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 Court Disrespect and MCLE Non-Compliance
Supreme Court fines lawyer for disrespecting court orders and using intemperate language in pleadings, reminding lawyers of their duty to uphold judicial authority.
Attorney Suspended for Mismanaging Client Funds and Neglecting Land Registration Case
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for one year for failing to account for client funds and neglecting a land registration case.
Attorney Fined for Disrespect and Non-Compliance with Court Orders
Supreme Court fines lawyer P5,000 for disobeying court orders and using intemperate language in pleadings, reminding attorneys of their duty to respect judicial authority.
Attorney Accountability: Honesty in Legal Practice and Notarial Duties
A Supreme Court ruling holds a lawyer liable for notarial law violations and falsehood, underscoring the personal accountability of notaries and the duty of honesty.
Accountability Endures: Fiscal Responsibility in the Philippine Judiciary Even Post Mortem
A lawyer who sexually harasses a client faces suspension. The Court clarifies accountability and professional conduct standards.
Sexual Harassment by a Lawyer: When Misconduct Erodes Client Trust
A lawyer who sexually harasses a client faces suspension. The Supreme Court explains why such conduct betrays the profession's core values.
Attorney's Negligence Leads to Suspension: Upholding Diligence in Legal Representation
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for five years for gross negligence in criminal defense, reaffirming counsel's duty of diligence and fidelity to clients.
Upholding Client Loyalty Attorney Suspended FOR Conflict OF Interest IN Estate Case
A lawyer's switch from representing heirs to opposing the same heirs in one estate case leads to a three-month suspension for conflict of interest.
Finality of Labor Awards and Attorney's Fees in Compromise Settlements
When a client settles a labor case behind counsel's back to avoid attorney's fees, the Supreme Court protects the lawyer's right to compensation.
Attorney Suspended for Incompetence and Lack of Communication with Client
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for filing cases in wrong courts and failing to update client on case status.
Lawyer Admonished for Neglect of Client's Case: Upholding Competence and Diligence
A lawyer's failure to file a timely appeal leads to admonition, reinforcing the duty of competence and diligence under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Unregistered Land Sales: Priority Rights and a Lawyer's Ethical Duty
When a lawyer buys his client's land, bad faith and conflict of interest can void the sale. Learn the rules on unregistered land priority.
When a Lawyer Buys His Client’s Land: Double Sale and Bad Faith Under Philippine Law
A lawyer who bought land his clients had already purchased lost the case. The Supreme Court explains double sales, bad faith, and unregistered land rules.
When a Lawyer Buys the Client's Land: Breach of Fiduciary Duty in Property Acquisition
A lawyer who bought property his clients had already purchased breached his fiduciary duty. The Supreme Court explains why.
Upholding Client Loyalty Disciplinary Action FOR Attorneys Representing Conflicting Interests IN THE Philippin
A lawyer cannot represent opposing clients even in unrelated cases. The Supreme Court explains the rule on conflicting interests and its consequences.
Lawyer Disbarred for Deceitful Land Dealings and Misrepresenting Ownership
A lawyer was disbarred for selling land he did not own, misrepresenting himself as owner, and keeping the proceeds—a clear violation of professional ethics.
Disbarment for Lawyer’s Fraudulent Sale of Client’s Property
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who misrepresented ownership of clients’ land, sold it, and kept proceeds, violating Rule 1.01 of the CPR.
Upholding Attorney Accountability: Negligence and Breach of Professional Duty
A lawyer's failure to attend hearings, file pleadings, and inform clients breaches the Code of Professional Responsibility and warrants suspension.
Solicitation and Impropriety: Disbarment for Lawyers Violating Professional Ethics
A labor arbiter who solicited money from a litigant and distorted a final ruling was disbarred for gross misconduct and immorality.
Judicial Overreach Limits on Agrarian Reform Adjudicators and Due Process
A lawyer-adjudicator's suspension for issuing writs of possession before an appealed order became final, violating due process and DARAB rules.
Unauthorized Notarization: When a Lawyer’s Integrity Is Put on the Line
A lawyer who notarizes documents without a commission faces suspension and disqualification, as the Supreme Court reminds the bar.
Lawyers Must Personally Sign Pleadings: Ethics Rules on Delegating Legal Work
A lawyer who lets a secretary sign pleadings violates legal ethics. The Supreme Court explains why delegation to non-lawyers is prohibited.
Upholding Client Trust: Attorney's Neglect and Misrepresentation Lead to Suspension
A lawyer who misleads clients about case status violates the Code of Professional Responsibility and faces suspension, as shown in this Supreme Court ruling.
Lawyer Suspended for Failing to Appeal Client's Quo Warranto Case
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three months for gross negligence in failing to appeal a quo warranto decision, causing client's removal from office.