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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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.
Lawyer's Duty to Clients Persists Despite Public Office: Canoy v. Ortiz
SC suspends lawyer for neglecting client's case after election to public office, affirming duties under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Lawyer's Neglect of Client's Case Warrants Suspension from Practice
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three months for gross negligence in failing to file position paper and attend hearings before the Social Security Commission.
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 Diligence AN Attorneys Duty TO Competently Handle Client Matters AND THE Consequences OF Negligence
When a Lawyer Drops the Ball: Lessons from Edquibal v. Ferrer on Diligence and Client Trust
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer negligence in appeals, explaining counsel's duty of diligence and what clients should expect.
Lawyers Must Uphold Diligence and Fidelity in Legal Representation
A lawyer who fails to file an appellate brief faces suspension. The Supreme Court affirms that neglect of a client's case violates the Code of Professional Responsibility.
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.
Lawyer Disbarred for Misappropriating Client's Properties and Abusing Trust
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who took client's land titles, registered properties in his own name, and abused fiduciary duty.
Lawyer Disbarred for Taking Client's Properties in Breach of Trust
A lawyer who acquired his client's properties for himself instead of selling them to pay creditors was disbarred for gross misconduct.
Attorneys Duty Balancing Diligence AND Client Communication IN Legal Representation
When Possession Does Not Equal Ownership: Land Registration and the Alienable and Disposable Requirement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when possession of public land can ripen into ownership for registration under the Property Registration Decree.
Upholding Procedural Rules: How Counsel's Negligence Binds Clients in Labor Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's failure to file a timely appeal binds the client, even in labor cases.
Lawyer Fined P10,000 for Negligence in Handling Client's Replevin Case
Supreme Court fines lawyer P10,000 for negligence and dereliction of duty in handling a client's replevin case, citing Canon 18 violations.
Dismissal of Appeal Due to Attorney Negligence: Balancing Client Rights and Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court rules that counsel's negligence binds the client, and litigants must actively monitor case progress.
Lawyer Fees and Client Property: What Ramos v. Ngaseo Teaches About the Limits of Fee Collection
The Supreme Court reprimanded a lawyer who demanded his client's land as payment, clarifying when the Civil Code ban on acquiring litigated property applies.
Foreclosure Rights VS Damages Dbps Mortgage Lien AND THE Limits OF Injunction
Integrity in Public Service: Disciplining Dishonest Timekeeping in the Judiciary
A lawyer's duty to account for client funds is absolute. This case shows the consequences of breach.
Attorney Suspended for Misconduct Involving Client Funds and Dishonored Checks
A lawyer's one-year suspension for withholding client settlement funds and violating trust obligations under Canon 16 of the CPR.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty and Misrepresentation to Client
A lawyer who failed to file a petition for review and misled his client about the case's status was suspended for four months and ordered to refund P5,000.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Binds the Client: The Barza v. Dinglasan Ruling
The Supreme Court held that a client is bound by counsel's mistakes unless the negligence is so gross it deprives the client of the day in court.
Negligence of Counsel: When It Justifies Relief From Judgment
When does a lawyer's mistake excuse a client from an adverse ruling? Philippine courts balance diligence and fairness.
Lawyer Suspended Six Months for Neglect and Failure to Return Client Funds
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to file a client's case and refusing to return P30,000 in fees.
Upholding Attorney Accountability: Neglect of Client Affairs Leads to Suspension
A lawyer's failure to diligently pursue a client's case warrants suspension from practice, as shown in this Philippine disciplinary case.