Profile
A Premier NYC Law Firm Where Criminal and Immigration Law Intersect 🛡️
Welcome to The Portela Law Firm, a dynamic, full-service law firm dedicated to providing aggressive and compassionate representation to the diverse communities of New York City. 🏛️ From our offices in Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx, we understand that for many of our clients, a criminal charge is not just a threat to their freedom—it is a threat to their very right to remain in this country. That is why our firm is uniquely built with powerful, interconnected departments in both Criminal Defense and Immigration Law. This integrated approach is led by our founder, Manuel Portela, a former Assistant District Attorney with over 25 years of experience. His insider’s perspective on the criminal justice system provides a profound advantage, allowing us to craft sophisticated defense strategies that consider every possible consequence. Available 24/7, our bilingual team is committed to being your steadfast advocates when you need us most. 🤝
The Former Prosecutor’s Edge: Your Strongest Defense
When you are facing the government, you need an advocate who knows the other side’s playbook. Our firm is built on this critical advantage.
- An Insider’s Perspective: As a former Assistant District Attorney, Manuel Portela has an invaluable, firsthand understanding of how the prosecution builds and tries cases. We use this knowledge to protect you.
- Award-Winning and Nationally Recognized: Our attorneys are consistently honored for their excellence, with selections to Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100. 🏆
- Fluent in English and Spanish: We are proud to serve our entire community, providing clear, direct communication in both English and Spanish to ensure you are always understood.
- 24/7 Availability: We know that legal emergencies don’t wait for business hours. Our team is available around the clock to provide the urgent support you need. 📞
A Comprehensive and Integrated Practice 📋
Our firm provides tenacious and intelligent representation across a range of critical and often overlapping legal fields, ensuring our clients receive holistic and effective counsel.
- Criminal Defense Lawyers: We provide a formidable defense against the full spectrum of state and federal criminal charges, from DWI and drug crimes to the most serious violent felonies. 🚔
- Immigration Lawyers: We are fierce advocates for the immigrant community, handling criminal deportation defense, visas, green cards, citizenship, and asylum petitions. ✈️
- Divorce and Family Law Lawyers: We handle sensitive family matters, including divorce and child custody, with a combination of compassion and strength. ❤️🩹
- Accident and Injury Lawyers: We fight for justice and fair compensation for victims of personal injury.
Specializing In
Criminal Defense, Deportation Defense, Immigration, Family Law, DWI, Drug Crimes, Federal Crimes
Address & Location
Located in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Upper Manhattan, near West 181st Street.
Building Location
This is a 5-story residential and commercial brick building built in 1910, featuring the popular local restaurant Burger Heights at its ground level.
Suite Access
Enter through the main entrance of the building on Wadsworth Avenue. The office is located on the ground floor in Suite 1.
Parking Details
While there is no dedicated parking garage on-site, public parking is available in nearby lots, including a public surface parking lot that requires a fee.
Public Transit
Served by New York City Transit Authority Route 1 (Broadway Line); nearest stop is at 181st Street.
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