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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Due Process in Disbarment: Why Hearings Are Indispensable in Attorney Discipline Cases
The Supreme Court reminds the IBP that formal hearings are mandatory in disbarment cases, safeguarding due process for respondent lawyers.
Quantum Meruit: Fair Compensation for Legal Services Without a Fixed Fee
Philippine Supreme Court explains how lawyers are paid under quantum meruit when no fixed fee exists, using Racoma v. CNWD.
Prescription Period Bars Attorney's Fee Collection After Six Years
Supreme Court rules lawyers have six years to collect fees under oral contracts; failure to timely file bars the claim.
Lawyer Disbarred for Disrespecting Court: Lessons from A.C. No. 11508
The Supreme Court fined a disbarred lawyer for disrespecting court personnel and disobeying IBP orders, reaffirming lawyers' duty of courtesy.
When Can a Lawyer Withdraw Services? Ethical Boundaries Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may withdraw from a case and when withdrawal becomes unethical misconduct warranting discipline.
Court Employees Must Treat Lawyers With Respect and Courtesy, Supreme Court Rules
The Supreme Court reprimanded a court clerk for discourtesy after a heated exchange with a lawyer, stressing that public service demands courtesy and self-restraint.
Court Employee Reprimanded for Discourtesy: Paras v. Lofranco
Court personnel must remain courteous even when provoked by lawyers; discourtesy draws administrative penalties.
Upholding Attorney Accountability A Lawyers Duty TO Clients Despite FEE Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer's duty to clients despite fee disputes, jurisdictional rules, and carrier liability for passenger safety.
Holding Lawyers Accountable: Lessons from a Disbarment Case on Forgery and Immorality
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for forging his wife's signature and siring a child out of wedlock, reaffirming that lawyers must maintain good moral character at all times.
Breach of Client Trust: Lawyer Misconduct and Disciplinary Action in the Philippines
When lawyers in government betray public trust, they face disciplinary action. The Supreme Court explains the rules on lawyer misconduct.
Judicial Misconduct and Disbarment: Upholding Integrity in the Philippine Legal System
A retired judge's antedated decision led to his disbarment, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold integrity and the rule of law at all times.
Negligence in Patent Applications: How Attorney Laches Can Cost You Patent Rights
When lawyers fail to respond to patent office actions, applicants may lose their rights. The Supreme Court explains why.
Attorneys Fees and Simulated Sales: Protecting Lawyers' Rights in the Philippines
A lawyer's right to collect contingent fees can extend to challenging simulated sales that defeat payment, as the Supreme Court ruled in Alberto v. Court of Appeals.
Attorney Discipline: Understanding Disbarment and Suspension in the Philippines
Explaining the difference between disbarment and suspension for Philippine lawyers, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Dumadag v. Lumaya.
Upholding Integrity IN Notarial Acts A Lawyers Duty AND THE Limits OF Administrative Complaints
Lawyers Must Promptly Account for Client Funds: A Lesson from A.C. No. 5019
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for failing to promptly account for client funds, reaffirming the fiduciary duty under Canon 16.
Breach of Trust: A Lawyer's Duty to Account for Client Funds Promptly
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for failing to promptly account for a client's money, affirming that lawyers hold client funds in trust under Canon 16.
When Official Duty Shields a Lawyer from Personal Liability for Conflict Claims
Explaining when government lawyers cannot be held personally liable for alleged conflicts of interest under the Anti-Graft law.
CPE Compliance Mandatory OR Moot Examining Professional License Renewal IN THE Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies that IBP dues are mandatory for lawyers, and senior citizen exemptions do not cover them.
When Lawyers May Hold Client Funds: The De Vera Case on Attorney's Liens and Trust Duties
A lawyer's right to claim fees does not justify withholding client funds. The Supreme Court's ruling in De Vera explains the limits.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Lawyer Disbarment for Misappropriating Client Funds in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts discipline lawyers who misappropriate client funds, the ethical rules involved, and practical lessons for attorneys.
Upholding Court Authority: Why Lawyers Must Respect TROs and Face Disciplinary Action
A lawyer who defied a Court of Appeals TRO and misled a judge was suspended for two years. Learn the disciplinary rules.
Unauthorized Notarization in the Philippines: Consequences for Lawyers and the Public
When a lawyer notarizes a document without the signer appearing, the consequences are severe. This article explains the rules and penalties.
Why Lawyers in Government Service Are Still Bound by the Code of Professional Responsibility
A prosecutor's failure to remit SSS payments led to reprimand, affirming that public office does not exempt lawyers from ethical rules.