LEGAL ETHICS

What is Legal Ethics?

It is the branch of moral science which
treats of the duties that an attorney owes to
the court, to his client, to his colleagues in
the profession and to the public as embodied
in the Constitution, Rules of Court, the Code
of Professional Responsibilities, Canon of
Professional Ethics, jurisprudence, moral
laws and special laws.
 TERMS TO REMEMBER

1. BAR - refers to the whole body of attorneys and counselors,

collectively, the members of the legal profession

2. BENCH - refers to the whole body of judges and justices

3. Bar Association - it is an association of the members of the

legal profession like the IBP where membership is
integrated or compulsory

4. Attorney-at-law - class of persons who are licensed officers

of the court empowered to appear, prosecute and
defend and upon whom peculiar duties,
responsibilities and liabilities are developed by law as
consequence
5. Counsel/Attorney de Officio - an attorney appointed by the
court to defend an indigent defendant in a criminal action

6. Attorney in fact - is simply an agent whose authority is

strictly limited by the instrument appointing him. He is not
necessarily a lawyer.
Sources of Ethical Standards in
the Philippine Judiciary
1. PRIMARY
a. Bar
1. Canon of Professional Ethics
2. Code of Professional Responsibility
b. Bench
1. Canon of Judicial Ethics
2. Code of Judicial Ethics
3. New Code of Judicial Conduct for the Philippine
Judiciary
c. Other personnel
1. Code of Conduct for Court Personnel
2. SECONDARY

a. Decisions/Resolutions of the Supreme Court

b. Supreme Court Circulars
c. Order/Resolution of other Courts
d. IBP Issuances
Canons of Professional
Responsibility
Four (4) duties of the Lawyer

1.To the
Public/Society
2.To the Bar/Legal
Profession
3.To the Courts
4.To the Client
 Lawyer and Society

Canon:

1. Uphold the Constitution and obey the laws of the land and legal
processes.
2. Make legal service available in an efficient and convenient
manner.
3. Use of true, honest, fair, dignified and objective information in
making known legal service.
4. Participate in the improvement of the legal system.
5. Keep abreast of legal development and participate in continuing
legal education program and assist in disseminating
information regarding the law and jurisprudence.
6. Applicability of the CPR to lawyers in the government service.
 Lawyer and the legal profession

Canon:

7. At all times uphold integrity and dignity of the profession and

support the activities of the IBP.
8. Conduct himself with courtesy, fairness and candor towards
his colleagues and avoid harassing tactics against opposing
counsel.
9. Not to directly or indirectly assist in the unauthorized practice
of law.
 Lawyer and the courts

Canon:

10. Owes candor, fairness and good faith to the court.

11. Observe and maintain the respect due to the courts and
judicial officers and insist in similar conduct.
12. Duty to assist in the speedy and efficient administration of
justice.
13. Rely upon the merits of his cause, refrain from any impropriety
which tends to influence courts, or give the appearance of
influencing the courts.
 Lawyer and the client

Canon:

14. Not to refuse his services to the needy.

15. Observe candor, fairness and loyalty in all his dealings and
transactions with clients.
16. Hold in trust all moneys and property of his client that may
come into his possession.
17. Owes fidelity to clients cause and be mindful of the trust and
confidence reposed upon him.
18. Serve client with competence and diligence.
 Lawyer and the client

Canon:

19. Represent client with zeal and within the bounds of law.
20. Charge only fair and reasonable fees.
21. Preserve the confidence and secrets of client even after the
attorney-client relation is terminated.
22. Withdraw services only for good cause and upon notice.
 What is Judicial Ethics?

It is a branch of moral science which treats of

the right and proper conduct to be observed by
all judges in trying and deciding controversies
brought before them for adjudication which
conduct must be demonstrative of impartiality,
integrity, competence, independence and
freedom from improprieties.
Code of Judicial Ethics
 Canon:
1. INDEPENDENCE

2. INTEGRITY

3. IMPARTIALITY

4. PROPRIETY

5. EQUALITY

6. COMPETENCE AND DILIGENCE

 Thank you
for listening.