THE DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS v. ESTANISLAO R.

BAYOT
A.C. No. L-1117             March 20, 1944

FACTS OF THE CASE:

Respondent, Estanislao R. Bayot, an attorney-at-law, charged with malpractice
because of advertising in the Sunday Tribune last June 13, 1943. The content of the
advertisement reads as follow: “Marriage license promptly secured thru our assistance
& the annoyance of delay or publicity avoided if desired, and marriage arranged to
wishes of parties. Consultation on any matter free for the poor. Everything confidential”,
who, in the latter denied the said advertisement.

ISSUES AND CONCERNS

Whether or not the practice of the Respondent’s Legal Profession as a Lawyer

committed is an act of solicitation and a malpractice to his profession?

RULINGS:
Yes. The respondent committed the act of solicitation and a malpractice to his
profession. According to the Courts, the respondent appeared for himself, submitted a
plea to the Court and prayed for “indulgence and mercy” that the professional
misconduct in accordance to his profession will not be repeated. Hence, as the ruling of
the Court states that, “Section 25 of Rule 127 expressly provides among other things
that the practice of soliciting cases at law for the purpose of gain, either personally or
thru paid agents or brokers, constitutes malpractice." It is highly unethical for an
attorney-at-law to advertise talents or skill as a merchant advertises the wares because
being a lawyer is not a trade but a profession. Thus, the Courts decision as he hereby
is, reprimanded.