Sadsad Tamesis Legal & Accountacy Firm

Litigation Services

What a Litigation Lawyer Does

When to work with litigation attorneys

In essence, litigation is the process of resolving rights-based cases through the court system. The process starts the moment a client decides to file a lawsuit or when a case is filed against them.

Legal professionals in this field, specifically called litigation lawyers, litigators, or trial lawyers, handle more than the typical courtroom parts of a legal proceeding. From case assessment to pre-trial negotiations and reports, to strategic advisory and court representation, to settlement negotiation and appellate stages, and finally, post-litigation support, the role of a litigation lawyer is extensive.

If your case is complex or you find yourself in a dispute with significant stakes like money or property, facing a lawsuit, or need assistance with contracts, employment, and family matters, or simply looking for legal representation, a litigation lawyer is what you need.

Litigation versus alternative dispute resolution

Not all cases make it to court; some are resolved in more efficient and cost-effective ways through alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

While litigation settles disputes through the court system, ADR seeks to resolve disputes through less stringent and formal methods outside the court. In Philippine law, utilization of ADR is governed by the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 2004 (ADR Act) adopting the UNCITRAL Model Law and its Alternative Dispute Resolution System, which sought to actively promote party autonomy in the resolution of disputes or the freedom of parties to make their own arrangements to resolve their disputes, achieve speedy and impartial justice, and unclog court dockets.

ADR proceedings include arbitration, mediation, conciliation, early neutral evaluation, and mini-trial.

Our Litigation Practice Areas

Criminal Litigation

Our criminal lawyers represent clients through prosecution in a vindication of a claim or defense to ensure a fair trial and due process against an accused.

General Criminal Prosecution

Filing of criminal cases and prosecution against offending persons for crimes falling under the Revised Penal Code, offenses punished by Special Penal Laws, and other laws providing for offenses that are criminal in nature, from the prosecutor level to the court level.

General Criminal Defense

Defense against criminal cases filed by private complainants against clients for crimes falling under the Revised Penal Code, offenses punished by Special Penal Laws, and other laws providing for offenses that are criminal in nature, from the prosecutor level to the court level.

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation seeks to resolve non-criminal disputes such as ejectment cases, breach of contract, recovery of damages, reissuance, and reconstitution of title. STLAF offers comprehensive assistance, such as advisory, drafting of demand letters, filing of civil complaints and petitions, court representation, and ADR methods.

Ejectment Cases

Drafting of Demand Letters to Vacate and Pay Arrears, filing of civil complaints for Unlawful Detainer (where the possession of the property was initially lawful and due to reasons such as non-payment of rent, continued possession thereof became unlawful) and Forcible Entry (where the possession of the property was usurped by stealth, violence, intimidation, or fraud) where the ultimate goal is to have the current possessors vacate the property.

Breach of Contract

Drafting of Demand Letters for specific performance to comply with the terms of the contract and/or the payment of damages, filing of civil complaints for breach of contract with rescission and/or damages to obtain specific or substitute performance of obligations stated in the contract, or to be indemnified due to the damages caused to the parties by reason of such breach.

Recovery of Damages

Drafting of Demand Letters for the Recovery of Damages, filing of civil complaints for recovery of damages due to non-fulfillment of obligations and other civil wrongs, such as but not limited to, quasi-delicts or torts, medical malpractice, and recovery of damages which pertain to the civil aspect of criminal cases.

Reissuance of Title

Filing of a Petition for the Reissuance of Lost or Destroyed Title before the proper courts, where ownership over the property covered by the title, the fact of loss or destruction, and the right to have the lost or destroyed Transfer Certificate of Title reissued will be proven to allow the owner thereof to exercise the rights over the property covered by the title.

Reconstitution of Title

Filing of a Petition for the Reconstitution of Title before the proper courts where ownership over the property covered by the title, the fact of loss or destruction due to fire, flood, theft, or other incidents, and the right to have the said Transfer Certificate of Title reconstituted will be proven to allow the owner thereof to exercise rights over the property covered by the title.

Labor Litigation

Our firm offers comprehensive Labor and Employment advisory and litigation services to untangle the complexities of Philippine Labor Law with clarity, confidence, and with the best interests of our clients in mind. We advise, mediate, and litigate on all aspects of employment relations and standards, such as employee termination and discipline, reorganization, collective bargaining, and compliance with prevailing laws, advisories, and issuances. Our labor practice is also intertwined with cross-border employment issues, such as processing Alien Employment Permits (AEP) for foreigners who wish to gain employment in the Philippines, as well as conducting due diligence for mergers and acquisitions of various corporations.

Administrative Litigation

Our administrative lawyers assist with the filing of Administrative Complaints against a professional who is duly licensed by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for unethical behavior in violation of the pertinent Code of Conduct, as well as the filing of Administrative Complaints against a contractor who the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) duly licenses for acts warranting disciplinary action under the Contractors’ License Law.

Tax Litigation

We assist clients with Tax Litigation services, representing corporations and individuals in administrative and judicial proceedings involving protests of tax assessments, claims of refunds, and enforcement of taxpayers’ rights under various Philippine tax laws, ensuring that strategic and data-driven defenses are put forth to protect our clients’ financial and reputational interests.

Cybercrime and Technology-Related Litigation

Data Privacy

Filing of Administrative Complaints for violation of the Data Privacy Act with legal representation before the National Privacy Commission and/or elevating resolutions of Administrative Complaints for judicial review before the courts.

Cybercrime and other cyber offenses

Filing, prosecuting, and defending against Cyber offenses before the Office of the City Prosecutor and judicial courts involving the cybercrimes of illegal access and interception, data and system interference, misuse of devices, computer-related offenses, as well as cyber libel cases, among others.

Intellectual Property

Filing of Administrative Complaints for violation of the Intellectual Property Law with legal representation before the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and/or elevating resolutions of Administrative Complaints for judicial review before the courts.

Alternative Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

Arbitration lawyers represent clients in domestic and international arbitration, as well as in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) proceedings such as mediation and conciliation. Our team is experienced in handling disputes under ICC, SIAC, HKIAC, and PDRCI rules, ensuring efficient, confidential, and enforceable outcomes that protect our clients’ interests across jurisdictions.

Family Law

STLAF is best known for handling family law cases. Our work is internationally recognized, with several organizations having the firm as its family law arm in the Philippines.

Recognition of Foreign Divorce

Filing a Petition for Recognition of Foreign Divorce so that divorce decrees dissolving the marital bond of mixed marriages (one Filipino and one foreign spouse) can be given legal effect in the Philippines according to the Rules of Court and Article 26 of the Family Code.

Adoption

Legal assistance in facilitating the application for domestic and inter-country adoption (subject to the availability of Foreign Adoption Agencies) such as the preparation and drafting of petitions for adoption, corresponding and necessary affidavits, collation of documents, and completion of related requirements.

Nullity of Marriage

Filing a Petition for Declaration of Nullity of Marriage on grounds of bigamy, psychological incapacity, and other grounds to have the marriage declared as void from the beginning, to sever the marital bond, and incidentally, the liquidation of the community or conjugal property, as the case may be, custody of children, if any, as well as determination of support to such children.

Annulment of Marriage

Filing a Petition for Declaration of Annulment of Marriage on grounds found in the Family Code to have the marriage declared as void, to sever the marital bond, and incidentally, the liquidation of the community or conjugal property, as the case may be, custody of children, if any, as well as determination of support to such children.

Legal Separation

Filing a Petition for Legal Separation on grounds found in the Family Code to allow the spouses to separate “from bed and board”, to allow the spouses to live separately without severing the marital bond, determining their property relations, custody of children, as well as support.

Who We Represent

Individuals involved in legal disputes. We represent individuals facing lawsuits or seeking to file one across various areas of law, providing strategic counsel and effective representation at every stage of the dispute. From pre-litigation advisory to trial and post-judgment remedies, we protect our clients’ rights, advocate their interests, and pursue practical, results-driven solutions tailored to their specific circumstances.

Businesses and corporate clients. We assist clients engaged in various businesses, providing comprehensive corporate services to support the growth and sustainability of their operations. From business registration to ongoing corporate housekeeping and regulatory compliance, we act as a trusted representative to our clients.

Foreign nationals and international entities. Our practice extends beyond domestic enterprises, as we also assist foreign nationals and international entities with their corporate needs, from registration and establishment to conducting business in the Philippines, including regulatory compliance and the availment of benefits applicable to foreign nationals and juridical entities under Philippine laws.

How Our Litigation Attorneys Work

Case assessment and legal strategy. Every case begins with clarity of purpose. Our handling lawyer carefully evaluates your case based on your goals and the outcome you want to achieve, then identifies the strongest and most strategic course of action. This approach is rigorously reviewed by our senior lawyers and ultimately approved by the firm’s partner, ensuring that the strategy pursued is not only legally sound but also the most viable, efficient, and results-driven path forward.

Court representation and trial advocacy. In court, our lawyers advocate with unwavering zeal, protecting our clients’ interests at every stage of the proceedings. Each appearance is backed by rigorous preparation with carefully curated exhibits, strategically presented witnesses, and incisive examination and cross-examination. This meticulous preparation is closely supervised by our senior lawyers and partners, ensuring that every argument is precise, persuasive, and delivered with confidence.

Negotiation and dispute resolution. When resolution is possible without prolonged litigation, we pursue it with focus and precision. Our lawyers work hand in hand with our clients, crafting negotiation strategies that protect their interests and maximize results.

Post-judgment and enforcement support. Our commitment does not end with a favorable ruling. From the filing of the case to post-judgment proceedings and execution, our lawyers stand with you every step of the way, ensuring that the case is not only won, but fully realized, and that what is rightfully yours is properly enforced and delivered.

Why Choose Our Litigation Lawyers

STLAF boasts a team of experienced trial lawyers with years of victories and achievements to their name. With our utmost care and human touch paired with clear and practical legal guidance, we provide strategic and results-driven representation tailored to your specific litigation needs.

Our Litigation Process

Initial consultation and case evaluation. From the very first consultation, we take a hands-on, strategic approach. Our lawyers carefully listen to your story, examine your documents, and evaluate the strengths of your case. Based on this assessment, we clearly recommend the most appropriate course of action, along with the expected outcomes and potential risks, so you can move forward with confidence and informed decision-making.

Preparation and filing of pleadings. Your pleadings are crafted with precision and accountability at every level. The handling lawyer assigned to your case prepares and drafts each pleading with careful attention to detail. This work is then thoroughly reviewed by a senior lawyer and finally examined and approved by the firm’s partner, ensuring that every argument, fact, and citation is accurate, consistent, and strategically sound.

Court proceedings and hearings. Once your case reaches the court, you can expect nothing less than thorough preparation and confident representation. We keep you informed at every stage, promptly relaying all developments and updates. Any matter requiring action is addressed immediately, and always with your full knowledge and consent, while we handle the complexities of the proceedings.

Resolution, enforcement, or appeal. After the case is resolved, our work continues. We carefully assess whether it is time to move for execution or pursue other appropriate remedies, ensuring that every legal option is explored so our clients fully receive everything to which they are rightfully entitled.

Professional and Experienced Law & Accountancy Firm

Bits of Law

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We Look At The Law Differently

(02) 8463 4941 / (+63) 948 961 2397