The Supreme Court of Puerto Rico issued an immediate and indefinite suspension of attorney Mario Rodríguez Pijuán from practicing law on December 4, 2025, citing repeated non-compliance with court orders. The disciplinary action marks another instance of the court exercising its authority to regulate attorney conduct within Puerto Rico's legal profession.
According to the court's per curiam opinion in case TS-6,601, Rodríguez Pijuán was admitted to practice law on November 7, 1979, and was later admitted to practice as a notary on February 1, 1980. His legal career in Puerto Rico thus spans more than four decades.
The suspension follows previous disciplinary action taken against Rodríguez Pijuán's notarial practice. On November 7, 2025, the Supreme Court had already decreed the immediate and indefinite suspension of his notarial practice for failing to comply with court orders requiring him to provide proof of obtaining notarial bond coverage for a specific period.
In connection with the notarial suspension, the court ordered the court bailiff to immediately seize Rodríguez Pijuán's notarial work and seal, directing that these materials be delivered to the Director of the Office of Notarial Inspection (ODIN) for examination and reporting.
The court's December 4 opinion indicates that on the same day as the notarial suspension, November 7, 2025, the court granted Rodríguez Pijuán a final and non-extendable term of ten days to comply with outstanding requirements. The incomplete text suggests this deadline was related to his obligations as an attorney practicing before the court.
The Supreme Court's action represents the exercise of its disciplinary authority over members of the legal profession. Puerto Rico's highest court has the constitutional and statutory power to regulate attorney conduct, including the authority to suspend or disbar attorneys who fail to meet professional standards or comply with court orders.
The court's opinion emphasizes that this situation required the tribunal to "once again" exercise its disciplinary faculty, suggesting a pattern of non-compliance by Rodríguez Pijuán that necessitated judicial intervention. The use of "nuevamente" (again) in the Spanish text indicates this is not the first instance where the court has had to address compliance issues with this particular attorney.
Immediate and indefinite suspensions represent serious disciplinary measures in the legal profession. Such actions typically occur when an attorney's conduct poses a risk to clients or the administration of justice, or when there are repeated violations of professional obligations. The indefinite nature of the suspension means Rodríguez Pijuán cannot practice law until he demonstrates compliance with court requirements and the court lifts the suspension.
The disciplinary action affects both Rodríguez Pijuán's law practice and his notarial practice, effectively preventing him from providing legal services in either capacity. This comprehensive suspension reflects the court's view that his non-compliance issues warranted removal from both professional roles.
For clients who may have ongoing matters with Rodríguez Pijuán, the suspension means they will need to secure alternative legal representation. The Puerto Rico Bar Association typically provides resources to help clients transition to new counsel when their attorney faces disciplinary action.
The case illustrates the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico's ongoing commitment to maintaining professional standards within the legal profession. Attorney discipline serves to protect the public and maintain confidence in the legal system by ensuring lawyers meet their professional obligations.
Professional conduct requirements for attorneys in Puerto Rico include compliance with court orders, maintaining required insurance or bonds, and meeting continuing education obligations. The court's disciplinary authority extends to sanctions ranging from private reprimands to permanent disbarment, depending on the severity and pattern of violations.
The Supreme Court's opinion notes that the document is subject to changes and corrections during the official compilation and publication process. Electronic distribution serves as a public service to the legal community and general public.
Rodríguez Pijuán's case demonstrates how professional discipline operates within Puerto Rico's legal system, where the Supreme Court maintains ultimate authority over attorney conduct. The court's willingness to impose immediate and indefinite suspensions reflects its commitment to ensuring attorneys comply with professional obligations and court orders.
The disciplinary action concludes a process that began with the court's earlier orders regarding notarial bond requirements and appears to have escalated due to continued non-compliance. The comprehensive nature of the suspension, covering both legal and notarial practice, underscores the serious view the court takes of repeated violations of its orders.