2017 BAR EXAMINATIONS

LEGAL AND JUDICIAL ETHICS AND PRACTICAL EXERCISES

I. Legal Ethics
A. Practice of Law
1. Concept
a. Definition of the Practice of Law
b. Practice of law is a Privilege, not a right.
c. Law as a profession, not a business or trade
2. Qualifications for Admission to the Bar
3. Appearance of Non-Lawyers
a. Law Student Practice Rule ( Rule 138-A)
b. Non-Lawyers in Courts
c. Non-Lawyers in Administrative Tribunals
d. Proceedings Where Lawyers are Prohibited from Appearing as
Counsels
4. Sanctions for Practice or Appearance Without Authority
a. Lawyers Without Authority
b. Persons Who are Not Lawyers
5. Public Officials and the Practice of Law
a. Prohibition or Disqualification of Former Government Attorneys
b. Public Officials who Cannot Practice Law or Can Practice Law with
Restrictions
6. Lawyers Who are Authorized to Represent Government
7. Lawyers Oath

B. The Code of Professional Responsibility

1. To Society (Canons 1-6)
a. Respect for Law and Legal Processes
b. Efficient and Convenient Legal Services
c. True, Honest, Fair, Dignified and Objective Information on Legal
Services
d. Participation in the Improvement and Reforms in the Legal System
e. Participation in Legal Education Program

2. To the Legal Profession

a. Integrated Bar of the Philippines (Rule 139 A)
i. Membership and Dues
3. To the Courts
a. Candor, Fairness and Good Faith Towards the Courts
 b. Respect for Courts and Judicial Offices
c. Assistance in the Speedy and Efficient Administration of Justice
d. Reliance on merits of his cause and avoidance of any impropriety
which tends to influence or gives the appearance of influence upon
the courts
4. To the Clients
a. Availability of Service Without Discrimination
i. Services Regardless of a Persons Status
ii. Services as Counsel de Officio
iii. Valid Grounds for Refusal to Serve
b. Candor, Fairness and Loyalty to Clients
i. Confidentiality Rule
ii. Privileged Communications
iii. Conflict of Interest
iv. Candid and Honest Advise to Clients
v. Compliance with Laws
vi. Concurrent Practice of Another Profession
c. Clients Moneys and Properties
i. Fiduciary Relationship
ii. Co-mingling of Funds
iii. Delivery of Funds
iv. Borrowing or Lending
d. Fidelity to Clients Cause
e. Competence and Diligence
i. Adequate Protection
ii. Negligence
iii. Collaborating Counsel
iv. Duty to Apprise Client
f. Representation with Zeal within Legal Bounds
i. Use of Fair and Honest Means
ii. Clients Fraud
iii. Procedure in Handling the Case
g. Attorneys Fees
i. Acceptance Fees
ii. Contingency Fee Arrangements
iii. Attorneys Liens
iv. Fees and Controversies with Clients (Quantum Meruit)
v. Concepts of Attorneys Fees
a. Ordinary Concept
b. Extraordinary Concept
h. Preservation of Clients Confidences
i. Prohibited Disclosures and Use
ii. Disclosure, When Allowed
 i. Withdrawal of Services

C. Suspension, Disbarment and Discipline of Lawyers

1. Nature and Characteristics of Disciplinary Actions Against Lawyers
a. Sui generis
b. Prescription
2. Grounds
3. Proceedings
4. Discipline of Filipino Lawyers Practicing Abroad
D. Readmission to the Bar
1. Lawyers Who Have Been Suspended
2. Lawyers Who Have Been Disbarred
3. Lawyers Who Have Been Repatriated
E. Mandatory Continuing Legal Education
1. Purpose
2. Requirements
3. Compliance
4. Exemptions
5. Sanctions
6. Bar Matter 2012, Rule on Mandatory Legal Aid Service
F. Notarial Practice (AM No. 02-8-13-SC, as amended)
1. Qualifications on Notary Public
2. Term of Office of Notary Public
3. Powers and Limitations
4. Notarial Register
5. Jurisdiction of Notary Public and Place of Notarization
6. Revocation of Commission
7. Competent Evidence of Identity
8. Sanctions
G. Canons of Professional Ethics

II. Judicial Ethics

A. Administrative Jurisdiction Over Judges and Justices (All levels)
B. Disqualification of Justices and Judges (Rule 137)
1. Compulsory
2. Voluntary
C. Initiation of Complaint Against Judges and Justices
D. Discipline of Members of the Judiciary
1. Supreme Court
2. Lower Court Judges and Justices of the Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan and
Court of Tax Appeals (Rule 140)
3. Grounds
 4. Sanctions Imposed by the Supreme Court on Erring Members of the
Judiciary

III. Practical Exercises

A. Quitclaims in Labor Cases
B. Simple Contracts Lease, Sale of Realty or Personal Property
C. Promissory Note
D. Verification and Certificate of Non-Forum Shopping
E. Notice of Hearing and Explanation (All levels)
F. Affidavits Loss, Change of Name

IMPORTANT NOTES:

The listing of covered topics is not intended and should not be used by law schools as a
course outline, and that this listing has been drawn up for the limited purpose of ensuring
that theBar candidates are guided on the coverage of the 2017 Bar Examinations.

All laws, rules, issuances and jurisprudence pertinent to every subject and its listed topics
as of June 30, 2016 are examinable materials within the coverage of the 2017 Bar
Examinations.

Principles of law are not covered by the cut-off period stated herein.

COMMITTEE FOR THE 2017 BAR EXAMINATIONS