The Puerto Rico Supreme Court has suspended attorney Carlos A. Santiago Rivera from practicing law indefinitely due to repeated failures to comply with court orders. This ruling, issued on November 3, 2026, affects Rivera's ability to represent clients and underscores the court's commitment to maintaining professional standards among legal practitioners.

The case, designated as TS-16,789, began with Rivera filing a complaint against another attorney, Marcos Díaz Galarza, regarding alleged irregularities in the recruitment process at the University of Puerto Rico School of Law. However, the court found that Rivera's actions reflected a misuse of the disciplinary process rather than a legitimate ethical violation.

Initially admitted to the bar in February 2008, Rivera faced disciplinary proceedings starting in December 2025. The court noted that after Rivera's complaint was dismissed, he was fined $500 for the frivolous nature of his claims. Instead of complying with the fine, Rivera continued to challenge the court's authority and refused to pay, even stating he would not pay a fine of any amount.

The court's decision to suspend Rivera came after he ignored multiple warnings and deadlines to fulfill the imposed sanctions. The ruling emphasized that his disregard for the court's authority and orders demonstrated a pattern of disrespect towards the legal profession.

The court stated, "the displicencia del licenciado Santiago Rivera contraviene los postulados de las Reglas de Conducta Profesional." This translates to "the negligence of attorney Santiago Rivera contravenes the principles of the Rules of Professional Conduct." The court concluded that the attorney's refusal to comply warranted immediate and indefinite suspension.

As part of the ruling, Rivera must inform all his clients of his inability to represent them and return any pending case files and fees. He is also required to notify judicial and administrative forums of his suspension and must provide proof of compliance within 30 days of the ruling.

This decision reinforces the court's authority to regulate the legal profession in Puerto Rico, highlighting that attorneys must adhere to ethical standards and court orders. The ruling serves as a reminder that failure to comply with disciplinary measures can lead to severe consequences, including suspension from the practice of law.

Looking ahead, Rivera may seek to appeal the suspension, although the court has made it clear that noncompliance with previous sanctions will be considered in any future reinstatement requests. The court's ruling sets a strong precedent for upholding professional conduct standards and ensuring accountability among attorneys in Puerto Rico.

Details were not available in the court filing regarding any related cases or further actions Rivera might pursue following this suspension.