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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Attorney Misconduct: Handling Client Funds and Accountability in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine lawyers must account for client funds and return unused amounts, based on Supreme Court rulings on attorney discipline.
Attorney Discipline: Negligence and Misconduct in Quasi-Judicial Roles
When do a government lawyer's official acts become grounds for discipline? The Court clarifies the standard in this 2024 ruling.
Balancing Fidelity and Moral Conduct: Attorney Discipline for Extramarital Affairs in the Philippines
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for gross immorality in an extramarital affair, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for the bar.
Due Process in Attorney Discipline: Fair Hearings for Legal Professionals
The Supreme Court reminds us that even in lawyer discipline cases, due process and substantial evidence are required before any sanction.
Due Process in Attorney Discipline: The Right to Fair Opportunity to Defend
The Supreme Court reminds us that even in disbarment cases, a lawyer must be given a fair opportunity to defend.
Balancing Free Press and Confidentiality When Attorney Discipline Becomes a Public Matter
The Supreme Court clarifies when media reports on confidential lawyer disciplinary cases are protected by press freedom.
Dishonored Checks and Attorney Discipline: Upholding Ethical Standards in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for one year for issuing worthless checks, reaffirming strict ethical standards for attorneys.
Moral Turpitude and Attorney Discipline: Upholding Ethical Standards in Personal Conduct
A lawyer's illicit affair and failure to support his child led to a six-month suspension, reaffirming that personal morality matters in the legal profession.
Compassionate Justice: When Mitigating Circumstances Reduce Penalties in Attorney Discipline Cases
Explaining how the Supreme Court reduced a lawyer's suspension to a fine by considering mitigating circumstances in disciplinary proceedings.
Attorney Discipline in Nullity Cases: Due Process and Compliance Standards
Supreme Court clarifies lawyer discipline standards in nullity cases, requiring clear evidence and due process before sanctions.
Moral Turpitude AND Attorney Discipline Infidelity AS Grounds FOR Suspension
Balancing Public Service AND Moral Conduct Reassessing Attorney Discipline
Attorney Discipline in the Philippines: Gross Ignorance of the Law as Grounds for Reprimand
A retired judge-lawyer was reprimanded for gross ignorance of the law after citing outdated rules on citizenship. Learn the ethical duty of every Philippine lawyer.
Truth and Oath in Attorney Discipline: When Perjury Allegations Against Lawyers Fail
Explaining Asturias v. Serrano, where the Supreme Court dismissed disbarment complaints for lack of clear evidence of willful falsehood.
Attorney Discipline When Actions Abroad Affect Legal Standing in the Philippines
Philippine courts can discipline judiciary employees for misconduct even if a complainant withdraws the case, as shown in Gamboa v. Gamboa.
Upholding Due Process in Attorney Discipline: The Necessity of Formal Investigation
When can a lawyer be suspended without a formal investigation? The Supreme Court clarifies due process requirements in disciplinary cases.
Due Process in Disbarment: Why Hearings Are Indispensable in Attorney Discipline Cases
The Supreme Court reminds the IBP that formal hearings are mandatory in disbarment cases, safeguarding due process for respondent lawyers.
Attorney Discipline: Understanding Disbarment and Suspension in the Philippines
Explaining the difference between disbarment and suspension for Philippine lawyers, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Dumadag v. Lumaya.
Attorney Discipline When Misconduct As A Government Official Leads To Disbarment IN THE Philippines
When can a lawyer be disciplined for misconduct committed as a government official? The Supreme Court explains in Dinsay v. Cioco.