Ulep vs. Legal Clinic A.C. No.

L-533
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 client’s 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.

Court 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 Clinic’s 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
lawyer’s specialization.