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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Disbarred Lawyer's Continued Practice: Indirect Contempt and the Supreme Court's Warning
The Supreme Court held a disbarred lawyer in indirect contempt for continuing to practice law, underscoring the permanence of disbarment and the judiciary's authority.
Compassionate Justice: When Mitigating Circumstances Reduce Penalties in Attorney Discipline Cases
Explaining how the Supreme Court reduced a lawyer's suspension to a fine by considering mitigating circumstances in disciplinary proceedings.
Estafa by Misappropriation of Goods Held in Trust: The Ceniza-Manantan Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling explains when failing to return jewelry or goods received on commission becomes estafa, and why a lawyer's mistakes rarely win a new trial.
Candor and Fairness: A Lawyer's Duty to the Court and Fellow Counsel
A lawyer's entry of appearance must be candid and accurate. Learn the ethics rules from this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Lessons from Pfizer v. Galan
A 2007 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a lawyer's procedural lapse binds the client in labor disputes and when courts may relax the rules.
Disbarment for Government Lawyers: Ethical Standards and Public Trust
A PAO lawyer's disbarment for accepting private cases and fees while in government service, and for deceiving a client.
Lawyer Disbarred for Accepting Private Cases and Fees While in Government Service
Supreme Court disbars PAO lawyer for taking private cases and attorney's fees, violating ethical rules and deceiving a client.
Notarial Misconduct Lawyers Must Adhere to Geographic Limits of Notarial Commissions
A lawyer who notarizes documents outside his commissioned territory commits malpractice and faces suspension and permanent disqualification from notarial practice.
Finality of Judgment and Lawyer Accountability in Disbarment Cases
Supreme Court denies disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen final judgment, citing immutability doctrine and imposing contempt for non-compliance.
Bail Without Court Order: When a Clerk of Court May Refuse Cash Bond
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a clerk of court may refuse a cash bond and the consequences for lawyers who file baseless administrative complaints.
Finality of Judgments: When Persistence Becomes Contempt of Court
A lawyer's relentless attacks on a final Supreme Court ruling led to indirect contempt. Learn the limits of fair criticism.
Contempt of Court and Lawyer Accountability: The Roxas Case
A lawyer's intemperate letter to a Supreme Court Justice led to a P30,000 fine for indirect contempt and a reminder of professional ethics.
Attorney Discipline in Nullity Cases: Due Process and Compliance Standards
Supreme Court clarifies lawyer discipline standards in nullity cases, requiring clear evidence and due process before sanctions.
Court Employee Dismissed for Grave Misconduct: Soliciting Fees Under a Lawyer's Name
A court interpreter's dismissal for soliciting P15,000 under a lawyer's name underscores the judiciary's strict integrity standards.
Breach of Confidentiality: When Attorney-Client Privilege Survives Friendship
The Supreme Court held that a lawyer-client relationship arises the moment legal advice is sought, even between friends and without a retainer or formal engagement.
Counsel Negligence vs Extrinsic Fraud: Protecting Rights in Philippine Criminal Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's negligence amounts to extrinsic fraud in criminal cases, and why annulment of judgment is not available.
When a Lawyer's Demand Letter Crosses the Line: Threats and Ethics
A lawyer's threat to file criminal charges in a demand letter violates the Code of Professional Responsibility and amounts to blackmail.
The Solicitor General’s Mandatory Role in Protecting Government Interests in Litigation
A state college’s default judgment was voided because a private lawyer, not the Solicitor General, represented it. Learn the rule.
Lawyer Fined P155,000 for Disrespecting Court and Defying IBP Orders
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for shouting at court staff, attacking a judge, and ignoring IBP directives in an administrative case.
Lawyer Suspended for Contracting Second Marriage While First Was Subsisting
A lawyer's second marriage while his first remained valid led to a one-year suspension, underscoring lawyers' duty to know the law.
Law Students as Agents in Inferior Courts: The Cruz v. Mina Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a law student may appear in inferior courts without lawyer supervision, and the civil aspect of grave threats.
When a Lawyer's Second Marriage Becomes a Professional Misconduct Case
A municipal legal officer faces suspension for contracting a second marriage while his first remained valid, highlighting lawyers' duty to know the law.
Dismissal of Appeal, Untenable Excuses, and the Boundaries of Judicial Discretion
When a lawyer's mistake costs a client the case, the Supreme Court explains the limits of relief from judgment and counsel's negligence.
Attorney Negligence and the Limits of Relief from Judgment in Philippine Courts
When a lawyer's mistake costs a client the case, relief from judgment is not always available. This decision explains the limits.