On January 12, 2023, the Disciplinary Board of the New Mexico Supreme Court formally reprimanded Arizona attorney Ruben L. Reyes over admitted misconduct in his representation of a client in an immigration matter.
The case is styled “In the Matter of Ruben L. Reyes, Esq.” and was brought by the Deputy Disciplinary Counsel, under case no. 2022-02-4507.
The charges alleged Reyes’s violation of Rules of Professional Conduct 16-101, 16-104(A)(1)(2), 16-116(D), 16-301, and 16-804(D) by:
Failing to provide competent representation to a client;
Failing to properly communicate with a client;
Failing to affect an orderly termination;
Asserting an issue for which there was no basis of law which was not frivolous; and
Engaging in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice.
The rules of professional conduct can be found on this link.
In a Specification of Charges dated May 26, 2022, Reyes was accused of engaging in misconduct in his representation of his client, Mr. Maciel, in an immigration appeal on December 2019. According to the charges, Reyes failed to diligently and competently pursue Maciel’s interest, failed to communicate the case’s status, and by filing a motion to voluntarily dismiss the case without consulting Maciel. Further allegations against him included failing to properly end his representation of Maciel’s case.
The filing states:
“The Motion to Voluntary Dismiss only addressed the previously unaddressed issue related to service of the NTA and jurisdiction of the court – nowhere mentioning the actual rationale for the filing of the appeal.”
The filing continues:
“Mr. Leal Maciel only learned of the dismissal of his appeal when he consulted with Hilary Gaston Walsh, Esq. approximately a year later, on or about August 27, 2021.”
The filing further alleges:
“Mr. Gaston Walsh’s associate, Katelyn Leese reached out to Respondent to determine why Respondent withdrew the appeal in an email dated September 5, 2021, but received no response.”
Thereafter, Reyes filed a Conditional Agreement admitting the allegations and consenting to discipline in the form of a formal reprimand.
Both the Hearing Committee and the Board Panel, upon their respective review of the matter, recommended to the Court to adopt Reyes’ Conditional Agreement Admitting the Allegations and Consent to Discipline in its entirety.
Accordingly, the Disciplinary Board ruled against Reyes and formally reprimanded him for his admitted misconduct.
In reprimanding Reyes, the Board stated:
“You have been practicing in the area of immigration for more than ten years and to have made such mistakes and neglected your client to such a degree is disturbing. . . It is, therefore, even more important to ensure that you are well-versed and up to date on the mandates of immigration practice. You deal with clients who are not familiar with the legal system and the stress and effects of being ignored are simply unacceptable and potentially catastrophic. It is hoped that this was an isolated instance of such misconduct brought on the circumstances in your life and it will not be repeated.”
Mr. Ruben L. Reyes maintains his law practice in Phoenix, Arizona offering immigration law legal services. He attended Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, graduating in 2009. Reyes has been licensed to practice in New Mexico. His info can be found on LinkedIn.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
