Mauricio Ulep vs The Legal Clinic, Inc

BM No. 553

Facts:
The questioned advertisement is as follows:

SECRET MARRIAGE?
P560.00 for a valid marriage.
Info on DIVORCE. ABSENCE.
ANNULMENT. VISA.
THE Please call: 521-0767 LEGAL 5217232, 5222041 CLINIC, INC. 8:30 am— 6:00 pm
7-Flr. Victoria Bldg., UN Ave., Mla.

Ulep submits that the advertisements are champterous, unethical, demeaning of the law profession, and
destructive of the confidence of the community in the integrity of the members of the bar.

Atty. Nograles from the Legal Clinic argues that assuming that the services advertised are legal services,
the act of advertising these services should be allowed in the light of the Bates case in the US.

Issue: Whether the questioned advertisements are valid?

Ruling: No.

The standards of the legal profession condemn the lawyer's advertisement of his talents. A lawyer cannot,
without violating the ethics of his profession. advertise his talents or skill as in a manner similar to a
merchant advertising his goods.  The prescription against advertising of legal services or solicitation of
legal business rests on the fundamental postulate that the the practice of law is a profession.

The canon of the profession tell us that the best advertising possible for a lawyer is a well-merited
reputation for professional capacity and fidelity to trust, which must be earned as the outcome of
character and conduct. A good and reputable lawyer needs no artificial stimulus to generate it and to
magnify his success.