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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Social Media Conduct and Lawyer Discipline: Ethical Boundaries in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer's Facebook post shows how social media conduct can lead to contempt and disciplinary action.
Lawyer Discipline for Negligence and Ignorance of the Law: The Quiñones Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government lawyers face disciplinary action for negligence and ignorance of the law.
When Love Turns Abusive: Disbarment for Lawyer's Violence Against Partner and Children
A lawyer was disbarred for physically abusing his partner and her children. Learn the rules on lawyer discipline and violence against women.
Dual Citizenship and Lawyer Discipline: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Case
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies when lawyers may hold dual citizenship and the ethical duties that remain.
Lawyer's Courtroom Conduct and Disciplinary Liability Under the CPRA
Supreme Court clarifies lawyer discipline under the CPRA, including fines for disbarred lawyers and standards for respectful court conduct.
Understanding Estafa and Falsification: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A disbarment case clarifies the evidentiary standard for lawyer discipline and the role of a Special Power of Attorney in signing judicial affidavits.
Domestic Violence and Lawyer Discipline: Lessons from a Philippine Disbarment Case
A Supreme Court ruling shows why lawyers face discipline for domestic violence—even when criminal cases are dismissed.
Lawyer Discipline and Official Duties: When Ombudsman Actions Are Not Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's official acts as an Ombudsman official can be disciplined as professional misconduct.
Navigating Professional Misconduct: The Importance of Evidence in Disciplinary Cases Against Lawyers
Learn how the Supreme Court weighs evidence in lawyer discipline cases, and why substantial proof matters in administrative proceedings.
Understanding the Burden of Proof in Lawyer Disbarment Cases: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A disbarment complaint dismissed for lack of substantial evidence—what this Supreme Court ruling teaches about the burden of proof in lawyer discipline cases.
The Best Evidence Rule in Disciplinary Proceedings: Lessons from Basagan v. Espina
A disbarment complaint fails when complainants submit only photocopies. The Supreme Court explains why the Best Evidence Rule applies to lawyer discipline cases.
Forum Shopping and Lawyer Discipline: Lessons from a 2020 Disbarment Case
A lawyer's suspension for forum shopping shows how filing repeated cases over the same dispute violates legal ethics and court rules.
Lawyer Discipline for Defamatory Language in Pleadings: Parks v. Atty. Misa
When a lawyer's counter-affidavit crossed the line from defense to defamation, the Supreme Court imposed discipline. Learn the limits of zealous advocacy.
Lawyer Discipline for Defamatory Pleadings: Lessons from Parks v. Atty. Misa
A lawyer's use of defamatory language in pleadings violates the Code of Professional Responsibility, as shown in a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Premature Election Notices and Lawyer Discipline: A Lesson in Upholding the Rule of Law
A provincial election supervisor's premature notices before COMELEC acted led to a one-year suspension—a lesson on lawyers' duty to obey the law.
Finality of Judgment and Lawyer Discipline: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
A disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen a final judgment fails; Court cites contempt and orders execution.
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.
Upholding Ethical Standards When Personal Conduct Impacts A Lawyers Professional Standing
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline for conduct unbecoming, even without proof of sexual immorality.
Lawyer Suspended for Taking Client Funds Without Securing US Visas
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline shows why attorneys must account for client funds and charge only reasonable fees.
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.
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.
Compromise Offers and Debt Obligations: When Words Don't Bind Lawyers
A lawyer's compromise offer in a debt dispute can imply guilt. Learn the ethical rules and prescription rules for lawyer discipline.
Bouncing Checks AND Lawyer Discipline Upholding Integrity IN THE Legal Profession
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.