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 Suspended for Taking Client Funds Without Securing US Visas
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline shows why attorneys must account for client funds and charge only reasonable fees.
Lawyer Suspended for Abusive Language in Demand Letter: A Lesson in Professional Conduct
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for using abusive, offensive language in a demand letter, reaffirming Rule 8.01 of the CPR.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: Suspension for Misappropriating Visa Fees
A lawyer who took P345,000 for US visa services but did nothing was suspended for one year and ordered to return the money.
Ethical Boundaries: Lawyers' Duty to Avoid Abusive Language in Professional Dealings
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that demand letters must remain respectful, not abusive or defamatory, under Rule 8.01 of the CPR.
Finality of Judgment and Contempt: Disbarred Lawyer's Post-Decision Maneuvers Rejected
Supreme Court denies disbarred lawyer's bid to reopen case, cites doctrine of finality, and penalizes defiance with contempt fines and writ of execution.
Upholding Attorneys Duty Dismissal OF Baseless Disbarment Complaint
The Supreme Court dismissed a baseless disbarment complaint against a lawyer who correctly rejected a claim based on a void Spanish title, and fined the complainant.
Dishonored Checks and Attorney Discipline: Upholding Ethical Standards in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for one year for issuing worthless checks, reaffirming strict ethical standards for attorneys.
Notarizing Documents of Deceased Persons: A Lawyer's Notarial Duty and Its Consequences
When a lawyer notarizes documents for parties who are already dead, the Supreme Court imposes severe penalties. Learn the rules.
Upholding Integrity Disbarment FOR Lawyers Misconduct AND Attempted Bribery
Attorney Suspended Five Years for Deceitful Conduct and Breach of Professional Responsibility
Lawyer suspended five years for deceiving clients into paying P350,000 for a property redemption she never processed, violating the Lawyer's Oath and Rule 1.01.
Upholding Client Trust: Attorney Suspended for Misappropriating Funds and Neglecting Legal Duty
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three years for failing to file a client's case and refusing to return P65,000 in entrusted funds.
Lawyer Suspended for Breach of Trust: Neglecting Client's Case and Withholding Funds
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three years for failing to file a client's case and refusing to return P65,000 in entrusted funds.
Attorney Suspended Three Years for Misappropriating Client Funds
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three years for failing to file a case and refusing to return client's P65,000, reinforcing trust obligations.
Counsel's Negligence in Appeals: When a Client Is Bound by a Lawyer's Lapses
A missed deadline for an appellant's brief can end an appeal. Philippine Supreme Court explains when clients are bound by counsel's negligence.
Forum Shopping in Annulment Cases: A Lawyer's Suspension and the Integrity of Legal Processes
A prosecutor's suspension for filing two marriage dissolution petitions in different courts highlights the strict rule against forum shopping.
Lawyer Suspended Five Years for Dishonest Land Deal and Disregard of Court Orders
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for five years for deceiving a seller in a land deal and ignoring court and IBP orders.
Disbarment for Deceit: Upholding Ethical Standards in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for immorality, clarifying that only the Court can discipline lawyers and that compliance must be actual.
Practicing Law While Suspended: When Disobeying a Suspension Order Leads to More Penalties
A lawyer who continued working as a prosecutor while suspended faced an additional six-month suspension. Learn the rules on complying with disciplinary orders.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Disciplinary Action for Unauthorized Notarization
A lawyer who notarizes documents without a valid commission faces suspension and a permanent ban from notarial practice, as this case shows.
Final Judgments Stand: Disbarred Lawyer's Bid to Reopen Case Denied
Disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen final case denied; Court orders execution, fines, and contempt for defiance.
Lawyer Suspended for Conflict of Interest: When a Former Client Becomes an Adversary
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for six months for representing siblings against a former client, violating Rule 15.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Attorney Accountability for Defamatory Imputations Against Courts
Supreme Court suspends two lawyers for a checkbook entry implying the Sandiganbayan took a P2M bribe for a TRO.
When Court Notices Must Reach the Lawyer: Cervantes v. City Service Corporation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that procedural deadlines run from counsel's receipt of notice, not the client's, in NLRC cases.
Ethical Standards Upheld: Lawyer Suspended for Issuing a Bouncing Check
A lawyer's two-year suspension for issuing a bouncing check under BP 22, and the ethical duties it reinforces for the legal profession.