LEGAL ETHICS AND COUNSELLING SUGGESTED SYLLABUS

I. INTRODUCTION

1. Background1.1 Overview of the Legal Profession

The Legal Profession, A Challenge Professor by Leo L. Alma p. 5, Lawyers Review, Sept. 30, 2005 ( Faculty Area Section)History of the Legal Profession pp.7-21, Legal Profession by Coquia 2003 edToo Many Lawyers by Edgardo AngaraChallenges faced by the Legal Profession in Mindano, Justice Link Article

Butuan Lawyers, Research by Practice Court I students, 1st Sem. SY 2004-2005

1.2 The Catholic LawyerThe Noble and Ethical Mission of the Legal Profession, pp.372, Legal by Coquia,Goals of College of LawUrios Mission and VisionThe Church and State Revisited by Jorge R. Conquia, p. 2. Lawyer’s Review March

31, 2006The Parables of Christ, p. 5. The Lawyer’s Review, March 31, 2006 Reserve Section

2. State Regulation CHAPTER 1,2A2.1 The Supreme Court – CONST., Art. VIII sec. 5 (5)2.2 The Congress and the People - CONST., Art XII, sec. 14 (2), Art. XVII, sec.10.

Compare 1973 CONST., Art X, sec. 5 (5) and 1935 CONST., Art VIII, sec. 132.3 Practice of Law – What constitutes CHAPTER 2B

Cayetano v. Monsod, 201 SCRA 210 (1991)

3. Legal Education3.1 Pre-law: Rule 138, sec. 6, RULES OF COURT3.2 Law proper: Rule 138, sec. 5, RULES OF COURT3.3 RA 7662 (1993) - An Act Providing for Reforms in Legal Education Board and

for other Purposes

4. The Bar Examinations CHAPTER 2C, D, E4.1 Rule 138, secs. 7-16, RULES OF COURT (In the matter of Disqualification of Bar

Examinee by Helen S. Meler, 431 SCRA 1464.2 Prohibition against bringing of notes

In re Amparo, 65 SCRA 120 (1975) In re Victoriano Lanuevo, 66 SCRA 245 (1975)

II. LEGAL ETHICS

5. Preliminary Matters5.1 Legal Ethics Defined – Black’s Law Dictionary5.2 Sources of Legal Ethics

5.2.1 Code of Professional Responsibilitya. History and Sourcesb. Structure of Code

5.2.2 Rules of Court, Conti, Canon of Jud Ethics, Rules on MCLE & other laws like Civil Code

III. CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (CPR)

6. The Fourfold Duties of a Lawyer CHAPTER 36.1 The Lawyer and Society – CPR, Canons 1-5 and rules thereunder

6.1.1 Respect for Law and Legal Process – C1 Bautista v. Gonzales, 182 SCRA 161 (1990) Zaldivar v. Gonzales, 166 SCRA 316 (1988) Lawyer’s Oath, Rule 138, sec. 20 (a)6.1.2 Conduct – Unlawful, dishonest, immoral, deceitful – R 1.01; Rule 138, sec.

21; Rule 138, sec. 20 (d) & (g) In re Basa, 41 Phil 275 (1920) People v. Abordo, 58 Phil. 350 (1933) In re Guitierrez, 5 SCRA 661 (1962) In re Lontok, 43 Phil, 293 (1922) Cordova v. Cordova, 179 SCRA 680 (1989) People v. Tuanda, 181 SCRA 692 (1989)6.1.3 Counseling – Defiance of law or lessen confidence – legal system – R 1.02 In re Terrel, 2 Phil. 266 (1903)6.1.4 Law Suits and Proceeding – Corrupt motive, interest – encourage suit or

proceeding, delay cause – R. 1.03; Rule 7, sec. 5 Samar Mining Co, Inc. v. Amado, 24 SCRA 402 (1968) Vda. DE Bacaling v. Laguna, 54 SCRA 505 (19746.1.5 Controversy – encourage client avoid suit if fair – R 1.04 Castañeda v. Ago, 65 SCRA 506 (1975)

6.2 Legal Services – Efficient and convenient compatible with independence, integrity and effectiveness of profession – C 26.2.1 Legal Service – Not reject, except for valid reason cause defenseless or

oppressed – R. 2.01; Rule 138, sec.31; Art. 1, sec. 1, guidelines Governing the Establishment and Operation of Legal Aid Offices, IBP Handbook; C6

Ledesma v. Climaco, 57 SCRA 473 (1974) 6.2.2 Legal Services – Non – Acceptance – R 2.02; C14: R 14.036.2.3 Legal Business – Solicitstion – R 2.03; Rule 138, sec. 276.2.4 Legal Business – Rates – R 2.04; IBP Schedule of Minimum Fees for Legal

Services (Reserve Section)

6.3 Legal Services – True, honest, fair, dignified, and objective –C3; R 138, sec. 27–CH4 In re Tagorda, 53 Phil 37 (1929) Director of religious Affairs v. Bayot, 74 Phil. 579 (1944) Ulep v. Legal Clinic, 223 SCRA 378 (1993)6.3.1 Qualifications – False, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, undignified, self-

laudatory of unfair claims – R 3.01; CJC, Rule 2.02, Canon 27, Chapter 4, 18-4.22

6.3.2 Firm Name – Use of false, misleading or assumed name; name of deceased partner – R 3.02

In the matter of the Petition for Authority to continue use of the firm names – Ozaeta, Romulo, De Leon, etc., and Petition for Authority to continue use of firm name – Sycip, Salazar, Feliciano, etc., 92 SCRA 1 (1979)

Dacanay v. Baker and McKenzie, 136 SCRA 349 (1985)6.3.3 Partner Assuming Public Office – Drop name from firm; unless law practice

allowed – R 3.03; CONST.,VI, sec. 14; VII, sec. 13, IX-A, sec. 2; XI, sec. 8: Rule 138, sec. 35, RA 7160, Revised Katarungang Pambarangay Law, sec. 90

6.3.4 Lawyer and media – shall not pay or give anything of value in anticipation of return publicity attract legal business – R. 3.04; En Banc resolution date Oct. 22, 1991, p. 173 Supreme Court Circulars and orders

Legal Reform – Participate in development, initiating or supporting law schools, student practical training, disseminate information on law and jurisprudence – C5

6.4 Legal Developments – Participate legal education programs, standards law schools, student practical training, disseminate information on law and jurisprudence – C5

In the matter of the Integration Bar of the Philippines, supra, note 2.3

6.5 Lawyers in Government Service – Applicability of Canons – C6, sec. 4, RA 6713 Macoco v. Diaz, 70 Ohi; 97 (1940) Collantes v. Romero, 200 SCRA 584 (1991)6.5.1 Primary Duty Government Lawyer – Not to convict, see Justice done– R 6.01 People v. Peneda, 20 SCRA 748 (1967) Suarez v. Platon, 69 Phil 556 (1940)6.5.2 Use of Public Office- to promote of advance private interests or interfere

public duties – R 6.02 Misamin v. San Juan, 72 SCRA 491 (1976)6.5.3 After Government Service – accept engagement or employment in connection

matter intervened within service – R 3019, sec. 3 (d); RA 6713, 7 (b); CJC Rule 2.04

PNB v. Cedo, 243 SCRA 1 (1995)

7. The Lawyer and the Legal Profession – Canon 7 CHAPTER 4

7.1 Uphold integrity and dignity; support activities and integrated bar, C7, CJC Canon 4, Rule 4.01; CJC Canon 5.01 (a) In re; 1989Electiions of the Integrated Bar, 1978 SCRA 398 (1989)7.1.1 False Statement and Suppressing Material Fact – knowingly by making, re: Application for Admission – R 7.01 Leda v. Tabang, 206 SCRA 395 (1992)7.1.2 Support of Unqualified Bar Applicant – knowing supporting application of

unqualified – R 7.027.1.3 Conduct – adversely affecting fitness practice law; discredit profession – R

7.03 Tan v. Sabandal, 206 SCRA 493 (1992)

7.2 Professional Colleagues – courtesy, fairness, candor; avoid harassing tactics: C8 Javier v. Cornejo, 63 Phil.7.2.1 Language – abusive, offensive, improper – R 8.01 Macias v. Malig, 157 SCRA 762 (1988) Perkins v. Perkins, 57 Phil. 223 (1932)7.2.2 Encroachment on Professional Employment of Other Lawyer; Exception non-

encroachment; advice; assistance seeking relief unfaithful, neglectful counsel, R 8.02

Laput v. Remotique, 6 SCRA 45 (1962) In re Soriano, 33 SCRA 801 (1970)

7.3 Unauthorized Practice of Law – not assists directly or indirectly , C9 PAFLU v. Binalbangan – Isabela Sugar Co., 42SCRA 302 (1971) In re: Del Rosario, 52 Phil 399 (1932)

7.3.1 Work Delegation – non-delagation work unqualified person, or by law performed only by member bar – R 9.017.3.2 Fees – Divide fees legal service with persons not licensed practice law – R

9.02 Five J Taxi v. NLRC, 235 SCRA 556 (1993)

7.4 In re Cunanan, 94 Phil. 534 (1954) In the matter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, 49 SCRA 22 (1973) IBP Dues: The Third Certainty -by Gorgonio B. Elarmo, Jr. p. 2, The Lawyer’s

Review Sept. 3, 2005 (Faculty Area Section-bound)

8. The Lawyer and the Court CHAPTER 5A8.1 Court Obligation – candor, fairness and good faith – C10

Cobb-Perez v. Lantin, 24 SCRA 291(1968) Credibility of Witnesses, Lawyers Prosecution by Leon L. Aza, p. 2, Lawyer’s

Review, Dec. 31, 2005 (Faculty Area)

8.2 Truthfulness – not do, falsehood, nor mislead or allow court be mislead – R 10.01; R138, sec 27 Cuaresma v. Daquis, 63 SCRA 257 (1968) Director of Lands v. Adorable, 77 Phil 468 (1946)

8.3 Quatation and Misrepresentation – not misquote or misrepresent contents paper, language or argument, text of decision or authority, cite repealed or amended law, or assert fact not proved – R 10.02 Insular Life Assurance Co., Ltd. Employee Assoc. v. Insular Life Assurance Co.,

Ltd, 37 SCRA 244 (1971) Adez Realty Inc. v. CA, 215 SCRA 301 (1992)

8.4 Rules of Procedure – observe and not misuse to defeat ends of justice – R 10.03; R 7 sec. 3 (c) (d) and R 138, sec. 20 (b) (c)

9. Respects Courts and Judicial Officers – maintain respect and insist similar conduct by other – C11 CHAPTER 5B

In re Sotto, 82 Phil 595 (1949) Surigao Mineral Reservation Borad v. Cloribel, 31 SCRA 1 (1970) Guerrero v. Villamor, 179 SCRA 589 (1995) Tingco v. Aguila, 240 SCRA 589 (1995) In Re: Published alleged threats against members of the court in the Plunder Law

case handled by Atty. Leonard De Vera, A.M. No. C-12-03-SC, July 29, 2002

9.1 Attire – appear properly attered – R11.01

9.2 Punctuality – court hearing – R 11.02 De Gracia v. Warden of Makati, 69 SCRA 4 (1976)

9.3 Language – abstain from scandalous, offensive, menacing language of behavior – R11.03; R8.01 Sangalang v. IAC, 177 SCRA 87 (1989) Montecillo v. Gice, 60 SCRA 234 (1974)

9.4 Attributing Motive – not attributed to a judge motives not supported by record, or no materiality case – R 11.04

9.5 Grievances – against judge submit proper authorities only – R 11.05; CONST, Art VIII, sec. 6 Cabansag v, Fernandez, 102 Phil 152 (1957) Maglasang v. People, 190 SCRA 306 (1990) Maceda v. Ombudsman, G.R. No. 102781, April 22, 1993

10. Administrations of Justice – exert every effort and consider duty to assist speedy, efficient administration of justce – C12; R 138, sec. 20 (g) CHAPTER 5C

Alonto v. Memoracion, 185 SCRA 73 (1990) Penticostes v. Hidalgo, 190 SCRA 165 (1990) Gabionza v. CA, 234 SCRA 192 (1994)

10.1 Case Preparation – adequated preparation on law, facts and evidence – R 12.01, R 18.02

10.2 Suits – Action – not file multiple action or suits arising from cause of action – R 12.02

Masinsin v. Albanno, 232 SCRA 192 (1994) Interim of Trasitional Rules and Guideline Relative to the Implementation of the

Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1981 (BP 129,) sec. 17 Forum Shopping – Supreme Court Circular 28-91, Sept. 4, 1991; 4-94, Feb. 8,

1994; Adm. Circular No. 4-94, Feb. 8, 1994; Rule 7, sec. 5; Rule 42, sec. 2

10.3 Lapse of Period – no period lapse filing pleadings without explanation – R 12.03

Marivelles v. Mallare, 219 SCRA 44 (1993) Sps. Galen, et al vs. Atty. Paguiregan, A.C. No. 558, March 7, 2002 Ramos vs. Dajogoy Jr., A.C. No. 5174, February 28, 2002

10.4 Court Processes – not duly delay cause; impede execution judgement, misuse court processes – R 12.04

Economic Co. v. Uy Realty Co., 34 SCRA 700 (1970) Aguinaldo v. Aguinaldom, 36 SCRA 137 (1970)10.5 Witness Behavior – refrain from talking; not knowingly assist

misrepresentation; not abuse, harass, witness – R 12.05 – 12.07, R 132, sec. 3, PD 1829

10.6 Testifyin g – in behalf of client except on formal matters, and on substantial matters – R 12.08

PNB v. Uy Teng Piao, 57 Phi; 337 (1932)

11. Influencing Court – rely merits of case; refrain any act of impropriety tending influence of give appearance influencing court – C13 CHAPTER 5D

Nestle Phil Inc. v. Sanchez, 154 SCRA 542 (1987)11.1 Conduct Toward Judges – not extend extraordinary attention, bospitality, seek

opportunity – cultivating familiarity with judges – R 13.01 Lantoria v. Bungi, 209 SCRA 528 (1992) Canon 2, Code of Judicial Conduct, R2.02 and 2.0311.2 Use of Media – not make public statements tending arouse public opinion for

or against party – R 13.02 Cruz v. Salva, 105 Phil 1151 (1959) Martelino v. Alejandro, 32 SCRA 106 (1970) In re Alamacen, 31 SCRA 562 (1970)11.3 Outside Interference – not broad or invite interference another branch or

agency normal cause judicial proceedings - R 13.03

12. The Lawyer and the Client – Canon 14 CHAPTER 6 Professional Services – no refuse to needy – C14

Spouses Rabanal, et al ., v. Tugade, June 27, 2002 Burbe v. Atty. Magulta, June 10, 2002

12.1 Personal Status or Guilt – availability services regardless of race, creed, status, or opinion guilt – R 14.01; Rule 138, sec. 20(h)

12.2 Counsel de Officio or Amicus Curiae – not decline appointment except for serious sufficient cause – R 14.02; Rule 138, sec. 20 (h); sec. 31; sec. 36; Rule 116, sec. 4-6; Rule 124, sec. 2; Art. 1, sec. 1, Guidelines Governing the Establishment and Operations of Legal Aid Officers in all Chapters of IBP, IBP Handbook; RA 6033

12.3 Refusal Representation – canoot work effectively or competently, conflict of interest lawyer with prospective client, or present and prospective client – R 14.03

12.4 Conduct and Fees Services – same standards conduct full and free and fee paying clients – R 14.04; Republic Act Nos. 6033, 6034, and 6035.

13. Conduct In Relation to Client – observe candor, faimess, loyalty dealing and transactions – C15; Rule 138, sec. 3 CHAPTER 7 Conflict Interest – ascertain as soon as possible, and forthwith inform – R 15.01 and 15.03

Dee v. CA, 176 SCRA 652 (1989)13.1 Privileged Communication – matters disclosed by prospective client – R 15.02 Regala v. Sandiganbayan, 262 SCRA 122 (1996)13.2 Mediator, Conciliator, Arbitrator – act with consent of all parties – R 15.04 13.3 Advise – give candid, honest opinion merits and probable results, not

understanding or overstanding – R 15.05 Gillego v. Diaz, 39 SCRA 88 (1971)13.4 Claim of Influence – not state, imply able influence, public officials, tribunal,

ligeslator – R 15.06, Canon 2, Code of Judicial Conduct, Rule 2.0313.5 Law Compliance – impress upon clients – R 15.07; Art 19, New Civil Code13.6 Dual Profession – inform clearly acting as lawyer of other capacity – R

15.08; CJA Rule 5.03

14. Client Cause – Fidelity to cause, mindful of trust and confidence,C17;R 138,sec.3;BP 22 Cantiller v. Potenciano, 180 SCRA 246 (1989) People v. Ingco, 42 SCRA 170 (1971) Suarez v. CA, 220 SCRA 274 (1993)

15. Competence and Diligence – serve with competence and diligence – C 18 De la Cruz v. CA, 174 SCRA 370 (1989) Legarda v. CA, 209 SCRA 722 (1992)15.1 Lack of Qualifications – not undertake legal services if not qualified; client

consent with competent collaborating counsel – R 18.0115.2 Preparation – not handle any legal matter entrusted; liability for negligence –

R 18.02 San Miguel v. Laguesma, 236 SCRA 595 (1994)15.3 Negligence – not neglect legal matter entrusted; liability for negligence – R

18.03 Dinoy v. Rosal, 235 SCRA 419 (1994)15.4 Information Status Case – inform client status case; respond within reasonable

time if requested – R18.04

Wack – Wack Golf and Country Club v. CA, 106 Phil 501 (1959) Blanza v. Arcangel, 21 SCRA 1 (1967)

16. Representation with Zeal – represent with zeal within bounds of law – C1916.1 Fair and hones Means – employ to attain lawful objectives; no threat of

present unfounded criminal charges obtain improper advantage – R 19.01; Rule138, sec. 20 (d)

16.2 Client Fraud – knowledge client fraud, promptly all client rectify; otherwise, terminate relationship – R 19.02

16.3 Control proceedings – client not dictate – R 19.03

17. Moneys and Properties of Client – hold in trust – CHAPTER 8 C16; Art 1491, New Civil Code

Ordonio v. Eduarte, 207 SCRA 229 (1992)17.1 Account – All money or property client – R 16.01 Lemeine V. Balon, Jr. 414 SCRA 511 Licuanan v. Melo, 170 SCRA 100 (1989) Dumadag v. Lumaya, 197 SCRA 303 (1991)17.2 Fund Keeping – client fund kept separate and apart – R 16.0217.3 Fund Delivery – Lawyer’s Lien – deliver funds and property; lawyer lien-

notice and retention – R 16.03; R 138, sec. 37 Quilban v. Robinol, 171 SCRA 768 (1989)17.4 Borrow – Lend Money – prohibited and when allowed – R 16.04; art 1491,

civil Code Rubias v. Batiller, 51 SCRA 120 (1973) In re Ruste, 70 Phil 243 (1973) Del Rosario v. Milledo, 26 SCRA 700 (1969)

18. Client confidence and Secrets – CHAPTER 9 preservation even after termination relations – C21; Rule 138, sec. 20 (e); Art 209, RPC; R 130, sec. 21

Genato v. Silapan 406 SCRA 75 Regala v. Sandiganbayan, 262 SCRA 112 (1996)18.1 Allowed Revelations Confidence and Secrets – when allowed, R 21.01; R

138, sec. 20 (b)18.2 Use of Information Lawyer Advantage, Client Disadvantage – when allowed

– R 21.0218.3 Furnish Information Outside Agency – prohibition R 21.0318.4 Disclosure Information Firm – Partners – protection – R 21.04 – 21.0518.5 Conversation Family Members – prohibition – R 21.0618.6 Reveal – possible conflict Interest – R 21.07

19. Conflict of Interest – ascertain as soon as possible, and forthwith inform – R 15.01 and 15.03 CHAPTER 10

Dee v. CA, 176 SCRA 652 (1989)

20. Authority of Attorney CHAPTER 11 Espenesa v. C A, 430 SCRA 96

21. Withdrawal Services – good cause and upon notice – C22 CHAPTER 1221.1 Withdrawal Allowed – R 22.01 Domingo v. Aquino, 36 SCRA 472 (1971) Pioneer Insurance v. De Dior, 406 SCRA 63921.2 Obligations Upon Withdrawal – R 22.02

22. Fees – charge fair and reasonable – C20; Rule 138, sec. 24; RA 5185, sec. 6 CHAPTER 13

Emiliano Court Fourhouses v. Dioneda, 399 SCRA 296 Albano v. Colorna, 21 SCRA 411 (1967) Quirante v. IAC, 169 SCRA 769 (1989) Tanhueco v. de Dumo, 172 SCRA 774 (1989) Law Firm of Raymundo A. Armovit v. CA, 202 SCRA 16 (1991)22.1 Fee Guide – factors – R 20.01; Schedule of Minimum Fees for Legal Services

IBP Iloilo, Chapter, supra Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. v. CA, 181 SCRA 16 (1991) Pantranco c. CA, 224 SCRA 447 (1993)22.2 Referral – decision of fees, client consent – R 20.0222.3 Fee, Reward, Costs, Commission, Interest, Rebate, Forwarding Allowance,

Other Compensation – client consent – R 20.03; rule 138, sec. 20 (e)22.4 Client Compensation Controversy – Avoid resort judicial action only prevent

imposition, injustice, fraud – R 20.04; Rule 138, sec. 24, 32 Corpuz v. CA, 98 SCRA 424 (1980) Sato v. Rallos, 12 SCRA 84 (1964)

23. Attorney’s Liens CHAPTER 14

24. Liabilities of Attorney CHAPTER 15

25. Discipline of Lawyers, Agpalo, pp. 321 – 368, Rule 139 – B CHAPTER 16, 17 In re laureta, 149 SCRA 570 (1987) Zaldivar v. Gonzales, G.R. No. 80578, Feb. 1, 1989 In re7 Edillon, 84 SCRA 554 (1978) Yuseco v. Bernad, 243 SCRA 19 (1995)

26. Discipline of Judges – CHAPTER 18, 19, New Code of Judicial Conduct

27. Legal CounsellingWhat is Legal Counselling? Legal Counselling by BARTE p.1

Rino v. Cawaling, 431 SCRA 128 Office of the Court Administration v. Joven, 399 SCRA 18

The Context – The Philippine situationA. Legal ProfessionB. The Judiciary – APJRC. The Phillipine Justice & Penal Syatem: The Dounting Road to Restorative Justice by

Rita Linda V. Jamero, p. 11 Lawyer’s Review, Sept. 30, 2005 (Faculty Area)

Conceptual FoundationAreas to be covered***Facts, Laws and Cases, Access to Justice, Financial and other Constraints***

_________________________________________________________________________________

Primary Sources: Constitution, Rules of court, Code of Professional Responsibility, New Code of Judicial Conduct, Supreme Court Decisions.

Reference: Agpalo, Ruben: Legal and Judicial Ethics (2002)