The Supreme Court of Puerto Rico has suspended attorney Karol L. Rodríguez Hidalgo from practicing law and notary services indefinitely due to her repeated failure to comply with court orders. This ruling, made on June 22, 2026, affects Rodríguez Hidalgo's ability to represent clients and perform notarial duties, highlighting the importance of adherence to legal and ethical standards in the legal profession.

The court's decision comes after Rodríguez Hidalgo failed to respond to multiple requests from the court regarding a complaint filed against her. This case underscores the court's commitment to maintaining professional conduct within the legal community and ensuring that attorneys uphold their responsibilities to clients and the judicial system.

Background

Karol L. Rodríguez Hidalgo was admitted to the practice of law in Puerto Rico on June 30, 2008, and later became a notary on December 11, 2015. The issues leading to her suspension began when Gina M. Gugliano Valentín filed a complaint against her on October 28, 2025. Gugliano alleged that she had not been able to communicate with Rodríguez Hidalgo since October 7, 2025, despite multiple attempts to reach her.

Gugliano claimed that she requested Rodríguez Hidalgo to withdraw from her case on three occasions. Rodríguez Hidalgo had assured her that she would continue to handle the case and would provide updates. However, Gugliano stated that no further communication occurred, forcing her to hire a new attorney. This new representation informed her that Rodríguez Hidalgo had not officially withdrawn from the case, and there were pending sanctions against her.

The Ruling

The court ruled to suspend Rodríguez Hidalgo immediately and indefinitely from practicing law and notary services. The opinion emphasized that her repeated failure to comply with court orders constituted a serious violation of professional conduct. The court noted, "Desatender los requerimientos de este Tribunal es incompatible con el ejercicio de la profesión legal, puesto que menoscaba nuestro poder inherente de regular la profesión jurídica." This translates to, "Ignoring the requirements of this Tribunal is incompatible with the practice of law, as it undermines our inherent power to regulate the legal profession."

The ruling was issued per curiam, meaning it was delivered by the court as a whole rather than by a single judge. The court highlighted that Rodríguez Hidalgo had been given multiple opportunities to respond to the complaint and failed to do so each time, demonstrating a clear disregard for the court's authority.

Impact

This suspension serves as a significant reminder to attorneys in Puerto Rico about the importance of complying with court orders and maintaining professional conduct. The court's decision reinforces the standards set forth in the Canon 9 of the Professional Ethics Code, which mandates respect for the judicial system. The ruling also aligns with the new Rules of Professional Conduct that took effect on January 1, 2026, which echo similar principles.

The implications of this ruling extend beyond Rodríguez Hidalgo, affecting how legal professionals in Puerto Rico approach their responsibilities. It sets a precedent that noncompliance with court orders will not be tolerated and that attorneys must prioritize their duties to clients and the court.

What's Next

Rodríguez Hidalgo has the option to appeal this decision, but details regarding any potential appeal were not available in the court filing. Currently, there are no related cases pending that could impact this ruling.