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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Clerks of Court and Fiduciary Responsibility: A Case of Mismanagement and Neglect
The Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers must be vigilant with client funds and records, even when clients fail to provide complete documentation.
Attorney Negligence: When a Botched Case Makes a Lawyer Liable
When a lawyer's negligence costs a client their case, disciplinary action follows. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Adoption in the Philippines: Alien Restrictions and Joint Adoption Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when aliens may adopt Filipino children and why joint adoption by spouses is mandatory under the Family Code.
Gross Negligence of Counsel: When Can a Client Get a New Trial in the Philippines?
When a lawyer's repeated absences prevent a client from presenting defense evidence, the Supreme Court may order a new trial to protect due process.
Employer Liability in Independent Contractor Relationships: The PAL Security Guards Case
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC clarifies when a client company becomes liable for an independent contractor's employees—and when it does not.
Priority of Liens: Attachment vs Execution in Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court resolved a dispute over which lien—attachment or execution—has priority over the same property.
Attorney Misconduct Handling Client Funds and Upholding Professional Responsibility
A lawyer who misappropriates client funds, even a small amount, faces suspension. The Supreme Court explains why.