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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When a Lawyer Buys a Client's Property: The Business Deal Exception
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's purchase of a client's property is a valid business deal, not a breach of professional ethics.
Insubordination vs Due Process: Employee Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer may buy a client's property without violating ethics, and what this means for employee rights.
Breach of Trust in the Workplace: When Approving Authority Implies Culpability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's purchase of a client's property violates ethical rules, distinguishing business deals from fiduciary breaches.
Conflict of Interest: When Prior Judicial Roles Limit Future Legal Practice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's prior judicial role creates a disqualifying conflict of interest in later practice.
Lawyer Suspended 3 Years for Falsification and Dishonesty in Land Deal
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three years for falsifying land documents, breaching the Lawyer's Oath and Code of Professional Responsibility.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Attorney Suspension FOR Falsification AND Dishonesty
A lawyer's three-year suspension for falsifying land documents and evading disciplinary proceedings, affirming that practice of law is a privilege.
Upholding Respect for Court Orders: An Attorney's Duty and the Consequences of Disregard
A lawyer's failure to obey court orders is a serious ethical breach, as shown in this disciplinary case against Atty. Winston B. Intong.
Upholding Notarial Duties Negligence AND Misrepresentation IN Legal Practice
A lawyer's failure to secure notarial paraphernalia and unauthorized court appearances lead to suspension and notarial disqualification.
Upholding Candor and Fairness: Attorney Suspended for Unconscionable Fees and Deceitful Conduct
A lawyer who deceived elderly clients into signing an unfair fee agreement was suspended for five years. Learn the ethical rules on attorney's fees.
Attorney’s Fees and Ethical Conduct: Candor and Fairness in Lawyer-Client Relationships
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for five years for deceitful fee agreements and unfair dealings with elderly clients, reaffirming ethical duties.
When a Lawyer’s Deal Defines Your Land Dispute: Binding Agreements Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court treats lawyer-negotiated settlements in land disputes, and what makes them binding on the parties.
Balancing Free Press and Confidentiality When Attorney Discipline Becomes a Public Matter
The Supreme Court clarifies when media reports on confidential lawyer disciplinary cases are protected by press freedom.
Disbarment Case Dismissed: Falsification Must Be Proven in Proper Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies that disbarment is not the proper venue to prove falsification or forgery charges against lawyers.
Lawyer Disbarred for Neglect, Dishonored Check, and Misconduct in Land Title Case
Supreme Court disbars a lawyer who took fees for a land title transfer, did nothing, and issued a bouncing check.
Disbarment Over Falsified Documents and Age Misrepresentation: Key Lessons
Supreme Court clarifies when falsification and age misrepresentation can ground disbarment, and who investigates public lawyers' qualifications.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
A disbarred lawyer's attempt to revive his case fails; the Supreme Court enforces finality and cites indirect contempt.
Lawyer Disbarred for Misappropriating Client Funds and Double-Dealing in Property Sale
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who converted client's loan proceeds, neglected title transfer duties, and represented conflicting interests.
Breach of Trust Dismissal for Falsifying Court Documents in the Philippines
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who misappropriated client funds and engaged in double-dealing, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Breach of Legal Ethics When Attorneys Neglect Client Matters and Misappropriate Funds
A lawyer who fails to file a client's case and refuses to return legal fees faces suspension for violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Candor in the Courtroom: Suspension for Lack of Transparency in Legal Proceedings
A lawyer's failure to disclose a pending motion before another forum led to suspension. Learn the ethical duty of candor.
Lawyer's Unfounded Bribery Accusation Against Prosecutor Draws Fine
Supreme Court fines a lawyer for baselessly accusing a prosecutor of bribery in pleadings, stressing limits of zealous advocacy.
Lawyers Reprimanded for Unfounded Accusations in Pleadings: A Lesson in Professional Conduct
Philippine Supreme Court disciplines lawyers for baseless accusations against opposing counsel in pleadings, reaffirming ethical duties under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Civility and Candor: Disciplining Lawyers for Unfounded Accusations in Pleadings
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that unfounded accusations in pleadings violate the Code of Professional Responsibility, even if privileged.
Negligence vs Intent: When a Lawyer's Careless Accommodation Becomes Misconduct
The Supreme Court distinguishes negligence from intentional misconduct in Cruz v. Reyes, reprimanding a lawyer for careless accommodation of another counsel's requests.