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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Upholding Attorney Accountability Negligence AND Unauthorized Practice OF LAW
A lawyer who outsources pleadings to nonlawyers and signs them unread faces suspension. Learn the rules and takeaways.
Attorney Accountability: Negligence and Communication Failures in Legal Representation
Philippine Supreme Court disciplines lawyers for missed deadlines and failure to inform clients, setting clear standards for attorney conduct.
Upholding Attorney Accountability Neglect Dishonesty AND THE Duty TO Clients
A lawyer who neglects a client's case and deceives them faces suspension. The Court explains the duties lawyers owe.
Attorney Accountability: Negligence and Duty to Client in Legal Representation
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for negligence—missing pre-trial, defective motions, and concealing case status from client.
Upholding Attorney Accountability Negligence IN Notarizing Documents AND Breach OF Legal Ethics
Upholding Attorney Accountability: Disbarment for Faking a Court Decision
A lawyer who notarized without the client present and fabricated a court decision was disbarred by the Supreme Court.
Upholding Attorney Accountability Neglect OF Duty AND THE Duty TO Inform Clients
Upholding Attorney Accountability: Neglect of Duty and the Attorney-Client Relationship
A lawyer who takes a client's fees but fails to file the case, deceives the client, and misappropriates funds faces the ultimate sanction: disbarment.
Attorney Accountability for Defamatory Imputations Against Courts
Supreme Court suspends two lawyers for a checkbook entry implying the Sandiganbayan took a P2M bribe for a TRO.
Upholding Attorney Accountability Neglect OF Duty AND Client Trust
Upholding Attorney Accountability: Negligence and the Duty to Client
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief and keep a client informed leads to a six-month suspension, while a contingent fee contract is upheld.
Upholding Attorney Accountability Dishonored Checks AND Duty TO Clients
Upholding Attorney Accountability: Neglect of Duty and the Imperative of Client Communication
A lawyer suspended for neglect and failing to update a client on case status; withdrawal of a disbarment complaint does not end the case.
Attorney Accountability: Burden of Proof in Disbarment Cases Against Lawyers
Disbarment complaints require clear preponderant evidence, not mere assumptions. The Supreme Court explains the burden of proof in lawyer discipline cases.
Attorney Accountability: Negligence in Handling a Client's Appeal and Ethical Responsibilities
A lawyer's failure to file an appeal brief on time leads to suspension, reinforcing the duty of diligence in legal representation.
Attorney Accountability: Honesty in Legal Practice and Notarial Duties
A Supreme Court ruling holds a lawyer liable for notarial law violations and falsehood, underscoring the personal accountability of notaries and the duty of honesty.
Upholding Attorney Accountability Neglect IN Filing Appellants Brief Leads TO Suspension
A look at Zuellig Freight v. NLRC on corporate name changes, illegal dismissal, and attorney's fees.
Upholding Attorney Accountability: Negligence and Breach of Professional Duty
A lawyer's failure to attend hearings, file pleadings, and inform clients breaches the Code of Professional Responsibility and warrants suspension.
Attorney Accountability: When a Lawyer Fails to Deliver Legal Services
A lawyer who takes a client's money but fails to file cases faces suspension and must return the full amount with interest.
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.
Attorney Accountability Understanding Lawyer Negligence AND Upholding Client Trust IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for gross negligence, explaining counsel's duties of fidelity, diligence, and proper withdrawal under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Attorney Accountability in the Philippines: Upholding Client Trust and the Duty to Deliver Legal Services
A lawyer who accepts a client's money must render competent legal service or return the fees—the Supreme Court explains why.
Upholding Attorney Accountability Negligence AND Breach OF Professional Duty 2
A lawyer who files an erroneous appeal and abandons a client's case violates Canon 18 of the Code of Professional Responsibility, risking suspension.
Attorney Accountability Understanding Lawyer Neglect of Duty in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer neglect of duty, abandonment of clients, and the ethical obligations of attorneys.