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 Influence Peddling When Legal Representation Crosses Ethical Lines
A lawyer who took millions from a client by promising to fix prosecutors was disbarred. The Supreme Court explains why influence-peddling is unforgivable.
Attorney Negligence and Client Communication: Ethical Duties in Legal Representation
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer negligence and the duty to inform clients, with practical lessons for attorneys and clients.
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.
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 Attorneys Duty Competence AND Diligence IN Legal Representation
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers of their duty of competence and diligence, and the need for clear evidence in disbarment cases.
Attorney Neglect Upholding Diligence AND Competence IN Legal Representation
Upholding Attorneys Duty Demand Letters AND Ethical Boundaries IN Legal Representation
Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's demand letter is legitimate advocacy versus unethical extortion, dismissing disbarment case against Atty. Freddie Feir.
OGCC Authority Over GOCC Legal Representation Clarified in Land Bank Replevin Case
Supreme Court clarifies OGCC's authority over GOCC legal representation, allowing LBP Legal Services to participate with OGCC consent in replevin cases.
Acceptance Fee vs Attorney's Fee: What Clients Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between acceptance fee and attorney's fee in legal representation, and when a lawyer must return payments.
Unauthorized Legal Representation Government Officials Liability FOR Private Counsel Fees
Breach of Legal Duty Attorney Neglect and the Imperative of Diligence in Legal Representation
A lawyer's neglect of a client's case violates the Code of Professional Responsibility, even if fees are later refunded.
Upholding Client Trust Attorney Negligence AND Accountability IN Legal Representation
Supreme Court dismisses judge for gross immorality and suspends him from law practice for three years.
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's Negligence Leads to Suspension: Upholding Diligence in Legal Representation
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for five years for gross negligence in criminal defense, reaffirming counsel's duty of diligence and fidelity to clients.
Navigating Legal Representation After Death Ensuring DUE Process IN Philippine Courts
When a party dies during a case, substitution rules protect due process. The Supreme Court explains the proper procedure.
Local Government Officials and Legal Representation: Defining Government Instrumentalities
Supreme Court clarifies that government-owned or controlled corporations like NPC are "instrumentalities" under the Local Government Code, disqualifying sanggunian members from appearing as counsel ag
Authority to Represent: The Limits of Legal Representation for Government-Owned Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when lawyers may appear for GOCCs, requiring OGCC and COA approval before private counsel can act.
Death and Legal Representation: How Estate Claims Proceed in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estate claims, probate jurisdiction, and why the value of the decedent's estate determines which court hears the case.
Who Can Speak for the Deceased: Legal Representation and Estate Rights in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who may substitute for a deceased party in civil cases, protecting estate rights and due process.
Board Resolution Required for Corporate Legal Representation: United Paragon Mining v. CA
Corporate officers cannot file suits or sign verifications for a corporation without a board resolution authorizing them, as United Paragon Mining v. CA shows.
Attorneys Neglect Leads TO Suspension Upholding Diligence IN Legal Representation
Substantial Compliance and Legal Representation: Justice Prevails Over Technicalities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on substantial compliance in ejectment cases, month-to-month leases, and the balance between procedural rules and substantive justice.
Upholding Legal Ethics: A Lawyer's Duty of Candor and Fidelity in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyers' duty of candor, fidelity, and accountability in property transactions and legal representation.
Lawyers Must Uphold Diligence and Fidelity in Legal Representation
A lawyer who fails to file an appellate brief faces suspension. The Supreme Court affirms that neglect of a client's case violates the Code of Professional Responsibility.