PUNCTUALITY IN ALL APPEARANCES, PUNCTUALITY IN DELIVERING LEGAL SERVICES
(Under the broader duty of Competence and Diligence in Legal Ethics – often aligned with what is colloquially referred to as “Canon IV” or, in the Philippine Code of Professional Responsibility, the lawyer’s duty under Canon 18 to serve clients with competence and diligence.)

1. Foundational Principles

Duty of Competence and Diligence
In the Philippine legal framework—particularly under Canon 18 of the Code of Professional Responsibility (“A lawyer shall serve his client with competence and diligence”)—the lawyer is required to handle every legal matter entrusted to him with thoroughness, skill, and timeliness. Diligence necessarily includes punctuality in all aspects of legal representation: from attending court hearings and meetings to filing pleadings and communicating with clients.
Relationship to the Administration of Justice
Punctuality is not a mere courtesy; it is a professional obligation. Lawyers who appear late in court, fail to file pleadings on time, or delay legal work undercut the efficient administration of justice. Courts rely on punctual appearances to maintain orderly proceedings, reduce docket congestion, and ensure that the rights of all parties are fully and fairly addressed. Chronic tardiness or dilatory tactics can lead to injustice and erode public confidence in the legal profession.
Professional Image and Respect for the Tribunal
Punctuality reflects the lawyer’s respect—both for the courts and for the parties involved. The Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized that habitual tardiness or unexplained absences can be deemed disrespectful of judicial authority. Lawyers owe a duty of courtesy not only to the court but also to clients, opposing counsel, and witnesses.

2. Specific Duties Relating to Punctuality

Court Appearances and Hearings
- Arriving on Time: Lawyers are expected to arrive before the schedule, ready for roll call or to conduct preliminary matters such as marking exhibits or conferring with the opposing counsel.
- Preparedness to Proceed: Being punctual also implies being fully prepared to argue or proceed with the scheduled hearing. It is not enough to be physically on time if one is unready to participate.
- Avoiding Unnecessary Delays: If a lawyer foresees any valid reason for delay (e.g., illness, emergencies, conflicting schedules), that lawyer should notify the court and all concerned parties as early as possible, typically accompanied by a motion for continuance with justifiable grounds.
Client Meetings and Consultations
- Timely Communication: Keeping appointments with clients, whether face-to-face or via remote means, is critical for building and maintaining trust. Clients often have pressing concerns, and a lawyer’s lateness can add to their anxiety or cause them unnecessary inconvenience.
- Prompt Updates: Lawyers must also be “punctual” in delivering updates on case developments—providing prompt feedback on court orders, notices, and next procedural steps.
Filing of Pleadings and Documents
- Compliance with Deadlines: Rules of Court and other procedural regulations set strict deadlines for filing motions, pleadings, memoranda, and other submissions. Missing these can result in dismissal of the case, waiver of rights, or prejudice to the client. A lawyer’s duty to be punctual here is integrally linked to the duty to protect and advance the client’s interest.
- Avoiding Last-Minute Filings: While sometimes unavoidable, habitual last-minute filing is frowned upon. It risks non-compliance with deadlines due to unforeseen events (technical errors, traffic, etc.), and it can reflect poorly on a lawyer’s diligence.
Adherence to Internal Schedules and Workflows
- Law Office Management: Effective docket control and case management systems enable lawyers to meet all deadlines consistently. Delegation of tasks to associates or paralegals requires oversight, ensuring that deadlines and hearing dates are strictly followed.
- Professional Courtesy: The lawyer’s duty of punctuality extends to communications with opposing counsel, government offices, and other stakeholders. Promptly responding to letters, calls, or emails is not merely good etiquette but a requisite for competent representation.

3. Consequences of Breach

Ethical Sanctions
- Administrative Liability: The Supreme Court can impose disciplinary sanctions (e.g., reprimand, suspension, or disbarment) on lawyers who habitually fail to appear in court or who consistently neglect deadlines without valid cause.
- Contempt of Court: In certain cases, a lawyer’s repeated failure to appear or tardiness amounting to obstruction of proceedings may lead to contempt citations.
Client Remedies
- Malpractice or Negligence Claims: A lawyer who, by reason of tardiness or unjustified delays, loses a client’s case or causes substantial prejudice to a client’s interests may be liable for damages or professional malpractice, depending on the circumstances and proof of actual damage.
- Loss of Client Confidence: Even without formal proceedings, a lawyer’s reputation suffers, potentially leading to client dissatisfaction, termination of representation, and damage to the lawyer’s professional standing.
Impact on Case Outcomes
- Forfeiture of Rights: Missing court deadlines can result in waivers or defaults. For instance, failing to file a timely pleading can cause the client to lose the chance to present defenses or claims, sometimes irrevocably.
- Adverse Orders or Judgments: Chronic delays can provoke courts to issue orders that adversely affect the lawyer’s client—such as monetary penalties or even a dismissal of the case.

4. Best Practices to Ensure Punctuality

Proactive Calendar Management
- Maintain an up-to-date calendar (digital or otherwise) that includes hearing dates, filing deadlines, client meetings, and internal reminders.
- Use scheduling and notification apps or systems that prompt the lawyer (and support staff) of upcoming responsibilities at least a few days in advance.
Early Preparation
- Prepare hearing notes, witness outlines, and exhibits well ahead of scheduled hearing dates.
- Draft pleadings and supporting documents with enough lead time for review, proofreading, and corrections.
Clear Communication with Clients and Court
- If conflicts of schedule arise, promptly file a motion for postponement, demonstrating good cause.
- Keep clients informed if any unavoidable delays occur, explaining the reasons and the expected timeline for resolution.
Efficient Delegation and Teamwork
- Delegate tasks to associates or support staff competently, ensuring well-defined roles and timetables.
- Hold regular case review meetings in the law office to prevent oversight of deadlines.
Respect for Opposing Counsel and Witnesses
- Coordinate schedules to avoid unnecessary postponements.
- Provide timely notice if you foresee any legitimate conflict, giving others adequate time to adjust.

5. Jurisprudential Guidance

Philippine case law is replete with instances where the Supreme Court sanctioned lawyers for tardiness or neglect. While the specific facts vary, the consistent pronouncement is that:

Lawyers must exercise utmost diligence in fulfilling their duties, and tardiness—particularly without justifiable cause— constitutes disrespect toward the court and the client.
Repeated failure to attend scheduled hearings is a ground for administrative discipline and can lead to penalties ranging from admonition to suspension, depending on the gravity of the omission and the prejudice caused.

Although the Supreme Court often gives lawyers a chance to explain or correct lapses, persistent inability or unwillingness to correct tardiness patterns inevitably results in more severe disciplinary action.

6. Practical Tips to Uphold the Duty of Punctuality

Time Buffer: Always allocate extra travel time before a hearing or a meeting.
Checklists: Use checklists or workflows for every case milestone—this keeps track of both substantive and procedural steps.
Regular Docket Reviews: Weekly or bi-weekly reviews of all cases ensure timely updates and avoid missed deadlines.
Professionalism and Courtesy: Show courtesy by informing all parties as soon as any issue arises—this fosters good relationships and may help in obtaining reasonable leniency, if truly necessary.

7. Conclusion

Punctuality in appearances and the prompt delivery of legal services are core expressions of a lawyer’s competence and diligence. In the Philippine legal system, these obligations are unequivocally mandated by the Code of Professional Responsibility. Lawyers who fail to meet these standards face not only disciplinary sanctions but also risk undermining their clients’ interests and the integrity of the profession.

By internalizing the principles of early preparation, responsible calendar management, transparent communication, and respect for all stakeholders, a lawyer ensures that punctuality remains an integral part of ethical and effective advocacy. This discipline promotes respect for the judiciary, bolsters public confidence in the legal system, and ultimately upholds the paramount goal of justice.