“Perhaps the PJS standard is very high, some would say too high. Perhaps. But if you are going to set a standard, why make it a comfortable one? You have to raise your personal bar. Do not be content with your personal achievements. The moon was deemed unreachable once upon a time. But now that it has been reached, landing on the moon is no longer a compelling objective.”

“You have to go further out. Going past the moon will be a bumpy ride. But that is the price of excellence. I hope to see you at the launch pad.”

History

It must be true what the sages wrote in the Tao Te Ching: The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long. Dave Puyat worked with so much zeal and passion to create what he envisioned as “something special, something great and something truly exceptional” in the legal profession that his career as a lawyer, while unfortunately short, could never be described as anything else but trailblazing.

Dave received his degree in Law from the University of the Philippines in 1995 and obtained the 4th highest ranking in the bar examinations that same year. He was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 1996 and was barely a year into his legal practice when he left the prominence and security of a renowned law office to establish his own firm. In 1997, together with his colleagues Reggie and Roy, he co-founded Puyat Jacinto & Santos – the beginning of what is now PJS Law.

From its modest beginnings, PJS Law flourished into the realization of something Dave had always wanted: a professional environment that thrived on diligence, mutual trust, and unwavering commitment to the highest standards of quality in performance and service. “We don’t want to be the biggest,” as he had often said. “We just want to be the best.”

Dave continues to live in every partner, associate, paralegal and staff member of PJS Law as we honor and uphold the vision and core values of firm – the same fundamental principles we all share and aspire for. More than just a founding partner, Dave Puyat was and will always be our friend, mentor and guiding light.

And for us who are left to carry out his dream of revolutionizing the legal landscape through the tireless pursuit of excellence, innovation and professional ethics, Dave continues to rally and inspire with a call to distinction that faithfully endures.