The Puerto Rico Supreme Court recently approved a change to inactive status for several lawyers, a decision that affects their ability to practice law. This ruling, filed on May 27, 2026, under docket number EM-2026-0006, includes a list of attorneys who will no longer be active in their legal practice.
The decision to grant inactive status is significant as it impacts the careers of the listed attorneys, potentially limiting their professional activities. The court's ruling is part of a broader legal framework governing the status of lawyers in Puerto Rico.
In total, the court authorized the change to inactive status for ten attorneys during April 2026. This means these lawyers will not be able to represent clients or engage in legal practice until they change their status back to active.
Background
The lawyers affected by this ruling include Juan José RÃos MartÃnez, Tony Cruz Murphy, José M. Pérez Pérez, Félix A. Revilla Viera, Matilde Lausell DÃaz, Pedro A. Vélez Baerga, Ada Alina MartÃnez Rabassa, Giancarlo Colberg Ferrer, and Alexandra RodrÃguez DÃaz. Each of these individuals has been granted inactive status as part of the court's decision.
The court's decision to approve the change in status follows a standard procedure in which lawyers may request to become inactive for various reasons. This could include personal circumstances, health issues, or a desire to step back from the rigors of active legal practice. The court's role in this process is to review and approve such requests to ensure compliance with legal standards.
The ruling came after the court reviewed the requests from the attorneys seeking inactive status. The process is designed to maintain the integrity of the legal profession while allowing lawyers to manage their careers and personal lives effectively.
The Ruling
The court ruled that the following lawyers are now classified as inactive: Juan José RÃos MartÃnez, Tony Cruz Murphy, José M. Pérez Pérez, Félix A. Revilla Viera, Matilde Lausell DÃaz, Pedro A. Vélez Baerga, Ada Alina MartÃnez Rabassa, Giancarlo Colberg Ferrer, and Alexandra RodrÃguez DÃaz. The court stated, "Durante el periodo de abril de 2026, este Tribunal autorizó el cambio a estatus como Abogado(a) Inactivo(a) a las abogadas y los abogados siguientes." This indicates that the decision was made during the specified time frame and applies to the listed attorneys.
The ruling was certified by Javier O. Sepúlveda RodrÃguez, the Secretary of the Supreme Court, confirming that the decision is official and has been documented in the court's records. The court's approval of these changes reflects its ongoing commitment to regulating the legal profession in Puerto Rico.
Impact
The approval of inactive status for these lawyers means they will not be able to practice law until they seek reactivation. This decision affects their ability to represent clients, participate in legal proceedings, or engage in any activities that require an active law license. The ruling may also have implications for their current clients, who may need to seek new representation.
This ruling is part of a broader legal context in which attorneys can manage their professional status. The ability to switch to inactive status is essential for lawyers who may need to step back from their practice for personal or professional reasons. It ensures that the legal profession maintains high standards and that lawyers can take necessary breaks without losing their licenses permanently.
What's Next
Details were not available in the court filing regarding any potential appeals or related cases. However, the affected attorneys may choose to apply for reactivation in the future if they decide to return to active practice.