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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Landlord Rights Prevail Recovering Possession Despite Ownership Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when tenants cannot appeal denial of new trial and how counsel's errors bind clients.
Intervention Denied: Maritime Liens, Forum Shopping in Ship Mortgage Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies when mortgagees may intervene in crew wage claims and warns against forum shopping in vessel foreclosure cases.
Reclaimed Lands and the Constitution: Limits on Government Transfers to Private Corporations
The Supreme Court voids a land reclamation deal transferring public lands to a private corporation, reaffirming constitutional limits on alienable lands.
Defining Common Carriers When A Limited Clientele Doesnt Equal Private Carriage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a shipping firm with a limited clientele can still be a common carrier under the Civil Code.
Lawyer Suspended for Falsifying Documents and Fraudulent Land Sale
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for five years for forging a special power of attorney to sell clients' land without consent.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client's Case and Failing to File Pleading
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for accepting fees but failing to file a client's Complaint-in-Intervention, violating professional ethics rules.
Attorney Negligence and Client Trust: Lessons from a Philippine Disbarment Case
A lawyer who takes a client's fee but fails to file the case faces suspension. Learn the ethical rules and consequences.
Lawyer's Duty to Client: Suspension for Neglect and Unreturned Fees
A lawyer who accepts fees but fails to file a client's case faces suspension. Learn the ethical rules and consequences.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client’s Case and Failing to Return Fees
A lawyer’s duty of diligence begins at retainer. Learn from a case where neglect led to suspension and refund.
Attorney Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds and Neglecting Duties
Lawyer suspended one year for misusing client funds and failing to transfer property title, violating fiduciary duties under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Lawyers Who Withhold Client Funds Face Suspension: Lessons from Manalang v. Angeles
A lawyer's unauthorized compromise and withholding of client funds led to suspension. Learn the ethical rules on attorney accountability.
Contempt of Court for Disobeying a Final Judgment in a Disbarment Case
A disbarred lawyer's repeated refusal to return client funds leads to indirect contempt, fines, and a writ of execution.
Priority OF Liens When A Prior Attachment Beats A Subsequent Sale IN Property Disputes
Lawyer's Neglect of Appeal Brief Leads to Six-Month Suspension
When a lawyer obtains extensions to file an appeal brief but fails to submit it, the client suffers—and the lawyer faces discipline.
When Counsel Dies: Attorney-Client Obligations and Appellate Deadlines in Amatorio v. People
The death of counsel does not excuse missed appellate deadlines. Amatorio v. People clarifies the binding effect of notices sent to law firms.
Attorney Client Relationship Verbal Agreements AND Ethical Obligations IN Legal Practice
Attorney Negligence Upholding Client Trust AND Accountability IN Legal Representation
Reasonable Attorney's Fees in the Philippines: Striking a Balance Between Lawyer Compensation and Client Inter
In Cortes v. Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court reduced a lawyer's fees on quantum meruit, ruling that lawyering is a calling and not a money-making venture.
Negligence in Notarization: Consequences for Failure to Comply With Notarial Duties
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines lawyers who neglect notarial duties and mishandle client funds, with practical compliance tips.
Attorney Misappropriation of Client Funds: Fiduciary Duty and Ethical Obligations of Lawyers
When a lawyer mishandles client money, the Supreme Court does not take it lightly. Learn the ethical rules and consequences.
When a Lawyer's Mistake Can Be Excused: Client Rights and Attorney Negligence in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when attorney negligence binds clients, and the exceptions that protect clients from a lawyer's gross mistakes.
Upholding Client Diligence Attorney Suspended FOR Neglect IN Handling Civil Case
When a Lawyer's Negligence Costs a Client's Case: Lessons from Fernandez v. Novero
A lawyer's failure to file exhibits led to case dismissal and a one-month suspension. Learn the professional responsibility rules at stake.
Perfecting Land Titles: Proving Alienability and Possession in Public Land Registration
Learn the dual requirements for registering public land: proving alienable character and open possession since June 12, 1945.