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 Negligence of Counsel Can Justify New Trial in Criminal Cases
When a lawyer's gross negligence deprives an accused of due process, courts may reopen the case for a fair trial.
When Counsel's Error Binds the Client: Lessons from Tan v. Court of Appeals
A client is bound by counsel's mistakes, including missed appeal deadlines. Philippine Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments.
Missed Deadline Understanding Counsel OF Record IN Philippine Courts AND Valid Service OF Court Decisions
When does a lawyer's receipt of a court decision bind the client? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on counsel of record and appeal deadlines.
Attorney Accountability Understanding Lawyer Negligence AND Upholding Client Trust IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for gross negligence, explaining counsel's duties of fidelity, diligence, and proper withdrawal under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Client Bound by Lawyer's Negligence: Finality of Judgments in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how clients are bound by their counsel's actions, finality of judgments, and limits of certiorari.
Bound by Your Lawyer's Mistakes: Client Responsibility in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on reconveyance, implied trusts, and why clients are bound by their counsel's procedural lapses.
Counsel Negligence and Due Diligence: Lessons from a Lawyer's One-Year Suspension
A lawyer's repeated absences and failure to file an appeal brief led to a one-year suspension. Learn the professional responsibility rules at stake.
Counsel's Negligence in Appeals: Timeliness and Client Diligence
A lawyer's failure to pay docket fees and file certifications can doom an appeal—and trigger administrative sanctions for negligence.
Counsel's Negligence and Due Process: When Annulment of Judgment Is Justified
The Supreme Court explains when a counsel's negligence can justify annulment of judgment and when courts should liberally apply procedural rules.
Limits to Free Speech When Attorney Conduct Turns Unprofessional
A lawyer's free speech in pleadings has limits. The Supreme Court suspends a counsel for offensive language against opposing counsel.
Court Employee Suspended for Impropriety in Handling Litigant's Funds
Legal researcher suspended one year for receiving P130,000 from a litigant and helping secure counsel in a case before her own branch.
Lawyer Cited for Direct Contempt Over Fake Supreme Court Decision
A Philippine lawyer was fined P2,000 for direct contempt after submitting a forged Supreme Court decision, showing why counsel must verify every document they file.
Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Jaramillo v. Court of Appeals and the Lost Appeal
In Jaramillo v. Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court held that a client is bound by counsel's negligence and that certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Judicial Impartiality When Family Ties Conflict With Legal Duty In The Courtroom
A judge who hears a case where his son-in-law appears as counsel violates mandatory disqualification rules, even if the outcome seems fair.
Counsel’s Negligence Reopens Criminal Appeals for Fair Representation
When a lawyer abandons a client’s appeal, the Supreme Court may reopen the case to protect the accused’s right to counsel.
Counsel's Negligence Is Not Excusable: Land Bank's Duty of Diligence in Legal Matters
SC rules counsel's heavy workload is not excusable negligence; procedural rules bind even government agencies like Land Bank.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Due Diligence in Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's failure to act diligently on an appeal binds the client, and what counts as notice of a decision.
Lawyer Fined for Unauthorized Appearance as NEA Counsel in GOCC Case
Supreme Court fines lawyer P5,000 for appearing as NEA counsel without required OGCC conformity and COA concurrence.
Due Process and the Duties of Counsel: Lessons from Palanca v. Guides
A 2005 Supreme Court ruling shows how the negligence of a lawyer binds the client, and how accepting payments without protest can waive a seller's claims.
Balancing Attorney Conduct: Upholding Dignity While Protecting Due Process in Legal Practice
SC ruling clarifies that pending criminal cases do not automatically warrant lawyer suspension, but offensive language against opposing counsel remains sanctionable.
When a Lawyer Drops the Ball: Lessons from Edquibal v. Ferrer on Diligence and Client Trust
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer negligence in appeals, explaining counsel's duty of diligence and what clients should expect.
DUE Process IN Administrative Cases Opportunity TO Explain AND Binding Counsel Decisions
Duty to Inform Courts of Address Changes: Lessons from Garrucho v. Court of Appeals
When a party and counsel fail to notify courts of address changes, service is deemed complete—and appeals may be lost. Learn the rules.
Upholding Procedural Rules: How Counsel's Negligence Binds Clients in Labor Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's failure to file a timely appeal binds the client, even in labor cases.