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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Disobeying Court Orders: Consequences for Lawyers in the Philippines
A lawyer who uses dilatory tactics to delay execution of a final judgment faces suspension. Learn from Atty. Mallari's case.
When Lawyers Behave Badly: The Supreme Court on Suspension, Reputation, and Evidence
A 2017 Supreme Court ruling shows why disbarment complaints need solid evidence, and why lawyers must stay mindful of how their conduct appears to the public.
Lawyer Suspended for Negligence: The Duty to File Briefs and Update Clients
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief and inform clients of case status results in six-month suspension for violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Attorney Suspended for Neglecting Client's Appeal and Failing to Communicate
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief and update clients on case status leads to six-month suspension.
Disrespecting the Court: Fine for Counsel Who Blamed Justices for Own Errors
The Supreme Court fined a lawyer and his client for contempt after they accused the Court of negligence over their own procedural lapses.
Lawyer’s Accountability in Governance Conspiracies: Negligence and the Limits of Reliance
The Supreme Court clarifies lawyer accountability in governance conspiracies, negligence, and the limits of relying on judicial authority in administrative cases.
Lawyer Suspended for Dishonest Business Dealings: Guillen v. Arnado
A lawyer's one-year suspension for deceitfully easing a business partner out of a restaurant shows professional conduct rules apply to personal dealings.
Lawyer Suspended for Deceit in Business Dealings: A Lesson in Legal Ethics
A lawyer's one-year suspension for deceitful business conduct reminds Philippine attorneys that ethical standards apply beyond the courtroom.
Attorney Disbarred for Gross Misconduct and Willful Disobedience to Court Orders
A lawyer's unauthorized use of a client's property for bail bonds, plus defiance of court orders, leads to disbarment.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty and Failure to Provide Diligent Service
A lawyer who repeatedly failed to appear in court hearings was suspended for one year and ordered to return fees.
Lawyer Suspended for Two Years Over Falsified Deed Involving Deceased Landowner
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for benefiting from a falsified deed of sale involving a property owner who had already died.
When a Lawyer Exceeds Authority: Suspension for Unauthorized Sale of Client’s Property
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for selling a client's property without authority, violating Canons 5, 15, and 17 of the CPR.
When a Lawyer Takes Client Funds for Taxes: Lessons from Ojales v. Villahermosa
A lawyer who received P21,280 for capital gains tax and title processing but did nothing was suspended. Learn the ethical rules.
Lawyer’s Neglect and Misappropriation of Client Funds: A Lesson in Professional Responsibility
When a lawyer fails to process a client’s title and keeps the fees, the Supreme Court steps in with suspension and restitution.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: Trust, Diligence, and the Consequences of Neglect
A lawyer's failure to handle a client's funds and legal work can lead to suspension. Learn from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Integrity: A Lawyer's Duty in Notarizing Documents and Avoiding Deceitful Conduct
A lawyer was suspended for notarizing a fictitious deed without a commission and without all parties present. Learn the notarial duties and ethical rules.
When Court Employees Overstep: The Caoili Case on Judicial Misconduct
A clerk of court dismissed for grave misconduct after leaking an unsigned order, procuring lawyers, and receiving monthly payments from a litigant.
Attorney Neglect and the Duty to Return Fees: Ethical Boundaries in Legal Practice
When a lawyer takes a client's acceptance fee but renders no service, can the fee be kept? The Supreme Court says no.
Disbarment for Deceit and Unauthorized Notarization: Ethical Standards for Lawyers
Supreme Court affirms suspension and notarial disqualification for a lawyer who used falsified documents and notarized outside his jurisdiction.
Lawyer Suspended for Calling Opposing Party a Swindler: Ethics Lessons from Buenviaje v. Magdamo
A lawyer's three-month suspension for malicious name-calling in a notice to a bank underscores the ethical limits of client zeal.
Lawyer’s Suspension for Malicious Statements: Ethical Limits in Client Representation
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for calling an opposing party a "swindler" and "fugitive" in a bank notice, reaffirming ethical limits on client zeal.
Ethical Boundaries in Attorney Communications: Lessons from Buenviaje v. Magdamo
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for calling an opposing party a "swindler" and "fugitive" in a letter to a bank, reminding attorneys that zealous advocacy has limits.
Lawyer Suspended Two Years for Abandoning Client and Refusing to Return Fees
Supreme Court suspends Atty. Glenn Samson for two years for neglecting a client's case, refusing to return overpaid fees and documents, and ignoring IBP proceedings.
Supreme Court Fines Disbarred Lawyer for Neglect of Client Duties
The Supreme Court fined a disbarred lawyer P40,000 for neglecting clients after accepting P350,000 in fees, ruling no double disbarment applies.