Lawyers warned against selfies

Senior Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen on Wednesday cautioned lawyers from posting on social media selfies with legal documents and other submissions they have filed in courts, reminding them that such action will violate or breach the lawyer-client relationship.

Leonen took note that some lawyers have been posting on social media their selfies brandishing court documents, and screen grabs of SMS from clients expressing gratitude for their legal services, among others.

As a result, Leonen said these lawyers may be violating the attorney-client privilege protecting the confidentiality between them.

"We noticed from the younger lawyers that they are really fond of selfies. That is okay to have a selfie, but lately we have been noticing that a lawyer would post a letter from a client that is very fond of him. Or to post pleading which was already filed," Leonen said.

The senior associate justice surmised that many of those are young lawyers who are excited but it is not allowed because there is an attorney-client privilege existing. "Absolutely prohibited by our canons that a lawyer posts any communication from a client including SMS nanagpapasalamat including the legal fees," Leonen said.

He pointed out that these posts might expose young lawyers to an actionable offense, most specifically a disbarment case.

"The confidentiality between us and our clients should be preserved. You're actually opening to third parties your communications and that's actionable. And sooner or later, maybe there will be one of two who will file a disbarment case because they violated their attorney-client privilege, " he said.

"We must maintain the aura of justice. Huwag tayong mayabang."