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.
Conflict of Interest in Legal Practice: The Fine Line Lawyers Must Navigate
When can a lawyer's business venture become a conflict of interest? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on lawyer loyalty and competing businesses.
Lawyer Misconduct and Fraud: Disbarment for Deceit in Legal Practice
A lawyer who defrauded his client of P14.3M through fake receipts and false filings was disbarred. Learn the ethical rules violated.
Timely Communication and Professional Duties in Legal Practice: Lessons from Ocampo v. Lorica
A lawyer's failure to promptly notify a client of an adverse ruling led to a one-year suspension. Learn the ethical duties at stake.
Understanding Gross Immorality in Legal Practice: Insights From a Landmark Disbarment Case
A Supreme Court disbarment case clarifies when a lawyer's extramarital affairs constitute gross immorality under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Disbarment for Lawyer Misconduct: Conflict of Interest and Deceit in Philippine Legal Practice
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who deceived his client and profited from a compromise agreement, clarifying disciplinary proceedings are independent of civil cases.
Regionalizing the Bar Exams: Expanding Access to Legal Practice in the Philippines
The Supreme Court approves Cebu City as a regional Bar exam site, easing access for Visayas and Mindanao candidates.
Navigating Conflict of Interest: The Importance of Ethical Notarization in Legal Practice
A lawyer who notarizes an adverse party's affidavit risks conflict of interest and suspension. Learn the ethical rules.
Understanding Professional Misconduct THE Consequences OF Dishonesty AND Intemperate Language IN Legal Practice
Lawyer Negligence Consequences and Duties in Philippine Legal Practice
A lawyer's failure to file an appeal brief is inexcusable negligence. The Supreme Court explains duties and penalties.
Moral Character and Bar Admission: Overcoming Obstacles to Legal Practice
How the Supreme Court weighed pending criminal cases against moral fitness in bar admission, and when a bar applicant may finally take the oath.
Notarizing Documents for Relatives: Ethical Boundaries in Philippine Legal Practice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when notarizing documents for relatives violates notarial rules, with practical guidance for lawyers.
Disbarment for Misleading the Court: Candor as a Lawyer's Highest Duty
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for misleading the court and breaching candor, reaffirming that honesty is the foundation of legal practice.
Attorney Neglect and the Duty to Return Fees: Ethical Boundaries in Legal Practice
When a lawyer takes a client's acceptance fee but renders no service, can the fee be kept? The Supreme Court says no.
Breach of Notarial Duty: Upholding Integrity in Legal Practice
Explore how the Supreme Court reinforced accountability for public officers in lease and procurement irregularities.
Limits ON Lawyers Language Upholding Civility IN Legal Practice
Conflict of Interest: When Prior Judicial Roles Limit Future Legal Practice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's prior judicial role creates a disqualifying conflict of interest in later practice.
Upholding Notarial Duties Negligence AND Misrepresentation IN Legal Practice
A lawyer's failure to secure notarial paraphernalia and unauthorized court appearances lead to suspension and notarial disqualification.
Attorney Negligence and Misconduct: Upholding Ethical Standards in Legal Practice
A lawyer who absconds with client funds and solicits money to bribe a judge faces suspension, reaffirming strict ethical standards for the Philippine bar.
Upholding Client Loyalty THE Prohibition Against Representing Conflicting Interests IN Legal Practice
Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Attorney Neglect and Suspension From Legal Practice
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for neglecting a client's case and failing to file a motion for reconsideration.
Upholding Ethical Boundaries: Attorneys' Duty and Good Faith in Legal Practice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies attorneys' ethical duties, good faith, and confidentiality rules in administrative cases.
Upholding Lawyers Duty Honesty AND Diligence IN Legal Practice
Fair Play in Legal Practice: Limits on Filing Criminal Charges to Gain Advantage in Civil Cases
When does a lawyer cross the line by filing criminal charges during a civil case? The Supreme Court explains the test under Rule 19.01.
Lawyer Suspended for Issuing Bounced Checks: Honesty and Integrity in Legal Practice
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year for issuing worthless checks, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold honesty and integrity in both public and private life.