Lawyer in Portugal

A lawyer in Portugal has the role of advisor in all legal matters. As far as setting up a business in Portugal is concerned, an attorney can help prevent problems and help protect business from risk. A Portuguese lawyer offers advice about the clients’ rights and obligations and defends them in court.  They also consult and interpret laws in order to provide correct legal guidance. Lawyers in Portugal strictly submit to the code of ethics. This profession can be practiced only by persons who obtain a licence from the Portuguese Bar Association, known as “Ordem dos Advogados”. The legislation that regulates this profession is the Act of Lawyers, Law 49/2004.

Admission

In order to obtain a licence to practise law in Portugal, a person must hold an undergraduate degree in law and be registered as a member of the Portuguese Bar Association. Law graduates from universities in Portugal or foreign countries with equivalent status according to the article 187, Bar Association Bylaws can also apply for registration as trainee lawyers in Portugal. Foreign graduates with degrees from a Portuguese Law Faculty can also apply for membership in the Bar Association on the basis of reciprocity with the home country of the lawyer. The same rules apply to Brazilian lawyers. In order to be admitted in the Portuguese Bar Association, all applicants must pass the Bar Examination.

Forms of practice

Lawyers in Portugal can work as independent specialists or in a Portuguese law firm. Usually, private practice lawyers in Portugal are focused in civil and criminal law. Some prefer to specialize in areas like bankruptcy, investments, international companies. Portuguese attorneys can also work as consultants in the legal departments of private corporations. In this case, the lawyer also represents the business in administrative matters.

Activities

Lawyers in Portugal offer advice in employment law, business premises, contracts with customers, health and safety matters, structuring your business. Portuguese attorneys can also work as representatives for individuals in criminal or civil trials. Lawyers in Portugal advise clients in matters regarding rights and obligations, evidence in court and arguments to support the defence. 

BridgeWest offers company formation in Portugal, including virtual office and other related services.