In re Sycip 92 SCRA 1 (1979)/ July 30, 1979; J.

Melencio-Herrera

Facts: Two separate Petitions were filed before this Court 1) by the surviving partners of Atty. Alexander Sycip, who died on May 5, 1975, and 2) by the surviving partners of Atty. Herminio Ozaeta, who died on February 14, 1976, praying that they be allowed to continue using, in the names of their firms, the names of partners who had passed away. In the Court's Resolution of September 2, 1976, both Petitions were ordered consolidated. Xxx.

Issue/s: Whether the names of the deceased partners should be dropped.

Held: Yes, the names should be dropped, but they may be included in the listings of individuals who have been partners in their firms indicating the years which they served as such. The reason for this is, the names are being retained to improperly exploit their advertisement value.

NOTE: I think the ruling in this case is no longer applicable because of Rule 3.02 which states, the deceased partners name may still be used provided it is clearly communicated [to the clients/public]. The purpose of which is for law firms to retain goodwill.