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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Upholding Integrity: Lawyers' Duty to Avoid Conflicts of Interest and Maintain Professional Conduct
Supreme Court reminds lawyers of fiduciary duty to clients and firm, ruling on conflict of interest and professional conduct in A.C. No. 13986.
Attorney-Client Loans Under the CPRA: When Borrowing From a Client Is Allowed
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may borrow from clients under the CPRA, balancing ethical duties with legitimate commercial dealings.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: The Sore-Romano Disbarment Case Explained
A lawyer suspended five years for negligence, dishonesty, and IBP defiance—what this means for clients and the legal profession.
Lawyer Suspended Five Years for Negligence, Dishonesty in Handling Client's Annulment Case
Supreme Court suspends lawyer five years and orders PHP 810,000 fine for mishandling client funds and filing defective petition.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Attorneys Must Account for Client Funds or Face Suspension
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for failing to turn over client funds, reaffirming the strict fiduciary duty of attorneys.
Overtime Rights Security Guard DTRs As Proof Of Extra Hours
Security guards can prove overtime work through DTRs countersigned by the client. A 2024 Supreme Court ruling explains the rules.
Divorce Abroad: Proving the Right Foreign Law for Recognition in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies which foreign law must be proven to recognize a divorce obtained abroad by a Filipino's alien spouse.
Lawyer Negligence and Client Funds: Supreme Court Suspends Attorney for Two Years
A lawyer who neglects a client's case, ignores demands for updates, and keeps client funds faces suspension. The Supreme Court explains why.
Attorney Misconduct: Handling Client Funds and Accountability in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine lawyers must account for client funds and return unused amounts, based on Supreme Court rulings on attorney discipline.
Attorney’s Lien vs. Client’s Rights: When Can a Lawyer Withhold a Passport in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of an attorney’s retaining lien, ruling that lawyers cannot withhold a client’s passport or other essential documents.
Attorney Disbarment for Notarial Misconduct and Ethical Breaches in the Philippines
The Supreme Court disbarred Atty. Elmer Dela Rosa for selling a client's property without consent and notarizing a document with deceased signatories.
Zealous Representation vs Misconduct: When a Lawyer's Demand Letter Is Not Deceit
A lawyer's demand letter to protect a client's interest in an unsettled estate is not misconduct, the Supreme Court rules.
When Can a Lawyer Be Disbarred in the Philippines? Gross Negligence Explained
Learn when lawyer negligence leads to disbarment in the Philippines, based on a Supreme Court ruling on a counsel who abandoned a client.
Disbarment for Defrauding Clients: Lessons from Dizon v. Trinidad-Radoc
When lawyers fabricate cases and misappropriate client funds, the Supreme Court does not hesitate to impose the ultimate penalty of disbarment.
When Check Kiting Becomes Graft: Bank Officers and the Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court explains when check kiting by bank officers and clients becomes a violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law.
When Does Filing a Complaint Against a Former Client Create a Conflict of Interest
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment case against a lawyer who sued his former client, clarifying when using confidential information creates a conflict of interest.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Can Restore the Right to Appeal in Criminal Cases
When a lawyer's gross negligence and misrepresentations cause a client to lose the right to appeal, the Supreme Court may recall the entry of judgment and reinstate the appeal.
Gross Negligence of Counsel: When Final Convictions Can Be Reopened for Due Process
When a lawyer's gross negligence and lies cost a client the right to appeal, the Supreme Court may recall a final judgment to protect due process.
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.
Disbarment for Influence Peddling: Protecting the Integrity of the Legal Profession
A lawyer who claimed he could bribe Court of Appeals justices to win a client's appeal was disbarred for gross misconduct.
Lawyer Disbarred for Bribery Scheme and Misleading Client in Appeal
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who collected P160,000 to bribe CA justices, failed to file client's brief, and misled a desperate mother.
Lawyer Disbarred for Breach of Trust in Sale of CARP-Awarded Land
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P100,000 for selling clients' CARP-awarded land without consent, violating fiduciary duties.
Breach of Trust When Court Personnel Exploit Position FOR Personal Gain
When a lawyer misappropriates client funds and neglects a case, the Supreme Court may impose the ultimate penalty of disbarment.
Lawyer Disbarred for Gross Misconduct and Neglect of Client Interests
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who failed to file client's appeal and misused funds, citing repeated violations of the Code of Professional Responsibility.