In the Philippines, the practice of law is a privilege burdened with conditions. With the rise of "fixers" and unscrupulous individuals posing as legal professionals, it is critical for the public to know how to verify if a person is truly a member of the Philippine Bar.
Ensuring a lawyer's standing is not just about trust; it is about ensuring that the legal representation you receive is recognized by the courts.
1. The Supreme Court: The Ultimate Authority
The Supreme Court of the Philippines oversees the admission to the practice of law. Every person who passes the Bar Exams and takes the Lawyer's Oath is assigned a Roll Number.
The Law List (Online Verification)
The quickest way to verify a lawyer's status is through the Supreme Court’s official website.
- The "Law List": The SC maintains an online database where you can search for a lawyer by their surname.
- What it tells you: It confirms if the person has been admitted to the Bar and provides their Roll of Attorneys number.
- Limitation: While the Law List confirms admission, it may not immediately reflect recent administrative changes, such as suspensions or disbarments, unless the database is newly updated.
The Office of the Bar Confidant (OBC)
For a more "official" or certified verification, one can approach the Office of the Bar Confidant located within the Supreme Court complex in Manila.
- Purpose: The OBC maintains the physical Roll of Attorneys.
- Certification: You can request a Certificate of Good Standing or a verification letter to confirm if a lawyer is currently allowed to practice or if they are facing disciplinary actions.
2. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)
Under the Rules of Court, every lawyer admitted to the Bar must be a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP). Membership is mandatory to maintain a legal practice.
Verification via IBP National Office or Chapters
You can contact the IBP National Office (located in Ortigas Center, Pasig) or the specific local chapter where the lawyer is registered.
- IBP ID: A legitimate lawyer should possess a current IBP ID. This ID contains their IBP Membership Number.
- Lifetime vs. Annual: Some lawyers have "Lifetime Member" status, while others pay annual dues. If a lawyer fails to pay their dues, they may be dropped from the roll of members in good standing.
Information to Look For:
When verifying with the IBP, ask for the following:
- IBP Number: Unique to their membership.
- Chapter: Where they are officially registered (e.g., IBP Makati, IBP Cebu).
- Status: Whether they are "In Good Standing."
3. Key Credentials to Check
In legal documents (pleadings, contracts, affidavits), a lawyer is required by law to disclose specific information. If these are missing or look suspicious, it is a red flag.
| Credential | Description |
|---|---|
| Roll of Attorneys No. | The permanent number assigned upon passing the Bar. |
| IBP Receipt No. | Proves payment of annual membership dues for the current year. |
| PTR No. | Professional Tax Receipt. Issued by the local government where the lawyer practices. It must be renewed annually. |
| MCLE Compliance No. | Mandatory Continuing Legal Education. Lawyers must undergo seminars every three years to stay updated. A valid MCLE number proves they are compliant with current legal education requirements. |
4. Red Flags: How to Spot a "Fake" Lawyer
- Missing MCLE or PTR: If a "lawyer" cannot provide a current MCLE compliance number or a PTR, they may be inactive or unauthorized to sign court documents.
- Refusal to Show ID: A legitimate lawyer will generally have no issue showing their IBP ID or providing their Roll Number.
- "Fixer" Behavior: If an individual claims they can "guarantee" a win through "connections" inside the court rather than legal merit, exercise extreme caution.
- Not in the SC Database: If the name does not appear in the Supreme Court Law List, they are not a licensed Philippine attorney.
5. What to do if someone is Misrepresenting themselves
If you discover that someone is practicing law without a license (unauthorized practice of law), you can:
- Report to the NBI or Police: Misrepresentation and estafa are criminal offenses.
- File a Complaint with the IBP: The IBP has a Commission on Bar Discipline.
- Inform the Supreme Court: You can write to the Office of the Bar Confidant to verify and report the individual.
Note: Even if a person finished a Law degree (LL.B. or J.D.), they are not a lawyer until they pass the Bar Exam, take the Oath, and sign the Roll of Attorneys.
Would you like me to draft a formal letter of inquiry addressed to the Office of the Bar Confidant to verify a specific individual's credentials?