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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Breach of Trust: A Lawyer's Duty to Account for Client Funds Promptly
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for failing to promptly account for a client's money, affirming that lawyers hold client funds in trust under Canon 16.
Breach of Duty: Upholding Integrity and Accountability in Court Processes
A lawyer's misuse of client funds for purported court fees leads to suspension and restitution, reinforcing ethical duties.
Lawyer's Duty to Respect Attorney-Client Relationships: Lessons from Camacho v. Pangulayan
A lawyer who negotiates directly with opposing parties already represented by counsel violates professional ethics and faces suspension.
Attorney Suspended Six Months for Deceitful Loan Practices with Client
A lawyer who facilitated a fraudulent loan for his clients was suspended for six months. Learn the ethical rules and lessons from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Attorney-Client Privilege Cannot Shield a Lawyer from Disciplinary Proceedings
A lawyer who ignores court orders and hides behind attorney-client privilege faces discipline. Learn the limits of confidentiality.
Notarial Duty and Due Diligence: Attorneys Cannot Notarize Documents They Sign for Others
A lawyer who signs a verification for clients and then notarizes it violates the Notarial Law. The Supreme Court explains the limits of a notary's duties.
When Official Duty Shields a Lawyer from Personal Liability for Conflict Claims
Explaining when government lawyers cannot be held personally liable for alleged conflicts of interest under the Anti-Graft law.
CPE Compliance Mandatory OR Moot Examining Professional License Renewal IN THE Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies that IBP dues are mandatory for lawyers, and senior citizen exemptions do not cover them.
Right to Counsel: Why a Fake Lawyer Voids a Criminal Conviction
Learn why the Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because the accused was represented by a non-lawyer, and what this means for due process.
Why the Right to Counsel Means a Real Lawyer: Lessons from People v. Santocildes
The Supreme Court reminds us that an accused must be represented by a licensed lawyer—not just anyone who acts like one.
Fake Lawyer Defense: When an Impostor Can Void a Criminal Conviction in the Philippines
Convictions can be overturned when the accused was represented by a non-lawyer. Learn the rules and how to verify counsel credentials.
Lawyer Ethics Matter: Why Misconduct Investigations Proceed Despite Complainant Withdrawal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lawyer disciplinary cases continue despite complainant withdrawal, and silence is not admission of guilt.
Breach of Lawyer's Oath: Disbarment for Immoral Conduct and Bigamy in the Philippines
A lawyer's illicit affair and bigamous marriage led to disbarment, showing that private misconduct can end a legal career.
Lawyer's Courtroom Bullying and Defiance of IBP Orders Draw PHP 155,000 Fine
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer PHP 155,000 for shouting at court personnel and defying IBP directives, reaffirming lawyer conduct standards.
When Lawyers May Hold Client Funds: The De Vera Case on Attorney's Liens and Trust Duties
A lawyer's right to claim fees does not justify withholding client funds. The Supreme Court's ruling in De Vera explains the limits.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Lawyer Disbarment for Misappropriating Client Funds in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts discipline lawyers who misappropriate client funds, the ethical rules involved, and practical lessons for attorneys.
Truth and Honesty in Legal Practice: Why Misleading the Court Can Lead to Suspension
A lawyer's false statement in a motion for postponement led to a six-month suspension. Learn the ethical rules on candor.
Attorney Negligence in the Philippines: A Lawyer's Duty of Diligence and the Consequences of Abandoning a Clie
When can a lawyer abandon a client? The Supreme Court explains the duty of diligence and the penalty for neglect in Aromin v. Boncavil.
Upholding Integrity When Lawyer Deceit Leads to Disbarment in the Philippines
When a lawyer's deceit endangers a client, the Supreme Court does not hesitate to strip the privilege to practice.
Forum Shopping in Philippine Courts: Why Personal Certification Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's signature on a non-forum shopping certification is fatal to an appeal.
Upholding Integrity: Why Workplace Misconduct in Philippine Courts Matters
A lawyer's duty to preserve client confidences survives the attorney-client relationship. The Supreme Court's ruling in Salonga v. Hildawa explains why.
Maintaining Client Confidences: Understanding a Lawyer's Duty of Confidentiality in the Philippines
A clear guide to the lawyer's duty of confidentiality in the Philippines, its scope, exceptions, and practical compliance tips.
When a Lawyer's Actions Lead to Reprimand: The Villaflor v. Sarita Case
A lawyer who deliberately misreads a TRO to enforce a demolition order faces suspension. Learn the ethical limits of client advocacy.
Lawyer Reprimanded for Losing Client Trust: Fidelity Lessons from Curimatmat v. Gojar
A lawyer's duty of fidelity means keeping clients informed and appealing on time. The Supreme Court's reprimand in Curimatmat v. Gojar explains why.