Best Contract Lawyers in Brazil

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Castilho Advocacia
Pedro Leopoldo, Brazil

English
Castilho Advocacia is a Brazilian law firm focused on corporate criminal defense and related regulatory matters. Led by Daniel Diez Castilho, the firm offers strategic representation in corporate crime, internal investigations, financial crimes, and compliance matters for companies of all...
Castro Magalhães Law Offices
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Founded in 1994
3 people in their team
Portuguese
English
General Practice in law. Since 1994 working for people,unions, companies, churchs and families. We are expert in labour, social and consumer law also with large experience in family and criminal law. Our office is close of our clients and we ear theirs needs and personal demand. We are in Rio de...
Pegoretti Advogados
São Caetano do Sul, Brazil

Founded in 2007
English
Established in 2007, Pegoretti Advogados offers comprehensive legal services across multiple practice areas, including corporate law, consumer rights, contract law, administrative law, labor law, healthcare law, family and succession law, and real estate law. The firm also provides specialized...
Velloza Lawyers
São Paulo, Brazil

Founded in 1993
500 people in their team
Portuguese
English
Founded in 1993, Velloza & Girotto Advogados Associados is a Brazilian law firm that blends modernity and tradition. Since inception, it has stated and lived up to its commitment to meet the aspirations of the most demanding national and international groups.Our diverse client base includes...
Dr. Leonardo José Possidonio
Navegantes, Brazil

English
MW Advogados, originally Mathiola & Wetzstein Advogados Associados, is a Brazilian law firm with a decade of experience delivering tailored legal solutions to clients in Navegantes and the Santa Catarina region. Led by a team of experienced professionals, including Dr. Leonardo José Possidônio,...

Founded in 2016
English
Souto & Giotto Advocacia, Consultoria & Assessoria Jurídica is a Brazilian law firm founded by Alessandra Lúcia Oro de Oliveira Souto and Thaís Mirela Giotto Ritter. The firm concentrates on corporate and commercial matters, offering strategic guidance on business structures, governance, and...
Cesar e Kappaun Advogados Associados
Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil

Founded in 2013
4 people in their team
English
Cesar e Kappaun Advogados Associados is a Jaraguá do Sul based law firm that provides legal advisory and litigation services across multiple areas of law, with particular focus on civil, corporate and labor matters. The firm handles matters ranging from municipal tax and administrative issues to...
Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil

English
Vidal Costa Advogados is a distinguished law firm based in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, offering comprehensive legal services across civil, criminal, labor, and tax law. The firm provides both consultative and contentious representation in all judicial instances, delivering personalized and...
Alves & Alves Advogados
Pedro Leopoldo, Brazil

English
Alves & Alves Advogados is a Brazil based firm recognized for its depth across family law and succession, employment and labor, civil matters, consumer protection, social security and related areas. The firm operates with a philosophy of ethical practice and personalized client service, assembling...
Motta Fernandes Lawyers
São Paulo, Brazil

Founded in 1956
200 people in their team
Portuguese
English
Over our 60-year history, we have chosen to gradually increase our number of partners and associates to allow an organic growth enabling Motta Fernandes to broaden its practice areas.The full range of services we offer and the quality of our lawyers, allows Motta Fernandes to provide excellence in...
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About Contract Law in Brazil

Contract law in Brazil is primarily governed by the Brazilian Civil Code, which defines a contract as a bilateral or multilateral legal transaction that creates an obligation between parties. Brazilian contract law is based on principles such as freedom of contract, good faith, and social function of contracts, meaning that contracts not only bind the parties legally but should also adhere to social norms and public policies. The legal system in Brazil follows a civil law tradition, which implies that judicial decisions are based on established codes and legislation rather than precedent.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are several common scenarios where seeking legal advice on contracts in Brazil can be invaluable:

  • Drafting or Reviewing a Contract: Ensuring that all terms are clearly defined and that the contract is enforceable.
  • Breaches of Contract: Resolving disputes when a party fails to meet its contractual obligations.
  • Complex Agreements: Handling complex legal terms, particularly in business and commercial contracts.
  • International Contracts: Managing contracts that involve foreign parties and laws.
  • Public Contracts: Navigating contracts involving governmental entities with specific legal requirements.

Local Laws Overview

Key aspects of contract law in Brazil include:

  • Good Faith and Fair Dealing: Parties are expected to act in good faith both during negotiations and while performing contracts.
  • Social Function of the Contract: Contracts must fulfill a social purpose and cannot contravene public policy.
  • Freedom to Contract: While parties generally have the freedom to define the terms of their agreement, this is limited by the need to comply with legislation and the principles above.
  • Transparency and Clarity: Contracts should be clear and transparent to avoid disputes related to interpretation.
  • Lack of Precedent: The civil law system means less reliance on prior court decisions compared to common law systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the importance of registering contracts in Brazil?

Registration is not mandatory for all contracts, but it can be crucial for real estate and certain commercial contracts to have them enforceable against third parties.

Can oral agreements be considered valid contracts in Brazil?

Yes, oral agreements are generally valid. However, written contracts are preferred to provide clear evidence of the terms and conditions agreed upon.

What are the requirements for a contract to be enforceable?

For a contract to be enforceable, it must have a lawful purpose, mutual consent between parties, capacity to contract, and a clear and certain object.

What remedies are available for breach of contract?

Remedies commonly include specific performance, where the party is ordered to fulfill their part of the contract, or monetary compensation for damages.

How can one terminate a contract legally?

Termination can occur mutually by the parties' agreement, completion of the contract terms, or due to breach by a party leading to rescission.

Is a notarized signature required for a contract to be valid?

A notarized signature is not generally required for contracts to be valid, although it may be necessary for specific types of contracts, such as real estate agreements.

How does Brazilian law handle force majeure in contracts?

Force majeure can exempt a party from liability if an unforeseen and uncontrollable event occurs, making it impossible to fulfill the contract.

What is the statute of limitations for contract claims?

The general statute of limitations is 10 years, but this can vary depending on the type of contract.

Can foreign companies enforce contracts in Brazil?

Yes, foreign companies can enforce contracts in Brazil, although they may face additional legal and procedural challenges.

How are consumer contracts different under Brazilian law?

Consumer contracts are subject to additional protections under the Consumer Protection Code, privileging the rights of consumers over companies.

Additional Resources

For further support and information on contract law in Brazil, you may consider reaching out to the following resources:

  • Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) - Offers guidelines and can connect you with practicing lawyers.
  • CONJUR - A legal news portal that provides insights on recent legal developments.
  • The Brazilian Civil Code - Access specific sections related to contract law for detailed legal understanding.

Next Steps

If you are seeking legal assistance in contract matters, here are some actions you can take:

  • Consult with a Lawyer: Consider scheduling a meeting with a qualified Brazilian lawyer specializing in contract law for personalized advice.
  • Gather Documentation: Collect all relevant documents and communications related to your contract for your legal advisor to review.
  • Understand Your Rights: Make sure you have a basic understanding of your rights and obligations under Brazilian contract law.
  • Consider Mediation: For disputes, mediation can be a more efficient and less adversarial way to resolve issues compared to court proceedings.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Brazil through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Contract, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.