The Puerto Rico Court of Appeals has denied an appeal by MCG Therapy Group LLC regarding the disqualification of its lawyers in a contract dispute with Arlene J. Maestre Rivera. The court's decision, issued on June 26, 2026, affects the ongoing legal battle over alleged contract violations and damages. This ruling is significant as it upholds the lower court's authority to manage legal representation in cases where attorney conduct is questioned.
MCG Therapy Group, a company providing therapy services, filed a lawsuit against Maestre Rivera in April 2023. The dispute centers on accusations of breach of contract and tortious interference, with Maestre Rivera representing AM Therapeutic Service for Children, Inc., which offers therapeutic services to special education students. The case has been contentious, involving multiple procedural incidents that have led to sanctions against the lawyers involved.
The legal saga began when MCG filed its original complaint, which was amended to include AM Therapeutic Service. After various procedural issues, including a partial judgment favoring Maestre Rivera, MCG appealed the decision. However, the Appeals Court confirmed the lower court's ruling in August 2024. Following this, MCG sought further review from the Puerto Rico Supreme Court, which was denied.
On April 2, 2025, the lower court disqualified MCG's attorneys, Kyra Davila Torres and Catalina Sierra Lopez, as well as Maestre Rivera's attorney, Jaime Alcover Delgado. The disqualification stemmed from findings that the attorneys had intentionally concealed evidence during the discovery process. MCG subsequently filed a petition for certiorari, seeking to reverse the disqualification.
The court ruled, stating, "We have not appreciated prejudice, error, or partiality in the determination of the lower court." The panel, which included Judge Grana Martinez, Judge Campos Pérez, and Judge Pérez Ocasio, emphasized that both parties still had other legal representation available. This ruling reflects the court's stance on maintaining integrity within the legal process while ensuring that cases proceed without undue delay.
The impact of this ruling is significant for legal practices in Puerto Rico. It reinforces the ability of courts to disqualify attorneys to uphold ethical standards and manage courtroom conduct effectively. The decision also highlights the importance of maintaining a fair trial process, where the conduct of attorneys can influence the outcome of cases.
Moving forward, this ruling sets a precedent regarding the disqualification of attorneys in Puerto Rico, emphasizing that such measures are not taken lightly but are necessary to maintain the integrity of the judicial process. It serves as a reminder to legal practitioners about the importance of transparency and ethical conduct in their practice.
As for the future of this case, it is unclear if MCG Therapy Group will seek to appeal this decision further. The court's ruling may limit their options, but it remains to be seen if they will pursue any additional legal avenues. There are no related cases pending at this time, but the implications of this ruling could resonate in future legal disputes involving attorney conduct.