In re Luis B. Tagorda (1929) (card and letter) Doctrine: • 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.

Facts: Luis B. Tagorda was an attorney who was elected as the third member of the provincial board of Isabela. He admits that prior to his election, he made use of a card2 written in Spanish and Ilocano, which contains a list of tasks he may undertake as a notary public, and a lawyer, as well as a general invitation to consult with him for free. Tagorda also admits that after he was elected into office, he wrote a letter3 to one of his hometown”s barrio lieutenants. The letter basically informed the recipient of Tagorda”s intention to continue residing in Echague, despite having to attend board sessions in Ilagan, in order that he may continue to serve his hometown as a notary public and lawyer. The letter subtly offered information regarding Tagorda”s office hours, together with an express request that the recipient spread the word as to his willingness to accept land registration cases for a fee of P3.00 per title. The government, through the provincial fiscal of Isabela, together with the Attorney-General, brought this matter to the attention of the Court.

Issue: 1. W/N Tagorda”s actions constitute malpractice Held/Ratio: 1. YES. Section 21 of the Code of Civil Procedure, as amended by Act No. 2828

expressly provides that the practice of soliciting cases at law for the purpose of gain, either personally, or through paid agents or brokers, constitutes malpractice. This is in accord with the Canons of Professional Ethics adopted by the Philippine Bar Association in 1917. Canon 27 of the said document provides that a well-merited reputation serves as a lawyer”s most effective form of advertisement.