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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Notarial Misconduct: Scope of Authority and Ethical Obligations of Lawyers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies lawyers' ethical duties in notarial practice and the scope of their authority in Davao Import Distributors v. Atty. Landero.
Attorney Suspended for Dishonored Checks: Ethical Duties Beyond the Courtroom
Issuing worthless checks can cost a lawyer more than criminal liability—it can trigger suspension from practice, as this case shows.
Practicing Law While Suspended: Consequences and Ethical Considerations
A suspended lawyer who appears as counsel for her husband still practices law. The Supreme Court explains the consequences and ethical duties.
When a Collaborating Lawyer Becomes Your Counsel of Record
Explore when a collaborating lawyer becomes your counsel and the ethical duties that follow, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Lost Notice Lasting Consequences Attorneys Neglect AND THE Unauthorized Practice OF LAW
A lawyer's "I didn't receive the notice" excuse fails when neglect costs a client due process. Learn the ethical duties at stake.
Judicial Conduct on Trial: Balancing Online Presence and Ethical Duties
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's Friendster photos and courtroom conduct clarifies ethical boundaries for magistrates online and offline.
Failure to Pay Just Debts: Court Employee Reprimanded for Unethical Conduct
A court clerk's four-year delay in paying a loan draws a reprimand, underscoring ethical duties of judiciary personnel.
Honesty in Judicial Applications: Why Full Disclosure Matters
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that candor and honesty in judicial applications are ethical duties, not optional courtesies.
Lawyer Fined P155,000 for Disrespecting Court and Defying IBP Orders
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for shouting at court personnel and defying IBP directives, reaffirming ethical duties.
Notary Publics’ Ethical Duties: Lessons from a Philippine Disbarment Case
A notary public who notarizes a document knowing it contains false statements faces administrative sanctions, including suspension and revocation of commission.
Frivolous Lawsuits, Court Integrity, and Ethical Lawyer Conduct in the Philippines
The Supreme Court fines a lawyer for filing a frivolous administrative complaint, reaffirming ethical duties and the protection of judicial integrity.
Accountability in Public Office: Canvassers' Duty of Care in Elections
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on election canvassers' liability for certifying padded votes, and the ethical duties of lawyers in public service.
Breach OF Professional Conduct Upholding Client Interests AND Ethical Duties IN Legal Practice
Sellers Beware: Ethical Duties When Assigning Property Rights You Don't Fully Own
A lawyer-seller assigned a townhouse he hadn't fully paid for. The Supreme Court suspended him for three years, reminding sellers of their ethical duties.
Attorney Conflicts of Interest: Lessons from Philippine Jurisprudence
Learn how Philippine courts handle attorney conflicts of interest, consent requirements, and ethical duties through key Supreme Court rulings.
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.
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.
Attorney Negligence and Suspension: Lessons from Abiero v. Juanino
A lawyer's failure to file an appeal led to a six-month suspension. Learn the ethical duties and consequences.
When Promises Corrupt Justice: Ethical Boundaries for Court Sheriffs in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' ethical duties, corruption, and the consequences of overstepping authority in court proceedings.
Lawyer Suspended for Late Appeal: Lessons on Diligence and Candor
A lawyer's late appeal and false certification lead to one-year suspension. Learn the ethical duties every Philippine lawyer owes clients and courts.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: Lessons from a Disbarment Case on Negligence
A lawyer's failure to file an appeal brief led to suspension. Learn the ethical duties and consequences of legal negligence in the Philippines.
Lawyer's Negligence in Handling Client's Case Leads to Suspension and Fine
A lawyer's gross negligence in handling a client's case resulted in a one-month suspension and fine. Learn the ethical duties lawyers owe clients.
Attorney Suspended for Misusing Client Funds and Neglecting Duty
A lawyer's one-year suspension for converting a client's filing fee and failing to file a case underscores ethical duties in the legal profession.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds in Loan Restructuring Scheme
A lawyer's six-month suspension for misappropriating P60,000 in client funds and fabricating a PNB connection underscores ethical duties.