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 Gross Immorality: Marital Infidelity and the Lawyer's Duty of Good Moral Character
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for gross immorality and marital infidelity, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for membership in the Philippine Bar.
Obstruction of Justice and the Lawyer's Duty: De Leon v. Luis
A lawyer's failure to report a client with a standing warrant is not obstruction of justice absent clear intent to harbor or conceal.
Ethical Limits on Filing Graft Complaints: Lessons from Diaz v. Atty. Mandagan
A lawyer's duty to avoid frivolous cases: Supreme Court suspends counsel for filing unsubstantiated graft charges against a former mayor.
When Lawyers Cross the Line: The Limits of Advocacy in Corporate Disputes
A lawyer's duty to the court limits zeal for clients. The Supreme Court suspends counsel for evading a TRO in a corporate control fight.
Understanding Forum Shopping: A Philippine Lawyer's Duty to Avoid Duplicative Suits
The Supreme Court explains forum shopping and res judicata through a lawyer's two-year suspension for filing a duplicative labor case.
Lawyer's Duty to Account for Client Funds: A Case of Trust and Misappropriation
When a lawyer fails to account for client funds, the Supreme Court steps in. Learn the rules on fiduciary duty and the penalties for misappropriation.
Understanding Conflict of Interest: A Lawyer's Duty of Loyalty in Settlement Negotiations
When does a lawyer's settlement talk with the opposing party become a conflict of interest? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a lawyer's duty of loyalty.
Misrepresentation and Legal Ethics: A Lawyer's Duty to Uphold Integrity
A lawyer who misrepresents property ownership and refuses to return earnest money faces suspension under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Gross Immorality and Bigamy: What Lawyers Risk in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains how bigamy and extra-marital affairs violate the lawyer's duty of good moral character.
Notarial Responsibilities and Lawyer Ethics: Lessons from Rivera v. Dalangin
A lawyer's duty to refuse notarizing unlawful documents and uphold honesty, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Submitting Altered Evidence in Court: A Lawyer's Duty to Verify Documents
A lawyer who pre-marks altered evidence without verifying it faces discipline. The Supreme Court explains the duty of candor.
Lawyers Must Uphold Ethics and Advise Clients on Proper Legal Remedies
A lawyer's duty to zealously defend a client does not justify bypassing courts, as shown in this Philippine disciplinary case.
Lawyer's Duty to Account for Client Funds: Lessons from a Two-Year Suspension
A lawyer's failure to account for client funds and neglect of cases leads to a two-year suspension, reaffirming core ethical duties.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Lawyers Responsibility Beyond Professional Capacity
A lawyer's duty to a client does not end with accepting a case. The Supreme Court reminds lawyers of their ethical obligations in this disciplinary case.
Understanding Attorney Negligence Duties and Consequences in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies a lawyer's duty of diligence, when accepting fees creates an attorney-client relationship, and the penalties for neglect.
Upholding Client Confidentiality Limits On Revealing Information After Termination OF Employment
A lawyer's duty of confidentiality survives termination of employment, but the burden of proving a breach rests on the complainant.
Lawyer's Duty to Encourage Settlement: A Lesson from Sevilla v. Millo
When a lawyer blocked his clients' negotiated settlement, the Supreme Court imposed a one-month suspension, reaffirming that lawyers must encourage fair settlements.
Lawyer's Duty to Client: Neglect and Failure to Inform Leads to Six-Month Suspension
A lawyer who failed to inform a client about an adverse NLRC ruling and did not appeal was suspended for six months for violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Upholding Integrity: A Lawyer's Duty in Notarizing Documents and Avoiding Deceitful Conduct
A lawyer was suspended for notarizing a fictitious deed without a commission and without all parties present. Learn the notarial duties and ethical rules.
Upholding Client Confidentiality: A Lawyer's Duty in Conflicting Interests
When a lawyer takes on a case against a former client over a deal he oversaw, the Supreme Court says it is a conflict of interest.
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.
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.
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.
Candor and Fairness: A Lawyer's Duty to the Court and Fellow Counsel
A lawyer's entry of appearance must be candid and accurate. Learn the ethics rules from this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.