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's Missed Deadline Leads to Reprimand: Lessons on Diligence and Client Rights
When a lawyer's missed filing deadline costs a client his case, the Supreme Court explains the limits of excusable negligence and counsel's duty of diligence.
When a Lawyer's Missed Deadline Costs a Client's Case: Ramos v. Dajoyag
A lawyer's failure to file a petition on time is negligence, not excusable error. Learn the duty of diligence.
Attorney-Client Privilege Protects Lawyers Even When Conspiracy Is Alleged
The Supreme Court shields lawyers from suits that would breach attorney-client confidentiality, even when conspiracy is alleged against them.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Reopening Cases for Fair Trial
When a lawyer's gross negligence deprives a client of a fair trial, courts may reopen the case to serve justice.
Who Can Answer a Request for Admission? Rule 26 and Legal Representation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies whether a lawyer may answer a request for admission for a client under Rule 26 of the Rules of Court.
Accountability Prevails Upholding Ethical Conduct AND Client Trust IN Attorney Client Relationships
Alien Land Ownership and Pari Delicto: When Title Reverts to the State
Explaining the pari delicto doctrine in alien land sales, and when the State—not the vendor—may pursue reversion of title.
Alien Land Ownership: Constitutional Ban Survives Even After Heirs Become Filipino Citizens
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land reconstitution, alien ownership bans, and how Filipino heirship cures constitutional defects.
Attorney Neglect: Upholding Diligence and Communication in Client Representation
A lawyer who forgets a client's case and fails to inform them of its status breaches the Code of Professional Responsibility and faces sanctions.
Breach of Trust: When a Lawyer's Actions Lead to Ethical Misconduct
When a lawyer solicits a client's letter then uses it against them, the Supreme Court says it is misconduct.
Attorney’s Lien in the Philippines: Can It Attach to Real Property?
Philippine law limits attorney’s liens to judgments and client documents—not land. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Obligations Under Contracts Defining Liens and Encumbrances in Land Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when "free from liens and encumbrances" in land contracts includes clearing squatters and what obligations bind successors.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty in Failing to File Appellant's Brief
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for neglecting client's appeal and disobeying court orders.
Lawyer Suspended for Negligence: The Duty to File Briefs and Protect Clients' Rights
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for failing to file appellant's brief, causing delay in client's criminal appeal and violating professional responsibility rules.
Judicial Duty vs Oversight: When a Judge's Negligence Impacts Justice
A Supreme Court ruling on when a client bears the consequences of counsel's negligence, and the strict deadlines for relief from judgment.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Appeal: Duty to Client and Court
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to file appellant's brief, causing client's appeal to stall for over a year.
Finality of Judgments in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court enforces final judgments in disbarment cases, citing a lawyer for indirect contempt and disobedience for refusing to return client funds.
Attorney Accountability: The Duty of Candor and Knowledge in Legal Practice
A lawyer cited an inexistent Supreme Court circular to defend a drug case client. The Court held him in contempt, reaffirming counsel's duty of candor and diligence.
Lawyer Suspended Two Years for Misappropriating Client Funds and Ignoring Court Orders
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a lawyer's failure to file pleadings and misuse of client money led to a two-year suspension.
Attorneys Neglect AND Misconduct Consequences OF Abandoning Client Trust AND Defying Court Orders
Conflict of Interest and Informed Consent in Attorney Representation
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment complaint against a lawyer who represented clients with potentially conflicting interests, clarifying the written-consent rule.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Due Process Limits in Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief justifies dismissal of an appeal and binds the client.
Habeas Corpus and Deportation: What Tung Chin Hui v. Rodriguez Means for Aliens in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus is available to aliens facing deportation orders from the Bureau of Immigration.
Deportation and Habeas Corpus: The Limits of Judicial Intervention in Immigration Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue the writ of habeas corpus in deportation cases involving undocumented aliens.