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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Negligence in Notarization: Consequences for Failure to Comply With Notarial Duties
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines lawyers who neglect notarial duties and mishandle client funds, with practical compliance tips.
Judges and Lawyers Face Strict Accountability for Extramarital Affairs
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair, showing that private misconduct can end a judicial career.
When a Lawyer's Mistake Can Be Excused: Client Rights and Attorney Negligence in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when attorney negligence binds clients, and the exceptions that protect clients from a lawyer's gross mistakes.
Upholding Due Process in Attorney Discipline: The Necessity of Formal Investigation
When can a lawyer be suspended without a formal investigation? The Supreme Court clarifies due process requirements in disciplinary cases.
Maintaining Professionalism: Lawyers' Duty to Courteous Conduct
Philippine Supreme Court rules on lawyer discipline for uncivil conduct toward fellow attorneys, citing Canon 8 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Lawyer Suspended for Negligence: The Cost of Missing Deadlines and Court Hearings
A lawyer's failure to attend hearings and file exhibits led to case dismissal and a one-month suspension. Learn the professional responsibility lessons.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Costs a Client's Case: Lessons from Fernandez v. Novero
A lawyer's failure to file exhibits led to case dismissal and a one-month suspension. Learn the professional responsibility rules at stake.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: The Bihag v. Era Resolution
The Supreme Court enforces final disbarment decisions, citing a lawyer for contempt and ordering execution of the judgment.
Upholding Ethical Standards Lawyer Disbarred FOR Exploiting Client Trust AND Corporate LAW
Upholding Corporate Authority When Can a Lawyer Certify Against Forum Shopping
Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate lawyer may sign the certification against forum shopping, and the limits of year-end incentive claims.
Due Process in Attorney Disciplinary Cases: The Mandatory Formal Investigation
The Supreme Court reminds the IBP that a formal investigation is mandatory in lawyer disciplinary cases, remanding a dismissed complaint for further proceedings.
Who Represents the Government on Appeal? The Solicitor General's Role vs. BIR Lawyers
The Supreme Court clarifies that while BIR lawyers can litigate tax cases, the Solicitor General must handle appeals to the High Court.
Disbarment for Attorney Misconduct: Delaying Justice and Abusing Court Processes
A lawyer's dilatory tactics and groundless suits against judges led to disbarment for violating the lawyer's oath and obstructing justice.
Attorney Accountability: Negligence and Breach of Duty in Legal Representation
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief led to dismissal of an appeal and a six-month suspension. Learn the ethical rules and lessons from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Attorney Suspended for Misusing Client Funds and Neglecting Duty
A lawyer's one-year suspension for converting a client's filing fee and failing to file a case underscores ethical duties in the legal profession.
Lawyer Indefinitely Suspended for Dishonesty and Defying Court Processes
A lawyer who kept a client's sale proceeds, issued bad checks, and defied court orders was indefinitely suspended by the Supreme Court.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds in Loan Restructuring Scheme
A lawyer's six-month suspension for misappropriating P60,000 in client funds and fabricating a PNB connection underscores ethical duties.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds in Fake PNB Fixer Scheme
A Supreme Court ruling suspends a lawyer for six months for misappropriating P60,000 from a client through false claims of bank connections.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: When a Lawyer Can No Longer Contest a Decision
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's belated motion to reopen his case, reaffirming the doctrine of finality of judgment and punishing defiance of court orders.
Breach of Professional Duty Attorneys Must Avoid Representing Conflicting Interests
Lawyers who represent conflicting interests violate the Code of Professional Responsibility and face suspension from the practice of law.
Attorney Negligence: When a Lawyer's Lapses Cost Clients Their Case
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to file briefs, costing clients their property in a recovery case.
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.
When Can the President Reorganize Government Agencies? The Mabalot Case on LTFRB and DOTC Powers
Supreme Court ruling on the President's power to reorganize executive agencies and transfer functions, explained for non-lawyers.