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.
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.
Disbarment for Forgery and Misrepresentation in Marriage Nullity Case
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who filed nullity petition without client's consent, forged signature, and misrepresented herself as counsel.
Lawyer Suspended for Dishonoring Obligations and Issuing Bouncing Checks
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for issuing worthless checks and evading debts, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Upholding Client Trust Attorney Disbarred FOR Unauthorized Compromise AND Misappropriation OF Funds
A lawyer who compromised a client's case without authority and misused funds for docket fees was disbarred by the Supreme Court.
False Legal Credentials and a Lawyer's Duty of Candor to the Court
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for using another counsel's professional details in pleadings, underscoring the duty of candor.
Executive Judge’s Power to Act on Defective Judicial Inhibition Orders
SC clarifies that an executive judge may return a defective voluntary inhibition order to the judge, without usurping the Supreme Court’s sole power to reverse it.
Upholding Client Trust: Lawyer Suspended for Mismanaging Settlement Funds and Unauthorized Agreements
A lawyer who settled a client's case without consent and kept the P100,000 proceeds was suspended for two years and ordered to return the money.
Acceptance Fee vs Attorney's Fee: What Clients Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between acceptance fee and attorney's fee in legal representation, and when a lawyer must return payments.
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.
Lawyer Suspended for Non-Payment of Debt: Ethical Standards for Attorneys
A lawyer's deliberate failure to pay a just debt constitutes gross misconduct warranting suspension from the practice of law under Rule 1.01.
Practicing Law While Suspended: Consequences and Ethical Considerations
A suspended lawyer who appears as counsel for her husband still practices law. The Supreme Court explains the consequences and ethical duties.
Influence Peddling IN THE Legal Profession Upholding Ethical Standards AND Public Trust
Understand when a lawyer's error becomes gross misconduct, and why obeying court orders is a sacred duty.
Upholding Honesty in Legal Practice: Consequences for Submitting False Affidavits
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for six months for submitting a falsified affidavit in court, reaffirming the duty of candor and integrity in legal practice.
Attorney Negligence and Breach of Duty: When a Lawyer's Inaction Costs a Client the Case
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer accountability: negligence and lack of candor lead to a two-year suspension from practice.
Upholding Competence and Diligence: Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Client's Case
A lawyer's suspension from practice does not end his duty to clients. The Supreme Court suspends Atty. Baterina for gross negligence.
Sheriffs' Duty to Enforce Writs Promptly: A Lesson in Administrative Liability
When a sheriff repeatedly fails to implement a writ of execution, the Court steps in. Learn the rules on sheriffs' duties and penalties for neglect.
Upholding Ethical Standards Attorney Suspended FOR Dishonest Real Estate Dealings
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for dishonest real estate dealings, reaffirming high ethical standards for attorneys in the Philippines.
Reinstatement to the Bar: Proving Moral Reformation and Rehabilitation
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's plea for reinstatement, clarifying the high burden of proving moral reformation.
Final Judgments in Lawyer Discipline: Why They Cannot Be Reopened
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's bid to reopen his case, reaffirming the doctrine of finality of judgment.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds in Breach of Fiduciary Duty
A lawyer's failure to account for and return client funds collected on behalf of a client constitutes gross misconduct warranting suspension.
Attorney Suspended 3 Years for Neglect and Misrepresentation in Adoption Case
Lawyer suspended three years for taking fees but failing to file adoption petition and misleading client about its status.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Attorney Suspended FOR Deceit AND Neglect OF Client Funds
Lawyer suspended two years for misrepresenting himself, neglecting a client's visa case, and failing to return P350,000 in legal fees.
Attorney Suspended for Misrepresentation and Failure to Return Client Funds
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for misrepresenting as immigration lawyer and failing to return P350,000 client funds.
Customs Broker Accreditation Struck Down: Redundant Licensing Under the Customs Brokers Act
Supreme Court nullifies BOC accreditation requirement for customs brokers, affirming PRC's exclusive regulatory power under RA 9280.