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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Lawyer Duties When Clients Use Falsified Documents: Ethical Boundaries
When a client presents falsified documents, a lawyer's ethical duties and professional conduct obligations are tested. This article examines the rules.
Proving Zero-Rated Sales: Key Lessons from Deutsche Knowledge Services VAT Refund Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies proof needed for VAT refunds on zero-rated sales to foreign clients, citing Deutsche Knowledge Services case.
Land Registration in the Philippines: Proving Alienable and Disposable Status
Philippine land registration requires proof that property is alienable and disposable public land. A recent Supreme Court ruling explains the strict requirements.
Lawyer Misconduct: Disbarment for Dishonesty and Misappropriation of Client Funds
When lawyers deceive clients and misuse entrusted funds, the Supreme Court can impose the ultimate penalty: disbarment. Learn from a recent case.
When Lawyers Cross the Line: Disbarment for Misappropriating Client Funds
A Supreme Court ruling disbarred two lawyers for misappropriating a client's P5 million, underscoring the strict fiduciary duties of attorneys.
Attorney-Client Trust: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling on Lawyer Misconduct
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer misconduct clarifies candor duties, attorney's fees, and the penalties for unethical conduct.
Client’s Death and Counsel’s Duty: The 30-Day Notification Rule Under Section 16, Rule 3
A lawyer must notify the court within 30 days of a client’s death and name the legal representatives—or face disciplinary action.
Understanding Lawyer Suspension IN THE Philippines THE Importance OF Professional Responsibility AND Client Trust
Lawyer Duties: Informing Courts of Client Death and Filing Briefs
Supreme Court reprimands lawyer for failing to inform court of client's death and neglecting to file appellee's brief. Learn the rules.
Lawyer Misconduct: The Duty to Return Client Funds in the Philippines
When a lawyer fails to render service and keeps client money, the Supreme Court imposes suspension and restitution. Learn the rules.
Lawyer-Client Confidentiality: When a Consultation Creates a Binding Duty
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that even unpaid consultations create lawyer-client confidentiality, barring lawyers from representing adverse parties.
Unlocking Land Ownership: Navigating the Complexities of Land Registration in the Philippines
Learn the strict requirements for land registration in the Philippines, including the crucial proof needed to establish alienable and disposable land.
Attorney Client Conflicts and Ethical Boundaries: Lessons from a Philippine Disbarment Case
A lawyer's zeal must not cross into harassment. The Supreme Court clarifies ethical limits in Cabarroguis v. Basa.
Lawyer Disbarred for Fraud and Coercion in Corporate Governance
A lawyer's deceitful takeover of a client corporation leads to disbarment, underscoring ethics rules for attorneys.
Lawyer Negligence and Accountability: Protecting Your Interests in Legal Services
When lawyers neglect client cases, the Supreme Court can suspend them. Learn the rules and your remedies.
Navigating Land Registration IN THE Philippines THE Crucial Role OF Proving Alienable AND Disposable Land
Lawyers Must Uphold Ethics and Advise Clients on Proper Legal Remedies
A lawyer's duty to zealously defend a client does not justify bypassing courts, as shown in this Philippine disciplinary case.
Lawyer's Duty to Account for Client Funds: Lessons from a Two-Year Suspension
A lawyer's failure to account for client funds and neglect of cases leads to a two-year suspension, reaffirming core ethical duties.
Divorce Abroad: How Philippine Courts Recognize Foreign Decrees After Galapon v. Republic
The Supreme Court clarifies that foreign divorce decrees obtained jointly by a Filipino and alien spouse may be recognized under Article 26(2) of the Family Code.
Attorney Suspended for Neglecting Duty of Diligence and Failing to File Appellant's Brief
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief and update his address led to dismissal of his client's appeal and a six-month suspension.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Lawyers Responsibility Beyond Professional Capacity
A lawyer's duty to a client does not end with accepting a case. The Supreme Court reminds lawyers of their ethical obligations in this disciplinary case.
Attorneys Must Inform Clients of Adverse Decisions and Avoid Neglect of Legal Matters
A lawyer's failure to inform clients of a case dismissal and to appeal within the reglementary period constitutes neglect under the Code of Professional Responsibility, warranting suspension.
Understanding Attorney Negligence Duties and Consequences in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies a lawyer's duty of diligence, when accepting fees creates an attorney-client relationship, and the penalties for neglect.
Attorney-Client Privilege: When Public Disclosure Crosses the Line in Legal Ethics
In-house counsel suspended for media disclosures. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of attorney-client privilege and confidentiality duties.