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.
Lawyer Misconduct: The Dangers of Assisting False Witnesses in Philippine Courts
A lawyer who notarizes documents without a commission and assists false witnesses faces suspension and perpetual disqualification from notarial practice.
Lawyer Misconduct: Disbarment for Dishonesty and Deceit in Property Transactions
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for fabricating court filings and a fake decision in a client's annulment case, underscoring strict ethical standards.
Timely Communication and Professional Duties in Legal Practice: Lessons from Ocampo v. Lorica
A lawyer's failure to promptly notify a client of an adverse ruling led to a one-year suspension. Learn the ethical duties at stake.
Lawyer-Client Duties and Ethical Boundaries: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A lawyer who abandons a client's cause, hides legal heirs, and uses confidential documents faces suspension. Learn the ethical rules.
Understanding Gross Immorality When Personal Conduct Leads to Disbarment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer-judge for continuing an illicit relationship despite prior warning. Learn the rules on gross immorality.
Lawyer-Client Relationship and Professional Ethics: Lessons from Zamora v. Gallanosa
When does a lawyer-client relationship begin, and what happens when a lawyer abandons a case? The Supreme Court clarifies in Zamora v. Gallanosa.
Lawyer Negligence: The Consequences of Failing to File Court Documents on Time
A lawyer's failure to file court documents on time can lead to disbarment. Learn from a Supreme Court case on attorney negligence.
Gross Misconduct and Serious Dishonesty: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A lawyer who abandoned his client, ignored court orders, and borrowed money from a client faced a three-year suspension. Learn the ethical rules.
Disgraceful and Immoral Conduct: Supreme Court Ruling on Judicial Ethics
The Supreme Court holds court employees accountable for disgraceful and immoral conduct, even after resignation. Learn the rules and penalties.
Understanding the Burden of Proof in Disbarment Cases: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment complaint for lack of evidence, clarifying the burden of proof in administrative cases against lawyers.
Disbarment for Lawyer Misconduct: Conflict of Interest and Deceit in Philippine Legal Practice
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who deceived his client and profited from a compromise agreement, clarifying disciplinary proceedings are independent of civil cases.
When a Lawyer Betrays a Client: Disbarment and the Independence of Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who deceived his client into signing a compromise agreement, clarifying that disciplinary cases proceed independently of civil suits.
Submitting Altered Evidence in Court: A Lawyer's Duty to Verify Documents
A lawyer who pre-marks altered evidence without verifying it faces discipline. The Supreme Court explains the duty of candor.
Notarial Responsibilities and Lawyer Ethics: Lessons from Rivera v. Dalangin
A lawyer's duty to refuse notarizing unlawful documents and uphold honesty, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Lawyer Misconduct: Disbarment for Dishonesty and Misappropriation of Client Funds
When lawyers deceive clients and misuse entrusted funds, the Supreme Court can impose the ultimate penalty: disbarment. Learn from a recent case.
Attorney-Client Trust: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling on Lawyer Misconduct
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer misconduct clarifies candor duties, attorney's fees, and the penalties for unethical conduct.
The Best Evidence Rule in Disciplinary Proceedings: Lessons from Basagan v. Espina
A disbarment complaint fails when complainants submit only photocopies. The Supreme Court explains why the Best Evidence Rule applies to lawyer discipline cases.
The Critical Role of Notarization in Property Transactions: Lessons From a Philippine Supreme Court Case
A notary public who notarized a deed of sale involving parties who had long been dead was suspended and perpetually disqualified. Here's why notarization matters.
Client’s Death and Counsel’s Duty: The 30-Day Notification Rule Under Section 16, Rule 3
A lawyer must notify the court within 30 days of a client’s death and name the legal representatives—or face disciplinary action.
Lawyer Duties: Informing Courts of Client Death and Filing Briefs
Supreme Court reprimands lawyer for failing to inform court of client's death and neglecting to file appellee's brief. Learn the rules.
How Lawyers' Dilatory Tactics Can Delay Justice: Lessons from a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
Six lawyers were disciplined for filing frivolous motions to delay execution of a final judgment. Learn the rules they violated.
Lawyer Misconduct: The Duty to Return Client Funds in the Philippines
When a lawyer fails to render service and keeps client money, the Supreme Court imposes suspension and restitution. Learn the rules.
Judicial Decorum in Philippine Courts: Lessons from Judge Dajao's Vulgar Conduct Case
The Supreme Court fined a judge for vulgar language and self-promotion, reaffirming strict standards of judicial decorum under Philippine law.
Lawyer Misconduct: The Consequences of Filing Baseless Lawsuits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for filing baseless suits to harass an opposing party—a lesson on the limits of a lawyer's zeal.