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 Professional Ethics: Lawyers Cannot Exploit Legal Loopholes for Personal or Client Gain
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when judges face administrative liability for delay, bias, and abuse of judicial discretion.
When Lawyers Can Withdraw From a Case: The Rule on Client Consent and Court Approval
A lawyer cannot simply abandon a client's case. The Supreme Court explains the rules on withdrawal and the penalties for violation.
Lawyers Must Return Fees for Incompetent Service: A.C. No. 10543
When a lawyer accepts a case beyond their competence, they must return the full fees paid. The Supreme Court explains the rule on quantum meruit.
Attorney Disqualification: The Limits of Contingency Fees and Conflicts of Interest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyers acquiring client property during litigation, void contracts, and contingency fee limits.
Lawyer Suspended for Disrespectful Remarks Toward Elderly: A Lesson in Professional Conduct
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for one month for rude remarks to a 70-year-old complainant, reminding lawyers to uphold dignity and respect.
Forum Shopping by Lawyers: Ethical Duty and the Price of Misconduct
A lawyer's filing of successive petitions constituted forum shopping, resulting in a six-month suspension from the practice of law.
When Lawyers Issue Bouncing Checks: Good Faith Is No Defense in Disciplinary Cases
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for issuing worthless checks, clarifying that good faith is not a defense in disciplinary proceedings.
Breach OF Duty Disbarment FOR Unauthorized Notarization AND Violation OF Lawyers Oath
Notarial Misconduct Lawyers Accountability FOR Improper Notarization
Upholding Lawyers Duty Honesty AND Diligence IN Legal Practice
Disbarment for Gross Immorality: When a Lawyer’s Private Conduct Ends the Legal Career
The Supreme Court disbars a Court of Appeals clerk for an adulterous affair, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold high moral standards in private life.
Religious Freedom vs Legal Obligations: When Personal Beliefs Meet Professional Conduct
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers cannot use personal beliefs to evade professional duties and client obligations.
Upholding Legal Ethics: Disciplining Lawyers for Obstructing Justice and Misleading Courts
A lawyer's duty to the court outweighs loyalty to a client. Learn how obstruction and misleading courts lead to suspension.
Notarial Misconduct: Scope of Authority and Ethical Obligations of Lawyers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies lawyers' ethical duties in notarial practice and the scope of their authority in Davao Import Distributors v. Atty. Landero.
Lawyer Suspended for Issuing Bounced Checks: Honesty and Integrity in Legal Practice
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year for issuing worthless checks, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold honesty and integrity in both public and private life.
Upholding Ministerial Duty Dismissal OF Disbarment Complaint FOR Good Faith Registration Actions
Supreme Court dismisses disbarment complaints against lawyers and registrars over good faith registration actions, clarifying ministerial duties.
Notarizing Without a Commission: Supreme Court Upholds Disciplinary Action Against Lawyers
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years and permanently bars him from notarial commission for notarizing documents without authority.
Attorney Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds: Upholding Trust in Legal Practice
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three months for failing to return client funds intended for transfer taxes, reaffirming lawyers' fiduciary duties.
Negligence in Notarial Duty: Lawyers Responsible for Staff Acts
A notary public cannot blame a secretary for unauthorized notarizations. The Supreme Court explains why lawyers bear full responsibility for their office staff's acts.
Lawyer Suspended for Dishonesty and Failure to Pay Debt: A Lesson in Ethical Conduct
The Supreme Court affirms a lawyer's suspension for issuing worthless checks and failing to pay a debt, underscoring lawyers' ethical duty to honor financial obligations.
Dismissal for Grave Misconduct: Court Personnel Who Usurp Authority and Exact Illegal Fees
Supreme Court dismisses court interpreter for grave misconduct—usurping judicial functions and illegally exacting fees from lawyers and litigants.
Surety Bonds and Execution Pending Appeal: What Lawyers Should Know
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when execution pending appeal may run against a surety and how far the bond covers damages.
Upholding Professional Integrity Lawyers Association With Questionable Individuals Leads TO Suspension
Notarial Misconduct: When Lawyers Fail Their Oath as Notaries Public
A lawyer-notary's careless notarization of unsigned documents leads to one-year suspension and perpetual disqualification from notarial commission.