Legal Ethics denotes that body of principles by which the conduct of members of the legal profession is controlled.

It is that branch of moral science which treats of the duties which an attorney at law owes to his clients, to the courts, to the bar and to the public. It encompasses an ethical code governing the conduct of persons engaged in the practice of law and persons more generally in the legal sector.

History of the Development of Ethical Standards for Lawyers 13th and 14th century: Requirement of the lawyers oath and the statement of his duties 1917: The Philippine Bar adopted, as its own, Canons 1 to 32 of the Canons of Professional Ethics of the American Bar Association. 1946: It again adopted, as its own, Canons 33 to 47 of the Canons of Professional Ethics of the American Bar Association 1980: The Integrated Bar of the Philippines adopted a proposed Code of Professional Responsibility which it later submitted to the Supreme Court for approval June 21, 1988: The Supreme Court promulgated the Code of Professional Responsibility. The Code consists of 22 Canons and 77 Rules, which are divided into 4 chapters namely: (1) The Law and Society; (2) The Lawyer and the Legal Profession; (3) The Lawyer and the Courts; and (4) The Lawyer and the Clients. The Code is binding upon all lawyers and failure to live up to any of its provision is a ground for disciplinary action.

A lawyer is one who: 1. passed the bar exams 2. taken an oath 3. registered in the roll of attorneys 4. received a certificate of license to practice law from the Clerk of Court of the Supreme Court.

After Admission he or she must: 1. remain an IBP member in good standing by regularly paying IBP dues and other assessments 2. pay annual privilege tax 3. observe the rules on proper ethics

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO THE BAR: 1. Citizen of the Philippines 2. Resident of the Philippines 3. At least 21 years old 4. must successfully complete all prescribed courses 5. Production before the Supreme Court satisfactory evidence of: a. Good moral character b. No charges against him, involving moral turpitude, have been filed or are pending in any court in the Philippines. PRACTICE OF LAW means any activity, in our out of court, which requires the application of law, legal procedure, knowledge, training, and experience. It is to give notice or render any kind of service, which device or service requires the use in any degree of legal knowledge or skill.

CAN NON-LAWYERS PRACTICE LAW? Yes, provided the appearance is not habitual, without compensation but subject to the following: Non-lawyers authorized to appear in court: 1.Cases before the MTC Party to the litigation,in person OR through an agent or friend or appointed by him for that purpose (Sec. 34, Rule 138, RRC) 2.Before any other court Party to the litigation,in person (Ibid.) 3. Criminal case before the MTC in a locality where a duly licensed member of the Bar is not available the judge may appoint a non-lawyer who is: a. Resident of the province

b. Of good repute for probity and ability to aid the accused in his defense (Rule 116, Sec. 7,RRC). 4. Legal Aid Program A senior law student, who is enrolled in a recognized law schools clinical education program approved by the Supreme Court may appear before any court without compensation, to represent indigent clients,accepted by the Legal Clinic of the law school. The student shall be under the direct supervision and control of an IBP member duly accredited by the law school. 5. Before the NLRC or any Labor Arbiter if: a. They represent themselves, or b. They represent their organization or members thereof (Art 222 of the Labor Code, PO 442, as amended). 6. Before the Cadastral Court under the Cadastral Act, a non-lawyer can represent a claimant (Act 2259, Sec. 9).

Integrated Bar of the Philippines: Fundamental Objectives 1 To elevate the standards of the legal profession; 2 To improve the administration of justice; 3 To enable the Bar to discharge its public responsibility more effectively.