For there are so many lawyers who are parasites, no ethical

standard, who are a disgrace to the noble profession. What is

needed is not greater quantity, but fine quality, of professional men
and women who have a sincere understanding of the high
requirements of the legal profession.3
In fine, all acts of a lawyer in the performance of his function
involve public matters.5
To say this in Latin as members of the learned profession at one
time were inclined to do, uberrima fides is required. The
professional man is not liable only for outright fraud; his position
gives him an opportunity for domination and influence, and he his
liable for these in an improper fashion.25
There is another responsibility, more or less peculiar to the
members of the learned profession, or at least imposed upon them
with greater force. This I would like to dwell upon at more length.
It is the duty to supply intelligent, unselfish leadership to the
forming of public opinion, and the determination of important
issues.26
In a sense, we owe a fiduciary obligation to our society in general
and to our governmental process in particular. Every one to whom
much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom
men commit much they will demand the more.27
Are you open-minded, careful to consider both sides of an issue,
and even after reaching a decision, are you still ready to assess its
validity?28
(Chapter I: Introductory Chapter, Legal Profession: Readings and
Materials, Coquia 2009)

Lawyers in official positions making virtue out of duty. - This is

true. There are, indeed, lawyers in official positions praising
themselves for their compliance of the law of the land and the
orders of the court. Fortunately, they are very few.103
(Chapter IV: Perspective of Legal Education, Legal Profession:
Readings and Materials, Coquia 2009)
Woe to you lawyers also! For you load men with burdens hard to
bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your
fingers.123
Intellectually dishonest.138
(Chapter V: Responsibilities of a Lawyer, Legal Profession:
Readings and Materials, Coquia 2009)
The power of reasoning of many of them appeared to be sadly
deficient.166
(Chapter VI: Apostasy in the Legal Profession, Legal Profession:
Readings and Materials, Coquia 2009)
Equally important is that those who deal with him will think twice
before attempting to put one over him.229
The dark side.
Lest we forget, however, the image of the lawyer in the community
is not really all rosy. He may be looked up to, but he may not be
necessarily liked. Laymen often say that lawyers are liars. If
people describe them as mayabang or having a lot of hot air, no
one will be surprised.230
Even those who are regarded as educated lawyers or who pass as

legal scholars can at times be highly opinionated and immaturely

inflexible. Dealing with them often brings up embarrassing
moments, even lengthy discussions.231
Just the way of demonstrating the importance of grammar to law,
knowing the distinction between the common articles a and an
and the definite article the, could spell a big difference between
understanding a legal problem or failing to comprehend it.236
A basic knowledge of logic, even without knowing the law, will
tell you that...237
Those who feel that they know it all or that they cannot learn from
anybody else except themselves, are the ones who commit
grievous mistake in the appreciation of the law.244
(Chapter VIII: How to be a Lawyer, Legal Profession: Readings
and Materials, Coquia 2009)
Lawyers Oath
...and will conduct myself as lawyer according to the best of my
knowledge.265
Rule 138, Sec. 21: (g) gross negligence or gross ignorance
Art. 208, 209 of RPC
Art. 1491 CC
Grounds for Discipline, among others:
1. Gross misconduct in the office
2. Violation of the lawyers oath
3. Any misconduct of a lawyer in his professional or private
capacity.274

(Chapter IX: Ethics of Legal Profession, Legal Profession:

Readings and Materials, Coquia 2009)