In a recent ruling, the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals denied an appeal from MCG Therapy Group LLC regarding the disqualification of its attorneys. This decision affects the ongoing legal battle between MCG and Arlene J. Maestre Rivera, a therapist providing services to special education students. The court's decision is significant as it addresses the standards for attorney disqualification and the implications for legal representation in Puerto Rico.
The case originated on April 3, 2023, when MCG Therapy Group filed a lawsuit against Maestre Rivera, claiming breach of contract, damages, and tortious interference. Maestre Rivera operates AM Therapeutic Service for Children, Inc., which provides therapeutic services. MCG amended its original complaint on July 12, 2023, to include AM Therapeutic Service as a defendant. The dispute escalated through various procedural incidents, leading to a partial judgment by the lower court that favored Maestre Rivera.
On October 27, 2023, MCG appealed the lower court's decision. The Court of Appeals confirmed the lower court's ruling on August 8, 2024. Subsequently, MCG sought certiorari from the Puerto Rico Supreme Court, which was denied. The case continued to be contentious, with multiple sanctions imposed on the legal representatives of both parties.
On March 11, 2025, the lower court held a hearing to address issues arising during the deposition of an expert witness. The court found that MCG's attorneys had intentionally concealed evidence, leading to sanctions against them. Following this, 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.
In response, MCG filed a petition for certiorari on May 9, 2025, arguing that the lower court erred in disqualifying its attorneys without hearing from the opposing party. MCG claimed that the disqualification was an extreme measure and that less severe remedies were available. Additionally, MCG contended that the lower court abused its discretion by determining that it had failed to meet its duty to inform the court.
The Court of Appeals, composed of Judges Grana Martinez, Campos Pérez, and Pérez Ocasio, reviewed the case and ultimately denied MCG's petition. The judges noted that the lower court had acted within its discretion and that the disqualification of attorneys was justified based on the procedural conduct observed during the case. The court stated, "We have not appreciated prejudice, error, or partiality in the determination of the lower court."
The court's ruling emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity in legal proceedings and the role of judges in ensuring that attorneys adhere to ethical standards. The court highlighted that disqualification is a serious measure that should only be taken when necessary to preserve the integrity of the judicial process.
This ruling has significant implications for the parties involved, particularly for MCG Therapy Group, which must now continue its case without the attorneys it initially retained. The decision also sets a precedent regarding the standards for attorney disqualification in Puerto Rico, reinforcing the idea that courts have the authority to impose such measures when necessary to uphold justice.
Looking ahead, MCG Therapy Group may consider appealing the decision to the Puerto Rico Supreme Court, although details about any potential appeal were not available in the court filing. The ongoing legal battle between MCG and Maestre Rivera will continue in the lower court, now with different legal representation for MCG.