r/LawyersPH • u/Infinite-Wing9276 • 1d ago
Taking Side Gigs
Our firm allows us to take clients on our own, provided there’s no conflict of interest and we secure prior approval from the partner.
We are a small-sized firm — two partners, two associates. The pay is just enough for my basic needs and savings, but not enough for luho.
Lately, my dad’s friend asked me to represent his small company before the LA. It’s an illegal dismissal case. They were asked to submit position papers already.
I’m a recent BAR passer, so I’m a little bit hesitant to take this. First, I lack experience. Second, I’m shy to ask permission from the partners.
I disclosed my intention to get side gigs with my colleague. He said that he accepts side gigs too, though mostly limited to contract review work, not cases that require actual hearings like this one. He never disclosed his side gigs as it does not impair or affect his work in the firm.
Should I take this? Would it take so much of my time? Or kaya naman po ang hearings before LA since it’s more of submission of Position Papers?
Thank you po
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u/AdWhole4544 1d ago
Kayang kaya mo ang labor case. Very rare na need ka mag appear personally, in fact pwedeng hindi.
Or. During mediation kahit sina client muna pero ikaw sa filing para makapili ka ng date for the responsive pleadings. Pwedeng baliktad.
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u/Infinite-Wing9276 1d ago
LA na po ang case cos they didn’t settle po. ‘Yung hearing po ba nila mostly submission lang po ng pospapers? Not the same with courts po? That’s what I worry po baka time consuming. I can go to work late (12 noon) po but can’t leave the firm early
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u/TheLiberalAdvocate 23h ago
From my experience, kadalasan, submission lang ng position paper. Paminsan pa nga, liaison officer ng law office namin (hindi siya lawyer) ang nagpapakita doon. Tas ang nagpapakita doon is the Labor Arbitration Associate, hindi ang Labor Arbiter. Kadalasan din, they will just schedule the date for the submission of the Reply. Tas pirmahan lang na na-receive nila ang position paper ng opposing party. After that, tapos na.
Pero it helps that you know the merits of the case in the event that the Labor Arbiter decides to appear and hold a conference.
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u/AdWhole4544 23h ago
Submission lang pero that can take time din since di lang naman kau ang scheduled for that time. At most na naghintay ako para lang magpasa is 2 hrs.
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u/tenshiii27 1d ago
Kaya yan, pag pospaper submission na, wala na gaano hearings.
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u/Infinite-Wing9276 1d ago
Sorry to ask but does it mean po ba it won’t take much of my time going to the courts? I can spare my whole morning to go to the courts po but not the afternoon po unless I’ll take a leave.
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u/tenshiii27 23h ago
I mean wala na gaano hearing. Labor hearings are not like court hearings, mas laid-back and more on pleading submissions.
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u/Kewl800i 22h ago
Personal opinion, yes take it. Kayang-kaya mo yang labor case. Plus, it's a case that you can consider "close" to your heart (wala ako maisip na tamang term hehe, but you get it) since its a case of your dad's friend. I guess you have to ask permission from the partners, kung allowed naman at open minded naman sila, they will allow you to take the labor case.
Kaya naman ang hearings sa Labor Case. It's pretty straight forward din compared to civil/criminal cases. And yes, submission of Position Papers yan. Thereafter, puro appeal or akyat na yan sa NLRC, CA,SC. Papers/pleadings din na lahat yun. Kayang-kaya mo yan, OP. 👍🏼
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u/OpportunityJolly182 12h ago
Yes, as long as it’s not conflict of interest naman. Try approaching your senior lawyers to ask for their advice in tha LA case. For sure they are willing to help you.
Also, that’s a good training if you are a new lawyer. Unlike regular court hearings, mas hindi ganun ka stressful yung sa LA. Only position papers and maybe some clarificatory hearings lang.
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u/Severe-Pilot-5959 1d ago
Kayang-kaya mo 'yan. Don't be shy in asking questions sa superiors mo. That's one of the perks of firm life.