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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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.
Due Process in Disbarment: Why Hearings Are Indispensable in Attorney Discipline Cases
The Supreme Court reminds the IBP that formal hearings are mandatory in disbarment cases, safeguarding due process for respondent lawyers.
Quantum Meruit: Fair Compensation for Legal Services Without a Fixed Fee
Philippine Supreme Court explains how lawyers are paid under quantum meruit when no fixed fee exists, using Racoma v. CNWD.
Prescription Period Bars Attorney's Fee Collection After Six Years
Supreme Court rules lawyers have six years to collect fees under oral contracts; failure to timely file bars the claim.
Attorney Negligence Upholding Diligence AND Accountability IN Legal Representation
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief led to a one-year suspension, reinforcing the duty of diligence in legal representation.
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.
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.
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 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.
Upholding Lawyer Accountability Consequences OF Negligence IN Philippine Legal Practice
Lawyer Disbarred for Disrespecting Court: Lessons from A.C. No. 11508
The Supreme Court fined a disbarred lawyer for disrespecting court personnel and disobeying IBP orders, reaffirming lawyers' duty of courtesy.
When Can a Lawyer Withdraw Services? Ethical Boundaries Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may withdraw from a case and when withdrawal becomes unethical misconduct warranting discipline.
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.
Lawyer's Courtroom Conduct and Disciplinary Liability Under the CPRA
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline clarifies duties to courts, consequences of misconduct, and how penalties apply to disbarred attorneys.
Court Employee Reprimanded for Discourtesy: Paras v. Lofranco
Court personnel must remain courteous even when provoked by lawyers; discourtesy draws administrative penalties.
Court Employees Must Treat Lawyers With Respect and Courtesy, Supreme Court Rules
The Supreme Court reprimanded a court clerk for discourtesy after a heated exchange with a lawyer, stressing that public service demands courtesy and self-restraint.
Attorney Suspended for Representing Conflicting Interests in Corporate Dispute
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for six months after finding she acted for conflicting interests in a corporation she helped organize and later led as president.