In the Philippines, the practice of law is a privilege burdened with conditions and high ethical standards. Before engaging the services of a legal professional, it is prudent—and often necessary—to confirm that the individual is a member of the Philippine Bar in good standing. The Supreme Court of the Philippines maintains the definitive record of all authorized practitioners.

The Role of the Office of the Bar Confidant (OBC)

The Office of the Bar Confidant (OBC) is the administrative arm of the Supreme Court tasked with overseeing the admission of new lawyers and maintaining the Roll of Attorneys. This office is the primary source of truth regarding a lawyer's professional status.

Methods of Verification

There are several official channels through which a person can verify whether an individual is licensed to practice law in the Philippines:

1. The Supreme Court Website (Law List)

The most accessible method is the Law List (often referred to as the "List of Lawyers") available on the official Supreme Court website.

Process: Users can search the database by the lawyer’s surname.
Data Provided: The list typically displays the lawyer’s full name, the date they were admitted to the Bar, and their Roll of Attorneys number.
Limitation: While the online list confirms admission, it may not always reflect the most recent administrative changes, such as suspensions or disbarments, in real-time.

2. Formal Request with the Office of the Bar Confidant

For official or legal purposes, such as litigation or employment verification, a formal certification may be required.

Certification of Good Standing: You may request a certificate from the OBC stating whether a lawyer is in good standing or if they have pending administrative cases.
Requirements: This usually requires a formal letter-request and the payment of a nominal administrative fee at the Supreme Court Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Building or the Supreme Court complex in Manila.

3. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)

Every lawyer admitted to the Bar is a mandatory member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).

Verification: You can contact the IBP National Office or the specific local chapter where the lawyer claims to be a member.
Status: The IBP can confirm if the lawyer is "updated" in their membership dues. A lawyer who is delinquent in dues may be restricted from practice, even if they remain on the Roll of Attorneys.

Key Identifiers to Verify

When checking a lawyer's credentials, ensure you have the following information:

Full Name: Ensure the spelling matches their government-issued ID.
Roll of Attorneys Number: This is a unique number assigned to every lawyer upon admission.
IBP Number: Issued annually or for a lifetime, indicating active membership.
Professional Tax Receipt (PTR): Issued by the local government where the lawyer practices; this must be updated annually.

Red Flags of Unauthorized Practice

Be cautious if an individual claiming to be an attorney:

Cannot provide a Roll of Attorneys number.
Is not listed in the Supreme Court’s online database.
Refuses to provide a PTR or IBP number on formal legal documents (pleadings).
Claims to be a lawyer but is only a "shyster" or "notary public" without a commission.

Importance of Verification

Verifying a license ensures that the person representing you has the required education, has passed the rigorous Philippine Bar Examinations, and is subject to the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA). Engaging a "fake" lawyer can lead to the dismissal of legal cases and the loss of legal rights without recourse.