In the Philippines, the legal profession is a strictly regulated "privilege," not a right. With the rise of "fixers" and unscrupulous individuals posing as legal professionals, it is vital to know how to verify the credentials of someone claiming to be an attorney.
To practice law in the Philippines, a person must be a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and remain in good standing with the Supreme Court.
1. The Supreme Court "Law List"
The Supreme Court of the Philippines is the ultimate authority over the admission to the practice of law. The most definitive way to check if someone is a lawyer is through the Roll of Attorneys.
- Online Verification: The Supreme Court website (sc.judiciary.gov.ph) maintains a "Law List." You can search for a lawyer’s name to see their Roll Number.
- The Roll Number: Every lawyer is assigned a unique, permanent Roll Number upon taking their oath. If a person cannot provide this number, or if the number does not match their name in the official records, they are likely not a licensed attorney.
- Office of the Bar Confidant (OBC): For the most updated information—including whether a lawyer has been disbarred, suspended, or is deceased—you may contact the OBC directly at the Supreme Court.
2. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)
Membership in the IBP is mandatory for all Philippine lawyers. A "Lawyer in Good Standing" is one who is updated on their membership dues and professional requirements.
- IBP ID Cards: A legitimate lawyer will possess an IBP identification card. Check the expiration date and the IBP Chapter (e.g., IBP Makati, IBP Cebu City).
- Chapter Verification: You can call the specific IBP Chapter office to verify if a person is a registered member in their jurisdiction.
- Certificates of Good Standing: For formal transactions, you can request the lawyer to provide a recent Certificate of Good Standing issued by the IBP National Office.
3. Verifying Law Firms
Unlike individual lawyers, law firms in the Philippines are usually organized as Professional Partnerships.
- SEC Registration: Most legitimate law firms are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a partnership. You can verify the firm's existence through the SEC’s online company registration system.
- Composition: A law firm’s name usually consists of the surnames of the partners (e.g., Cruz, Santos & Associates). Ensure that at least one of the named partners is a verified lawyer on the Supreme Court Law List.
- Physical Presence: Legitimate firms maintain physical offices. Be cautious of "firms" that operate solely through social media or messaging apps without a verifiable business address.
4. Red Flags of "Pseudo-Lawyers" or Fixers
Be alert if you encounter the following:
| Red Flag | Description |
|---|---|
| No Roll Number | They claim to be a lawyer but cannot provide a Roll Number or IBP ID. |
| "Notary Only" | They offer notarization but their name does not appear on the list of Commissioned Notaries for that specific city/province. |
| Guaranteed Wins | They promise a specific outcome in court (which is an ethical violation). |
| Refusal of Receipts | They refuse to issue an Official Receipt (OR) for legal fees. |
5. Verification of Notaries Public
Not every lawyer is a Notary Public. To legally notarize a document, a lawyer must have an active Notarial Commission issued by the Executive Judge of the RTC where they practice.
- The Notarial Seal: Check the expiration date on the seal (commissions are usually valid for two years).
- RTC Records: You can verify a notary's commission at the Office of the Clerk of Court of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in the city where the document is being signed.
Note: Under the Revised Rules on Notarial Practice, a notary must personally witness the signing of the document. If someone offers to notarize a document without you being present, both the "lawyer" and the document may be fraudulent.
Summary Checklist
- Search the Supreme Court Law List for the person’s name.
- Ask for their Roll Number and IBP ID (Check for validity).
- Check for an SEC Registration if dealing with a large firm.
- Verify Notarial Commissions at the local RTC if the service involves notarization.
Would you like me to draft a formal letter of inquiry to the Office of the Bar Confidant to verify a specific individual's status?