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's Disrespect for Court and Staff Draws PHP 155,000 Fine Despite Prior Disbarment
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer for disrespecting a court employee and defying IBP orders, showing lawyers' ethical duties persist.
Upholding Marital Fidelity Disbarment FOR Lawyers Engaging IN Immoral Conduct
Res Judicata: The Bar Against Relitigating Claims in Philippine Courts
Understand the doctrine of res judicata in Philippine courts, its requirements, and practical implications for litigants and lawyers.
IBP Dues: Why Non-Practicing Lawyers Must Still Pay Membership Fees
The Supreme Court rules that IBP membership dues are mandatory for all lawyers, regardless of active practice status.
Upholding Court Integrity: A Clerk's Duty to Safeguard Records
A Supreme Court ruling reminds lawyers and court personnel that falsifying or mishandling official records is serious misconduct that can cost them their career.
When Can a Former Government Lawyer Represent Private Clients? PCGG v. Sandiganbayan Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies Rule 6.03 on former government lawyers, defining "matter" and "intervention" in disqualification cases.
When Lawyers Cross the Line: Conflicting Interests and Client Confidentiality in Philippine Legal Ethics
The Supreme Court's ruling in Pormento vs. Pontevedra clarifies when a lawyer's representation of new clients against former clients constitutes prohibited conflicting interests.
Lawyer Disbarred for Grave Misconduct in Handling Court Funds and Land Titles
Supreme Court disbars a Register of Deeds for grave misconduct, affirming that lawyers in government service face professional discipline for official wrongdoing.
Disbarment for Grave Misconduct: Ethical Standards Apply to Lawyers in Public Office
A lawyer's grave misconduct as a government official can warrant disbarment. The Supreme Court explains why public office does not excuse ethical lapses.
Upholding Legal Ethics: A Lawyer's Duty of Candor and Fidelity in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyers' duty of candor, fidelity, and accountability in property transactions and legal representation.
Lawyers Must Uphold Diligence and Fidelity in Legal Representation
A lawyer who fails to file an appellate brief faces suspension. The Supreme Court affirms that neglect of a client's case violates the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Attorney's Fees and Ethical Boundaries: Can Lawyers Demand Property as Payment?
A lawyer who demands litigated property as fees after the case ends may still face discipline for conduct unbecoming the legal profession.
Court Orders Are Not Requests: Disciplinary Action for Lawyers Who Disregard Them
A lawyer's failure to obey court and IBP orders is disrespect for the judiciary and can draw disciplinary sanctions.
Unauthorized Notarization Lawyers Face Suspension FOR Expired Commissions
Notarizing documents without a valid commission is lawyer misconduct. A Supreme Court ruling shows the penalties for unauthorized notarization.
Attorney's Outburst in Court: When Impatience Does Not Violate Ethics
SC rules a lawyer's single outburst in court may not violate ethics if uttered in the heat of the moment, but reminds lawyers to remain circumspect.
Upholding Ethical Duty Lawyers Cannot Exploit Court Orders FOR Unfair Advantage
Truth and Candor in Legal Practice: Disciplining Lawyers for Misleading the Court
A lawyer's duty of candor to courts is absolute. Learn how misleading statements led to suspension in this Philippine case.
Lawyers Cannot Claim Ignorance of Basic Procedures to Abandon Client Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court rules a lawyer's claim of ignorance in filing a motion for reconsideration is no excuse for neglecting a client's case.
When Judges Err in Good Faith: The Limits of Administrative Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges acting in good faith are not administratively liable for legal errors, but discourtesy to lawyers remains misconduct.
Upholding Judicial Ethics: Gross Immorality and the Price of Private Misconduct
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair, clarifying ethical standards for judges and lawyers.
Forged Documents and Ethical Boundaries: Attorney Accountability in Court Submissions
Supreme Court ruling on bank liability, damages, and the ethical duty of lawyers to verify documents before court submission.
Lawyers' Dishonesty and Disobedience: When Administrative Cases Lead to Suspension
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for dishonesty and disobeying IBP orders, clarifying the burden of proof in disbarment cases.
Integrity Under Scrutiny: False Disbarment Complaint Protects Attorney's Reputation
The Supreme Court's ruling in Mejares v. Romana clarifies when lawyers face discipline for mishandling client funds and communications.
Accountability Unbarred: Can Lawyers Face Discipline for Past Actions?
Supreme Court rules lawyers may face discipline for misconduct committed long ago, even after becoming judges or retiring.