Our Firm in the Press
Our cases have been featured in The National Law Journal, The New York
Law Journal, The New York Jury Verdict Reporter and El Diario, La Prensa,
Newspaper ( Civil Rights Case-Police Brutality, Unjustified Arrests and
Malicious Prosecution).
In addition, we have accepted high profile cases that were featured in
The New York Times (Internet Crime Spree ), The Daily News (
Speed Demons on the Henry Hudson Parkway), and Newsday.com (Computer Hackers).
The founder of The Portela Law Firm, P.C., Manuel Portela, Jr., has published
legal articles and appeared as a guest legal expert on Court TV, WB WPIX
Channel 11 News and on various other television news reports (Sean Puffy
Combs Gun Possession trial, Nathaniel Brazill murder trial, and special
report "Stop in the Name of the Law" ). He is a legal commentator
on Spanish network television programs: Minerva S.O.S., MicroInternational
Television and Contacto.
TV Appearances
The WB, WPIX Channel Eleven News, Special Report:
Stop in the Name of Law. 2003.
WPIX Channel 11 Special Report interviewed Manuel Portela, Jr. regarding
a New York Administrative Code regulation prohibiting civilians from possessing
and using handcuffs. The segment was part of a report on obscure laws
under New York's Administrative Code and how they affect the daily
lives of New Yorkers.
Asociación de Impresarios Y Profesionales U.S.A./Spain.
A round table discussion addressing a comparative analysis of the European
and American Legal System. March 26, 2003.
Manuel Portela, Jr. appeared as guest speaker in a round table discussion
regarding differences between the American and European legal systems.
The discussion looked at several aspects of the European and American
civil procedure laws and rules regarding commercial and corporate litigation.
RNN, Radio News Network, The Big Story on the Sean Puffy
Combs Gun Possession Trial. 2001.
During the jury deliberations stage of the Sean Puffy Combs gun case,
Manuel Portela, Jr. was interviewed as a legal expert to discuss the strengths
and weaknesses of the New York County's District Attorney's case
against Combs.
RNN, Radio News Network, Murder Trial of Nathaniel Brazill. 2001.
Radio News Network interviewed Manuel Portela, Jr. to speak on the issue
of whether gun manufacturers should be sued for the unlawful acts of owners
of firearms. This topic was brought by the conviction of a 14-year old
boy Nathan Brazill, who was found guilty of second-degree murder for shooting
and killing his middle school English teacher.
Court TV, Robbery Trial of Sarah Plumb. 2001.
Manuel Portela, Jr. made a guest appearance as a legal expert commentating
on the various stages of the trial of Sarah Plumb, a 16-year old who was
tried for committing armed robbery of a convenient store to support her
heroin habit.
Univision, Noticias Canal 41. ,
Noticias Canal 41, Spanish News,
Excessive Force, 1996
Local news reporter interviewed Manuel Portela, Jr. regarding his representation
of a 58 year old woman arrested and charged with assaulting a police officer
in the course of an arrest.
Publications
New York Law Journal, September 19, 2003:
Legal Representation of Corporations in Criminal Cases, by Manuel Portela, Jr.
According to Judiciary Law Section 478 and Civil Practice Law Rule Section
321, a corporate plaintiff or defendant must be represented by legal counsel
in Civil and Criminal proceedings. The New York City Criminal Courts have
set strict guidelines in enforcing these regulations, directing corporate
officers to secure counsel in representing a corporate plaintiff or defendant.
New York State Trucking Association Monthly Newsletter, July 25, 2003:
Length, Width, and Weight Dimension Requirements for Trucks Traveling Into
The City of New York , by Portela & Associates.
New York State Highway Patrol regulates the dimension of trucks that transverse
through New York City and throughout the state on its highways. This article
addressed the length, width and weight requirements of trucks transporting cargo.
The National Law Journal, February 11, 2002:
Excessive Force-$200,000 for woman roughed up by NYPD
An article regarding police brutality and excessive force. The Portela
Law Firm, P.C. represented a 58 year old woman against the City of New
York and the New York Police Department in Brooklyn Supreme Court in a
civil action for Assault by a NYPD Police Officer, unjustified arrest
and malicious prosecution following a dismissal of criminal charges in
Brooklyn Criminal Court against her for Assault of a police officer. The
settlement against the City of New York was $200,000.
New York Law Journal, January 25, 2002: Excessive Force.
An article regarding police brutality and excessive force; The Portela
Law Firm, P.C. represented a 58 year old woman against the City of New
York and the New York Police Department in Brooklyn Supreme Court in a
Civil action for Assault by a NYPD Police Officer, unjustified arrest
and malicious prosecution following a dismissal of criminal charges in
Brooklyn Criminal Court against her for Assault of a police officer.
The New York Jury Verdict Reporter:
Police-Use of Excessive Force While During Arrest After Traffic Infraction-Angina
Attack, 2002
El Diario Newspaper, December 19, 2001:
Indemnizan a Hispana Víctima de Abuso Policial.
An article regarding police brutality and excessive force; The Portela
Law Firm, P.C. represented a 58 year old woman who was arrested and charged
in Brooklyn for assault against a police officer. The criminal charges
were subsequently dismissed against the woman.
El Diario Newspaper, June 17, 1997:
Posesión de Bebidas Alcohólicas en Pðblico ‘Infracción
o Delito'
By; Manuel Portela, Jr
An article addressing quality of life crimes in New York City; specifically,
the illegal consumption of alcoholic beverage in public.
El Diario Newspaper, December 20, 1997:
Policía de Rikers se Declara Culpable, Pero es Liberado.
In a Civil personal injury case, The Portela Law Firm, P.C. represented
a victim of a car accident who was killed by a drunk driver who worked
for the New York City Department of Corrections.
El Diario Newspaper, November 20, 1996:
Victoria Contra la Brutalidad Policial.
An article regarding police brutality and excessive force; The Portela
Law Firm, P.C. represented a 58 year old woman who was arrested and charged
in Brooklyn for Assault against a NYPD police officer. The police officer
arrested the woman following a parking dispute by forcibly pulling the
woman out of her car, causing her to sustain serious injuries and hospitalization.
The officer alleged the woman intentionally assaulted him in the cause
of the arrest.
New York Law Journal, August 27, 1990:
53 Prosecutors are Appointed Assistants in Brooklyn Office.
Manuel Portela was one of 53 law school graduates hired for the position
of Assistant District Attorney by the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office.