Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Lawyer’s Duty of Diligence and the Burden of Proof in Administrative Cases
A look at Zara v. Joyas, where the Supreme Court dismissed a lawyer’s administrative case for lack of substantial evidence.
Upholding Attorneys Duty Substantial Evidence Required IN Negligence Claims Against Lawyers
Learn the evidentiary standard for lawyer negligence complaints in the Philippines, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Zara v. Atty. Joyas.
When Lawyers Neglect Cases: Suspension for Violating the Duty of Diligence
A lawyer who fails to file pleadings and attend hearings faces suspension. Learn the ethical rules on competence and diligence.
Neglect of Duty: Suspension for an Attorney's Failure to Uphold Client Interests
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year after he skipped hearings and failed to file pleadings, leaving his clients to lose their case and appeal.
Finality of Judgment and Lawyer Discipline: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
A disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen a final judgment fails; Court cites contempt and orders execution.
Notarizing Without Commission: When a Lawyer's Act Invalidates a Land Deal
A lawyer who notarized a deed without a commission was suspended and permanently barred from notarial practice. Learn the rules.
Disbarment for Abandonment and Immorality: Ceniza v. Ceniza
A lawyer's abandonment of his family to cohabit with a married woman warrants disbarment for gross immorality under the CPR.
Procedural Missteps in Property Disputes: Lessons from a Landmark Notarial Case
A lawyer notarized a deed without commission, altering property rights. The Supreme Court's ruling teaches key lessons on notarial practice and property disputes.
Upholding Integrity: Disciplinary Action for Unauthorized Notarization and Aiding Unlawful Practice of Law
A lawyer who notarizes without a commission and lets a non-lawyer sign court pleadings faces a five-year suspension and permanent notarial bar.
Lawyer Disbarred for Neglect and Client Abandonment: Lessons on Legal Ethics
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years and orders return of fees for neglecting a client's annulment case.
Lawyer's Duty to Encourage Settlement: A Lesson from Sevilla v. Millo
When a lawyer blocked his clients' negotiated settlement, the Supreme Court imposed a one-month suspension, reaffirming that lawyers must encourage fair settlements.
Lawyer vs Lawyer Baseless Complaints and the Duty of Candor in the Legal Profession
A lawyer's obstinate refusal to settle a client's dispute leads to suspension, highlighting the ethical duty to encourage fair settlements.
Lawyer's Refusal to Settle Client Dispute Leads to One-Month Suspension
A lawyer's obstinate refusal to settle a publication fee dispute, even forbidding clients from paying a discounted amount, resulted in suspension.
Attorney Disbarred for Deceptive Settlement Tactics in Labor Case
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who deceived opposing party into paying P2 million under false settlement pretense, violating ethical rules.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disbarment for Attorney's Deceptive Settlement Tactics
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for deceiving an opposing party into paying P2 million under a false compromise agreement, reaffirming high ethical standards.
Disbarment for Deceit in Settlement Talks: Fortune Medicare v. Atty. Lee
The Supreme Court disbarred Atty. Lee for dishonest settlement negotiations, reaffirming that lawyers must act with candor and integrity.
Due Process and Forum Shopping: Dismissal of Disbarment Complaint Against Atty. Rastica
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment complaint for lack of evidence and forum shopping, reiterating that lawyers deserve due process and protection from vexatious charges.
Lawyer Suspended 3 Years for Neglect and Misappropriation of Client Funds
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for 3 years for failing to transfer client's property titles for 8 years and misusing P170,000 in client funds.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client Funds and Legal Services for Eight Years
A lawyer who took P170,000 and client documents but failed to transfer titles for eight years was suspended for three years.
Misrepresenting MCLE Compliance: Supreme Court Suspends Lawyer for Three Years
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for three years for falsely claiming MCLE exemptions in court pleadings, reinforcing ethical duties.
Upholding Integrity Notarial Misconduct AND Ethical Responsibilities OF Lawyers
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for notarizing deeds without the parties' presence, reinforcing the sacred duty of notarial practice.
Attorney Suspended for Disobeying Court Orders: Abellanosa v. COA and NHA
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for five years for repeatedly ignoring lawful court directives, underscoring lawyers' duty to obey court orders.
Disbarment for Dishonesty When Lawyers Fabricate Court Decisions
Fabricating a court decision to defraud clients leads to disbarment. The Supreme Court explains why.
Good Faith Prevails Reassessing Liability in Disallowed Government Benefits
A lawyer's good faith in claiming disallowed benefits shields him from liability, but procedural lapses still draw sanctions.