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.
Lawyer Suspended for Negligence and Conflict of Interest in Client Matter
A lawyer who neglected a client's case for five years and appeared against the client without consent was suspended for six months.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client's Land Titling Case for Five Years
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for neglecting a client's land titling case for five years, violating Canons 17 and 18 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Sexual Harassment by a Lawyer: When Misconduct Erodes Client Trust
A lawyer who sexually harasses a client faces suspension. The Supreme Court explains why such conduct betrays the profession's core values.
Finality of Labor Awards and Attorney's Fees in Compromise Settlements
When a client settles a labor case behind counsel's back to avoid attorney's fees, the Supreme Court protects the lawyer's right to compensation.
When a Lawyer Buys the Client's Land: Breach of Fiduciary Duty in Property Acquisition
A lawyer who bought property his clients had already purchased breached his fiduciary duty. The Supreme Court explains why.
When a Lawyer Buys His Client’s Land: Double Sale and Bad Faith Under Philippine Law
A lawyer who bought land his clients had already purchased lost the case. The Supreme Court explains double sales, bad faith, and unregistered land rules.
Upholding Client Confidentiality When Prior Representation Bars Subsequent Claims
A lawyer who sued a former client for a new client violated the duty against conflicting interests, earning a one-year suspension.
When a Client Relieves Counsel: Withdrawal of Appeal and Compromise Agreements
A look at Bautista v. Seraph Management Group, Inc. on withdrawal of appeals, relieving counsel, and the validity of compromise agreements.
Disbarment for Misusing Blank Checks: Dishonesty and Abuse of Authority
A lawyer who filled up borrowers' blank checks and filed baseless criminal cases was disbarred for gross misconduct and dishonesty.
Revival of Judgment, Attorney Negligence, and Binding Effect on Heirs
Explains when a dormant judgment can be revived, and how a lawyer's failure to inform the court of a client's death binds the heirs.
Land as Attorney’s Fees: Enforcing Written Contracts for Legal Services in the Philippines
Philippine courts uphold written attorney’s fee contracts, even those paid in land, provided the essential elements of a valid contract are present.
Breach of Trust Attorney Disbarred for Exploiting Clients Vulnerability and Acquiring Property
Learn how a Philippine attorney's breach of trust and exploitation of a client's vulnerability led to disbarment and property acquisition penalties.
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.
Upholding Ethical Boundaries: Attorney-Client Privilege and Conflict of Interest in Disbarment Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may be disciplined for representing conflicting interests, even across different cases and clients.
When Are Clients Bound by Their Lawyer’s Actions? Philippine Supreme Court Explains
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a client is bound by a lawyer's negligence or refusal to receive court notices.
Upholding Client Trust Attorney Suspended for Misappropriating Settlement Funds
Lawyer suspended six months for misappropriating client's P50,000 settlement funds, violating Canon 16 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty and Unreasonable Fees in Client Case
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for neglecting client's case and charging exorbitant fees, reinforcing ethical duties under the CPR.
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.
When a Lawyer's Inaction Harms a Client's Case: Lessons from Rollon v. Naraval
A lawyer who accepts a case but does nothing—and keeps the client's money—faces suspension. The Supreme Court explains why.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: An Attorney's Duty to Fulfill Financial Obligations and Maintain Honesty
A lawyer who acquires client property entrusted to him commits gross misconduct warranting disbarment under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Preserving Client Confidences Understanding Attorney Client Privilege AND ITS Limits IN THE Philippines
When does the duty to keep client secrets begin and end? A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies the limits of attorney-client privilege.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglect and Absconding with Client Records
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for one year for neglecting client cases, absconding with records, and keeping fees without rendering service.
Attorney's Duty of Fidelity: Neglect and Abandonment in Legal Representation
When a lawyer takes a client's money and disappears with case records, the Supreme Court draws a firm line on professional responsibility.
Attorney Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds and Neglecting Duties
Lawyer suspended one year for misusing client funds and failing to transfer property title, violating fiduciary duties under the Code of Professional Responsibility.