Manuel Portela

Manuel Portela is the founding partner of The Portela Law Firm, P.C., located in the Bronx, New York. With a focus on Criminal Defense, Immigration, Family Law, and Personal Injury, Mr. Portela is committed to offering professional and compassionate legal representation to the diverse communities of New York.

Mr. Portela graduated from Fordham University in 1986 and earned his JD from The Washington College of Law at American University in 1990. He began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office in New York. Here, he gained extensive experience in the Criminal Court Bureau, Early Case Assessment Bureau, Felony Investigations Bureau, and Supreme Court Bureau. During his tenure, he successfully resolved thousands of felony and misdemeanor cases, often through effective plea negotiations.

After serving as a Senior Trial Attorney until 1995, Mr. Portela expanded his practice to represent both businesses and individuals. In 1996, he established The Portela Law Firm, P.C., with a mission to assert and protect the interests of his clients.

In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Portela was a Senior Editor for the American University International Law Journal and worked as a Domestic Bank Examiner at the New York Federal Reserve Bank in 1986. He is fluent in Spanish, enhancing his ability to serve a broader client base.