Are you looking for a lawyer in Portugal? Catarina S. Gomes has a qualified team ready to act in any area of law.

You can be anywhere and receive Catarina S. Gomes' services, whether in Braga, Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Beja, Coimbra, or even in other countries like France, Spain, Germany, Italy, England, Switzerland, among many more.

Having a lawyer is essential on various occasions. However, what does a legal professional do? How can you choose the best one, and what are the ways and hows to do it?

Find out more about these and other relevant issues in this article!

What is the role of lawyers?

The lawyer is a person who represents and defends the interests of their clients based on the laws of Portuguese Constitution. The lawyer must ensure the proper functioning of an impartial democratic State and guarantee the fundamental rights of citizens.

Being a lawyer is to practise law, to defend, to represent in court and to exercise a mandate in defence of the citizen. The lawyer must maintain their independence and impartiality, fulfilling their duties as a professional.

Para saber mais sobre os deveres dos advogados pode consultar o Code of Ethics.

Areas of practice for lawyers

Lawyers can specialise and practice in various areas, such as:

• Arbitration;
• Litigation, Civil Law and Enforcement;
• Commercial and Corporate Law;
• Family and Succession Law;
• Digital Economy;
• Property Law;
• Employment Law;
• Ecommerce;
• Criminal and Contravention Law;
• Insurance;
• Records and Notary;
• Data Protection;
• Nationality and Residence;
• Personal or Company Insolvency;
• Public and Administrative Law;
• Divorce;
• Among others.

Looking for a lawyer in Portugal? Contact us!

Functions of a solicitor

A lawyer can perform various functions within different areas of practice, such as:

• Legal consultancy;
• contract drafting;
• exercise of mandate within the scope of complaints or challenges of administrative or tax acts;
• to assist citizens before any public or private authority, in the exercise of their rights;
• on-site signature recognition;
• negotiate the constitution, amendment or termination of legal relationships;
• appear in court;
• Legal advice consisting of the interpretation and application of legal rules;
• public interest functions, representing citizens to the judiciary and public administration;
• among many others.
  

How many lawyers are there in Portugal 

The data reveals that there have never been as many lawyers in Portugal as there are now. In total there are 33,937. 

Interesting facts about lawyers in Portugal 

In Portugal, the majority of legal professionals are women, with 12,996 out of a total of 33,937 being women. A lawyer's salary exceeds the national average by €1000, at around €2,110 gross. 

During training, most students choose to specialise in areas such as banking and finance, tax and real estate, corporate and M&A, and public. 

Types of queries

Are you looking for lawyers in Portugal and would like to receive legal advice, even if online? At Catarina S. Gomes, you can book online consultations, conducted via video call. Contact us through:

• email: catarina.s.gomes-55087p@adv.oa.pt;
• Mobile phone +351 914 422 409; (calls from mobile network)
• you at our offices: 93 Capelistas Street, 1st Floor, 4700 – 307 Braga.

The Bar Association

A Bar Council It is a public association that represents all legal professionals. This association performs its duties freely and autonomously, being independent of the State. The main functions of the Bar Association are:

• an active role in defending the rule of law and the rights and guarantees of citizens;
• collaborate with the administration of justice;
• ensure access to justice;
• to uphold the social function, dignity and prestige of the legal profession;
• to defend the interests and rights of its members.

The Bar Association is internally structured into seven regions:

• Lisbon;
• Porto;
• Coimbra;
• Évora;
• Lighthouse;
• The Azores;
• Madeira.

How to find a lawyer in Portugal

Are you looking for lawyers in Portugal?

Whether you are living in France, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom or anywhere else in Europe or the rest of the world, in Catarina S. Gomes You will find a team that works across all areas of practice and is fully dedicated to defending the interests and rights of its clients.

List of the best lawyers in Portugal

There are many well-known and reputable lawyers in Portugal. Here is a comprehensive list of the top lawyers in Portugal, based on information gathered online:

• João Vieira de Almeida – Vieira de Almeida (VdA)
• Catarina S. Gomes – CSG Lawyers
• Manuel Protásio – Vieira de Almeida (VdA)
• Manuel Santos Vitor – PLMJ
• João Soares da Silva – Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados (MLGTS)
• Francisco de Oliveira Martins – Cuatrecasas
• Nuno Sá Carvalho – Cuatrecasas
• Ricardo Costa – Vieira de Almeida (VdA)
• Sofia Martins – Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados (MLGTS)
• Diogo Perestrelo – PLMJ
• Fernando Resina da Silva – Vieira de Almeida (VdA)
• André Judice Glória – Gama Glória
• Bruno Ferreira – PLMJ
• Gonçalo Machado Borges – CS’Associados
• Catarina Tavares Loureiro – Uría Menéndez – Proença de Carvalho
• Diogo Xavier da Cunha – Miranda
• César Sá Esteves – SRS Legal
• Francisco Espregueira Mendes – Telles
• Inês Sequeira Mendes – Abreu Advogados
• Gonçalo Capela Godinho – Pérez-Llorca
• José Luís Arnaut – CMS Rui Pena & Arnaut
• Mário Lino Dias – Garrigues
• Mafalda Barreto – CMS Rui Pena & Arnaut

These lawyers are recognised for their work in various fields, such as corporate law, financial law, M&A and capital markets, amongst others.

List of the best law firms in Portugal

• PLMJ: This firm is widely recognised for its excellence in various areas of law, including corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and litigation.
• Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados (MLGTS): This is another prominent name, especially in the areas of financial and banking law, as well as international arbitration.
• Vieira de Almeida (VdA): Known for its innovation and strong presence in technology and telecommunications law, as well as environmental and renewable energy law.
• Uría Menéndez – Proença de Carvalho: This firm has a strong reputation in commercial and competition law, as well as being known for its practice in labour and employment law.
• Cuatrecasas: With a significant presence in Portugal, this firm is highlighted for its work in tax law, corporate law, and complex litigation.
• CSG SolicitorsCatarina S. Gomes's Office, where you will find a team that works across all areas of practice and is fully dedicated to defending the interests and rights of its clients.

O custo de uma consulta com um advogado em Portugal pode variar significativamente, dependendo de vários factores. Em média, pode esperar pagar entre 50€ e 150€ por hora por uma consulta com um advogado. No entanto, alguns advogados mais especializados ou com mais experiência podem cobrar mais, chegando a 200€ ou mais por hora. É importante notar que o custo inicial da consulta geralmente cobre uma discussão inicial do seu caso, a avaliação da sua situação e o aconselhamento sobre os próximos passos. Alguns advogados podem oferecer uma consulta inicial gratuita, ou uma taxa fixa para a primeira consulta. Alguns dos factores que influenciam o preço incluem: * **Localização:** Advogados em grandes cidades como Lisboa e Porto tendem a ter honorários mais altos do que aqueles em áreas mais pequenas. * **Experiência e Especialização do Advogado:** Advogados com anos de experiência ou com especialização numa área específica do direito (como direito de família, direito imobiliário, direito penal, etc.) podem cobrar mais. * **Complexidade do Caso:** Casos mais complexos que exigem mais tempo de pesquisa e análise podem resultar em custos mais elevados. * **Tipo de Consulta:** Uma consulta curta para um aconselhamento simples será geralmente mais barata do que uma consulta aprofundada onde é necessário analisar documentos. **Recomendação:** Antes de agendar uma consulta, é aconselhável contactar vários advogados e perguntar sobre os seus honorários e o que está incluído na primeira consulta. Muitos advogados terão o seu esquema de preços disponível no seu website ou podem fornecê-lo por telefone. Da mesma forma, confirme se o advogado cobra por hora, uma taxa fixa para a consulta ou se oferece uma consulta inicial gratuita.

The cost of a solicitor is not predetermined and is the same in all cases. The price varies depending on the issue to be dealt with, and there is a fixed fee per consultation, but the number of consultations required depends on the needs of each case. It is important to keep in mind that each case is unique!

Get in touch Catarina S. Gomes And send a no-obligation consultation request!

What documents should I bring to my appointment with the solicitor?

For your first consultation with the solicitor, it is essential to be well-prepared, bringing a series of documents that will help clarify your situation. Here are some recommendations on what you should bring:

1. Personal Documents:
   • Citizen card or ID card.
   • Tax Identification Number (NIF).
2. Documentation Related to the Case:
   • Any relevant correspondence, such as e-mails or letters.
   • Contracts or related agreements, whether for sale and purchase, lease, employment, among others.
   • Existing legal documents, such as petitions, notices or judgments.
   • Communications records, including messages and calls.
3. Evidence and Proof:
   • Photographs that might be relevant.
   • Expert or technical reports.
   • Written testimonies or recordings of witnesses.
4. Medical History (if applicable to your case):
   • Medical reports.
   • Records of treatments or examinations.
   • Medical expense invoices.
5. Financial Documentation:
   • IRS declarations.
   • Bank statements.
   • Property documents, such as real estate or vehicles.
6. Case Type Specific Documents:
   • In cases of divorce or separation: marriage certificate, children's birth certificates, pre-nuptial agreements.
   • In labour matters: employment contract, timesheets, payslips.
   • In real estate matters: deeds, lease agreements, property plans.

How can I check a lawyer's credentials in Portugal?

The Bar Association provides a A tool where it is possible to consult lawyers. And then, citizens can access important information about a lawyer they are curious about, namely their professional licence.

The average timescale for resolving a legal case in Portugal varies considerably depending on the complexity, jurisdiction, and workload of the courts. However, generally speaking, a civil case can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years to reach a final resolution, while more complex cases, such as those involving multiple parties or extensive evidence, could take longer. Criminal cases also have varying timelines, but they are often prioritised and may be resolved more quickly.

In Portugal, there is no maximum time limit for a lawsuit. However, procedural laws establish time limits for judgments and orders.

According to the Civil Code, in the absence of special provisions, judicial orders are issued within 10 days, whereas ordinary judgments are issued within 30 days. 

Está disponível assistência jurídica gratuita em Portugal?

Pro bono lawyers, as well as social security lawyers, are options for free legal protection in Portugal. 

 Pro Bono Lawyers

Lawyers perform their work for the good of the citizen, and so there are lawyers who provide pro bono services, which means for the good, as everyone has the right to a lawyer to look after their rights and interests.

Legal Protection Lawyers – Social Security

Social Security provides legal protection to all individuals and non-profit entities who are unable to afford the costs associated with hiring a free lawyer.

To do so, you must prove that you cannot afford these expenses and that you are in economic hardship, taking into account the income, assets, and permanent expenses of your household.

Conclusion 

There are various lawyers available in Portugal. In order to know their skills and qualifications, the Bar Association makes such data available. 

When seeking a solicitor, you should bring a copy of your tax return and a copy of your identification document. As for the amount to be paid, this varies according to the work contracted, as well as the solicitor's specialisation.