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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Gross Immorality and Disbarment: When a Lawyer's Personal Conduct Crosses the Line
When does a lawyer's private relationship become gross immorality warranting disbarment? The Supreme Court explains in Hosoya v. Contado.
Lawyer Suspended for Using Colleague's Name Without Consent in Court Filings
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for forging colleague's signature and using his name in a civil case without authorization.
Attorney's Fees in Property Disputes: Lessons from the Supreme Court's Aquino v. Domingo Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how lawyers may recover contingent fees in agrarian property cases when no written contract exists.
COA Concurrence in Hiring Private Counsel: The PNOC-EC Case and New Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when government agencies must secure COA concurrence before hiring private lawyers, and how new rules ease this requirement.
Lawyer Suspended for Borrowing from Client: Anacay v. Alberto Explained
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for borrowing money from a client without protecting the client's interests, reaffirming strict fiduciary duties.
Understanding the Consequences of Misappropriating Judicial Funds in the Philippines
A Philippine lawyer disbarred for misappropriating client funds in California faces the same fate here. Learn how reciprocal discipline works.
Notarization Without Signatories Present: Supreme Court Disciplines Lawyer in Montinola Case
The Supreme Court suspended a notary public for notarizing a deed without the signatories present, reaffirming strict notarial rules.
Obstruction of Justice and the Lawyer's Duty: De Leon v. Luis
A lawyer's failure to report a client with a standing warrant is not obstruction of justice absent clear intent to harbor or conceal.
Understanding Lawyer Misconduct: Consequences of Breaching Professional Ethics in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when illegally obtained evidence cannot be used in administrative cases against court employees, explaining the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine.
Ethical Limits on Filing Graft Complaints: Lessons from Diaz v. Atty. Mandagan
A lawyer's duty to avoid frivolous cases: Supreme Court suspends counsel for filing unsubstantiated graft charges against a former mayor.
When Lawyers File Baseless Cases: Accountability and Integrity in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for filing a baseless Ombudsman complaint, underscoring the ethical duties of candor and fairness.
When Lawyer Silence Becomes Negligence: The Duty to Communicate with Clients
The Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer-client relationship can exist without a written contract, and silence can amount to professional negligence.
Attorney Responsibility: Signing Pleadings and Ethical Conduct in Philippine Law
A lawyer who signs pleadings without verifying their contents faces disciplinary action, as the Supreme Court reminds the bar.
Navigating Corporate Disputes: Lawyer Responsibilities and Ethical Boundaries
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer conduct in corporate board disputes, highlighting duties to courts and ethical limits of advocacy.
When Lawyers Cross the Line: The Limits of Advocacy in Corporate Disputes
A lawyer's duty to the court limits zeal for clients. The Supreme Court suspends counsel for evading a TRO in a corporate control fight.
Understanding Judicial Clemency: A Guide to Reinstatement for Disbarred Lawyers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's 2021 ruling in Ricafort sets new guidelines for judicial clemency petitions by disbarred lawyers seeking reinstatement.
Lawyer's Disrespect Toward Court and Staff Yields PHP 155,000 Fine Despite Prior Disbarment
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer for disrespecting court personnel and disobeying IBP orders, clarifying accountability persists after disbarment.
Lawyer's Courtroom Conduct and Disciplinary Liability Under the CPRA
Supreme Court clarifies lawyer discipline under the CPRA, including fines for disbarred lawyers and standards for respectful court conduct.
Lawyer Conduct in Corporate Governance: Lessons from a Philippine Disbarment Case
A dismissed disbarment case clarifies when lawyers acting as corporate officers may or may not face disciplinary liability under the CPR.
What a Disbarment Case Teaches About Lawyers and Corporate Roles in the Philippines
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment case against three lawyers, clarifying that corporate acts and mere receipt of pleadings are not professional misconduct.
Supreme Court: Lawyers Cannot Delegate Legal Work to Non-Lawyers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on professional responsibility—lawyers cannot delegate legal tasks to non-lawyers. Know the limits.
Understanding Lawyer Negligence Duties AND Consequences IN Philippine LAW
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's negligence violates the Code of Professional Responsibility and the penalties that follow.
Understanding Lawyer Negligence: Protecting Your Legal Rights and Interests
When a lawyer fails a client, the consequences can be severe. Learn what constitutes lawyer negligence and how the Supreme Court protects clients' rights.
Client Money and Bouncing Checks: A Lawyer’s Fiduciary Duty After Bernasconi v. Demaisip
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer suspension clarifies the strict fiduciary duty to account for client funds and the consequences of issuing bouncing checks.