In the Philippines, the title of "Attorney" is not just a professional designation; it is a privilege granted by the Supreme Court to those who have met rigorous educational and moral requirements. With the rise of "fixers" and unscrupulous individuals posing as legal professionals, it is vital to know how to verify if the person you are dealing with is a bona fide member of the Philippine Bar.
Here is a comprehensive guide on how to verify a lawyer’s legitimacy using official records.
1. The Roll of Attorneys
The definitive list of all individuals authorized to practice law in the Philippines is the Roll of Attorneys. This record is maintained by the Office of the Bar Confidant (OBC) under the Supreme Court.
A person is only considered a "lawyer" if they have:
- Passed the Philippine Bar Examinations;
- Taken the Lawyer’s Oath; and
- Signed the Roll of Attorneys.
How to Check the Roll Online
The Supreme Court of the Philippines provides an online database for public use.
- The Law List: You can visit the official Supreme Court Website and look for the "Law List" or "List of Lawyers."
- Information Required: Usually, searching by the lawyer's Last Name is sufficient. The database will show the lawyer’s full name, the date they were admitted to the Bar, and their Roll Number.
Note: If a person claims to be a lawyer but does not appear in the Roll of Attorneys, they are not authorized to practice law in the Philippines.
2. Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Verification
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) is the official organization of all Philippine lawyers. Membership is mandatory. Every legitimate lawyer must be a member "in good standing."
Key Identifiers to Request:
When dealing with a lawyer, you may ask for their professional details, which are usually found at the bottom of legal pleadings:
- IBP Number: This indicates their current membership status and the chapter they belong to (e.g., IBP Rizal, IBP Makati).
- PTR Number (Professional Tax Receipt): This is a receipt issued by the local government where the lawyer practices, proving they have paid their professional tax for the current year.
- MCLE Compliance Number: The Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) number ensures the lawyer is keeping up with current laws and jurisprudence.
How to Verify via IBP:
You can contact the IBP National Office or the specific Local Chapter to verify if a person is a member in good standing. A lawyer might be on the Roll of Attorneys but could be "suspended" or "disbarred" due to administrative cases.
3. Verifying Status: Active, Suspended, or Disbarred
Being on the Roll of Attorneys proves a person became a lawyer, but it doesn't guarantee they are currently allowed to practice.
- Suspension: A lawyer may be temporarily prohibited from practicing law due to ethical violations.
- Disbarment: This is the "professional death penalty." If a lawyer is disbarred, their name is stricken from the Roll of Attorneys.
To check for disciplinary actions, you can search for Supreme Court En Banc decisions involving the person’s name. The Supreme Court Public Information Office often posts notices of disbarment and suspension on their social media channels and website.
4. Red Flags of a "Fake Lawyer"
Be cautious if an individual exhibits the following behaviors:
- Refusal to provide a Roll Number or IBP Number: These are public records; a legitimate lawyer should have no issue providing them.
- Lack of a Physical Office: While "virtual offices" exist, most legitimate practitioners have a verifiable office address or are affiliated with a law firm.
- Solicitation of "Under-the-Table" Payments: If they claim they can "bribe" a judge or guarantee a win through "connections" rather than legal merit, be extremely wary.
- Inconsistent Notarial Seal: A Notary Public must be a lawyer with a valid Notarial Commission issued by a Regional Trial Court. You can verify this commission at the Clerk of Court of the city where the document was notarized.
Summary Table: Quick Verification Checklist
| Method | What to Look For | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Search the Roll | Full Name and Roll Number | Supreme Court Website / OBC |
| Check IBP Status | Membership in "Good Standing" | IBP National or Local Chapter |
| Verify Notary | Notarial Commission Number | Local Clerk of Court |
| Check Jurisprudence | Any records of Disbarment/Suspension | SC Decisions (G.R. No. or A.C. No.) |
Next Steps
If you have doubts about a person's credentials, would you like me to help you draft a formal inquiry letter to the Office of the Bar Confidant or the IBP?