Atty. Sheila C. Sison is a prominent Filipino lawyer and partner at the Fortun, Narvasa & Salazar Law Firm. She serves as the lead defense counsel for Vice President Sara Duterte in her impeachment trial. Known for her expertise in criminal litigation and high-profile cases before the Sandiganbayan, she has earned recognition for her sharp advocacy and commitment to justice.
Her career reflects dedication to protecting clients’ rights in complex legal battles. With a strong academic background and years of courtroom experience, Atty. Sison stands as a respected figure in Philippine legal circles, particularly in litigation involving criminal, civil, and appellate matters.
Early Life of Atty. Sheila C. Sison
Atty. Sheila C. Sison was born on March 10, 1976, in the Philippines. She grew up in an environment that emphasized education, discipline, and intellectual growth. Her early years in the Philippines, likely connected to the Quezon City area given her attendance at Quezon City Science High School, helped shape her path toward academic excellence.
As a young student, she excelled in a system that values science and critical thinking. Quezon City Science High School, part of the Philippines’ specialized public high schools, provided a rigorous curriculum focused on science, mathematics, and humanities. This foundation built her analytical skills and work ethic, which later proved essential in her legal career.
Growing up in the Philippines during the late 20th century exposed her to a society navigating political and social changes. The country’s emphasis on education as a pathway to success, combined with family support for hard work, motivated her. While specific details about her parents remain private, her upbringing reflected values common in many Filipino families: respect for learning, resilience, and community involvement.
These formative experiences in her home region fostered a deep sense of purpose. She developed an early interest in communication and expression, skills that would serve her well in both writing and courtroom arguments.
Education of Atty. Sheila C. Sison
Atty. Sheila C. Sison pursued higher education with outstanding results. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts, major in Writing, from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). This program sharpened her abilities in analysis, structured thinking, and effective communication.
At UPLB, she showed strong leadership. She founded and led multiple university organizations, served as Lady Chancellor of the UP Sigma Alpha Nu Sorority, and worked as Opinion Editor for the university’s student paper. Her debating skills earned her recognition as Best Speaker and Best Campus Debater for two consecutive years at the UP Campus Debate. These activities built her confidence in public speaking and argumentation.
She then attended San Sebastian College of Law – Recoletos for her Bachelor of Laws. There, she received a full Academic Scholarship from the Recoletos Order. She consistently appeared on the Dean’s List and graduated as Class Valedictorian. She also became the first recipient of the Academic Excellence Medal of Honor from the Recoletos Educational Apostolate of the Philippines.
This period of intensive legal training prepared her for the Philippine Bar. She passed the bar examinations and was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2014. Her academic journey combined strong foundations in communication with rigorous legal study, equipping her for complex litigation.
Career of Atty. Sheila C. Sison
Early Legal Practice
Atty. Sheila C. Sison began her professional legal career after passing the bar. She joined the Fortun, Narvasa & Salazar Law Firm, where she quickly established herself as a capable litigator. Her early work focused on building expertise in various areas of law through hands-on case handling.
Rise in Litigation
She specializes in criminal litigation and has represented clients in numerous high-profile cases before the Sandiganbayan, the anti-graft court in the Philippines. Her practice also covers civil litigation, family law, appellate practice, labor law, mining law, and corporate law. Colleagues describe her as someone who takes on challenging cases that require strategic thinking and determination.
Recognition and Achievements
The firm named her Lawyer of the Year for five consecutive years from 2015 to 2019. This record highlights her consistent excellence and dedication. She has handled cases that test legal boundaries and demand thorough preparation.
High-Profile Role in Impeachment Proceedings
In 2026, Atty. Sison took on a prominent public role as lead counsel for Vice President Sara Duterte in the impeachment trial. She leads a team of lawyers from her firm and has made strong arguments on constitutional issues, due process, and procedural fairness in the Senate impeachment court. Her opening statements emphasized justice, accountability, and adherence to legal standards.
This case brought her work into wider public view, showcasing her composure and command of legal principles under scrutiny.
Additional Contributions
Beyond courtroom work, she maintains involvement in legal networks, including membership in the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. Her background in communication supports effective client advocacy and public engagement when needed.
Awards of Atty. Sheila C. Sison
Atty. Sheila C. Sison has received notable honors. Key among them is the Firm’s Lawyer of the Year award for five straight years (2015-2019) at Fortun, Narvasa & Salazar. This achievement is rare and reflects sustained high performance.
In law school, she earned the Academic Excellence Medal of Honor as its first recipient, along with consistent Dean’s List recognition and valedictorian status. Her debating awards from university further demonstrate her skills.
These recognitions underscore her commitment to professional standards and excellence in Philippine legal practice.
Literary Interests
Atty. Sheila C. Sison has pursued interests outside pure law. In 2001, she participated as a poetry fellow at the Ateneo de Manila University National Writers Workshop. This experience connects to her undergraduate focus on writing and shows a broader appreciation for language and expression.
Personal Life of Atty. Sheila C. Sison
Information about Atty. Sheila C. Sison’s personal life remains largely private. Like many professionals in high-stakes fields, she maintains discretion regarding family and personal matters. She balances a demanding career with personal commitments, reflecting values of dedication seen throughout her life.
Her roots in the Philippines and connection to Quezon City and surrounding areas continue to ground her identity as a Filipino lawyer serving clients in the national legal system.
Conclusion
Atty. Sheila C. Sison exemplifies professional excellence in Philippine law through her academic achievements, litigation skills, and leadership in significant cases. Her work continues to contribute to the legal landscape, particularly in upholding due process and client rights. As she handles prominent matters, her career offers insight into the role of dedicated advocates in the justice system.
FAQs
Who is Atty. Sheila C. Sison?
Atty. Sheila C. Sison is a partner at Fortun, Narvasa & Salazar Law Firm and a specialist in criminal litigation. She serves as lead defense counsel for Vice President Sara Duterte in the impeachment trial.
What is Atty. Sheila C. Sison’s educational background?
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts from the University of the Philippines Los Baños and a Bachelor of Laws from San Sebastian College of Law – Recoletos, where she graduated as valedictorian.
When was Atty. Sheila C. Sison born?
She was born on March 10, 1976, in the Philippines.
What cases has Atty. Sheila C. Sison handled?
She has experience in high-profile Sandiganbayan cases, along with civil, family, labor, corporate, and appellate matters.
What awards has Atty. Sheila C. Sison received?
She was named Lawyer of the Year at her firm for five consecutive years (2015-2019) and received academic honors including class valedictorian and the first Academic Excellence Medal of Honor.
Where did Atty. Sheila C. Sison attend high school?
She graduated from Quezon City Science High School.
What is Atty. Sheila C. Sison’s nationality and origin?
She is Filipino, with strong ties to the Philippines, particularly the Quezon City area through her education.