Nevada Attorney Faces Possible License Revocation Over Ronaldo Case Conduct
Attorney Suspension Pending in High-Profile Ronaldo Litigation
A legal dispute involving a prominent Las Vegas lawyer and allegations against famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has come under scrutiny by the Nevada Supreme Court. The court has temporarily restricted the attorney from accepting new clients while it decides whether to revoke his license to practice law.
Background of the Attorney’s Suspension and Legal Proceedings
Leslie Mark Stovall, a seasoned Nevada lawyer since the 1980s, faced a ruling on November 21 that endorsed swift disciplinary measures requested by the State Bar. While he may continue representing current clients until the end of the year, his future as a practicing lawyer rests on the Supreme Court’s upcoming decision.
The disciplinary issues stem from Stovall’s involvement in the case of Kathryn Mayorga, who accused Ronaldo of sexual assault in a Las Vegas hotel in 2009. The civil suit was dismissed in 2022 after a federal judge determined that Stovall’s main arguments relied on documents that had been leaked and were not authorized for use, violating court rules.
Misconduct Concerns and Ethical Violations
The core of the sanctions against Stovall relates to his alleged attempt to obtain sensitive documents originally leaked on a European website known for publishing hacked soccer-related materials. These included private communications between Ronaldo and his legal representatives which had surfaced previously in German media. The State Bar accused Stovall of trying to secure additional files from the individual responsible for the leak, an action that contradicted legal ethics and professional conduct standards. Stovall has denied contacting the source or using any stolen information.
Disciplinary Panel’s Findings and Historical Context
In 2024, the disciplinary committee recommended revoking Stovall’s law license, citing deliberate misuse of protected documents and aggressive practices that complicated proceedings for opposing counsel. The panel highlighted Stovall’s prior record of sanctions including suspensions and formal reprimands. Their report warned that allowing him to continue practicing without consequences could further erode public confidence in the justice system.
Representatives of the State Bar emphasized the importance of lawyers steering clear of unlawfully obtained evidence, noting that Stovall’s behavior failed to meet these ethical requirements. Although Stovall did not provide a public statement, his office confirmed ongoing work with his existing clients.
Current Status of the Ronaldo Case and Implications for the Lawyer
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to deny the allegations made by Mayorga, with his defense asserting that any sexual encounter was consensual. Following dismissal by the federal court, Ronaldo’s legal team recovered over $330,000 in legal costs. The outcome of these disciplinary proceedings will play a decisive role in determining whether Stovall’s legal career will continue or come to an end.
