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Question

Question 5: Canon V - Equality

Duty to provide a higher standard of service to vulnerable persons and indigents - Sections 2-3

Scenario:

Atty. Reyes is a seasoned lawyer who has been practicing law for 10 years. Recently, he received a client named Maria, who is a single mother and a survivor of domestic violence. Maria wants legal assistance in seeking a protection order against her abusive ex-partner. Due to her limited financial resources, Maria would like to avail of free legal services provided by the Public Attorney's Office (PAO).

Atty. Reyes agrees to take on Maria's case pro bono and assists her in filing the necessary documents for a protection order. However, he becomes aware that there is a backlog of cases in the PAO, and Maria's case may not be assigned to an attorney for several months. Concerned about Maria's safety and well-being, Atty. Reyes decides to handle her case personally, without any compensation, despite his already busy workload.

Based on Canon V - Equality, particularly on the duty to provide a higher standard of service to vulnerable persons and indigents, discuss the legal and ethical considerations of Atty. Reyes' decision to handle Maria's case pro bono despite the availability of the PAO's services.

1. Explain the duty of lawyers to provide a higher standard of service to vulnerable persons and indigents under Canon V.
2. Analyze the legal and ethical basis of Atty. Reyes' decision to handle Maria's case pro bono instead of referring her to the PAO.
3. Discuss any potential challenges that Atty. Reyes may face in handling Maria's case, including the implication on his workload and professional responsibilities.

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Answer