Manuel Portela Jr.
also known as THE PORTELA LAW FIRM, P.C., MANUEL PORTELA JR., ESQ
About Manuel
Biography
Manuel Portela, Jr., Esq. is an alumnus of Fordham University and American University Law School. He is admitted to the New York Bar, New Jersey Bar, and U.S. District Court (First and Second Departments). After graduating from law school, Mr. Portela commenced his legal career working as an Assistant District Attorney at the King's County District Attorney's Office in Brooklyn, New York. During his tenure as an Assistant District Attorney, Mr. Portela received extensive training and instruction in the Criminal Court Bureau, Early Case Assessment Bureau, Grand Jury Bureau, Felony Investigations Bureau, and Supreme Court Bureau. He tried numerous Felony and Misdemeanor trials, and resolved thousands of cases through effective plea negotiations.
After working many years as an Assistant District Attorney and in private practice, Manuel Portela established the law firm of Portela & Associates expanding his area of practice to include: Personal Injury, Civil Rights, Contested and Uncontested Divorces, Commercial Organization and Disputes, Real Estate, and Administrative Law (including Vehicle and Traffic Regulations, Alcohol and Beverage Control, Department of Consumer Affairs, Fire Regulations, Building Regulations, Environment Regulations, and Taxi and Limousine Commission Regulations).
Mr. Portela started the Law Firm of Portela & Associates with the aim of fighting hard to protect the interests of his clients while at the same time providing professional, courteous, and efficient legal counsel and representation.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in New York for 32 years
State: New York
Acquired: 1993
No misconduct found
Location
The Portela Law Firm, P.C.
177 Wadsworth Avenue, New York, NY, 10033
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Manuel Portela Jr.'s Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 36 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Andrea | September 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Excelente Abogado
Mr Pórtela is an excellent attorney . He got my brother’s charges dismissed in one court appearance . Highly recommended
Posted by Luz | August 6, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Anyone who needs a criminal defense attorney should call this attorney
Me Portela represented my nephew in 3 felony cases and he got them all dismissed. Mr Pórtela is n experienced attorney that got our family the best results. Whoever needs an attorney should go to Manuel Portela and the Portela Law Firm
Posted by Maria Reyes | July 10, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Exelente servicio!!!!
Tuve un caso de corte, el abogado tuvo excelente desenvolvimiento, lucho duro en mi caso!!! En la ofcina el personal es amable y atento. Muy agadecida!!!
Posted by Jose | July 8, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney. Great person who resolved my case successfully
Mr. Portela represented me in clearing a bench warrant from 1992 and getting my case dismissed.
Posted by anonymous | December 19, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Lo recomiendo 1000x1000
La mejor representación que pude tener cuando casi todo estaba perdido el abogado portela y su equipo me dieron aliento y el apoyo necesario para salir Victorioso en un delicado caso.. agradecido siempre
Manuel Portela Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements
"Mr. Portela Jr. is a top-notch immigration attorney. A zealous advocate for his clients and highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. As a former police officer, I can say with certainty that Manuel Portela's knowledge of criminal law and his ability to achieve successful results in that field is exemplary. I recommend him without hesitation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Manuel is an exceptionally committed attorney with ample experience, ability, and compassion for his clients. He is a true community lawyer and I have seen him handle complex cases and difficult situations with consummate professionalism."
"A very knowledge and competent attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Portela is a colleague who I've just recently become associated with. I am privileged to be working with him on personal injury matters and recommend and endorse him without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Experience, Knowledge and Conviction are a few words to describe Manuel. A seasoned lawyer in a variety of fields with a great team of attorneys and paralegals makes Manuel and The Portela Law Firm, P.C. a great choice for several different legal issues."
"Mr. Portela is a colleague whose office is in the same building as my own. We have also been adversaries as he occasionally practices divorce law. He is reasonable in his approach to a case and is easy to work with."
"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Mr. Portela in th District Attorneys Office. Mr. Portela is not only knowledgeable, he is very caring and gives each client individualized attention, something that is truly rare. He has worked to build a successful practice based on his high eithical standards, his devotion and his incredible ability. i woudl recommend Mr. Portela to any one of my clients and highly recommend him."
"A zealous advocate and former prosecutor - Manuel Portela is an excellent attorney. The firm's focus on client satisfaction is second to none, as evidenced by the "repeat and referral" business brought in by the firm. I highly recommend Manuel Portela and The Portela Law Firm, P.C."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Portela brings over 20 years of experience to the table. His honest consultations provide a realistic picture of what the client's options are and the best way to move forward. Whether you would like to get an appraisal of your case or know you are ready to take action, Mr. Portela and the Portela Law Firm is well worth the call."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Portela is a knowledgeable attorney with 20+ years experience in the areas of administrative, immigration, personal injury, and criminal defense law. Mr. Portela is a genuine attorney who has the strategy and the will power to achieve the best result for your case."
"As a senior associate for the Portela Law Firm I can personally relate the high degree of professionalism that this firm demonstrates on behalf of all of its clients. Customer service and aggressive advocacy are number one priorities for the firm."
Criminal defense lawyer
Family lawyer
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Family lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Real estate lawyer
Immigration lawyer
Landlord or tenant lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2024
Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyers of America
2024
Top 100 Law Firm, American Association of Attorney Advocates
2023
Top 100, The National Trial Lawyers
2022
Top 100 Lawyers, Top 100 Lawyers
2022
Top Attorneys of North America, Top Attorneys of North America
2021
Top Ranking Law Firm, American Association of Attorney Advocates
2020
10 Best Attorneys, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2018
10 Best Law Firms, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2017
Distinguished Lawyer, Expert Network
2015
AUIDUIA' 10 Best Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2014
2014-10 Best- Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
1995
Kings County District Attorney Service Appreciation Award, The Kings County District Attorney's Office
1987
Senior Editor: American University International Law Journal, The American University, Washington College of Law
1986
Ben Harter's Chief Executive Officer Business Award, Fordham University
1986
Outstanding Young Men Award, Outstanding Young Men, USA
Work Experience
2001 - Present
Principal of The Portela Law Firm, PC, The Portela Law Firm, P.C.
1995 - 2001
Founding Partner, The Law Office Of Portela & Santamarina
1995 - 2016
Court Appointed Attorney, Assigned Counsel Program
1994 - 1995
Supreme Court Trial Attorney, Assistant District Attorney, The Kings County District Attorney's Office
1993 - 1994
Investigations Bureau, Assistant District Attorney, Kings County District Attorney's Office
1992 - 1993
Grand Jury Bureau, Assistant District Attorney, Kings County District Attorney's Office
1991 - 1992
Complaint Room, Assistant District Attorney, Kings County District Attorney's Office
1990 - 1991
Criminal Court Assistant District Attorney, Kings County District Attorney's Office
1989 - 1989
Legal Intern, Kings County District Attorney's Office
1987 - 1987
Summer Associate, Gleason & Flynn, PC
1986 - 1987
Domestic Bank Examiner, The Federal Reserve Bank Of New York
Associations
2018 - Present
New York State Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2015 - Present
New York County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
DISMISSAL
DISMISSAL
DISMISSAL OF A-1 FELONY
OVER 20 FELONY COUNTS REDUCED TO AN UNCLASSIFIED MISDEMEANOR
Criminal Charge Dismissed and 2009 Maxima Nissan Vechicle Released
The Portela Law Firm, P.C. successfully persuades the Nassau County District Attorney’s office to reduce two counts of Filing a False Instrument in the First Degree to a single violation of disorderly conduct, which is not a crime.
reduce dos delitos clase E a una sola violación
Settlement, Enjoining Future Illegal On-Premises Gambling Activity and Fine $1,000
DISMISSAL OF CRIMINAL CHARGES
The Portela Law Firm, P.C. successfully persuades the Nassau County District Attorney’s office to reduce two counts of Filing a False Instrument in the First Degree to a single violation of disorderly conduct, which is not a crime.
Settlements with OSHA, Attorney General, Worker's Compensation, Department of Labor
Dismissal of Criminal Case & Settlement $200,000
Settlement of policy limit, 25k
CEASE EVICTION OF CLIENT, A COMMERCIAL TENANT
Reducion de cargos felonias a delito menor
Education
1990
JD - Juris Doctor
1986
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2015
FBI vs. Apple
2013
Criminal Defense and Immigration
2013
Motorcyclists arrests involving Road Rage in NYC
2012
2012
2012
2012
2012
2012
2012
2009
Immigration-Questions and Answers
2009
2009
Weekly Television Legal Segment
2009
Weekly Televison Legal Segment-
2003
A roundtable discussion addressing a comoparative analyses of the Euripean and American Legal System
2003
A report on obscure laws under New York's Administrative Code and how they affect the daily lives of New Yorkers
2001
Trial Techniques
2001
Issue of whether gun manufacturers should be sued for the unlawful acts of owners of firearems
1996
Unjustified Arrest and Civil Rights
Publications
2014
2012
2012
2012
2003
2003
2002
2001
2001
1997
1997
1990
1990
1989
N/A
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
If i have a bench warrant in iowa,can i be arrested in chicago?
08 Aug 2012
Class a misdemeanor petit larceny in nyc and conditional discharge of 1 year in may of 2011. can i seal this now that its done?
03 Aug 2012
ACD and citizenship.
31 Jul 2012