Advice to Parties on Need of Services of a Lawyer

August 15, 2000NLRC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 8-03-00TO:All Executive/Labor Arbiters   FROM:The Chairman   RE:Advice to Parties on Need of Services of a Lawyer Our attention was called by the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) to the problems brought about by the practice of clients seeking their assistance only when the submission of Position Papers or Memorandum on Appeal is already required. Said practice results in the hasty preparation of pleadings due to time constraint and/or the filing of motion(s) for extension of time to file pleadings which in turn contribute to the delay in the arbitration proceedings. TCacIATo address said concern, you are hereby enjoined to properly advise the parties to a case during the initial mandatory conference or as soon as it becomes apparent that amicable settlement between the parties seems remote, that they may seek the services of a lawyer of their choice or of the PAO in cases where the complainants are indigents.FOR COMPLIANCE.Quezon City, Philippines. (SGD.) ROY V. SEÑERESChairman