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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Due Process in Attorney Disciplinary Cases: The Mandatory Formal Investigation
The Supreme Court reminds the IBP that a formal investigation is mandatory in lawyer disciplinary cases, remanding a dismissed complaint for further proceedings.
Who Represents the Government on Appeal? The Solicitor General's Role vs. BIR Lawyers
The Supreme Court clarifies that while BIR lawyers can litigate tax cases, the Solicitor General must handle appeals to the High Court.
Disbarment for Attorney Misconduct: Delaying Justice and Abusing Court Processes
A lawyer's dilatory tactics and groundless suits against judges led to disbarment for violating the lawyer's oath and obstructing justice.
Attorney Accountability: Negligence and Breach of Duty in Legal Representation
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief led to dismissal of an appeal and a six-month suspension. Learn the ethical rules and lessons from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Attorney Suspended for Misusing Client Funds and Neglecting Duty
A lawyer's one-year suspension for converting a client's filing fee and failing to file a case underscores ethical duties in the legal profession.
Lawyer Indefinitely Suspended for Dishonesty and Defying Court Processes
A lawyer who kept a client's sale proceeds, issued bad checks, and defied court orders was indefinitely suspended by the Supreme Court.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds in Loan Restructuring Scheme
A lawyer's six-month suspension for misappropriating P60,000 in client funds and fabricating a PNB connection underscores ethical duties.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds in Fake PNB Fixer Scheme
A Supreme Court ruling suspends a lawyer for six months for misappropriating P60,000 from a client through false claims of bank connections.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: When a Lawyer Can No Longer Contest a Decision
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's belated motion to reopen his case, reaffirming the doctrine of finality of judgment and punishing defiance of court orders.
Breach of Professional Duty Attorneys Must Avoid Representing Conflicting Interests
Lawyers who represent conflicting interests violate the Code of Professional Responsibility and face suspension from the practice of law.
Attorney Negligence: When a Lawyer's Lapses Cost Clients Their Case
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to file briefs, costing clients their property in a recovery case.
Lawyer's Missed Deadline Leads to Reprimand: Lessons on Diligence and Client Rights
When a lawyer's missed filing deadline costs a client his case, the Supreme Court explains the limits of excusable negligence and counsel's duty of diligence.
When a Lawyer's Missed Deadline Costs a Client's Case: Ramos v. Dajoyag
A lawyer's failure to file a petition on time is negligence, not excusable error. Learn the duty of diligence.
When Can the President Reorganize Government Agencies? The Mabalot Case on LTFRB and DOTC Powers
Supreme Court ruling on the President's power to reorganize executive agencies and transfer functions, explained for non-lawyers.
Attorney-Client Privilege Protects Lawyers Even When Conspiracy Is Alleged
The Supreme Court shields lawyers from suits that would breach attorney-client confidentiality, even when conspiracy is alleged against them.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Reopening Cases for Fair Trial
When a lawyer's gross negligence deprives a client of a fair trial, courts may reopen the case to serve justice.
Who Can Answer a Request for Admission? Rule 26 and Legal Representation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies whether a lawyer may answer a request for admission for a client under Rule 26 of the Rules of Court.
Due Process in Disbarment: Why Hearings Are Indispensable in Attorney Discipline Cases
The Supreme Court reminds the IBP that formal hearings are mandatory in disbarment cases, safeguarding due process for respondent lawyers.
Quantum Meruit: Fair Compensation for Legal Services Without a Fixed Fee
Philippine Supreme Court explains how lawyers are paid under quantum meruit when no fixed fee exists, using Racoma v. CNWD.
Prescription Period Bars Attorney's Fee Collection After Six Years
Supreme Court rules lawyers have six years to collect fees under oral contracts; failure to timely file bars the claim.
Attorney Negligence Upholding Diligence AND Accountability IN Legal Representation
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief led to a one-year suspension, reinforcing the duty of diligence in legal representation.
Attorney Neglect: Upholding Diligence and Communication in Client Representation
A lawyer who forgets a client's case and fails to inform them of its status breaches the Code of Professional Responsibility and faces sanctions.
Breach of Trust: When a Lawyer's Actions Lead to Ethical Misconduct
When a lawyer solicits a client's letter then uses it against them, the Supreme Court says it is misconduct.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty in Failing to File Appellant's Brief
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for neglecting client's appeal and disobeying court orders.