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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Disbarment for Misusing Blank Checks: Dishonesty and Abuse of Authority
A lawyer who filled up borrowers' blank checks and filed baseless criminal cases was disbarred for gross misconduct and dishonesty.
Breach OF Trust Disbarment FOR Attorneys Misappropriation OF Client Property
Attorney-Client Relationship and Disbarment: When Personal Transactions Do Not Trigger Professional Liability
Supreme Court clarifies that free legal advice incidental to personal dealings does not establish attorney-client relationship for disbarment purposes.
Forged Deeds and Buyer Beware: Protecting Land Titles in the Philippines
A disbarment case reveals how forged deeds and unpaid balances can put Philippine land titles at risk, and why buyers must verify.
Attorney-Client Privilege: Examining the Boundaries of Confidentiality and Professional Duty
A disbarment case clarifies when attorney-client privilege exists and why courts defer to pending civil cases.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: What Lawyers and Clients Should Know
A disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen his case fails, as the Supreme Court enforces the doctrine of finality of judgment and cites him for indirect contempt.
When Lawyers Fall Short: Disbarment for Gross Immoral Conduct
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for abandoning his wife and children to cohabit with another woman, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for membership in the bar.
When a Lawyer's Private Misconduct Warrants Disbarment: The Arnobit Case
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for abandoning his wife and children to cohabit with another woman, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for the practice of law.
Due Process and Public Interest: When Technicalities Yield in Land Disputes
A disbarment case clarifies when a lawyer's honest errors in land reconstitution cases are not professional misconduct.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Infidelity as Grounds for Attorney Disbarment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules on infidelity as grounds for attorney disbarment, clarifying ethical standards for lawyers and judges in the Philippines.
Deceitful Practices by Lawyers: When Suspension and Disbarment Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers face suspension or disbarment for deceitful conduct, citing a case of forged documents and dishonest estate settlement.
Lawyer's Disrespect Toward Court and Staff Draws Fines Despite Prior Disbarment
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for disrespecting court personnel and defying IBP directives, reaffirming lawyer discipline standards.
When Attorney Neglect Leads to Disbarment: Upholding Client Trust and Competence
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer whose repeated failure to file appeal briefs cost his client millions, underscoring a lawyer's duty of competence and diligence.
Disbarred Lawyer's Continued Practice: Indirect Contempt and the Supreme Court's Warning
The Supreme Court held a disbarred lawyer in indirect contempt for continuing to practice law, underscoring the permanence of disbarment and the judiciary's authority.
Disbarment for Government Lawyers: Ethical Standards and Public Trust
A PAO lawyer's disbarment for accepting private cases and fees while in government service, and for deceiving a client.
Finality of Judgment and Lawyer Accountability in Disbarment Cases
Supreme Court denies disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen final judgment, citing immutability doctrine and imposing contempt for non-compliance.
Disbarment in the Philippines: When Lawyers Betray Public Trust and Client Funds
The Supreme Court reaffirms that lawyers who disrespect courts and disobey orders face severe sanctions, even after disbarment.
When a Lawyer Takes Fees but Does Nothing: Disbarment Lessons from Small v. Banares
A lawyer who takes a client's money but files no case and ignores demands faces suspension. Learn the rules on attorney accountability.
Disbarment Cases in the Philippines: Why Evidence Is Key to Proving Misconduct
Learn how Philippine disbarment cases turn on solid evidence, using the Adasa v. Abalos ruling to explain proof standards.
Protecting Judicial Integrity: Dismissal of Frivolous Disbarment Suits in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle frivolous disbarment suits and protect judicial integrity through procedural rules and ethical standards.
Notary Publics’ Ethical Duties: Lessons from a Philippine Disbarment Case
A notary public who notarizes a document knowing it contains false statements faces administrative sanctions, including suspension and revocation of commission.
Mootness in Philippine Law When Subsequent Actions Nullify a Pending Case
Explore how Philippine courts treat moot cases, using a disbarment case to illustrate when subsequent events render a case moot.