Atty. Mae S. Divinagracia is a Filipino trial lawyer, law firm partner and law educator who was brought to public attention when she became a private prosecutor in the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Keeping time on the House prosecution panel, Divinagracia quickly made her mark for the way she carried out her court questioning with methodical dispatch and her wealth of expertise in civil, commercial and criminal litigation. She also gave you the trial attention to her extensive legal and educational sector career.
Educational Background and Legal Training
Divinagracia is a graduate of Ateneo de Manila University (2003), having earned a degree of Bachelor of Science in Legal Management, and a minor in Marketing.
She then graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law with her Juris Doctor in 2007 followed by her admission to the PHL in 2008. Her studies laid the groundwork for her legal career and also for her legal education career.
Career as a Trial Lawyer
In December 2007 Divinagracia entered her profession at ACCRALAW in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department, eventually moving to Senior Associate.
She also later started participating in private practice leadership. She is also the founder of Aguila Rances & Divinagracia Law Offices (RADLAW) in 2013 and a Named Partner and Managing Partner of Co Nazario Velasco-Catera & Divinagracia Law Offices (CNVD) since 2015.
Her practice experience encompasses a wide variety of disputes such as corporate litigation, arbitration, criminal defense, banking, real property, product liability and family law. She has worked with many important public and private sector figures.
Teaching and Academic Work
Divinagracia has also been involved in legal education apart from her role as a lawyer. She is a professional lecturer at the Ateneo Law School, taking as subjects Criminal Law I and II.
She has also served as an adjunct professor at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Law from 2013 to 2024. Her blend of courtroom and teaching experience has developed a style of legal argument based on the structured questions and detailed analysis.
Role in Sara Duterte’s Impeachment Trial
Divinagracia was added to the 15-member private prosecution roster for the House panel in the impeachment proceedings that began in 2026 against the Senate.
One of her highlighted court duties was to conduct the direct examination of OVP Assistant Chief of Staff, Lemuel Ortonio. Records spanning ₱612.5 million of hidden funds traced to the Vice President’s and Department of Education’s offices were the focus of her questioning.
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Why Does Her Courtroom Style Draw Attention?
One particular aspect of the proceedings that caught the interest of Divinagracia was her fact-driven questioning and handling of presentation evidence. Her testimony was given to ascertain the credibility of witnesses and to compare similarities between subsequent Physical and Financial Plans offered in evidence in the case.
Another small and very well known symbol was a very small wooden “comfort cross” she carried while addressing the podium in court. She became one of the more familiar faces on the prosecution team as a result from the questions that were asked and a carefully crafted manner in which she presented.
FAQs
Who is Atty. Mae Divinagracia?
Atty. Mae Divinagracia is a Filipino trial lawyer, law firm partner and legal teacher turned private prosecutor in the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte titled “Makati City vs. Vice President Sara Duterte.
In which school did Mae Divinagracia study law?
In 2007, she graduated with a Juris Doctor from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law and a Legal Management degree from Ateneo de Manila University.
Which law schools has she practiced with?
She has previously served with the firm of ACCRALAW, and directed the practice at Aguila Rances & Divinagracia Law Offices and CNVD Law Offices.
