Our Team

James Russel D. Ligan

Mr. Ligan is Ligan & Uy’s partner-in-charge for handling litigation, intellectual property, and labor cases.

He graduated with honors in Juris Doctor from Ateneo De Manila University after completing his undergraduate studies from the same university with a degree in Management Economics with a Minor in German Studies.

The services proven by the unceasingly growing name of Ligan & Uy law firm is largely contributed to the experience of Mr. Ligan. Having worked for a tier-one law firm, Mr. Ligan’s skills with handling complex litigation and arbitration cases have been well-honed.

Mr. Ligan’s reliable experience includes contributing to the labor, corporate and special projects, intellectual property, and litigation and dispute resolution departments of the said law firm. Each of these experiences allowed him to gain specialized knowledge and skills in multiple practice areas from highly regarded practitioners in the legal community.

Certainly, Mr. Ligan’s experience in litigation is unquestionable. Mr. Ligan has represented clients on a myriad of specialized legal matters, such as those on antitrust, energy regulation, and insolvency and rehabilitation, pending before regular courts and various quasi-judicial agencies. His practice also includes advising clients from the telecommunications, mining, and financial sectors.

Excellent, professional, and with integrity—Mr. Ligan and his exceptional legal expertise is the embodiment of our Law Firm’s founding values.

Jessamyn H. Uy-Ligan

Ms. Uy is the partner-in-charge of corporate and special projects, immigration, estate settlement, and family law.

She earned her Master of Laws (LL.M.) with a Certificate of Specialization in Business Law from the University of California – Berkeley School of Law in 2021. As an international student, Ms. Uy epitomized excellence and was privileged to be part of the Dean’s Circle. She was awarded Best Legal Memorandum when she earned her LL.M. degree.

Ms. Uy also graduated with honors in Juris Doctor from Ateneo De Manila University after completing her undergraduate degree in Legal Management at De La Salle University-Manila. Currently, with the sincere aim of offering her collective legal experience and expertise for the greater good, Ms. Uy is in her 3rd term as an elected official in a local public office.

The growing number of international clients, as well as multinational companies committing themselves to the quality service of Ligan & Uy, is by virtue of Ms. Uy’s distinguished experience in corporate practice. Before joining the Firm, Ms. Uy worked at one of the country’s best law firms known for handling complicated business and commercial projects and transactions.

Through her professional experience, Ms. Uy was able to assist clients in forming and structuring business entities, negotiating and finalizing mergers and acquisitions, government biddings, and conducting complex due diligence.

Ms. Uy’s considerable expertise in corporate practice is further evidenced by her competent representation of a diverse array of clients. These clients include real estate developers, financial institutions, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and IT companies, foundations, industrial conglomerates, and product manufacturers. Having a strong family and business law background, Ms. Uy has also advised clients on matters involving family constitutions, property relations between spouses, and estate planning.

Excellent, professional, and with integrity—along with Mr. Ligan, Ms. Uy is the embodiment of our Law Firm’s establishing values.

Jessamyn H. Uy-Ligan - Lawyer Philippines

Our Associates

Anne Louise T. Panaga

Atty. Anne Louise T. Panaga brings extensive years of experience and a remarkable ability to excel across a multi-disciplinary practice of law. She is adept at devising creative, legally sound solutions to resolve complex client issues.

Atty. Panaga earned her Juris Doctor degree in 2021 from De La Salle University – College of Law. She also completed her undergraduate degree in Legal Management in 2015 from De La Salle University – Manila.

She has a proven track record in litigation, proficiently handling a wide range of cases, including civil, labor, criminal, and special proceedings. She is also actively involved in our corporate and commercial, real estate, and immigration practices, ensuring the orderly and efficient processing of our clients’ business needs. Combining her vast legal knowledge with a keen grasp of real-world dynamics, Atty. Panaga is a resourceful and unwavering advocate for our clients. Her commitment to delivering effective and efficient solutions makes her an invaluable asset to our team and a trusted advisor to those she represents.

Jeanne Pauline J. Dumaual

Atty. Jeanne Pauline J. Dumaual is a dedicated legal professional and a valuable asset to our Firm. She obtained her Juris Doctor degree in 2021 from Arellano University – School of Law. Prior to her legal studies, Atty. Dumaual completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Santo Tomas, where her academic excellence was recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Dean’s Academic Honors and the Benavides Outstanding Achievement Award.

With years of experience, Atty. Dumaual has developed a strong aptitude for handling multifaceted cases and real estate transactions, consistently demonstrating her sharp analytical skills and unwavering commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Beyond her professional prowess, Atty. Dumaual is also deeply involved in various philanthropic activities, reflecting her commitment to community service and justice beyond the courtroom. Her strong academic background, proven legal expertise, and dedication to excellence are a great benefit to our clients.

Edwin M. Canonizado Jr.

Atty. Edwin M. Canonizado, Jr. is a key part of our Firm’s multidisciplinary and dedicated team of attorneys. He currently serves as the most senior associate lawyer of the Firm, a testament to his unwavering loyalty to both the Firm and our clients.

Atty. Canonizado earned his Bachelor of Laws degree in 2018 from Arellano University School of Law. Before his legal studies, he completed his Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship Degree in 2013 at Colegio de San Juan de Letran. This diverse academic background gives him a unique and strategic perspective when addressing our clients’ legal needs, allowing him to approach legal challenges with a strong understanding of business operations and strategy.

He possesses a vast track record of successfully representing clients in different levels of court, demonstrating his proficiency in handling a comprehensive range of cases. Beyond traditional courtroom litigation, he also has significant experience in Arbitration, offering clients effective alternative dispute resolution avenues. Atty. Canonizado has represented clients, including multi-national corporations and top-tier business companies, showcasing his ability to navigate complex legal challenges for a diverse and high-profile set of clients.

Dominique Lois M. Elardo

Atty. Dominique Lois M. Elardo is a rising talent within our Firm, demonstrating exceptional potential for strong expertise in litigation, handling labor, civil, and criminal cases. She holds both her Juris Doctor degree and an undergraduate degree in Legal Management from the University of Santo Tomas.

Beyond her impressive academic record, Atty. Elardo is an accomplished debater. She has received multiple accolades as a Best Oralist and Speaker, among others, showcasing her compelling communication skills, sharp intellect, and ability to articulate arguments with clarity and conviction. These qualities greatly benefit our clients, ensuring their interests are represented with precision and power.

Maria Lourdes R. Reyes

Atty. Maria Lourdes R. Reyes is a talented junior associate and a wonderful addition to our Firm’s legal practices, particularly in corporate and commercial, including intellectual property and immigration.

She brings a robust academic background to her legal work, having earned her Juris Doctor degree in 2024 from the University of San Carlos, one of the most respected law schools in the south. She also completed her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at the University of the Philippines – Los Baños, where her exceptional academic performance earned her a College Scholarship.

Atty. Reyes is already making significant contributions to our team, demonstrating a strong understanding of corporate and commercial matters. While relatively new to the legal profession, she has already shown the expertise typically seen in lawyers with several years of practice.