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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Judicial Conduct: Courtesy and Impartiality in Court Proceedings
A judge's insulting remarks about a lawyer's law school violate the Code of Judicial Conduct and warrant reprimand.
Judicial Temperament and the Duty of Judges: Lessons from a Reprimand for Conduct Unbecoming
A judge's public humiliation of a lawyer over his law school draws a reprimand. Learn the rules on judicial temperament.
Anonymous Complaints in Disciplinary Cases: Due Process and Ethical Conduct
The Supreme Court dismisses an anonymous complaint against Solicitor General Devanadera, balancing due process rights with ethical oversight of lawyers.
Supreme Court Suspends Lawyer for Willful Failure to Pay Just Debts
The Court ruled a lawyer's deliberate refusal to pay unpaid rent and utility bills constitutes gross misconduct warranting suspension from practice.
Disbarred Lawyer Cited for Contempt After Defying Order to Return Funds
The Supreme Court denied with finality a disbarred lawyer's bid to reopen his case and cited him for indirect contempt for refusing to return funds to his former client.
Moral Turpitude and Attorney Discipline: Upholding Ethical Standards in Personal Conduct
A lawyer's illicit affair and failure to support his child led to a six-month suspension, reaffirming that personal morality matters in the legal profession.
Attorney Misconduct: When a Lawyer's Absence Constitutes Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's absence from proceedings amounts to negligence, and the limits of a client's remedy.
Lawyer Fined P155,000 for Disrespecting Court and Defying IBP Orders
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for shouting at court personnel and defying IBP directives, reaffirming ethical duties.
Limits TO A Lawyers Language Maintaining Respect IN Legal Pleadings
Right to Counsel in Criminal Appeals: Due Process Beyond the Trial Court
The Supreme Court rules that the right to counsel extends to appeals, and gross lawyer negligence can excuse a missed appeal.
Ethical Standards for Judges and Lawyers: Dismissal and Suspension for Gross Immorality
Supreme Court dismisses judge and suspends him from law practice for extramarital affair, reaffirming strict ethical standards for the judiciary and bar.
Voluntary Appearance and Jurisdiction Over Non-Residents: Lessons from Belen v. Chavez
How a lawyer's appearance can bind non-resident defendants to Philippine court jurisdiction, and why service of decisions must follow strict rules.
Negligence in Notarization: Consequences for Lawyers and the Validity of Wills
A lawyer-notary's careless notarization of a will can invalidate it and trigger suspension. Learn the rules and consequences.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect and Mishandling Client's Property
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for failing to render legal services, returning money late, and withholding client's title and documents.
When a Lawyer's Statement Decides the Case: The Fraud Requirement for Preliminary Attachment
A bank's failure to prove fraud with specific facts, not just general allegations, led to the discharge of its writ of preliminary attachment.
Lawyer's Disrespect Toward Court and Staff Draws Fines Despite Prior Disbarment
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for disrespecting court personnel and defying IBP directives, reaffirming lawyer discipline standards.
Can a Filipino Lawyer Who Became a Foreign Citizen Still Practice Law? The Dacanay Ruling
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer who lost Philippine citizenship may resume law practice under RA 9225.
Negligence in Notarial Duties: Attorney Liability and Public Trust
A lawyer-notary who fails to record notarized documents in the notarial register faces suspension and revocation of commission.
SALN Good Faith vs Intent to Deceive: Lessons from Atty. Cruz Case
A lawyer's suspension for dishonesty in the SALN context, and the difference between good faith and intent to deceive.
Client Bound by Counsel's Negligence: Lessons from a Philippine Attorney Ethics Case
A Supreme Court ruling on how a lawyer's failure to update addresses and clients' duty to monitor cases affect finality of judgments.
When a Lawyer's Criticism of a Judge Leads to Suspension: A Philippine Case Study
A senior state prosecutor's media attacks on a judge led to a one-year suspension. Learn the limits of lawyer speech.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds and Deceiving Client About Judge
A lawyer's two-year suspension for misappropriating client funds and falsely claiming payments to a judge, explained in plain language.
When Attorney Neglect Leads to Disbarment: Upholding Client Trust and Competence
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer whose repeated failure to file appeal briefs cost his client millions, underscoring a lawyer's duty of competence and diligence.
Reinstatement to the Bar: Redemption and the Privilege to Practice Law
The Supreme Court grants a disbarred lawyer's plea for reinstatement after 15 years, explaining the standards for return to the bar.