On Thursday, December 12, 2024, the Board of Immigration Appeals suspended attorney Rahul Dev Manchanda from practicing law before the Board of Immigration Appeals, Immigration Courts, and the Department of Homeland Security.
The case is entitled “In the Matter Rahul Dev Manchanda.”
The suspension follows a November 21, 2024, order by the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate Division, First Judicial Department, which disbarred Manchanda from practicing law in New York. The New York court found Manchanda had engaged in a pattern of misconduct, including making racist, anti-Semitic, homophobic, and misogynistic statements.
The court detailed Manchanda’s misconduct, stating that he filed documents containing bigoted language in both state and federal courts and lodged complaints with various agencies. He also used offensive language and revealed confidential client information in response to negative online reviews.
Manchanda’s history of misconduct dates back several years, with the New York court noting he was previously admonished on three separate occasions. These admonishments were for using discourteous language with a client, threatening a client over a fee dispute, and pleading guilty to menacing in the third degree, a Class B misdemeanor.
The court highlighted that Manchanda has shown no remorse for his actions and has repeatedly tried to shift blame to others. He has also engaged in frivolous filings in an attempt to move the disciplinary matter to federal court.
A referee appointed by the New York court found that Manchanda’s testimony during the disciplinary hearing was “evasive, rambling, incoherent, combative, implausible, and, ultimately, incredible.” The referee concluded that Manchanda had authored the offensive documents and online responses despite his claims to the contrary. Manchanda’s attempts to defend himself included claims that he was being targeted for political reasons and that he was an informant for the FBI or CIA. However, the referee dismissed these claims as nonsensical and lacking evidence.
The New York court’s decision to disbar Manchanda was based on its finding that he had violated several Rules of Professional Conduct, including those prohibiting conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice and conduct adversely reflecting on a lawyer’s fitness.
The Board of Immigration Appeals has ordered Manchanda to immediately notify any clients with pending cases before the Board, Immigration Courts, or DHS of his suspension. He is also required to maintain records demonstrating his compliance with this order.
The Disposition states:
“ORDER: The petition is granted, and the respondent is hereby suspended from the practice of law before the Board of Immigration Appeals, the Immigration Courts, and DHS pending final disposition of this proceeding.”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Manchanda was an immigration attorney in New York, New York. He attended the Pace University School of Law, graduating in 1999.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
