Ulep vs. Legal Clinic A.C. No.

L-533
Topics:
A lawyer, making known his legal services shall only use true, honest, fair, dignified and
objective information or statement of facts.Canon 3, Code of Professional Responsibility
A lawyer shall not use or permit the use of any false, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive,
undignified, self-laudatory or unfair statement or claim regarding his qualifications for legal
services.Rule 3.01., Code of Professional Responsibility

Facts of the Case:

In 1984, The Legal Clinic was formed by Atty. Rogelio Nogales. Its aim, according to
Nogales, was to move toward specialization and to cater to clients who cannot afford the
services of big law firms.
Atty. Ulep files a complaint against The Legal Clinic because of its advertisements which
states undignified phrases like-- Secret Marriage? P560.00 for a valid marriage. Information on
DIVORCE, ANNULMENT, ABSENCE, VISA. The Legal Clinic, Inc. Please call: 5210767,
5217232, 5222041 8:30am to 6:00pm 7th Floor Victoria Bldg. UN Avenue, Manila.
It is also alleged that The Legal Clinic published an article entitled Rx for Legal Problems
in The Philippine Star because it is composed of specialists that can take care of a clients
situation no matter how complicated it is, especially on marriage problems like the Sharon and
Gabby situation.
Citing John Bates vs. The State Bar of Arizona, Atty. Nogales said that it should be
allowed based on this American Jurisprudence. According to him, there is nothing wrong with
making known the legal services his Legal Clinic has to offer.

Issue:
Whether or not such advertisement may be allowed.
Ruling:
The Legal Clinic is composed mainly of paralegals, which is undoubtedly beyond the domain of
the paralegals. As stated in a previous jurisprudence, practice of law is only reserved for the
members of the Philippine bar, and not to paralegals. As with the Legal Clinics advertisements,
the Code of Professional Responsibility provides that a lawyer in making known his legal
services must use only honest, fair, dignified and objective information or statement of facts.
A lawyer cannot advertise his talents in a manner that a merchant advertise his goods.
The Legal Clinic promotes divorce, secret marriages, bigamous marriages which are
undoubtedly contrary to law.

The only allowed form of advertisements would be 1. Citing your involvement in a

reputable law list, 2. An ordinary professional card 3. Phone directory listing without designation
to a lawyers specialization.

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.
THE 7 F Victoria Bldg. 429 UN Ave.
LEGAL Ermita, Manila nr. US Embassy
CLINIC, INC. 1 Tel. 521-7232521-7251
522-2041; 521-0767