property Law. With a wealth of trial experience spanning of sixteen (16) years, she has handled various cases, including Annulment / Declaration of Nullity of Marriage, Adoption, Change of Name, Cancellation or Correction of Entries, Guardianship and Custody of Minor Children, Temporary and Protection Order Proceedings, Partition of Estate, Probate of Last Will & Testament, Cancellation and Quieting of Title, Recovery of Ownership / Possession, and Eviction Disputes.
In addition, Atty. Duran has assisted corporate clients in dissolution and bankruptcy proceedings, as well as corporate and commercial transactions, such as joint ventures, licensing arrangements, mergers & acquisitions. She also counsels clients with tax issues before the Court of Tax Appeals.
Atty. Duran also holds a license as a Real Estate Broker, having passed the Board Examination given by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in 2015. Moreover, she is a Chartered Trust Estate Planner, which is a professional accreditation offered by the American Academy of Financial Management (AAFM) US, and is a member of the Registered Financial Planner Philippines (Batch 25th).
Atty. Rhonaliza B. Burce
Junior Partner
Atty. Rhonaliza B. Burce received her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from De La Salle University – Manila in 2016 and was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2017. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies major in European Studies degree from De La Salle University – Manila in 2011.
She joined the firm in September 2017, and is currently a member of the Corporate Team. Her area of expertise encompasses Corporate Law, Commercial Law, Labor Law and Special Projects such as PEZA registrations, DOLE licenses, and tax clearances necessary for government public bidding.
She provides corporate housekeeping services and offers legal guidance to clients intending to do business or invest in the Philippines. Atty. Burce is also involved in drafting and reviewing commercial contracts, providing legal opinions on corporate structuring, conducting due diligence for mergers and acquisition, tax planning, and liaising with relevant government agencies for regulatory requirements.
The Associates
Atty. Sarah Jean Zerossa Tali
Senior Associate Lawyer
Atty. Sarah Jean Zerossa A. Tali earned her Juris Doctor (J.D) Degree Non-Thesis from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippine She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the same university.
Since she joined the DDS firm, Atty. Tali has since been an active member of both the Litigation and Corporate Team. She has worked on various fields of practice of law, including Corporate, Tax, Labor, Civil, Criminal, and Special Projects such as PEZA requirements, DOLE licenses, PEA licenses.
In addition, Atty. Tali provides assistance to other lawyers with their pending tasks and offers legal advice to clients seeking to file a civil or criminal case in the Philippines. She also performs commercial contract drafting and review.
Atty. Joyce Ann Marie Almazora
Junior Associate Lawyer II
Atty. Joyce Ann Marie Almazora received her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from San Beda College-Alabang. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from De La Salle University-Dasmariñas.
Atty. Almazora has been an active member of the Litigation Team in Family Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, and Local Immigration, providing clients with the legal advice and support they need in these areas.
Since joining the DDS firm, Atty. Almazora has proven to be a dedicated team player who is always willing to lend a helping hand. Her passion for the law and her desire to help clients achieve their goals have made her a highly respected lawyer in the firm.
Atty. Tzarlene Cambaliza
Junior Associate Lawyer I
Atty. Tzarlene Cambaliza obtained her Juris Doctor (J.D) degree from San Beda College-Alabang. She received her Bachelor of Science in Legal Management from De La Salle University Manila.
Atty. Cambaliza works with both the Litigation and Corporate Teams, practicing Family Law, Civil Law, and Criminal Law. She has provided DDS firm’s clients with support for their PEZA registrations and compliance, and she also participates in the review and drafting of commercial contracts.
Atty. Karen Gem Torres
Junior Associate Lawyer I
Atty. Karen Gem D. Torres obtained her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Centro Escolar University – Makati. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree from De La Salle University – Manila.
Atty. Torres became part of the DDS firm’s Corporate Team. Her main responsibility is to oversee post-formation projects for corporate clients. Additionally, she is skilled in various tax services, such as managing BIR tax assessment findings and addressing other tax-related issues, including applications for tax treaty relief.
Atty. Vladimir Alarique Cabigao, Solicitor
Australia-Based Lawyer
Atty. Vladimir Alarique Cabigao is both licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA)-Lawyer in the Philippines and a Solicitor in New South Wales, Australia.
He was a graduate of Far Eastern University with a Bachelor of Laws, and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, San Beda College, Philippines.
At present, Atty. Cabigao holds a position of Senior Research Contracts Officer at the Australian Catholic University. Prior to this, he worked as an Investigator at the IFW Global, where he dealt on transnational organized crime that involved serious fraud.
His area of expertise lies in Immigration, and he is a Registered Migration Agent in Australia.
Legal Team
Fluorescently engage worldwide methods
Lois Eunice Angelika Gabuyo
Paralegal
Provide administrative and legal support to all lawyers of the firm specifically focusing on the field of Corporate Law, Litigation, Tax Law, Civil Law, Criminal Law, Family Law, Special Projects (such as PEZA) and Labor Law, as well as directly assist in client consultations. Tasked with legal research, and drafting legal documents, articles, and blogs.
Florie Mhay Lumogdang
Legal Compliance & Data Management Supervisor
Provide and establish a centralized data management and compliance support for both the firm and its clients, as well as maintain quality assurance on submitted documentary requirements. Oversee the overall compliance of the company and/or its clients with all mandatory and/or government reportorial requirements.
Maricris Bagasala
Legal Documentation Specialist
Provide direct assistance and clerical work to lawyers in the firm particularly maintaining a case record system and all legal documents kept on-site.
Angela Kieth Gabotero | Re-Ann Giray | Geff Lester Pocdol | Chermaine Maranan
Legal Secretaries
Provide general administrative, secretarial, and clerical support duties to all lawyers in the firm specifically focusing on the field of Corporate Law, Litigation, Tax Law, Labor Law, and Special Projects.