October 1, 2022
SHENA J. SERRA
Topic: Reflection Paper on the Lawyers’ duty to society (chapter 3)
Subject: Legal and Judicial Ethics
REFLECTION PAPER
“Attorney” is not only a title—it is a responsibility”, by unknown. Chapter 3 of Legal and
Judicial Ethics by Ruben E. Agpalo, discussed the duty of a lawyer in our society. In the book of
Agpalo, he discussed the different duties of becoming a lawyer for he is the servant of the law.
As a lawyer he is expected to (a) uphold the constitution and the law, which means as officers of
the court, lawyers must not only, be of good moral character but must also be seen to be of
good moral character in leading others in accordance with the highest moral standards of the
community. Lawyers play a vital role in the preservation of society. The fulfillment of this role
requires a thorough understanding of their relationship with and function in our legal system. A
consequent obligation of lawyers is to maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct. Canon
7 provides that, “A lawyer shall at all times uphold the integrity and dignity of the legal
profession…” (b) making legal services available, a lawyer offers assistance to a client in need it
should be given willingly together with the integrity and efficiency of being a lawyer, it must
gain the best interests of the people together with a high standard of professionalism. (c)
applicability of code to government lawyers, as a lawyer they have the duty to abide the policy
of the state this will make him/her more sensitive of his obligation to the state.
As a lawyer shall always conduct himself ethically and morally. The best way a lawyer
can uphold the integrity and dignity of the legal profession is not to engage in any conduct or
do any act that adversely reflects on his fitness to practice law, nor to behave, in his public or
private life, in a scandalous manner to the discredit of the legal profession (Rule 17.03, Code of
Professional Responsibility). A fact wherein studying the basic legal ethics is very important.
