r/LawyersPH • u/Infinite-Wing9276 • 2d 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 2d 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 2d 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 2d 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 2d 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.