Attorney Grievance v. Portillo

**What happened:** Attorney Alisha Ann Portillo was investigated by Maryland's Attorney Grievance Commission for serious professional misconduct while working at the Law Offices of Hale W. Hawbecker. The investigation found she had engaged in multiple violations of professional standards, including telling clients to skip their required immigration court hearings, lying to judges in court proceedings, and giving false information to bar investigators when questioned about her conduct. **What the court decided:** The Attorney Grievance Commission successfully proved their case against Portillo. As a result, she was disbarred, meaning her law license was permanently revoked and she can no longer practice law in Maryland. **Why this matters for workers:** This case shows that professional oversight systems do work to protect clients and the public. When lawyers violate their ethical duties—especially in ways that can seriously harm vulnerable clients like immigrants—there are real consequences. Workers should know they can file complaints against attorneys who engage in misconduct, and that bar associations take these violations seriously. The disbarment sends a clear message that lawyers who abuse their position and harm clients will lose their right to practice law.