In the Philippines, the practice of law is not a right but a privilege burdened with conditions. Central to this regulatory framework is the Roll of Attorneys, the official registry maintained by the Supreme Court. Verifying a person’s inclusion in this list is the primary method to distinguish a legitimate practitioner from an impostor or an individual engaging in the unauthorized practice of law.
The Legal Basis: Who is a Lawyer?
Under Rule 138 of the Rules of Court, only those specifically admitted to the Bar, who have taken the lawyer’s oath, and who are in good and regular standing are entitled to practice law.
A person may have graduated with a Juris Doctor degree, but they are not a "lawyer" in the legal sense until they have:
- Passed the Bar Examinations.
- Taken the Attorney’s Oath before the Supreme Court En Banc.
- Signed the Roll of Attorneys.
The act of signing the Roll is the "ultimate finishing touch" that vests the individual with the title and authority of an attorney-at-law.
Methods of Verification
The Supreme Court provides several avenues for the public to verify the status of an individual claiming to be a lawyer.
1. The Online "Law List"
The most accessible method is through the official Supreme Court of the Philippines website. The site features a searchable database known as the "Law List."
- Search Parameters: You can typically search by the lawyer's surname.
- Data Provided: The list provides the lawyer’s full name, their Roll Number (a unique permanent identification number), and their date of admission to the Bar.
- Limitations: While convenient, the online list may not reflect recent administrative changes, such as suspensions, disbarments, or very recent Bar admittees whose names are still being encoded.
2. The Office of the Bar Confidant (OBC)
For a definitive and official verification, one must coordinate with the Office of the Bar Confidant. This office is the custodian of all records pertaining to Bar members.
- Certification of Good Standing: You may request a formal certification regarding a person’s status. This is crucial if you need to know if a lawyer is currently suspended or disbarred, as the online Law List might only show that they were admitted.
- In-Person/Written Inquiry: A formal letter-request addressed to the Bar Confidant is the standard procedure for obtaining certified true copies of a lawyer's records.
3. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)
Every lawyer in the Roll is a mandatory member of the IBP.
- National Database: The IBP National Office maintains its own database of members.
- Chapter Verification: Lawyers belong to specific local chapters (e.g., IBP Makati, IBP Cebu). Contacting the relevant chapter can confirm if the individual is an active member and updated with their membership dues.
Key Indicators of Legitimacy
When dealing with a legal professional, you should look for the following "professional identifiers" usually found in the signature block of their pleadings or on their official receipts:
| Identifier | Description |
|---|---|
| Roll Number | The permanent number assigned upon signing the Roll of Attorneys. |
| IBP Number | Indicates payment of annual membership dues or life membership. |
| PTR Number | Professional Tax Receipt; issued annually by the local government where they practice. |
| MCLE Compliance | Mandatory Continuing Legal Education; shows the lawyer is updated on current laws. |
Red Flags and "Fake Lawyers"
The unauthorized practice of law is a serious offense. You should be cautious if an individual:
- Refuses to provide their Roll Number.
- Is not listed in the Supreme Court’s online Law List.
- Claims to be a lawyer but cannot produce an IBP Membership ID.
- Uses the title "Atty." but is only a "shyster" or a "notary public" who is not actually a member of the Bar (Note: In the Philippines, only lawyers can be Notaries Public, with very rare exceptions in remote areas).
Consequence of Non-Inclusion
If a person's name does not appear in the Roll of Attorneys, they are not a lawyer. Any legal documents they sign are generally considered to have no legal effect, and their appearance in court is unauthorized. Engaging the services of a non-lawyer for legal representation can result in the dismissal of your case and leaves you without the protections afforded by the attorney-client privilege.