In the Philippines, the practice of law is a privilege burdened with conditions. Ensuring that an individual claiming to be a lawyer is actually authorized to practice is not just a matter of due diligence; it is a safeguard against "fixers," unauthorized practitioners, and potential legal malpractice.
To verify a lawyer’s license and standing, one must navigate two primary authorities: the Supreme Court of the Philippines and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).
1. The Supreme Court: The Ultimate Authority
The Supreme Court is the body that admits candidates to the Bar. A person is only considered a lawyer once they have passed the Bar Examinations, taken the Lawyer’s Oath, and signed the Roll of Attorneys.
- The Roll of Attorneys: This is the official list of all individuals authorized to practice law in the country. If a person's name is not in the Roll, they are not a lawyer.
- Verification Method: You can verify a name through the Supreme Court’s Law List. This searchable database provides the roll number and the date of admission to the Bar.
- Office of the Bar Confidant (OBC): For formal certifications regarding a lawyer's standing or to check if they have pending administrative cases or have been disbarred/suspended, a request can be filed with the OBC.
2. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)
While the Supreme Court admits lawyers, the IBP is the official organization of all Philippine lawyers. Membership is mandatory. A lawyer in "good standing" is one who complies with the requirements of the IBP.
Criteria for "Good Standing"
Simply being on the Roll of Attorneys does not mean a lawyer is authorized to practice at this moment. To be in good standing with the IBP, a lawyer must:
- Pay Annual Dues: Membership dues must be settled regularly.
- MCLE Compliance: Lawyers must complete Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) credits every three years to ensure their knowledge remains current.
- No Pending Suspensions: They must not be serving a period of suspension from the practice of law.
How to Verify via the IBP
- National Database: You may contact the IBP National Office in Pasig City. They maintain a database of all members and their current status.
- Chapter Verification: Every lawyer belongs to a specific IBP Chapter (usually based on where they practice or reside). Contacting the specific Chapter Secretary is often the fastest way to verify if a local practitioner is updated with their dues.
3. Key Indicators of Legitimacy
When dealing with a lawyer, you can look for these specific "proofs" of license, which are required in most formal legal pleadings:
| Indicator | Description |
|---|---|
| Roll of Attorneys Number | The unique permanent number assigned upon admission to the Bar. |
| IBP Lifetime/OR Number | Evidence of the most recent payment of IBP membership dues. |
| PTR (Professional Tax Receipt) | A receipt issued annually by the local government where the lawyer practices. |
| MCLE Compliance Number | A number indicating the lawyer has completed the required education for the current compliance period. |
4. Warning Signs of Unauthorized Practice
The public should be wary of individuals who:
- Refuse to provide a Roll Number or IBP receipt.
- Are not listed in the Supreme Court’s online Law List.
- Claim to be "International Lawyers" or "Legal Consultants" to circumvent the Philippine Bar requirements.
- Have been "Dropped from the Roll" (often due to non-payment of dues or other administrative reasons).
5. Consequences of Misrepresentation
Under Philippine law, an individual who represents themselves as a lawyer without being a member of the Bar can be held liable for Indirect Contempt of Court and may face criminal charges for Estafa (if they collected fees) or Usurpation of Authority.
If you discover a person is misrepresenting their status, a formal complaint can be lodged with the Commission on Bar Discipline (CBD) of the IBP or the Office of the Bar Confidant of the Supreme Court.