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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Lawyer Negligence and Accountability: Protecting Your Interests in Legal Services
When lawyers neglect client cases, the Supreme Court can suspend them. Learn the rules and your remedies.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client Funds and Legal Services for Eight Years
A lawyer who took P170,000 and client documents but failed to transfer titles for eight years was suspended for three years.
Personal Liability of Public Officials for Unauthorized Legal Services: The Oñate Case
When are public officials personally liable for unauthorized legal services? The Supreme Court clarifies in Oñate v. COA.
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.
Contract of Legal Services: When a Mayor's Authority Binds a Municipality
Supreme Court ruling on when a municipal mayor's contract binds the LGU, limits of Sangguniang Bayan authorization, and judgment on the pleadings.
Attorney's Fees and Quantum Meruit: Fair Compensation for Legal Services in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts determine reasonable attorney's fees and quantum meruit principles, with insights from a Supreme Court ruling on contractual obligations.
Lawyer Suspended Six Months for Neglect and Failure to Return Client's Acceptance Fee
Learn how a lawyer's failure to render legal services and return a P50,000 acceptance fee led to a six-month suspension from practice.
Attorney Disbarred for Abandoning Client After Receiving Full Payment for Legal Services
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who took full payment but abandoned client's case, violating the duty of fidelity and diligence.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect and Mishandling Client's Property
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for failing to render legal services, returning money late, and withholding client's title and documents.
Attorney Accountability: When a Lawyer Fails to Deliver Legal Services
A lawyer who takes a client's money but fails to file cases faces suspension and must return the full amount with interest.
Land as Attorney’s Fees: Enforcing Written Contracts for Legal Services in the Philippines
Philippine courts uphold written attorney’s fee contracts, even those paid in land, provided the essential elements of a valid contract are present.
Attorney Accountability in the Philippines: Upholding Client Trust and the Duty to Deliver Legal Services
A lawyer who accepts a client's money must render competent legal service or return the fees—the Supreme Court explains why.
Lawyer Advertising Balancing Professional Dignity With Public Access TO Legal Services
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between lawyer advertising and professional dignity, balancing public access to legal services with ethical standards.
Attorney's Fees: How Philippine Courts Determine Reasonable Compensation for Legal Services
Philippine Supreme Court explains how courts determine reasonable attorney's fees under Rule 138 and the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Quantum Meruit: Fair Compensation for Legal Services Without a Fixed Fee
Philippine Supreme Court explains how lawyers are paid under quantum meruit when no fixed fee exists, using Racoma v. CNWD.
Understanding Attorney's Fees in the Philippines: Quantum Meruit and Fair Compensation
Learn how Philippine courts determine attorney's fees through quantum meruit, ensuring fair compensation for legal services rendered.