IN RE TAGORDA, March 23, 1929
DOCTRINE:
The practice of soliciting cases at law for the purpose of gain, either personally or through paid agents or
brokers, constitutes malpractice.
FACTS:
Respondent, a notary public and a member of the Provincial Board of Isabela, made use of a card stating
that as a notary public he can do notarial acts such as execution of deeds of sale, can renew lost documents, and etc.;
that as a lawyer, he can help clients collect debts; that he offers free consultation; and that he is willing to serve the
poor. The respondent also addressed a letter to a lieutenant of barrio in his home municipality informing the latter
that despite his membership in the Board he will still exercise his legal profession as a lawyer and notary public in
the town of Echague,
Isabela;he even asked a favor to disseminate this information to the barrio people in any of their meetings or social g
atherings.
ISSUE:
Is the advertisement of Atty. Tagorda through the card and letter constitutes malpractice?
RULING:
Yes, respondent Luis B. Tagorda is suspended from the practice as an attorney-at-law for the period of one
month.
The practice of soliciting cases at law for the purpose of gain, either personally or through paid agents or
brokers, constitutes malpractice. Solicitation of cases by lawyers is destructive of the honor of a great profession. It
lowers the standards of the profession. It works against the confidence of the community in the integrity of the
members of the bar. It results in needless litigation and in incenting to strife otherwise peacefully inclined citizens.
The most worthy and effective advertisement possible, even for a young lawyer, and especially with his
brother lawyers, is the establishment of a well-merited reputation for professional capacity and fidelity to trust. This
cannot be forced, but must be the outcome of character and conduct. The publication or circulation of ordinary
simple business cards, being a matter of personal taste or local custom, and sometimes of convenience, is not per
se improper. But solicitation of business by circulars or advertisements, or by personal communications or interview
not warranted by personal relations, is unprofessional. It is equally unprofessional to procure business by indirection
through touters of any kind, whether allied real estate firms or trust companies advertising to secure the drawing of
deeds or wills or offering retainers in exchange for executorships or trusteeships to be influenced by the lawyer.
Indirect advertisement for business by furnishing or inspiring newspaper comments concerning the manner of their
conduct, the magnitude of the interest involved, the importance of the lawyer's position, and all other like self-
laudation, defy the traditions and lower the tone of our high calling, and are intolerable.
