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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Attorney Suspended Two Years for Dishonored Check and Disregard of Court Processes
A.C. No. 8390: Lawyer suspended two years for issuing a bouncing check and repeatedly ignoring court and IBP orders.
Client’s Right to Terminate Counsel and Withdraw Appeal: Bautista v. Seraph Management
Supreme Court affirms a client’s absolute right to fire counsel and withdraw an appeal, even if the lawyer doubts the client’s decision.
Finality of Judgment Bars Post-Disbarment Motions: Supreme Court Enforces Restitution Order
Supreme Court enforces disbarred lawyer's restitution order, citing finality of judgment and citing him for indirect contempt.
Lawyer's Courtroom Conduct: When Advocacy Crosses Into Gross Misconduct
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for disrespecting court personnel and disobeying IBP orders, clarifying ethical limits of advocacy.
Lawyer Disbarred for Neglecting Client and Misappropriating Funds Faces Contempt
Supreme Court denies lawyer's bid to reverse disbarment, cites him for contempt, and orders execution to return misappropriated client funds.
Lawyer Negligence and the Duty of Diligence and Communication in Philippine Legal Practice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies lawyers' duties of diligence and communication, examining a case where attorney negligence led to disciplinary action.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen a final judgment, citing the doctrine of immutability of judgment and citing him for indirect contempt.
Reinstatement After Suspension: The Process for Lawyers to Resume Practice in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the procedure for lifting a lawyer's suspension, requiring a sworn statement of compliance before resuming practice.
Attorney Suspended Two Years for Misconduct and Disrespect to the Court
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for violating the Lawyer's Oath, the Code of Professional Responsibility, and for disrespecting court processes.
Attorney Suspended Two Years for Facilitating Cooperative Takeover and Baseless Suits
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for violating the Lawyer's Oath and Code of Professional Responsibility in a cooperative board takeover.
Attorney's Fees vs. Compromise Agreements: Protecting a Lawyer's Right to Compensation
A client may settle a case without the lawyer's consent, but the settlement cannot be used to wipe out the lawyer's rightful fees, the Supreme Court ruled.
Lawyer Negligence and Duty to Account: Suspension for Unfinished Case
A lawyer who accepts fees but neglects a client's case and fails to account for money received may face suspension from practice.
When Lawyers' Lives Lack Integrity: Disbarment for Gross Immorality and Multiple Marriages
The Supreme Court disbarred two lawyers for gross immorality involving bigamous marriages and illicit affairs, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for lawyers.
Attorney Negligence: When a Lawyer's Lapses Lead to Suspension
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year for inexcusable negligence—failing to file briefs and appearing in court, causing clients to lose their case.
When Deceit and Misappropriation Tarnish Legal Practice: A Case on Attorney Disbarment
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines lawyers who deceive clients and mishandle funds, and what this means for ethical practice.
Disbarment for Misconduct: Upholding Candor and Justice in Legal Practice
A lawyer's disbarment for abuse of court processes, forum shopping, and falsehoods—a reminder that zeal must yield to truth and justice.
Ethical Boundaries FOR Lawyers Avoiding Misleading Claims AND Upholding Court Dignity
Attorney-Client Privilege: When Confidentiality and Conflicts of Interest Are Not Violated
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's use of client information and representation of a former client's adversary does not breach professional ethics.
Negligence IN Notarization When Does A Lawyers Mistake Warrant Disciplinary Action
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
A disbarred lawyer's belated bid to reopen his case fails; the Court enforces finality, cites contempt, and orders execution.
Disbarred Lawyer's Misrepresentation: Continuing Practice and Contempt Liability
A disbarred lawyer who misrepresents himself as an attorney and practices law commits indirect contempt, the Supreme Court rules.
Lawyer's Disobedience of Court Orders Warrants One-Year Suspension
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for one year for repeatedly ignoring court directives, despite dismissal of disbarment complaint for lack of merit.
Finality of Judgment: Disbarred Lawyer’s Bid to Reverse Disbarment Fails
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's motion to reverse his disbarment, citing the doctrine of finality of judgment and citing him for indirect contempt.
Lawyer Suspended Six Months for Neglect and Failure to Return Client's Acceptance Fee
Learn how a lawyer's failure to render legal services and return a P50,000 acceptance fee led to a six-month suspension from practice.