Mission
Pursuant to R.A. No. 4196 creating the University of the City of Manila (Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila or PLM), its purposes are:
1. To advance human knowledge through basic study and research;
2. To fully develop the Filipino intellect and promote Filipino culture;
3. To give professional training in public affairs and in scientific, cultural, technological, industrial, and vocational fields; and
4. To introduce in its curricula studies which do not at present receive sufficient emphasis in existing institutions of higher learning in the country.

In line with the above purposes, the PLM Board of Regents is authorized by the same law to provide, among others, for the establishment of a Graduate School of Law.

Implicit from the provisions of the same law is the noble mission of the PLM Graduate School of Law:
1. To develop intellectual expertise in law and jurisprudence among lawyers;
2. To assist in improving public service by stressing the lawyers' mission of upholding justice and truth;
3. To elevate the standards of legal profession; and
4. To enhance the administration of justice for the welfare of the Filipino people, especially the marginalized.

Vision
The PLM Graduate School of Law envisions itself as the reflection of an ideal institution of intellectual and highly principled lawyers, with advanced excellent legal training, who will rise to higher callings with commitments to be of service to our country and people.

It aims to attract in its fold lawyers, including judges, prosecutors, practitioners, and those employed in the government and private service.

Its one-year LL.M. (Master of Laws) program provides students, who already have legal training and experience, with broad latitude to design a course of study that will give them an expanded understanding of law and jurisprudence.

Its curriculum combines the best of traditional legal courses, as well as legal developments, effective advocacy before the appellate courts, thesis writing, and other allied subjects.

Significantly, the concept of its curriculum also prepares its graduates for the professional challenges globalization entails and thus will enable them to approach the law in a more universally aware manner.