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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Personal Service IS Priority: Understanding Mandatory Pleading Service in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when personal service of pleadings is mandatory under Section 11, Rule 13, and what happens when lawyers skip it.
When Private Immorality Leads to Public Disbarment: Understanding Lawyer Ethics in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a lawyer's private misconduct—abandoning his family—can lead to disbarment.
Lawyer's Disbarment Does Not Erase Liability for Prior Misconduct: A.C. No. 11508
The Supreme Court fines a disbarred lawyer for pre-disbarment misconduct, clarifying that disbarment does not erase liability for earlier ethical violations.
Attorney Negligence in the Philippines: A Lawyer’s Duty of Diligence Explained
When does a lawyer's inaction become professional negligence? The Supreme Court explains the duty of diligence in Villafuerte v. Cortez.
When Cases Become Pointless: Mootness and a Lawyer's Duty to the Court in Philippine Law
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on procedural rules and the burden of proof in the Pacific Banking Corporation liquidation case.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: Why Lawyers Face Suspension for Filing Multiple Cases
Learn how forum shopping in the Philippines can lead to lawyer suspension, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Benguet Electric Cooperative vs. Atty. Flores.
Attorney Ethics: Navigating Conflicts of Interest in the Philippines
A lawyer cannot represent conflicting interests, even in good faith. The Supreme Court explains the rule and its penalties.
Breach of Trust and Conflict of Interest: Attorney Suspended for Unethical Conduct in Estate Settlement
A CPA-lawyer's suspension for breach of trust, conflict of interest, and unethical conduct in settling a client's estate.
When Can a Lawyer Be Disbarred in the Philippines? A Landmark Case on Misconduct
Learn when Philippine courts discipline lawyers for private misconduct, based on a 1998 Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer's bad checks.
When a Lawyer's Private Misconduct Warrants Disciplinary Action
A lawyer's private misconduct can warrant suspension. This case explains when bad checks and deceitful conduct trigger discipline.
Attorney Misconduct Handling Client Funds: Disbarment for Misappropriation and Deceit
A lawyer who misappropriates client funds and deceives clients faces disbarment. Learn the ethical rules and lessons from Busiños v. Ricafort.
Notarial Duty: Ensuring Authenticity and Preventing Misrepresentation in Legal Documents
A notary's certification is not a routinary act. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer suspended for notarizing a deed with deceased vendors.
Lawyer's Disrespect Toward Court Personnel and IBP Noncompliance: A.C. No. 11508
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer for disrespecting court personnel and disobeying IBP directives, clarifying penalties under CPRA.
Final Judgments Are Final: Disbarred Lawyer's Delays and Contempt
A disbarred lawyer's belated bid to reopen his case fails; the Court orders execution and cites him for contempt.
Gross Negligence of Counsel: When It Nullifies a Judgment in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's gross negligence can void a judgment, and why final judgments protect innocent buyers.
Attorney Withdrawal Upholding Client Rights AND Ethical Obligations IN THE Philippines
When can a lawyer withdraw from a case in the Philippines? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on attorney withdrawal and client protection.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court enforces final disbarment orders strictly, citing a lawyer in contempt for defying a restitution order.
Lawyer’s Disbarment Upheld, PHP 155,000 Fine Imposed for Disrespect to Courts
Supreme Court fines a disbarred lawyer PHP 155,000 for disrespecting courts and disobeying IBP orders, clarifying penalties after disbarment.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
A disbarred lawyer's belated bid to reopen his case fails, underscoring the doctrine of finality of judgment and the consequences of defying court orders.
Finality of Judgment and Lawyer Accountability: Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court enforces a disbarred lawyer's final judgment, citing contempt and execution to uphold the rule of law.
Clerks of Court and Fiduciary Responsibility: A Case of Mismanagement and Neglect
The Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers must be vigilant with client funds and records, even when clients fail to provide complete documentation.
When Is a Lawyer Liable for a Missed Appeal? Lessons from Sattar v. Lopez
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer may be disciplined for a missed appeal, and when the client's own neglect is to blame.
Attorney Negligence: When a Botched Case Makes a Lawyer Liable
When a lawyer's negligence costs a client their case, disciplinary action follows. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Attorney's Fees: When Lawyers Can Claim Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers can claim attorney's fees beyond retainers, explaining general vs. special retainers and quantum meruit.