Ulep V Legal Aid Clinic (223 SCRA 378)

9/7/23, 11:22 AM SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED VOLUME 223
Bar Matter No. 553. June 17, 1993.
MAURICIO C. ULEP, petitioner, vs. THE LEGAL CLINIC,

INC., respondent.
Attorneys; Words and Phrases; Meaning of “Practice of

Law.”—Practice of law means any activity, in or out of court,
which requires the application of law, legal procedures,
knowledge, training and experience. To engage in the practice of
law is to perform those acts which are characteristic of the
profession. Generally, to practice law is to give advice or render
any kind of service that involves legal knowledge or skill. The
practice of law is not limited to the conduct of cases in court. It
includes legal advice and counsel, and the preparation of legal
instruments and contracts by which legal rights are secured,
although such matter may or may not be pending in a court.
Same; Same; Same.—When a person participates in a trial

and advertises himself as a lawyer, he is in the practice of law.
One who confers with clients, advises them as to their legal rights
and then takes the business to an attorney and asks the latter to
look after the case in court, is also practicing law. Giving advice
for compensation regarding the legal status and rights of another
and the conduct with respect thereto constitutes a practice of law.
One who renders an opinion as to the proper interpretation of a
statute, and receives pay for it, is, to that extent, practicing law.
Same; The practice of giving out legal information constitutes

practice of law.—What is palpably clear is that respondent
corporation gives out legal information to laymen and lawyers. Its
contention that such function is non-advisory and non-diagnostic
is more apparent than real. In providing information, for example,
about foreign laws on marriage, divorce and adoption, it strains
the credulity of this Court that all that respondent corporation
will simply do is look for the law, furnish a copy thereof to the
client, and stop there as if it were merely a bookstore. With its
attorneys and so called paralegals, it will necessarily have to
explain to the client the intricacies of the law and advise him or
her on the proper course of action to be taken as may be provided-
for by said law. That is what its advertisements represent and for
which services it will consequently charge and be paid. That
https://www.central.com.ph/sfsreader/session/0000018a6dabbcd88152bc15000d00d40059004a/t/?o=False 1/37
activity falls squarely within the jurisprudential definition of

“practice of law.”
________________
* EN BANC.
379
VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 379
Ulep vs. Legal Clinic, Inc.
Such a conclusion will not be altered by the fact that respondent

corporation does not represent clients in court since law practice,
as the weight of authority holds, is not limited merely to court
appearances but extends to legal research, giving legal advice,
contract drafting, and so forth.
Same; Same.—Further, as correctly and appropriately

pointed out by the U.P. WILOCI, said reported facts sufficiently
establish that the main purpose of respondent is to serve as a one-
stop-shop of sorts for various legal problems wherein a client may
avail of legal services from simple documentation to complex
litigation and corporate undertakings. Most of these services are
undoubtedly beyond the domain of paralegals, but rather, are
exclusive functions of lawyers engaged in the practice of law.
Same; Same; The services offered by respondent cannot be

performed by paralegals here as distinguished from the United
States.—Paralegals in the United States are trained
professionals. As admitted by respondent, there are schools and
universities there which offer studies and degrees in paralegal
education, while there are none in the Philippines. As the concept
of the “paralegal” or “legal assistant” evolved in the United States,
standards and guidelines also evolved to protect the general
public. One of the major standards or guidelines was developed by
the American Bar Association which set up Guidelines for the
Approval of Legal Assistant Education Programs (1973).
Legislation has even been proposed to certify legal assistants.
There are also associations of paralegals in the United States
with their own code of professional ethics, such as the National
Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. and the American Paralegal
Association. In the Philippines, we still have a restricted concept
and limited acceptance of what may be considered as paralegal
service. As pointed out by FIDA, some persons not duly licensed to

practice law are or have been allowed limited representation in
behalf of another or to render legal services, but such allowable
services are limited in scope and extent by the law, rules or
regulations granting permission therefor.
Same; Lawyers may not advertise their services or expertise.—

Anent the issue on the validity of the questioned advertisements,
the Code of Professional Responsibility provides that a lawyer in
making known his legal services shall use only true, honest, fair,
dignified and objective information or statement of facts. He is not
supposed to use or permit the use of any false, fraudulent,
misleading, deceptive, undignified, self-laudatory or unfair
statement or claim regarding his qualifications or legal services.
Nor shall he pay or give something of value to
380
380 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED
representatives of the mass media in anticipation of, or in return

for, publicity to attract legal business. Prior to the adoption of the
Code of Professional Responsibility, the Canons of Professional
Ethics had also warned that lawyers should not resort to indirect
advertisements for professional employment, such as furnishing
or inspiring newspaper comments, or procuring his photograph to
be published in connection with causes in which the lawyer has
been or is engaged or concerning the manner of their conduct, the
magnitude of the interest involved, the importance of the lawyer’s
position, and all other like self-laudation.
Same; Exceptions.—Of course, not all types of advertising or

solicitation are prohibited. The canons of the profession
enumerate exceptions to the rule against advertising or
solicitation and define the extent to which they may be
undertaken. The exceptions are of two broad categories, namely,
those which are expressly allowed and those which are
necessarily implied from the restrictions.
Same; Same.—The first of such exceptions is the publication

in reputable law lists, in a manner consistent with the standards
of conduct imposed by the canons, of brief biographical and
informative data.
Same; Same.—The use of an ordinary simple professional

card is also permitted. The card may contain only a statement of
his name, the name of the law firm which he is connected with,
address, telephone number and special branch of law practiced.
The publication of a simple announcement of the opening of a law
firm or of changes in the partnership, associates, firm name or
office address, being for the convenience of the profession, is not
objectionable.
Same; Legal profession here has been under attack on its

integrity.—Secondly, it is our firm belief that with the present
situation of our legal and judicial systems, to allow the
publication of advertisements of the kind used by respondent
would only serve to aggravate what is already a deteriorating
public opinion of the legal profession whose integrity has
consistently been under attack lately by media and the
community in general. At this point in time, it is of utmost
importance in the face of such negative, even if unfair, criticisms
at times, to adopt and maintain that level of professional conduct
which is beyond reproach, and to exert all efforts to regain the
high esteem formerly accorded to the legal profession.
ORIGINAL PETITION in the Supreme Court.
381
VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 381

The facts are stated in the opinion of the Court.
R E S O L UT I O N
REGALADO, J.:
Petitioner prays this Court “to order the respondent to

cease and desist from issuing advertisements similar to or
of the same tenor as that of Annexes ‘A’ and ‘B’ (of said
petition) and to perpetually prohibit persons or entities
from making advertisements pertaining to the exercise of
the law profession other than those allowed by law.”
The advertisements complained of by herein petitioner
are as follows:
Annex A
SECRET MARRIAGE?
P560.00 for a valid marriage.

Info on DIVORCE.
ABSENCE.
ANNULMENT. VISA.
THE Please call: 521-0767,
LEGAL 5217232, 5222041
CLINIC, INC. 8:30 am-6:00 pm
7-Flr. Victoria Bldg., UN Ave.,
Mla.
Annex B
GUAM DIVORCE
DON PARKINSON
an Attorney in Guam, is giving FREE BOOKS on Guam Divorce

through The Legal Clinic beginning Monday to Friday during
office hours.
Guam divorce. Annulment of Marriage. Immigration Problems,
Visa Ext. Quota/Non-quota Res. & Special Retiree’s Visa.
Declaration of Absence. Remarriage to Filipina Fiancees.
Adoption. Investment in the Phil. US/Foreign Visa for Filipina
Spouse/Children. Call Marivic.
382

THE 7F Victoria Bldg. 429 UN Ave.,

LEGAL 1
Ermita, Manila nr. US Embassy
CLINIC, INC. Tel. 521-7232; 521-7251;
522-2041; 521-0767
It is the submission of petitioner that the advertisements

above reproduced are champertous, unethical, demeaning
of the law profession, and destructive of the confidence of
the community in the integrity of the members of the bar
and that, as a member of the legal profession, he is
ashamed and offended by the said advertisements, hence
the reliefs sought in his petition as hereinbefore quoted.
In its answer to the petition, respondent admits the fact
of publication of said advertisements at its instance, but
claims that it is not engaged in the practice of law but in
the rendering of “legal support services” through paralegals
with the use of modern computers and electronic machines.
Respondent further argues that assuming that the services

advertised are legal services, the act of advertising these
services should be allowed supposedly in the light of the
case of John
2 R. Bates and Van O’Steen vs. State Bar of
Arizona, reportedly decided by the United States Supreme
Court on June 7, 1977.
Considering the critical implications on the legal
profession of the issues raised herein, we required the (1)
Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), (2) Philippine Bar
Association (PBA), (3) Philippine Lawyers’ Association
(PLA), (4) U.P. Women Lawyers’ Circle (WILOCI), (5)
Women Lawyers Association of the Philippines (WLAP),
and (6) Federacion Internacional de Abogadas (FIDA) to
submit their respective position papers 3 on the controversy
and, thereafter, their memoranda. The said bar
associations readily responded and extended their valuable
services and cooperation of which this Court takes note
with appreciation and gratitude.
________________
1 Rollo, 5. A facsimile of the scales of justice is printed together with

and on the left side of “The Legal Clinic, Inc.” in both advertisements
which were published in a newspaper of general circulation.
2 433 U.S. 350, 53 L Ed 2d 810, 87 S Ct. 2691.
3 Resolution dated January 15, 1991, Rollo, 60; Resolution dated
December 10, 1991, Rollo, 328.
383
VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 383

The main issues posed for resolution before the Court are
whether or not the services offered by respondent, The
Legal Clinic, Inc., as advertised by it constitutes practice of
law and, in either case, whether the same can properly be
the subject of the advertisements herein complained of.
Before proceeding with an in-depth analysis of the
merits of this case, we deem it proper and enlightening to
present hereunder excerpts from the respective position
papers adopted by the aforementioned bar associations and
the memoranda submitted by them on the issues involved
in this bar matter.
1. Integrated Bar of the Philippines:
xxx
Notwithstanding the subtle manner by which respondent

endeavored to distinguish the two terms, i.e., “legal support
services” vis-a-vis “legal services”, common sense would readily
dictate that the same are essentially without substantial
distinction. For who could deny that document search, evidence
gathering, assistance to layman in need of basic institutional
services from government or non-government agencies like birth,
marriage, property, or business registration, obtaining documents
like clearance, passports, local or foreign visas, constitute practice
of law?
xxx
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) does not wish to
make issue with respondent’s foreign citations. Suffice it to state
that the IBP has made its position manifest, to wit, that it
strongly opposes the view espoused by respondent (to the effect
that today it is alright to advertise one’s legal services).
The IBP accordingly declares in no uncertain terms its
opposition to respondent’s act of establishing a “legal clinic” and of
concomitantly advertising the same through newspaper
publications.
The IBP would therefore invoke the administrative supervision
of this Honorable Court to perpetually restrain respondent from
undertaking highly 4 unethical activities in the field of law practice
as aforedescribed.
xxx
A. The use of the name “The Legal Clinic, Inc.” gives the
impression that respondent corporation is being operated by
lawyers
________________
4 Position Paper prepared by Atty. Basilio H. Alo, IBP Director for Legal
Affairs, 1, 10; Rollo, 209, 218.
384

and that it renders legal services.

While the respondent repeatedly denies that it offers legal
services to the public, the advertisements in question give the
impression that respondent is offering legal services. The Petition
in fact simply assumes this to be so, as earlier mentioned,
apparently because this (is) the effect that the advertisements
have on the reading public.
The impression created by the advertisements in question can
be traced, first of all, to the very name being used by respondent
—“The Legal Clinic, Inc.” Such a name, it is respectfully

submitted connotes the rendering of legal services for legal
problems, just like a medical clinic connotes medical services for
medical problems. More importantly, the term “Legal Clinic”
connotes lawyers, as the term medical clinic connotes doctors.
Furthermore, the respondent’s name, as published in the
advertisements subject of the present case, appears with (the)
scale(s) of justice, which all the more reinforces the impression
that it is being operated by members of the bar and that it offers
legal services. In addition, the advertisements in question appear
with a picture and name of a person being represented as a
lawyer from Guam, and this practically removes whatever doubt
may still remain as to the nature of the service or services being
offered.
It thus becomes irrelevant whether respondent is merely
offering “legal support services” as claimed by it, or whether it
offers legal services as any lawyer actively engaged in law
practice does. And it becomes unnecessary to make a distinction
between “legal services” and “legal support services,” as the
respondent would have it. The advertisements in question leave
no room for doubt in the minds of the reading public that legal
services are being offered by lawyers, whether true or not.
B. The advertisements in question are meant to induce the
performance of acts contrary to law, morals, public order and
public policy.
It may be conceded that, as the respondent claims, the
advertisements in question are only meant to inform the general
public of the services being offered by it. Said advertisements,
however, emphasize a Guam divorce, and any law student ought
to know that under the Family Code, there is only one instance
when a foreign divorce is recognized, and that is:
Article 26. x x x.
Where a marriage between a Filipino citizen and a foreigner is validly
celebrated and a divorce is thereafter validly obtained abroad by the alien
spouse capacitating him or her to remarry, the Filipino spouse shall have
capacity to remarry
385
VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 385

under Philippine Law.

It must not be forgotten, too, that the Family Code (defines) a
marriage as follows:
Article 1. Marriage is a special contract of permanent union between a

man and a woman entered into in accordance with law for the
establishment of conjugal and family life. It is the foundation of the

family and an inviolable social institution whose nature, consequences,
and incidents are governed by law and not subject to stipulation, except
that marriage settlements may fix the property relation during the
marriage within the limits provided by this Code.
By simply reading the questioned advertisements, it is obvious

that the message being conveyed is that Filipinos can avoid the
legal consequences of a marriage celebrated in accordance with
our law, by simply going to Guam for a divorce. This is not only
misleading, but encourages, or serves to induce, violation of
Philippine law. At the very least, this can be considered “the dark
side” of legal practice, where certain defects in Philippine laws are
exploited for the sake of profit. At worst, this is outright
malpractice.
Rule 1.02.—A lawyer shall not counsel or abet activities aimed at

defiance of the law or at lessening confidence in the legal system.
In addition, it may also be relevant to point out that

advertisements such as that shown in Annex “A” of the Petition,
which contains a cartoon of a motor vehicle with the words “Just
Married” on its bumper and seems to address those planning a
“secret marriage,” if not suggesting a “secret marriage,” makes
light of the “special contract of permanent union,” the inviolable
social institution,” which is how the Family Code describes
marriage, obviously to emphasize its sanctity and inviolability.
Worse, this particular advertisement appears to encourage
marriages celebrated in secrecy, which is suggestive of immoral
publication of applications for a marriage license.
If the article “Rx for Legal Problems” is to be reviewed, it can
readily be concluded that the above impressions one may gather
from the advertisements in question are accurate. The Sharon
Cuneta-Gabby Concepcion example alone confirms what the
advertisements suggest. Here it can be seen that criminal acts are
being encouraged or committed (a bigamous marriage in Hong
Kong or Las Vegas) with impunity simply because the jurisdiction
of Philippine courts does not extend to the place where the crime
is committed.
Even if it be assumed, arguendo, (that) the “legal support
services” respondent offers do not constitute legal services as
commonly
386

understood, the advertisements in question give the impression

that respondent corporation is being operated by lawyers and that
it offers legal services, as earlier discussed. Thus, the only logical
consequence is that, in the eyes of an ordinary newspaper reader,
members of the bar themselves are encouraging or inducing the
performance of acts which are contrary to law, morals, good
customs and the public good, thereby destroying and demeaning
the integrity of the Bar.
xxx
It is respectfully submitted that respondent should be enjoined
from causing the publication of the advertisements in question, or
any other advertisements similar thereto. It is also submitted
that respondent should be prohibited from further performing or
offering some of the services it presently offers, or, at the very
least, from offering such services to the public in general.
The IBP is aware of the fact that providing computerized legal
research, electronic data gathering, storage and retrieval,
standardized legal forms, investigators for gathering of evidence,
and like services will greatly benefit the legal profession and
should not be stifled but instead encouraged. However, when the
conduct of such business by non-members of the Bar encroaches
upon the practice of law, there can be no choice but to prohibit
such business.
Admittedly, many of the services involved in the case at bar
can be better performed by specialists in other fields, such as
computer experts, who by reason of their having devoted time and
effort exclusively to such field cannot fulfill the exacting
requirements for admission to the Bar. To prohibit them from
“encroaching” upon the legal profession will deny the profession of
the great benefits and advantages of modern technology. Indeed, a
lawyer using a computer will be doing better than a lawyer using
a typewriter, even if both are (equal) in skill.
Both the Bench and the Bar, however, should be careful not to
allow or tolerate the illegal practice of law in any form, not only
for the protection of members of the Bar but also, and more
importantly, for the protection of the public. Technological
development in the profession may be encouraged without
tolerating, but instead ensuring prevention of, illegal practice.
There might be nothing objectionable if respondent is allowed
to perform all of its services, but only if such services are made
available exclusively to members of the Bench and Bar.
Respondent would then be offering technical assistance, not legal
services. Alternatively, the more difficult task of carefully
distinguishing between which service may be offered to the public
in general and which should be made available exclusively to
members of the Bar may be undertaken. This, however, may
require further proceedings because of the factual considerations
involved.
387
VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 387

It must be emphasized, however, that some of respondent’s

services ought to be prohibited outright, such as acts which tend
to suggest or induce celebration abroad of marriages which are
bigamous or otherwise illegal and void under Philippine Law.
While respondent may not be prohibited from simply
disseminating information regarding such matters, it must be
required to include, in the information given, a disclaimer that it
is not authorized to practice law, that certain course of action may
be illegal under Philippine law, that it is not authorized or
capable of rendering a legal opinion, that a lawyer should be
consulted before deciding on which course of action to take, and
that it cannot recommend any particular lawyer without
subjecting itself to possible sanctions for illegal practice of law.
If respondent is allowed to advertise, advertising should be
directed exclusively at members of the Bar, with a clear and
unmistakable disclaimer that it is not authorized to practice law
or perform legal services.
The benefits of being assisted by paralegals cannot be ignored.
But nobody should be allowed to represent himself as a
“paralegal” for profit, without such term being clearly defined by
rule or regulation, and without any adequate and effective means
of regulating his activities. Also, law practice in a corporate form
may prove to be advantageous to the legal profession, but before
allowance of such practice may be considered, the corporation’s
Article of Incorporation and By-laws must conform to each and
every provision5 of the Code of Professional Responsibility and the
Rules of Court.
2. Philippine Bar Association:
xxx
Respondent asserts that it “is not engaged in the practice of
law but engaged in giving legal support services to lawyers and
laymen, through experienced paralegals, with the use of modern
computers and electronic machines” (pars. 2 and 3, Comment).
This is absurd. Unquestionably, respondent’s acts of holding out
itself to the public under the trade name “The Legal Clinic, Inc.,”
and soliciting employment for its enumerated services fall within
the realm of a practice which thus yields itself to the regulatory
powers of the Supreme Court. For respondent to say that it is
merely engaged in paralegal work is to stretch credulity.
Respondent’s own commercial advertisement which
________________
5 Memorandum prepared by Atty. Jose A. Grapilon, Chairman, Committee on

Bar Discipline, and Atty. Kenny H. Tantuico, 16-18, 27-29; Rollo 414-416, 425-427.
388

announces a certain Atty. Don Parkinson to be handling the fields

of law belies its pretense. From all indications, respondent “The
Legal Clinic, Inc.” is offering and rendering legal services through
its reserve of lawyers. It has been held that the practice of law is
not limited to the conduct of cases in court, but includes drawing
of deeds, incorporation, rendering opinions, and advising clients
as to their legal right and then take them to an attorney and ask
the latter to look after their case in court See Martin, Legal and
Judicial Ethics, 1984 ed., p. 39).
It is apt to recall that only natural persons can engage in the
practice of law, and such limitation cannot be evaded by a
corporation employing competent lawyers to practice for it.
Obviously, this is the scheme or device by which respondent “The
Legal Clinic, Inc.” holds out itself to the public and solicits
employment of its legal services. It is an odious vehicle for
deception, especially so when the public cannot ventilate any
grievance for malpractice against the business conduit. Precisely,
the limitation of practice of law to persons who have been duly
admitted as members of the Bar (Sec. 1, Rule 138, Revised Rules
of Court) is to subject the members to the discipline of the
Supreme Court. Although respondent uses its business name, the
persons and the lawyers who act for it are subject to court
discipline. The practice of law is not a profession open to all who
wish to engage in it nor can it be assigned to another (See 5 Am.
Jur. 270). It is a personal right limited to persons who have
qualified themselves under the law. It follows that not only
respondent but also all the persons who are acting6 for respondent
are the persons engaged in unethical law practice.
3. Philippine Lawyers’ Association:
The Philippine Lawyers’ Association’s position, in answer to

the issues stated herein, are to wit:
1. The Legal Clinic is engaged in the practice of law;

2. Such practice is unauthorized;
3. The advertisements complained of are not only unethical,
but also misleading and patently immoral; and
4. The Honorable Supreme Court has the power to suppress

and punish the Legal Clinic and its corporate officers for
its unauthorized practice of law and for its unethical,
misleading and immoral advertising.
xxx
_______________
6 Position Paper prepared by Atty. Rafael D. Abiera, Jr., Chairman,

Committee on Lawyers’ Rights and Legal Ethics, and Atty. Arturo M. del
Rosario, President, 5-6; Rollo, 241-242.
389
VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 389

Respondent posits that it is not engaged in the practice of law. It

claims that it merely renders “legal support services” to lawyers,
litigants and the general public as enunciated in the Primary
Purpose Clause of its Article(s) of Incorporation. (See pages 2 to 5
of Respondent’s Comment). But its advertised services, as
enumerated above, clearly and convincingly show that it is indeed
engaged in law practice, albeit outside of court.
As advertised, it offers the general public its advisory services
on Persons and Family Relations Law, particularly regarding
foreign divorces, annulment of marriages, secret marriages,
absence and adoption; Immigration Laws, particularly on visa
related problems, immigration problems; the Investment Law of
the Philippines and such other related laws.
Its advertised services unmistakably require the application of
the aforesaid laws, the legal principles and procedures related
thereto, the legal advices based thereon and which activities call
for legal training, knowledge and experience.
Applying the test laid down by the Court in the aforecited
Agrava Case, the activities of respondent fall squarely and are
embraced in what 7 lawyers and laymen equally term as “the
practice of law.”
4. U.P. Women Lawyers’ Circle:
In resolving the issues before this Honorable Court, paramount

consideration should be given to the protection of the general
public from the danger of being exploited by unqualified persons
or entities who may be engaged in the practice of law.
At present, becoming a lawyer requires one to take a rigorous
four-year course of study on top of a four-year bachelor of arts or
sciences course and then to take and pass the bar examinations.
Only then, is a lawyer qualified to practice law.
While the use of a paralegal is sanctioned in many jurisdictions
as an aid to the administration of justice, there are in those
jurisdictions, courses of study and/or standards which would
qualify these paralegals to deal with the general public as such.
While it may now be the opportune time to establish these courses
of study and/or standards, the fact remains that at present, these
do not exist in the Philippines. In the meantime, this Honorable
Court may decide to take measures to protect the general public
from being exploited by those who may be dealing with the
general public in the guise of being
________________
7 Position Paper prepared by Atty. Lorenzo Sumulong, President, and Atty.

Mariano M. Magsalin, Vice-President, 2, 4-5; Rollo, 93, 95-96.
390

“paralegals” without being qualified to do so.

In the same manner, the general public should also be
protected from the dangers which may be brought about by
advertising of legal services. While it appears that lawyers are
prohibited under the present Code of Professional Responsibility
from advertising, it appears in the instant case that legal services
are being advertised not by lawyers but by an entity staffed by
“paralegals.” Clearly, measures should be taken to protect the
general public from falling prey to those who advertise 8 legal
services without being qualified to offer such services.”
A perusal of the questioned advertisements of Respondent,
however, seems to give the impression that information regarding
validity of marriages, divorce, annulment of marriage,
immigration, visa extensions, declaration of absence, adoption
and foreign investment, which are in essence, legal matters, will
be given to them if they avail of its services. The Respondent’s
name—The Legal Clinic, Inc.—does not help matters. It gives the
impression again that Respondent will or can cure the legal
problems brought to them. Assuming that Respondent is, as
claimed, staffed purely by paralegals, it also gives the misleading
impression that there are lawyers involved in The Legal Clinic,
Inc., as there are doctors in any medical clinic, when only
“paralegals” are involved in the The Legal Clinic, Inc.
Respondent’s allegations are further belied by the very
admissions of its President and majority stockholder, Atty.
Nogales, who gave an insight on the structure and main purpose

of Respondent
9 corporation in the aforementioned “Starweek”
article.”
5. Women Lawyer’s Association of the Philippines:
Annexes “A” and “B” of the petition are clearly advertisements

to solicit cases for the purpose of gain which, as provided for
under the above cited law, (are) illegal and against the Code of
Professional Responsibility of lawyers in this country.
Annex “A” of the petition is not only illegal in that it is an
advertisement to solicit cases, but it is illegal in that in bold
letters it announces that the Legal Clinic, Inc., could work
out/cause the celebration of a secret marriage which is not only
illegal but immoral in this country. While it is advertised that one
has to go to said agency and pay
________________
8 Position Paper prepared by Atty. Victoria C. de los Reyes, 1-2; Rollo; 105-106.
9 Memorandum prepared by Atty. Victoria C. de los Reyes, 10-11; Rollo, 370-
371.
391
VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 391

P560 for a valid marriage in the Philippines are solemnized only

by officers authorized to do so under the law. And to employ an
agency for said purpose of contracting marriage is not necessary.
No amount of reasoning that in the USA, Canada and other
countries the trend is towards allowing lawyers to advertise their
special skills to enable people to obtain from qualified
practitioners legal services for their particular needs can justify
the use of advertisements such as are the subject matter of this
petition, for one (cannot) justify an illegal act even by whatever
merit the illegal act may serve. The law has yet to be amended so
that such as act could become justifiable.
We submit further that these advertisements that seem to
project that secret marriages and divorce are possible in this
country for a fee, when in fact it is not so, are highly
reprehensible.
It would encourage people to consult this clinic about how they
could go about having a secret marriage here, when it cannot nor
should ever be attempted, and seek advice on divorce, where in
this country there is none, except under the Code of Muslim
Personal Laws in the Philippines. It is also against good morals
and is deceitful because it falsely represents to the public to be
able to do that which by our laws cannot be done (and) by our

Code of Morals should not be done.
In the case (of) In re Taguda, 53 Phil. 37, the Supreme Court
held that solicitation for clients by an attorney by circulars of
advertisements, is unprofessional, and offenses
10 of this character
justify permanent elimination from the Bar.
6. Federation International de Abogadas:
xxx
1.7 That entities admittedly not engaged in the practice of law,
such as management consultancy firms or travel agencies,
whether run by lawyers or not, perform the services rendered by
Respondent does not necessarily lead to the conclusion that
Respondent is not unlawfully practicing law. In the same vein,
however, the fact that the business of respondent (assuming it can
be engaged in independently of the practice of law) involves
knowledge of the law does not necessarily make respondent guilty
of unlawful practice of law.
“x x x Of necessity, no one xxx acting as a consultant can render effective

service unless he is familiar with such statutes and regulations. He must
be careful not to suggest a course of
_______________
10 Position Paper prepared by Atty. Leticia E. Sablan, Officer-in-Charge, WLAP

Free Legal Aid Clinic, 1-2; Rollo, 169-170.
392

conduct which the law forbids. It seems x x x clear that (the consultant’s)
knowledge of the law, and his use of that knowledge of the law, and his
use of that knowledge as a factor in determining what measures he shall
recommend, do not constitute the practice of law x x x. It is not only
presumed that all men know the law, but it is a fact that most men have
considerable acquaintance with the broad features of the law x x x. Our
knowledge of the law—accurate or inaccurate—moulds our conduct not
only when we are acting for ourselves, but when we are serving others.
Bankers, liquor dealers and laymen generally possess rather precise
knowledge of the laws touching their particular business or profession. A
good example is the architect, who must be familiar with zoning, building
and fire prevention codes, factory and tenement house statutes, and who
draws plans and specifications in harmony with the law. This is not
practicing law.
“But suppose the architect, asked by his client to omit a fire tower,
replies that it is required by the statute. Or the industrial relations
expert cites, in support of some measure that he recommends, a decision
of the National Labor Relations Board. Are they practicing law? In my
opinion, they are not, provided no separate fee is charged for the legal
advice or information, and the legal question is subordinate and
incidental to a major non-legal problem.
“It is largely a matter of degree and of custom.
“If it were usual for one intending to erect a building on his land to
engage a lawyer to advise him and the architect in respect to the building
code and the like, then an architect who performed this function would
probably be considered to be trespassing on territory reserved for licensed
attorneys. Likewise, if the industrial relations field had been pre-empted
by lawyers, or custom placed a lawyer always at the elbow of the lay
personnel man. But this is not the case. The most important body of
industrial relations experts are the officers and business agents of the
labor unions and few of them are lawyers. Among the larger corporate
employers, it has been the practice for some years to delegate special
responsibility in employee matters to a management group chosen for
their practical knowledge and skill in such matters, and without regard
to legal training or lack of it. More recently, consultants like the
defendant have tendered to the smaller employers the same service that
the larger employers get from their own specialized staff.
“The handling of industrial relations is growing into a recognized
profession for which appropriate courses are offered by our leading
universities. The court should be very cautious
393
VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 393

about declaring [that] a widespread, well-established method of

conducting business is unlawful, or that the considerable class of men
who customarily perform a certain function have no right to do so, or that
the technical education given by our schools cannot be used by the
graduates in their business.
“In determining whether a man is practicing law, we should consider
his work for any particular client or customer, as a whole. I can imagine
defendant being engaged primarily to advise as to the law defining his
client’s obligations to his employees, to guide his client along the path
charted by law. This, of course, would be the practice of the law. But such
is not the fact in the case before me. Defendant’s primary efforts are
along economic and psychological lines. The law only provides the frame
within which he must work, just as the zoning code limits the kind of
building the architect may plan. The incidental legal advice or
information defendant may give, does not transform his activities into the
practice of law. Let me add that if, even as a minor feature of his work, he
performed services which are customarily reserved to members of the bar,

he would be practicing law. For instance, if as part of a welfare program,
he drew employees’ wills.
“Another branch of defendant’s work is the representation of the
employer in the adjustment of grievances and in collective bargaining,
with or without a mediator. This is not per se the practice of law. Anyone
may use an agent for negotiations and may select an agent particularly
skilled in the subject under discussion, and the person appointed is free
to accept the employment whether or not he is a member of the bar.
Here, however, there may be an exception where the business turns on a
question of law. Most real estate sales are negotiated by brokers who are
not lawyers. But if the value of the land depends on a disputed right-of-
way and the principal role of the negotiator is to assess the probable
outcome of the dispute and persuade the opposite party to the same
opinion, then it may be that only a lawyer can accept the assignment. Or
if a controversy between an employer and his men grows from differing
interpretations of a contract, or of a statute, it is quite likely that
defendant should not handle it. But I need not reach a definite conclusion
here, since the situation is not presented by the proofs.
“Defendant also appears to represent the employer before
administrative agencies of the federal government, especially before trial
examiners of the National Labor Relations Board. An agency of the
federal government, acting by virtue of an authority granted by the
Congress may regulate the representation of parties before such agency.
The State of New Jersey is without
394

power to interfere with such determination or to forbid

representation before the agency by one whom the agency admits.
The rules of the National Labor Relations Board give to a party
the right to appear ‘in person, or by counsel, or by other
representative.’ Rules and Regulations, September 11th, 1946, S.
203.31. ‘Counsel’ here means a licensed attorney, and ‘other
representative’ one not a lawyer. In this phase of his work,
defendant may lawfully do whatever the Labor Board allows, even
arguing questions purely legal.” (Auerbacher v. Wood, 53 A. 2d
800, cited in Statsky, Introduction to Paralegalism [1974], at pp.
154-156.)
1.8 From the foregoing, it can be said that a person engaged in
a lawful calling (which may involve knowledge of the law) is not
engaged in the practice of law provided that:
(a) The legal question is subordinate and incidental to a

major non-legal problem;
(b) The services performed are not customarily reserved to

members of the bar;
(c) No separate fee is charged for the legal advice or
information.
All these must be considered in relation to the work for any

particular client as a whole.
1.9. If the person involved is both lawyer and non-lawyer, the
Code of Professional Responsibility succinctly states the rule of
conduct:
“Rule 15.08—A lawyer who is engaged in another profession or

occupation concurrently with the practice of law shall make clear to his
client whether he is acting as a lawyer or in another capacity.”
1.10 In the present case, the Legal Clinic appears to render

wedding services (See Annex “A”, Petition). Services on routine,
straightforward marriages, like securing a marriage license, and
making arrangements with a priest or a judge, may not constitute
practice of law. However, if the problem is as complicated as that
described in “Rx for Legal Problems” on the Sharon-Gabby
Concepcion-Richard Gomez case, then what may be involved is
actually the practice of law. If a non-lawyer, such as the Legal
Clinic, renders such services, then it is engaged in the
unauthorized practice of law.
1.11. The Legal Clinic also appears to give information on
divorce, absence, annulment of marriage and visas (See Annexes
“A” and “B”, Petition). Purely giving information materials may
not constitute practice of law. The business is similar to that of a
bookstore where the customer buys materials on the subject and
determines by himself
395
VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 395

what courses of action to take.

It is not entirely improbable, however, that aside from purely
giving information, the Legal Clinic’s paralegals may apply the
law to the particular problem of the client, and give legal advice.
Such would constitute unauthorized practice of law.
“ It cannot be claimed that the publication of a legal text which purports

to say what the law is amounts to legal practice. And the mere fact that
the principles or rules stated in the text may be accepted by a particular
reader as a solution to his problem does not affect this. x x x Apparently
it is urged that the conjoining of these two, that is, the text and the
forms, with advice as to how the forms should be filled out, constitutes
the unlawful practice of law. But that is the situation with many
approved and accepted texts. Dacey’s book is sold to the public at large.
There is no personal contact or relationship with a particular individual.
Nor does there exist that relation of confidence and trust so necessary to
the status of attorney and client. THIS IS THE ESSENTIAL OF LEGAL
PRACTICE—THE REPRESENTATION AND ADVISING OF A
PARTICULAR PERSON IN A PARTICULAR SITUATION. At most the
book assumes to offer general advice on common problems, and does not
purport to give personal advice on a specific problem peculiar to a
designated or readily identified person. Similarly the defendant’s
publication does not purport ‘to give personal advice on a specific problem
peculiar to a designated or readily identified person in a particular
situation—in the publication and sale of the kits, such publication and
sale did not constitute the unlawful practice of law x x x. There being no
legal impediment under the statute to the sale of the kit, there was no
proper basis for the injunction against defendant maintaining an office
for the purpose of selling to persons seeking a divorce, separation,
annulment or separation agreement any printed material or writings
relating to matrimonial law or the prohibition in the memorandum of
modification of the judgment against defendant having an, interest in
any publishing house publishing his manuscript on divorce and against
his having any personal contact with any prospective purchaser. The
record does fully support, however, the finding that for the charge of $75
or $100 for the kit, the defendant gave legal advice in the course of
personal contacts concerning particular problems which might arise in the
preparation and presentation of the purchaser’s asserted matrimonial
cause of action or pursuit of other legal remedies and assistance in the
preparation of necessary documents (The injunction therefore sought to)
enjoin conduct constituting the practice of law, particularly with refer-
396

ence to the giving of advice and counsel by the defendant relating to

specific problems of particular individuals in connection with a divorce,
separation, annulment of separation agreement sought and should be
affirmed.” (State v. Winder, 348 NYS 2d 270 [1973], cited in Statsky,
supra at p. 101.)
1.12. Respondent, of course, states that its services are “strictly

non-diagnostic, non-advisory.” It is not controverted, however,
that if the services “involve giving legal advice or counseling,”
such would constitute practice of law (Comment, par. 6.2). It is in
this light that FIDA submits that a factual inquiry may be
necessary for the judicious disposition of this case.
xxx
2.10. Annex “A” may be ethically objectionable in that it can

give the impression (or perpetuate the wrong notion) that there is
a secret marriage. With all the solemnities, formalities and other
requisites of marriages (See Articles 2, et seq., Family Code), no
Philippine marriage can be secret.
2.11. Annex “B” may likewise be ethically objectionable. The
second paragraph thereof (which is not necessarily related to the
first paragraph) fails to state the limitation that only “paralegal
services” or11 “legal support services”, and not legal services are
available.”
A prefatory discussion on the meaning of the phrase

“practice of law” becomes exigent for a proper
determination of the issues raised by the petition at bar.
On this score, we note that the clause “practice of law” has
long been the subject of judicial construction and
interpretation. The courts have laid down general
principles and doctrines explaining the meaning and scope
of the term, some of which we now take into account.
Practice of law means any activity, in or out of court,
which requires the application of law, legal procedures,
knowledge, training and experience. To engage in the
practice of law is to perform those acts which are
characteristic of the profession. Generally, to practice law
is to give advice or render
12 any kind of service that involves
legal knowledge or skill.

The practice of law is not limited to the conduct of cases
in court. It includes legal advice and counsel, and the
preparation of
________________
11 Position Paper prepared by Atty. Lily C. Limpe, President, and Atty.

Barbara Anne C. Migallos, 8-12, 23-24; Rollo, 139-143, 154-155.
12 Annotation: 111 ALR 23.
397
VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 397

legal instruments and contracts by which legal rights are

secured, although
13 such matter may or may not be pending
in a court.
In the practice of his profession, a licensed attorney at
law generally engages in three principal types of
professional activity: legal advice and instructions to
clients to inform them of their rights and obligations,
preparation for clients of documents requiring knowledge of

legal principles not possessed by ordinary layman, and
appearance for clients before public tribunals which
possess power and authority to determine rights of life,
liberty, and property according to law, in order 14 to assist in
proper interpretation and enforcement of law.

When a person participates in a trial and 15advertises
himself as a lawyer, he is in the practice of law. One who
confers with clients, advises them as to their legal rights
and then takes the business to an attorney and asks the 16
latter to look after the case in court, is also practicing law.

Giving advice for compensation regarding the legal status
and rights of another and the17 conduct with respect thereto
constitutes a practice of law. One who renders an opinion
as to the proper interpretation of a statute, 18 and receives
pay for it, is, to that extent, practicing law. 19
In the recent case of Cayetano vs. Monsod, after citing

the doctrines in several cases, we laid down the test to
determine whether certain acts constitute “practice of law,”
thus:
Black defines “practice of law” as:

The rendition of services requiring the knowledge and the
application of legal principles and technique to serve the interest
of another with his consent. It is not limited to appearing in court,
_______________
13 Howton vs. Morrow, 269 Ky. 1.

14 West Virginia State Bar vs. Earley, 109 S.E. 2d 420, 144 W.Va. 504; Rhode Is.
Bar Assoc. vs. Automobile Service Assoc. (R.I.) 179 A. 139, 144.
15 People vs. Castleman, 88 Colo. 229.
16 Depew, et al. vs. Witchita Assn. of Credit Men., Inc., 142 Kan. 403.
17 Fitchette vs. Taylor, 94 ALR 356.
18 Mandelaum vs. Gilbert & Barker Mfg. Co., 290 NYS 46218.
19 201 SCRA 210 (1991).
398

or advising and assisting in the conduct of litigation, but

embraces the preparation of pleadings, and other papers incident
to actions and special proceedings, conveyancing, the preparation
of legal instruments of all kinds, and the giving of all legal advice
to clients. It embraces all advice to clients and all actions taken
for them in matters connected with the law.”
The practice of law is not limited to the conduct of cases in

court. (Land Title Abstract and Trust Co. v. Dworken, 129 Ohio
St. 23, 193 N.E. 650). A person is also considered to be in the
practice of law when he:
“x x x for valuable consideration engages in the business of advising

persons, firms, associations or corporations as to their rights under the
law, or appears in a representative capacity as an advocate in
proceedings, pending or prospective, before any court, commissioner,
referee, board, body, committee, or commission constituted by law or
authorized to settle controversies and there, in such representative
capacity, performs any act or acts for the purpose of obtaining or
defending the rights of their clients under the law. Otherwise stated, one
who, in a representative capacity, engages in the business of advising
clients as to their rights under the law, or while so engaged performs any
act or acts either in court or outside of court for that purpose, is engaged
in the practice of law. (State ex. rel. Mckittrick v. C.S. Dudley and Co.,
102 S.W. 2d 895, 340 Mo. 852).”
This Court, in the case of Philippine Lawyers Association v.

Agrava (105 Phil. 173, 176-177), stated:
“The practice of law is not limited to the conduct of cases or litigation in

court; it embraces the preparation of pleadings and other papers incident
to actions and special proceedings, the management of such actions and
proceedings on behalf of clients before judges and courts, and in addition,
conveying. In general, all advice to clients, and all action taken for them
in matters connected with the law incorporation services, assessment and
condemnation services contemplating an appearance before a judicial
body, the foreclosure of a mortgage, enforcement of a creditor’s claim in
bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings, and conducting proceedings in
attachment, and in matters of estate and guardianship have been held to
constitute law practice, as do the preparation and drafting of legal
instruments, where the work done involves the determination by the
trained legal mind of the legal effect of facts and conditions. (5 Am. Jr. p.
262, 263).
399
VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 399

“Practice of law under modern conditions consists in no small part of

work performed outside of any court and having no immediate relation to
proceedings in court. It embraces conveyancing, the giving of legal advice
on a large variety of subjects, and the preparation and execution of legal
instruments covering an extensive field of business and trust relations
and other affairs. Although these transactions may have no direct
connection with court proceedings, they are always subject to become
involved in litigation. They require in many aspects a high degree of legal

skill, a wide experience with men and affairs, and great capacity for
adaptation to difficult and complex situations. These customary functions
of an attorney or counselor at law bear an intimate relation to the
administration of justice by the courts. No valid distinction, so far as
concerns the question set forth in the order, can be drawn between that
part of the work of the lawyer which involves appearance in court and
that part which involves advice and drafting of instruments in his office.
It is of importance to the welfare of the public that these manifold
customary functions be performed by persons possessed of adequate
learning and skill, of sound moral character, and acting at all times
under the heavy trust obligations to clients which rests upon all
attorneys (Moran, Comments on the Rules of Court, Vol. 3 [1973 ed.], pp.
665-666, citing In Re Opinion of the Justices [Mass.], 194 N.E. 313,
quoted in Rhode Is. Bar Assoc. v. Automobile Service Assoc. [R.I.] 179 A.
139, 144).”
The practice of law, therefore, covers a wide range of

activities in and out of court. Applying the aforementioned
criteria to the case at bar, we agree with the perceptive
findings and observations of the aforestated bar
associations that the activities of respondent, as advertised,
constitute “practice of law.”
The contention of respondent that it merely offers legal
support services can neither be seriously considered nor
sustained. Said proposition is belied by respondent’s own
description of the services it has been offering, to wit:
“Legal support services basically consist of giving ready

information by trained paralegals to laymen and lawyers, which
are strictly non-diagnostic, non-advisory, through the extensive
use of computers and modern information technology in the
gathering, processing, storage, transmission and reproduction of
information and communication, such as computerized legal
research; encoding and reproduction of documents and pleadings
prepared by laymen or lawyers; document
400

search; evidence gathering; locating parties or witnesses to a case;

fact finding investigations; and assistance to laymen in need of
basic institutional services from government or non-government
agencies, like birth, marriage, property, or business registrations;
educational of employment records or certifications, obtaining
documentation like clearances, passports, local or foreign visas;
giving information about laws of other countries that they may
find useful, like foreign divorce, marriage or adoption laws that

they can avail of preparatory to emigration to that foreign
country, and other matters that do not involve representation of
clients in court; designing and installing computer systems,
programs, or software for the efficient management of law offices,
corporate legal departments, courts, and other
20 entities engaged in
dispensing or administering legal services.
While some of the services being offered by respondent

corporation merely involve mechanical and technical
knowhow, such as the installation of computer systems and
programs for the efficient management of law offices, or the
computerization of research aids and materials, these will
not suffice to justify an exception to the general rule.
What is palpably clear is that respondent corporation
gives out legal information to laymen and lawyers. Its
contention that such function is non-advisory and non-
diagnostic is more apparent than real. In providing
information, for example, about foreign laws on marriage,
divorce and adoption, it strains the credulity of this Court
that all that respondent corporation will simply do is look
for the law, furnish a copy thereof to the client, and stop
there as if it were merely a bookstore. With its attorneys
and so called paralegals, it will necessarily have to explain
to the client the intricacies of the law and advise him or her
on the proper course of action to be taken as may be
provided for by said law. That is what its advertisements
represent and for which services it will consequently
charge and be paid. That activity falls squarely within the
jurisprudential definition of “practice of law.” Such a
conclusion will not be altered by the fact that respondent
corporation does not represent clients in court since law
practice, as the weight of authority holds, is not limited
merely to court appearances but extends to legal research,
giving legal advice, contract drafting, and so forth.
________________
20 Comment of Respondent, 3; Rollo, 15.
401
VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 401

The aforesaid conclusion is further strengthened by an

article published in the January 13, 1991 issue of the
Starweek/The Sunday Magazine of the Philippine Star,
entitled “Rx for Legal Problems,” where an insight into the

structure, main purpose and operations of respondent
corporation was given by its own “proprietor,” Atty. Rogelio
P. Nogales:
This is the kind of business that is transacted everyday at The

Legal Clinic, with offices on the seventh floor of the Victoria
Building along U.N. Avenue in Manila. No matter what the
client’s problem, and even if it is as complicated as the Cuneta-
Concepcion domestic situation, Atty. Nogales and his staff of
lawyers, who, like doctors, are “specialists” in various fields, can
take care of it. The Legal Clinic, Inc. has specialists in taxation
and criminal law, medico-legal problems, labor, litigation and
family law. These specialists are backed up by a battery of
paralegals, counsellors and attorneys.
Atty. Nogales set up The Legal Clinic in 1984. Inspired by the
trend in the medical field toward specialization, it caters to clients
who cannot afford the services of the big law firms.
The Legal Clinic has regular and walk-in clients. “When they
come, we start by analyzing the problem. That’s what doctors do
also. They ask you how you contracted what’s bothering you, they
take your temperature, they observe you for the symptoms, and so
on. That’s how we operate, too. And once the problem has been
categorized, then it’s referred to one of our specialists.”
There are cases which do not, in medical terms, require
surgery or follow-up treatment. These The Legal Clinic disposes of
in a matter of minutes. “Things like preparing a simple deed of
sale or an affidavit of loss can be taken care of by our staff or, if
this were a hospital, the residents or the interns. We can take
care of these matters on a while you wait basis. Again, kung baga
sa ospital, out-patient, hindi kailangang ma-confine. It’s just like
a common cold or diarrhea,” explains Atty. Nogales.
Those cases which require more extensive “treatment” are
dealt with accordingly. “If you had a rich relative who died and
named you her sole heir, and you stand to inherit millions of
pesos of property, we would refer you to a specialist in taxation.
There would be real estate taxes and arrears which would need to
be put in order, and your relative is even taxed by the state for
the right to transfer her property, and only a specialist in taxation
would be properly trained to deal with that problem. Now, if there
were other heirs contesting your rich relative’s will, then you
would need a litigator, who knows how to arrange the problem for
presentation in court, and gather evidence to
402

21
support the case.”
That fact that the corporation employs paralegals to carry

out its services is not controlling. What is important is that
it is engaged in the practice of law by virtue of the nature
of the services it renders which thereby brings it within the
ambit of the statutory prohibitions against the
advertisements which it has caused to be published and are
now assailed in this proceeding.
Further, as correctly and appropriately pointed out by
the U.P. WILOCI, said reported facts sufficiently establish
that the main purpose of respondent is to serve as a one-
stop-shop of sorts for various legal problems wherein a
client may avail of legal services from simple
documentation to complex litigation and corporate
undertakings. Most of these services are undoubtedly
beyond the domain of paralegals, but rather, are exclusive
22
functions of lawyers engaged in the practice of law.

It should be noted that in our jurisdiction the services
being offered by private respondent which constitute
practice of law cannot be performed by paralegals. Only a
person duly admitted as a member of the bar, or hereafter
admitted as such in accordance with the provisions of the
Rules of Court, and who23 is in good and regular standing, is
entitled to practice law.
Public policy requires that the practice of law be limited
to those individuals found duly qualified in education and
character. The permissive right conferred on the lawyers is
an individual and limited privilege subject to withdrawal if
he fails to maintain proper standards of moral and
professional conduct. The purpose is to protect the public,
the court, the client and the bar from the incompetence or
dishonesty of those unlicensed to practice 24law and not
subject to the disciplinary control of the court.
The same rule is observed in the American jurisdiction
wherefrom respondent would wish to draw support for his
thesis.
________________
21 Rollo, 130-131.
22 Memorandum of U.P. WILOCI, 12-13; Rollo, 372-373.
23 Sec. 1, Rule 138, Rules of Court.
24 Phil. Ass’n. of Free Labor Unions, et al. vs. Binalbagan-Isabela Sugar
Co., et al., 42 SCRA 302 (1971).
403
VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 403

The doctrines there also stress that the practice of law is

limited to those who meet the requirements for, and have
been admitted to, the25bar, and various statutes or rules
specifically so provide. The practice of law is not a lawful
business except for members of the bar who have complied
with all the conditions required by statute and the rules of
court. Only those persons are allowed to practice law who,
by reason of attainments previously acquired through
education and study, have been recognized by the courts as
possessing profound knowledge of legal science entitling
them to advise, counsel with, protect, or defend the rights,
claims, or liabilities of their clients, with respect to the26
construction, interpretation, operation and effect of law.

The justification for excluding from the practice of law
those not admitted to the bar is found, not in the protection
of the bar from competition, but in the protection of the
public from being advised and represented in legal matters
by incompetent and unreliable persons over 27 whom the
judicial department can exercise little control.
We have to necessarily and definitely reject respondent’s
position that the concept in the United States of paralegals
as an occupation separate from the law profession be
adopted in this jurisdiction. Whatever may be its merits,
respondent cannot but be aware that this should first be a
matter for judicial rules or legislative action, and not of
unilateral adoption as it has done.
Paralegals in the United States are trained
professionals. As admitted by respondent, there are schools
and universities there which offer studies and degrees in
paralegal education,
28 while there are none in the
Philippines. As the concept of the “paralegal” or “legal
assistant” evolved in the United States, standards and
guidelines also evolved to protect the general public. One of
the major standards or guidelines was developed by the
American Bar Association which set up Guidelines for the
Approval of Legal Assistant Education Programs (1973).
Legislation has even been proposed to certify legal
assistants. There are also associa-
_______________
25 7 C.J.S., Attorney & Client, 863, 864.

26 Mounier vs. Regcinh, 170 So. 567.
27 Lowell Bar Ass’n. vs. Loeb, 52 N.E. 2d 27, 315 Mass. 176; 7 C.J.S.,
Attorney & Client 64, 865.
28 Comment of Respondent, 2; Rollo, 14.
404

tions of paralegals in the United States with their own code

of professional ethics, such as the National Association of
Legal Assistants,
29 Inc. and the American Paralegal
Association.
In the Philippines, we still have a restricted concept and
limited acceptance of what may be considered as paralegal
service. As pointed out by FIDA, some persons not duly
licensed to practice law are or have been allowed limited
representation in behalf of another or to render legal
services, but such allowable services are limited in scope
and extent by the30 law, rules or regulations granting
permission therefor.
________________
29 Position Paper, U.P. Women Lawyers’ Circle (WILOCI), 11-12, citing

Statsky, Introduction to Paralegalism, 214-224, West Publishing Co.
(1974) and Shayne, The Paralegal Profession, Oceana Publications, 1977,
Appendix II & III; Rollo, 116-117.
30 Illustrations: (a) A law student who has successfully completed his
third year of the regular four-year prescribed law curriculum and is
enrolled in a recognized law school’s clinical legal education program
approved by the Supreme Court (Rule 138-A, Rules of Court);
(b) An official or other person appointed or designated in accordance

with law to appear for the Government of the Philippines in a case
in which the government has an interest (Sec. 33, Rule 138, id.);
(c) An agent or friend who aids a party-litigant in a municipal court
for the purpose of conducting the litigation (Sec. 34, Rule 138, id.);
(d) A person, resident of the province and of good repute for probity
and ability, who is appointed counsel de oficio to defend the
accused in localities where members of the bar are not available
(Sec. 4, Rule 116, id.);
(e) Persons registered or specially recognized to practice in the
Philippine Patent Office (now known as the Bureau of Patents,
Trademarks and Technology Transfer) in trademark, service mark
and trade name cases (Rule 23, Rules of Practice in Trademark
Cases);
(f) A non-lawyer who may appear before the National Labor Relations
Commission or any Labor Arbiter only if (1) he represents himself
as a party to the case; (2) he represents an organization or its
members, provided that he shall be made to present written proof
that he is properly authorized; or (3) he is a duly-accredited
member of any legal aid office duly recognized by
405
VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 405

Accordingly, we have adopted the American judicial policy

that, in the absence of constitutional or statutory authority,
a person who has not been admitted as an attorney cannot
practice law for the proper administration of justice cannot
be hindered by the unwarranted intrusion of an
unauthorized
31 and unskilled person into the practice of
law. That policy should continue to be one of encouraging
persons who are unsure of their legal rights and remedies
to seek legal assistance 32 only from persons licensed to
practice law in the state.

Anent the issue on the validity of the questioned
advertisements, the Code of Professional Responsibility
provides that a lawyer in making known his legal services
shall use only true, honest, fair, 33dignified and objective
information or statement of facts. He is not supposed to
use or permit the use of any false, fraudulent, misleading,
deceptive, undignified, self-laudatory or unfair statement
34
or claim regarding his qualifications or legal services. Nor

shall he pay or give something of value to representatives
of the mass media in anticipation 35 of, or in return for,
publicity to attract legal business. Prior to the adoption of
the Code of Professional Responsibility, the Canons of
Professional Ethics had also warned that lawyers should
not resort to indirect advertisements for professional
employment, such as furnishing or inspiring newspaper
comments, or procuring his photograph to be published in
connection with causes in which the lawyer
________________
the Department of Justice or the Integrated Bar of the Philippines in

cases referred thereto by the latter (New Rules of Procedure of the
National Labor Relations Commission);
(g) An agent, not an attorney, representing the lot owner or claimant

in a case falling under the Cadastral Act (Sec. 9, Act No. 2259);
and
(h) Notaries public for municipalities where completion and passing
the studies of law in a reputable university or school of law is
deemed sufficient qualification for appointment (Sec. 233,
Administrative Code of 1917). See Rollo, 144-145.
31 7 C.J.S., Attorney & Client, 866; Johnstown Coal & Coke Co. of New
York vs. U.S., 102 Ct. Cl. 285.
32 Florida Bar vs. Brumbaugth, 355 So. 2d 1186.
33 Canon 3, Code of Professional Responsibility.
34 Rule 3.01, id.
35 Rule 3.04, id.
406

has been or is engaged or concerning the manner of their

conduct, the magnitude of the interest involved, the
importance 36 of the lawyer’s position, and all other like self-
laudation.
The standards of the legal profession codemn the
lawyer’s advertisement of his talents. A lawyer cannot,
without violating the ethics of his profession, advertise his
talents or skills as in a 37manner similar to a merchant
advertising his goods. The proscription against
advertising of legal services or solicitation of legal business
rests on the fundamental postulate that the practice of law
is a profession. Thus, in the case of The Director 38 of
Religious Affairs vs. Estanislao R. Bayot an
advertisement, similar to those of39 respondent which are
involved in the present proceeding, was held to constitute
improper advertising or solicitation.
The pertinent part of the decision therein reads:
It is undeniable that the advertisement in question was a flagrant

violation by the respondent of the ethics of his profession. It being
a brazen solicitation of business from the public. Section 25 of
Rule 127 expressly provides among other things that “the practice
of soliciting cases at law for the purpose of gain, either personally
or thru paid agents or brokers, constitutes malpractice.” It is
highly unethical for an attorney to advertise his talents or skill as
a merchant advertises his wares. Law is a profession and not a
trade. The lawyer degrades himself and his profession who stoops
to and adopts the practices of mercantilism by advertising his
services or offering them to the public. As a member of the bar, he
defiles the temple of justice with mercenary activities as the
money-changers of old defiled the temple of Jehovah. “The most

worthy and effective advertisement possible, even for a young
lawyer, * * * is the establishment of a well-merited reputation for
professional capacity and fidelity to trust. This cannot be forced
but must be the outcome of the character and conduct.” (Canon
27, Code of Ethics.)
________________
36 Canon 27, Canons of Professional Ethics.

37 People vs. Smith, 93 Am. St. Rep. 206.
38 74 Phil. 579 (1944).
39 The advertisement in said case was as follows: “Marriage license
promptly secured thru our assistance & the annoyance of delay or
publicity avoided if desired, and marriage arranged to wishes of parties.
Consultation on any matter free for the poor. Everything confidential.
407
VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 407

We repeat, the canons of the profession tell us that the best

advertising possible for a lawyer is a well-merited
reputation for professional capacity and fidelity to trust,
which must be earned as the outcome of character and
conduct. Good and efficient service to a client as well as to
the community has a way of publicizing itself and catching
public attention. That publicity is a normal by-product of
effective service which is right and proper. A good and
reputable lawyer needs no artificial stimulus to generate it
and to magnify his success. He easily sees the difference
between a normal by-product of 40 able service and the
unwholesome result of propaganda.
Of course, not all types of advertising or solicitation are
prohibited. The canons of the profession enumerate
exceptions to the rule against advertising or solicitation
and define the extent to which they may be undertaken.
The exceptions are of two broad categories, namely, those
which are expressly allowed and those 41 which are
necessarily implied from the restrictions.
The first of such exceptions is the publication in
reputable law lists, in a manner consistent with the
standards of conduct imposed by the canons, of brief
biographical and informative data. “Such data must not be
misleading and may include only a statement of the
lawyer’s name and the names of his professional associates;
addresses, telephone numbers, cable addresses; branches of
law practiced; date and place of birth and admission to the

bar; schools attended with dates of graduation, degrees and
other educational distinction; public or quasi-public offices;
posts of honor; legal authorships; legal teaching positions;
membership and offices in bar associations and committees
thereof, in legal and scientific societies and legal
fraternities; the fact of listings in other reputable law lists;
the names and addresses of references; and, with their
written consent,
42 the names of clients regularly
represented.”
The law list must be a reputable law list published
primarily for that purpose; it cannot be a mere
supplemental feature of a paper, magazine, trade journal
or periodical which is published
________________
40 Agpalo, Legal Ethics, Fourth Edition (1989), 79-80.

41 Op cit., 80.
42 Op cit., 80, citing Canon 27, Canons of Professional Ethics.
408

principally for other purposes. For that reason, a lawyer

may not properly publish his brief biographical and
informative data in a daily paper, magazine, trade journal
or society program. Nor may a lawyer permit his name to
be published in a law list the conduct, management or
contents of which are calculated or likely to deceive or
injure the public or the 43bar, or to lower the dignity or
standing of the profession.
The use of an ordinary simple professional card is also
permitted. The card may contain only a statement of his
name, the name of the law firm which he is connected with,
address, telephone number and special branch of law
practiced. The publication of a simple announcement of the
opening of a law firm or of changes in the partnership,
associates, firm name or office address, being for the
convenience of the profession, is not objectionable. He may
likewise have his name listed in a telephone directory
44 but
not under a designation of special branch of law.
Verily, taking into consideration the nature and
contents of the advertisements for which respondent is
being taken to task, which even includes a quotation of the
fees charged by said respondent corporation for services
rendered, we find and so hold that the same definitely do

not and conclusively cannot fall under any of the above-
mentioned exceptions.
The ruling
45 in the case of Bates, et al. vs. State Bar of
Arizona, which is repeatedly invoked and constitutes the
justification relied upon by respondent, is obviously not
applicable to the case at bar. Foremost is the fact that the
disciplinary rule involved in said case explicitly allows a
lawyer, as an exception to the prohibition against
advertisements by lawyers, to publish a statement of legal
fees for an initial consultation or the availability upon
request of a written schedule of fees or an estimate of the
________________
43 Op cit., 80, 81, citing A.B.A. Op. 69 (Mar. 19, 1932); A.B.A. Op. 133
(Mar. 13, 1935); A.B.A. Op. 24 (Jan. 24, 1930); and Canon 43, Canons of
Professional Ethics.
44 Op cit., 81, citing A.B.A. Op. 11 (May 11, 1927); A.B.A. Op. 24 (Jan.
24, 1930); A.B.A. Ops. 53 (Dec. 14, 1931), 123 (Dec. 14, 1934), (July 12,
1941), 241 (Feb. 21, 1942), 284 (Aug. 1951); and 286 (Sept. 25, 1952).
45 Supra, Fn. 2.
409
VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 409

fee to be charged for the specific services. No such

exception is provided for, expressly or impliedly whether in
our former Canons of Professional Ethics or the present
Code of Professional Responsibility. Besides, even the
disciplinary rule in the Bates case contains a proviso that
the exceptions stated therein are “not applicable in any
state unless and
46 until it is implemented by such authority
in that state.” This goes to show that an exception to the
general rule, such as that being invoked by herein
respondent, can be made only if and when the canons
expressly provide for such an exception. Otherwise, the
prohibition stands, as in the case at bar.
It bears mention that in a survey conducted by the
American Bar Association after the decision in Bates, on
the attitude of the public about lawyers after viewing
television commercials,
47 it was found that public opinion
dropped significantly with respect to these characteristics
of lawyers:
Trustworthy................................................................... from
71%
to
14%
Professional.................................................................. from
71%
to
14%
Honest........................................................................... from
65%
to
14%
Dignified....................................................................... from
45%
to
14%
Secondly, it is our firm belief that with the present

situation of our legal and judicial systems, to allow the
publication of advertisements of the kind used by
respondent would only serve to aggravate what is already a
deteriorating public opinion of the legal profession whose
integrity has consistently been under attack lately by
media and the community in general. At this point in time,
it is of utmost importance in the face of such negative, even
if unfair, criticisms at times, to adopt and maintain that
level of professional conduct which is beyond reproach, and
to exert all efforts to regain the high esteem formerly
accorded to the legal profession.
In sum, it is undoubtedly a misbehavior on the part of
the lawyer, subject to disciplinary action, to advertise his
services
_______________
46 Id., 810, 825.

47 Position Paper of the Philippine Bar Association, 12, citing the
American Bar Association Journal, January 1989, p. 60; Rollo, 248.
410

48
except in allowable instances 49or to aid a layman in the

unauthorized practice of law. Considering that Atty.
Rogelio P. Nogales, who is the prime incorporator, major
stockholder and proprietor of The Legal Clinic, Inc. is a

member of the Philippine Bar, he is hereby reprimanded,
with a warning that a repetition of the same or similar acts
which are involved in this proceeding will be dealt with
more severely.
While we deem it necessary that the question as to the
legality or illegality of the purpose/s for which the Legal
Clinic, Inc. was created should be passed upon and
determined, we are constrained to refrain from lapsing into
an obiter on that aspect since it is clearly not within the
adjudicative parameters of the present proceeding which is
merely administrative in nature. It is, of course, imperative
that this matter be promptly determined, albeit in a
different proceeding and forum, since, under the present
state of our law and jurisprudence, a corporation cannot be
organized for or engage in the practice of law in this
country. This interdiction, just like the rule against
unethical advertising, cannot be subverted by employing
some so-called paralegals supposedly rendering the alleged
support services.
The remedy for the apparent breach of this prohibition
by respondent is the concern and province of the Solicitor
General50 who can institute the corresponding quo warranto
action, after due ascertainment of the factual background

and basis for the grant of respondent’s corporate charter, in
light of the putative misuse thereof. That spin-off from the
instant bar matter is referred to the Solicitor General for
such action as may be necessary under the circumstances.
ACCORDINGLY, the Court Resolved to RESTRAIN and
ENJOIN herein respondent, The Legal Clinic, Inc., from
issuing or causing the publication or dissemination of any
advertisement in any form which is of the same or similar
tenor and purpose as
________________
48 In re Tagorda, 53 Phil. 37 (1929); The Director of Religious Affairs vs.

Bayot, supra, Fn 38.
49 U.S. vs. Ney & Bosque, 8 Phil. 146 (1907); People vs. Luna, 102 Phil.
968 (1958).
50 Secs. 2 and 3, Rule 66, Rules of Court, in relation to Sec. 6(1), P.D.
No. 902-A and Sec. 121, Corporation Code.
411
VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 411

Mendoza vs. Mabutas
Annexes “A” and “B” of this petition, and from conducting,

directly or indirectly, any activity, operation or transaction
proscribed by law or the Code of Professional Ethics as
indicated herein. Let copies of this resolution be furnished
the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, the Office of the Bar
Confidant and the Office of the Solicitor General for
appropriate action in accordance herewith.
Narvasa (C.J.), Cruz, Feliciano, Padilla, Bidin,
Griño-Aquino, Davide, Jr., Romero, Nocon, Bellosillo, Melo
and Quiason, JJ., concur.
Respondent restrained and enjoined from issuing or
causing the publication of the questioned advertisement.
Notes.—Lawyers may not engage in forum-shopping by

splitting actions or appeals (Tan vs. Court of Appeals, 199
SCRA 212).
Reason for award of attorney’s fees must be stated in the
court’s decision (Policarpio vs. Court of Appeals, 194 SCRA
729).
——o0o——
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9/7/23, 11:22 AM SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED VOLUME 223

Bar Matter No. 553. June 17, 1993.

MAURICIO C. ULEP, petitioner, vs. THE LEGAL CLINIC,

Attorneys; Words and Phrases; Meaning of “Practice of

Same; Same; Same.—When a person participates in a trial

Same; The practice of giving out legal information constitutes

activity falls squarely within the jurisprudential definition of

VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 379

Ulep vs. Legal Clinic, Inc.

Such a conclusion will not be altered by the fact that respondent

Same; Same.—Further, as correctly and appropriately

Same; Same; The services offered by respondent cannot be

service. As pointed out by FIDA, some persons not duly licensed to

Same; Lawyers may not advertise their services or expertise.—

380 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED

Ulep vs. Legal Clinic, Inc.

representatives of the mass media in anticipation of, or in return

Same; Exceptions.—Of course, not all types of advertising or

Same; Same.—The first of such exceptions is the publication

Same; Same.—The use of an ordinary simple professional

Same; Legal profession here has been under attack on its

ORIGINAL PETITION in the Supreme Court.

VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 381

The facts are stated in the opinion of the Court.

Petitioner prays this Court “to order the respondent to

P560.00 for a valid marriage.

an Attorney in Guam, is giving FREE BOOKS on Guam Divorce

382 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED

THE 7F Victoria Bldg. 429 UN Ave.,

It is the submission of petitioner that the advertisements

Respondent further argues that assuming that the services

1 Rollo, 5. A facsimile of the scales of justice is printed together with

VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 383

1. Integrated Bar of the Philippines:

Notwithstanding the subtle manner by which respondent

384 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED

and that it renders legal services.

—“The Legal Clinic, Inc.” Such a name, it is respectfully

VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 385

under Philippine Law.

Article 1. Marriage is a special contract of permanent union between a

establishment of conjugal and family life. It is the foundation of the

By simply reading the questioned advertisements, it is obvious

Rule 1.02.—A lawyer shall not counsel or abet activities aimed at

In addition, it may also be relevant to point out that

386 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED

understood, the advertisements in question give the impression

VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 387

It must be emphasized, however, that some of respondent’s

2. Philippine Bar Association:

5 Memorandum prepared by Atty. Jose A. Grapilon, Chairman, Committee on

388 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED

announces a certain Atty. Don Parkinson to be handling the fields

3. Philippine Lawyers’ Association:

The Philippine Lawyers’ Association’s position, in answer to

1. The Legal Clinic is engaged in the practice of law;

4. The Honorable Supreme Court has the power to suppress

6 Position Paper prepared by Atty. Rafael D. Abiera, Jr., Chairman,

VOL. 223, JUNE 17, 1993 389

Respondent posits that it is not engaged in the practice of law. It