Manuel Portela, Esq. Photo

Manuel Portela, Esq.

Principal Attorney
  • Profile
  • Credentials
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Bio

With more than 26 years of experience The Portela Law Firm, P.C. provides results-driven and zealous representation in the areas of criminal defense, immigration, family law, and personal injury. The firm is comprised of highly trained and experienced attorneys, investigators, and administrative staff who litigate complex state and federal cases. Team Portela represents individuals from all walks of life as well as small business owners and high-profile individuals in state and federal courts. The firm’s cases have been featured in The New York Times, New York Daily News, The New York Post, Long Island Newsday, Bloomberg News, Crain's New York Business, Telemundo, and El Diario.

Mr. Portela is distinguished for his extensive educational background, career longevity, notable high-profile cases, and numerous awards and recognitions. In 1986 Mr. Portela graduated with honors from Fordham University. In 1990 he received his Juris Doctorate degree from The Washington College of Law in Washington D.C.. and served as senior editor of the International Law Journal. After Mr. Portela’s university studies, he worked for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in the capacity of bank examiner. In 1990 Mr. Portela accepted the appointment of Assistant District Attorney at the King’s County District Attorney’s Office in New York City and resigned as a senior trial attorney after five years. During Mr. Portela’s formative years at the King’s County District Attorney’s office, he received extensive training in the Criminal Court Bureau, Early Assessment Bureau, Felony Investigations Bureau, and Supreme Court Trial Bureau. This experience propelled Mr. Portela to launch the opening of the Portela Law Firm, PC. in 1995 which now celebrates three office locations in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Queens. The office is open 6 days including Saturdays and the emergency hotline 917 774-9617 is available for new arrests, immigration detentions, and other emergency circumstances.

When asked if he could define his career in a quote Mr. Portela responded naturally: “I have a passion and purpose for providing exceptional legal service.” “The firm represents New York residents from all walks of life as well as the NYC’s Hispanic communities, which includes recent immigrants and first-generation Americans.” As a leader in his field, Mr. Portela is uniquely positioned to identify emerging trends in various areas of the firm’s practice. Mr. Portela noted, “The firm has access to extensive legal research resources thanks to today’s technology and access to legal libraries online dedicated to lawyers.” Given the current political climate, Mr. Portela is committed to staying current with changes in the law that affect his clients as they may materialize, especially when they relate to the consequences that criminal cases can have on each person’s future including one’s legal status. Mr. Portela noted that “the consequences of criminal convictions for legal permanent residents or foreign visitors to the United States can be profound, and so we focus our research and experience to inform our clients of the immigration consequences and ramifications of criminal convictions.” Over his career, he has been a member of the American Bar Association, New York State Criminal Defense Association, and AILA.

Mr. Portela is recognized as one of the Top in His Industry by the Expert Network. His success as an attorney and in business is attributed to understanding his clients’ legal needs and providing effective representation with proven results. His firm’s success speaks for itself.

The Top Attorneys of North America, a New York-based publication, distinguishes and profiles leading attorneys who have reached a recognizable degree of success and leadership in their field. The directory is valued for promoting awareness of the accomplishments within the North American legal community.

Employment
  • King County Assistant District Attorney Senior Trial Attorney (1990-1995)
  • New York Federal Reserve Bank Domestic Bank Examiner, 1986
Education
  • Washington College of Law at American University - JD American University International Law Journal - University 1990
  • Fordham University - BS University 1986
Awards
  • Top Attorneys of North America
    Top Attorneys of North America
  • AAAA Top Ranking Criminal Defense Badge
    AAAA Top Ranking Criminal Defense Badge

Customer Satisfaction Is Our Top Priority

Read How We Have Helped Our Past Clients
  • “There are not enough words to express my gratitude for the legal service and support I received from Portela Law Firm.”

    - Juan Mata
  • “Encantando con el buen servicio. Hasta ahora para mi el Sr.portela es el #1 en excelencia y profesionalismo. Resolvio mi caso rapido y en beneficio para mi.”

    - Jose Delacruz
  • “Estuve buscando quien tomara mi caso y esta fue una de las primeros lugares que llame y explique un poco a ver si tomaban mi caso (aparte de ser el unico que me brindo la confianza ) rapido ...”

    - Shakira Pacheco
  • “El mejor abogado que conozco fui arrestado y me soluciono en una sola corte caso que me podria danar mi vida en los EE. UU. gracias Al Senor Portela y a su equipo!!!”

    - Alejandro Atariguana
  • “Me siento muy agradecido con todo el equipo de esta firma, mi caso era un poco complicado pero Gracias al profesionalismo del abogado se pudo resolver con exito!! Muchas Gracias 100% recomendado!!”

    - Sergio Furca
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