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 Non-Payment of Debt: Ethical Standards for Attorneys
A lawyer's deliberate failure to pay a just debt constitutes gross misconduct warranting suspension from the practice of law under Rule 1.01.
Upholding Client Trust Attorney Suspended FOR Neglect AND Misuse OF Funds IN THE Philippines
A lawyer who fails to file a case and refuses to return client money faces one-year suspension. Learn the rules on client funds.
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.
Lawyer Suspended for Issuing Bounced Checks: Honesty and Integrity in Legal Practice
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year for issuing worthless checks, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold honesty and integrity in both public and private life.
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.
Upholding Ministerial Duty Dismissal OF Disbarment Complaint FOR Good Faith Registration Actions
Supreme Court dismisses disbarment complaints against lawyers and registrars over good faith registration actions, clarifying ministerial duties.
Breach of Marital Vows: Disbarment for Bigamous Marriage Justified
A lawyer who contracts a second marriage while his first remains valid commits gross immorality warranting disbarment, the Supreme Court ruled.
Influence Peddling IN THE Legal Profession Upholding Ethical Standards AND Public Trust
Understand when a lawyer's error becomes gross misconduct, and why obeying court orders is a sacred duty.
Law Firms and Conflict of Interest: Upholding Client Loyalty and Confidentiality
The Supreme Court holds law firms liable for conflict of interest when one lawyer takes a case against a former client of the firm.
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.
Establishing Attorney Client Relationship Actions Imply Consent Beyond Written Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lawyer-client relationships can be implied from actions, not just written contracts, in administrative case.
Upholding Honesty in Legal Practice: Consequences for Submitting False Affidavits
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for six months for submitting a falsified affidavit in court, reaffirming the duty of candor and integrity in legal practice.
Attorney Negligence and Breach of Duty: When a Lawyer's Inaction Costs a Client the Case
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer accountability: negligence and lack of candor lead to a two-year suspension from practice.
Upholding Competence and Diligence: Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Client's Case
A lawyer's suspension from practice does not end his duty to clients. The Supreme Court suspends Atty. Baterina for gross negligence.
Attorneys Fees THE Right TO Claim After Final Judgment
A lawyer can claim attorney's fees even after final judgment. The Supreme Court explains when and how.
Client Responsibility: The Binding Nature of Counsel Negligence in Philippine Law
When does a lawyer's mistake bind the client? The Supreme Court explains the rule on counsel negligence and the client's duty to monitor cases.
Notarizing Without a Commission: Supreme Court Upholds Strict Notarial Rules
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years and permanently bars him from notarial practice for notarizing documents without a valid commission.
Notarizing Without a Commission: Supreme Court Upholds Disciplinary Action Against Lawyers
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years and permanently bars him from notarial commission for notarizing documents without authority.
Upholding Integrity Disbarment FOR Attorneys Extortion AND Misrepresentation IN Guaranteeing Favorable Judgmen
Lawyer disbarred for demanding P580,000 from client to guarantee favorable NLRC ruling, violating the Lawyer's Oath and Code of Professional Responsibility.
Attorney Suspended for Misusing Client Funds and Negligence in Title Transfer
A lawyer's two-year suspension for mishandling client funds and negligence in property title transfer, and the ethical rules violated.
Counsel's Negligence and Due Process: When Can a Client Reopen a Case
When a lawyer's mistake hurts a client's case, can the case be reopened? The Supreme Court explains the limits of due process and counsel negligence.
Attorney Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds: Upholding Trust in Legal Practice
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three months for failing to return client funds intended for transfer taxes, reaffirming lawyers' fiduciary duties.
Negligence in Notarial Duty: Lawyers Responsible for Staff Acts
A notary public cannot blame a secretary for unauthorized notarizations. The Supreme Court explains why lawyers bear full responsibility for their office staff's acts.
Upholding Ethical Standards Attorney Suspended FOR Dishonest Real Estate Dealings
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for dishonest real estate dealings, reaffirming high ethical standards for attorneys in the Philippines.