Admission to the Practice of Law

Question 1

Who has the authority of control for admission to the practice of law?

Answer 1

The Constitution [Art. VIII, Sec. 5(5)] vests this power of control and regulation in the Supreme Court. The
constitutional power to admit candidates to the legal profession is a judicial function and involves the exercise of discretion.

Question 2

What does Const art. XII, sec. 14. say?

Answer 2

The practice of all professions in the Philippines shall be limited to Filipino citizens, save in cases prescribed by law.

Question 3

What constitutes the practice of law?

Answer 3

***Practice of Law means any activity in or out of court which requires the application of law, legal procedure, knowledge, training and experience. To engage in the practice of law is to perform those acts which are characteristics of the legal profession. Generally, to practice law is to give notice or render any kind of service, which devise or service requires the use, in any degree, of legal knowledge or skill.

Question 4

Who may practice of law?

Answer 4

Any person who has been duly licensed 
as a member of the bar in accordance 
with the statutory requirements and 
who is in good and regular standing is 
entitled to practice law.

Question 5

What are the qualifications for admissions?

Answer 5

1. Passed the bar exams.
2. Taken the lawyer’s oath before
   the Supreme Court en banc.
3. Signed in the roll of attorneys.
4. Received a certificate of license to
   practice law from the Clerk of
   Court of the Supreme Court.
5. Furnished satisfactory proof or
   educational, moral, and other
   qualifications.

Question 6

What are the Procedure for Admission?

Answer 6

1. Remain an IBP member in good 
standing by regularly paying IBP 
dues and other lawful assessments.
2. Pay annual privilege tax.
3. Faithfully observe the rules and 
ethics of the legal profession.
4. Be continually subjected to judicial 
disciplinary control.