CASE DIGEST ON BASIC LEGAL ETHICS SUBJECT

1st Year 2nd Semester

Student : Guerrero, Grandeur P.G.

Freshman, Juris Doctor
Professor : Atty. Teofilo S. Villanueva

Case Digest, in re: Other Legal Ethics Cases

Title: In re LUIS B. TAGORDA [23 March 1929]

Ponente: Justice Malcolm

Doctrine:

The most worthy and effective advertisement possible, even for a young
lawyer, and especially with his brother lawyers, is the establishment of a
well-merited reputation for professional capacity and fidelity to trust.

FACTS:

Luis B. Tagorda was an attorney who was elected as the Third Member of
the Provincial Board of Isabela. He admits that prior to his election, he
made use of a card2 written in Spanish and Ilocano, which contains a list
of tasks he may undertake as a notary public, and a lawyer, as well as a
general invitation to consult with him for free. Tagorda also admits that
after he was elected into office, he wrote a letter to one of his hometown’s
barrio lieutenants. The letter basically informed the recipient of Tagorda”s
intention to continue residing in Echague, despite having to attend board
sessions in Ilagan, in order that he may continue to serve his hometown as
a notary public and lawyer. The letter subtly offered information regarding
Tagorda”s office hours, together with an express request that the recipient
spread the word as to his willingness to accept land registration cases for a
fee of P3.00 per title. The government, through the provincial fiscal of
Isabela, together with the Attorney-General, brought this matter to the
attention of the Court.

ISSUE:

W/N Tagorda”s actions constitute malpractice.

RULING:

YES. Section 21 of the Code of Civil Procedure, as amended by Act No.

2828 expressly provides that the practice of soliciting cases at law for the
purpose of gain, either personally, or through paid agents or brokers,
constitutes malpractice. This is in accord with the Canons of Professional
Ethics adopted by the Philippine Bar Association in 1917. Canon 27 of the
said document provides that a well-merited reputation serves as a lawyer”s
most effective form of advertisement.