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 and Pre-Trial Notice: Protecting Litigants' Rights in Philippine Courts
A lawyer's missed hearings and failure to file appeal briefs led to suspension—a lesson on due process and client protection.
Maritime Liens and Foreign Suppliers: Jurisdiction in Vessel Supply Disputes
Philippine courts explain when foreign suppliers can enforce maritime liens on vessels — and why jurisdiction depends on more than location.
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.
Counsel's Negligence in Appeals: Timeliness and Client Diligence
A lawyer's failure to pay docket fees and file certifications can doom an appeal—and trigger administrative sanctions for negligence.
Lawyers Must Acknowledge Client Payments and Act Fairly Despite Zealous Representation
A lawyer who refuses to acknowledge a client's payment and withholds registration of a deed violates ethical rules, even when acting to protect a client.
Upholding Attorney Accountability Negligence AND Breach OF Professional Duty 2
A lawyer who files an erroneous appeal and abandons a client's case violates Canon 18 of the Code of Professional Responsibility, risking suspension.
Conflict of Interest Rules for Lawyers: The Quiambao v. Bamba Case
A lawyer cannot represent opposing clients even in unrelated cases. Learn the conflict of interest rules from Quiambao v. Bamba.
Upholding Client Loyalty Attorney Sanctioned FOR Representing Conflicting Interests
A lawyer cannot represent opposing clients even in unrelated cases, and may face suspension for conflict of interest.
Maritime Liens AND Corporate Liability Understanding Vessel Foreclosure AND Debt Priority
When a Lawyer's Mistake Binds the Client: Property Rights and Negligence
A lawyer's negligence generally binds the client. The Supreme Court explains when relief from judgment is available and when it is not.
Lawyer Suspended for Selling Rights Over Inalienable Land in Bataan National Park
Lawyer suspended one year for deceitfully selling rights over land inside Bataan National Park, violating his oath and professional rules.
Duty OF Loyalty IN Attorney Client Relations Analyzing Conflicts OF Interest AND Supervisory Responsibility
Navigating Conflict of Interest: What Philippine Lawyers and Clients Need to Know
A lawyer cannot represent opposing parties in the same case. Learn the rules, tests, and consequences of conflict of interest in Philippine law.
Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Jaramillo v. Court of Appeals and the Lost Appeal
In Jaramillo v. Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court held that a client is bound by counsel's negligence and that certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Attorney Accountability Understanding Lawyer Neglect of Duty in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer neglect of duty, abandonment of clients, and the ethical obligations of attorneys.
Counsel’s Negligence Reopens Criminal Appeals for Fair Representation
When a lawyer abandons a client’s appeal, the Supreme Court may reopen the case to protect the accused’s right to counsel.
Employer Responsibility in Outsourcing: When a Client Is Not the Employer
The Supreme Court explains when a company that hires security guards through an agency is not their employer, and the four tests that determine employer-employee relationships.
Upholding Attorney Client Privilege Confidentiality IN Legal Relationships
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Due Diligence in Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's failure to act diligently on an appeal binds the client, and what counts as notice of a decision.
Lawyer Suspended for Misusing Client Funds and Failing to Deliver Agreed Services
A lawyer was suspended for six months for misappropriating client funds and failing to appear in administrative hearings. Learn the ethical rules.
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.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty and Failure to Serve Client With Diligence
A lawyer who accepted fees but failed to act on a client's case was suspended for six months and ordered to return the money.
When Can a Former Government Lawyer Represent Private Clients? PCGG v. Sandiganbayan Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies Rule 6.03 on former government lawyers, defining "matter" and "intervention" in disqualification cases.