The Puerto Rico Court of Appeals recently ruled against Liza Ramos Alfonseca and her company, Escencia, Inc., in a case concerning the disqualification of legal representation for Paradiso College Preparatory, LLC. This decision may impact the ongoing litigation involving contract disputes and alleged defamation claims.

The case, filed under docket number TA2026CE00226, stems from a lawsuit initiated by Ramos Alfonseca on June 21, 2024. She accused Paradiso College Preparatory and its executive director, José Roberto Acosta López, among others, of failing to pay for services rendered, totaling $625,000. These services included obtaining necessary permits for educational services and addressing legal challenges against the school projects in Río Piedras and Arecibo.

Ramos Alfonseca also alleged that she faced defamatory statements from employees of Paradiso, which she claims caused her significant emotional distress. She sought damages amounting to $300,000 for defamation and an additional $200,000 for emotional suffering. The case escalated through various legal motions and responses, leading to a significant dispute over the legal representation of Paradiso.

In February 2025, Paradiso's legal representation was formalized under attorney Daniel Martínez Avilés. However, Ramos Alfonseca later filed a motion to disqualify Martínez, claiming a conflict of interest due to his previous interactions with her regarding the case. She argued that this conflict could jeopardize her case and sought to prevent Martínez from representing Paradiso.

On December 2, 2025, the First Instance Court denied Ramos Alfonseca's request for disqualification. The court concluded that she did not provide sufficient justification for such a drastic measure. The court noted that the evidence she sought could be obtained through less burdensome means without involving Paradiso's attorney. The ruling stated, "the petitioner did not put the court in a position to impose the drastic remedy of disqualification."

Ramos Alfonseca appealed this decision to the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals. On May 7, 2026, the appellate court reviewed the case and ultimately denied her request for certiorari, which is a type of appeal that allows higher courts to review lower court decisions. The court stated, "there is no justification to intervene with the resolution appealed."

The ruling was made by a panel of judges, including Candelaria Rosa, Adames Soto, Campos Pérez, and Trigo Ferraiuoli, who served as the lead judge. The court emphasized that Ramos Alfonseca failed to demonstrate that the First Instance Court acted arbitrarily or capriciously in its decision.

This ruling has significant implications for both parties involved in the case. For Ramos Alfonseca, the denial means that Paradiso will continue to be represented by Martínez Avilés, potentially influencing the outcome of her claims against the school. For Paradiso, the decision reinforces their legal standing and allows them to maintain their current representation without disruption.

Going forward, this ruling sets a precedent regarding the standards for disqualifying legal representation in Puerto Rico. It underscores the importance of demonstrating clear and compelling reasons for such actions, particularly in cases involving complex legal disputes.

As for next steps, Ramos Alfonseca may consider further legal options, including potential appeals to higher courts. However, details on any related cases or future motions were not available in the court filing. The ongoing litigation will continue as both parties prepare for the next stages of their legal battle.