Costa Rican Deputy José Miguel Villalobos suspended from law practice

Costa Rican Deputy José Miguel Villalobos, representing the Pueblo Soberano party, has been sanctioned by the Costa Rican Bar Association with an eight-year and six-month suspension from legal practice. The disciplinary action follows the resolution of three separate cases involving serious professional misconduct.

The charges against Villalobos include failing to fulfill duties of probity, correctness, and diligence, as well as receiving payments for legal services that were not performed. In one specific instance, he was ordered to reimburse ₡6,140,000 to a client.

Villalobos has contested the ruling, arguing that the Bar Association lacks jurisdiction to sanction him because he voluntarily resigned his membership in August to focus on his duties as a legislator. However, the Bar Association maintains that disciplinary proceedings for actions occurring during professional practice must continue regardless of subsequent resignation. The suspension will take effect should he attempt to re-register with the professional body in the future.