CANON I INDEPENDENCE
DELIVERY OF LEGAL PRACTICE UNDUE INFLUENCE NON-INTERFERENCE DISCRETION IN
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Independent Merit-based practice Freedom from improper Non-interference by a lawyer Lawyer’s duty and
(act freely) (Paas) considerations and discretion in procedure
external influences or -Not assist or cause to interfere and strategy
Accessible (available for -Focus on the merits of a pressure before the courts
people regardless of status, cause, facts of a case - not allow clients to
race, religion, and gender – -know the law and diligent -Reason: endangers the dictate the procedure
shall not reject unless for -Avoid influencing the to ascertain the facts independence of judiciary
just causes) courts and undermine -respect the client’s
them -not argue or communicate decision to settle after
Efficient, and effective legal with the judge privately in explaining the
service (continue legal -Avoid discussing pending the merits of pending case consequences
education and contribute in cases as it creates
legal development) unfavorable attitude to the -4Ps (pride, prejudice, - resist unlawful
public mind passion or pettiness) instruction
- lawyer is not a gun for
Avoid criticizing the court hire
in a pending litigation to
shield the court from
embarrassment and
influence
CANON II INDEPENDENCE
CONDUCT VERBAL RESPECT FOR DUTY TO BRIBERY, PROPRIETY IN RESPONSIBLE
AND PROPRIETY COURT REPORT, SOLICITATION, CERTAIN USE OF SOCIAL
DECORUM PROCESSES CORRECT AND TAKING FIELDS MEDIA
RECTIFY ADVANTAGE
IMPROPRIETY
1. Proper conduct 4. Use of 8. Prohibition 11. False 15. Improper claim
dignified, gender- against misleading representations or of influence or
-shall not engage fair, and child-and the court, tribunal, statements; duty to familiarity
in UDID culturally or other correct
sensitive language government -Dealings with officers and
personnel of courts,
agency tribunal, or gov agency.
Avoid appearance of
impropriety, influence, or
favor
2. Dignified 9. Obstructing 12 . Duty to report
conduct access to evidence dishonest, deceitful,
or altering, or misleading
-shall respect the law, destroying, or conduct.
courts, tribunals, gov
agencies (officials, concealing
employees, and evidence.
processes
-courteous, civility,
fairness towards fellow
lawyers
3. Safe 10. Conduct in the
environment; presentation of
avoid all forms of witness
abuse or
harassment
-
5. Observance of 13. Imputation of 14. Remedy for
fairness and misconduct, grievances;
obedience impropriety, or insinuation of
crime without improper motive
basis
-grievances against
-accuse another officer in court, tribunal,
or government agency
lawyer without should be submitted to
legal basis, file or the proper authorities and
assist in frivolous be addressed in a proper
forum
filing
6. Harassing or
threatening
conduct
7. Formal
decorum and
appearance
CANON III: Fidelity
A. Practice of Law -
B. The Power and Duty of a Lawyer
C. Legal and Judicial Processes – give the utmost respect to the court, to not mock the court and legal processes, as a lawyer you
should ensure a fair and just administration of justice by ensuring that the court
D. Supervision
E. Limited Legal Services – Pro Bono, appointed by the court to be counsel de oficio
F. Confidentiality
G. Lawyer-Client Relationship – bounded by trust and confidence, a lawyer should protect this relationship by ensuring that the
confidence of the client should not be disclosed, especially to the public’s ears. It is your duty that no harm or humiliation may
come to your client, especially during legal proceedings and trial.
H. Conflict of Interest – address the court immediately regarding this
I. Fees – Attorney’s lien to be filed in court,
