Best Lawyers in Portugal

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GFDL Advogados
Lisbon, Portugal

Founded in 2018
15 people in their team
Portuguese
English
French
Hungarian
Romanian
Banking & Finance Business Corporate & Commercial +7 more
GFDL Advogados is an independent full-service law firm based in Lisbon. Our team comprises highly skilled advisors and lawyers with international experience in law and business affairs.Our dedicated teams handle all aspects of doing business and investing in Portugal. We consolidate intellectually...
Lamares, Capela e Associados

Lamares, Capela e Associados

15 minutes Free Consultation
Lisbon, Portugal

Founded in 2019
17 people in their team
Portuguese
English
Spanish
French
Immigration Real Estate Employment & Labor +1 more
Portuguese lawyers Ana Sofia Lamares and Diogo Capela are the founding partners of the law firm. After deepening their expertise and gaining experience, primarily in the fields of Immigration and Citizenship, both decided to found LACA and pursue their mission.The team brings...
Global Lawyers
Lisbon, Portugal

Founded in 1998
50 people in their team
Portuguese
English
Business Banking & Finance Energy, Environment & ESG +5 more
Global LawyersGlobal Lawyers has a multidisciplinary team with proven experience and in-depth knowledge in all areas of law: litigation, public and private, corporate, real estate and foreign investment, out-of-court dispute resolution and arbitration, golden visa, visa and citizenship.We provide...

Founded in 2018
English
Business Corporate & Commercial Banking & Finance +5 more
F+AS - Ferraz e Aguiar Soares, Sociedade de Advogados, SP, RL, is a distinguished Portuguese law firm with offices in Lisbon and Porto. The firm's team comprises seasoned lawyers, each with an average of 18 years of legal practice, ensuring that clients receive counsel from experienced...

English
Cotarelli e Rodrigues Advogadas is a distinguished law firm based in Porto, Portugal, specializing in civil law. The firm offers comprehensive legal services in areas such as real estate transactions, corporate law, and immigration matters. Their expertise encompasses assisting clients with...
Jorge Cardoso da Costa Advogado
Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

English
Jorge Cardoso da Costa Advogado, located in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, offers comprehensive legal services across multiple practice areas, including bankruptcy, civil law, divorce, estate litigation, general practice, insurance, real estate, and trial law. The firm is committed to delivering...

Founded in 2013
English
Josué Bacalhau & Associados is a multidisciplinary and multi-jurisdictional law firm based in Vila Viçosa, Portugal, specializing in tax, labor, business, and corporate law. The firm offers comprehensive and personalized support to companies, with additional expertise in IT law, industrial and...
Octávio Alberto
Torres Vedras, Portugal

English
Octávio Alberto is a distinguished law firm based in Torres Vedras, Portugal, offering comprehensive legal services across various practice areas. The firm is committed to delivering tailored legal solutions that address the unique needs of each client, ensuring personalized and effective...
EDGE - International Lawyers
Lisbon, Portugal

Founded in 2016
200 people in their team
Portuguese
English
Our experienced team provides legal solutions for both international and domestic clients, serving their business needs whilst also understanding their cultural diversity. Often these solutions need to be individualised and we have the flexibility to blend both traditional and innovative...

Founded in 2019
English
Rafaela Ferreira Leal - Advogada is a respected law firm based in Portugal, recognized for its strong dedication to legal excellence and personalized client attention. With an established presence in the legal field, the firm delivers comprehensive legal services and is particularly noted for its...
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About hiring a lawyer in Portugal

Engaging the services of a lawyer in Portugal is a fairly straightforward process that begins with choosing an attorney who specializes in the particular field of law pertaining to your legal challenge. There are firms and practitioners that cater to various legal fields, including family law, property law, criminal law, tax law, and so on. After selecting a lawyer, you will need to schedule an appointment where you can discuss your case in detail. If you both agree to proceed, you will then have to sign a contract stating the terms of the agreement including fees and services to be provided.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are numerous scenarios in which you may require the expertise of a lawyer in Portugal. For instance, if you're buying or selling property, going through a divorce, setting up a business, or if you've been accused of a crime. Additionally, if you feel you've been wronged in a civil matter, such as contract disputes or negligence, an attorney can aid in filing a lawsuit. Given the intricacies and complexities of Portuguese law, having professional legal advice can protect your interests and help you navigate the process more efficiently.

Local Laws Overview

Portuguese law is primarily based on the civil law system, characterized by written constitutions and codes. It's fundamental tenets include equality before the law, the presumption of innocence in criminal proceedings, and the right to a fair trial. Family law governs matters related to divorce, child custody and support, while property law deals with property transactions, rentals and mortgages. Commercial law pertains to business operations ranging from formation to bankruptcy. All these areas feature specific practices and requirements, hence the necessity to hire a lawyer trained in the particular field relevant to your predicament.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do foreign residents need a local lawyer for legal matters in Portugal?

Yes, it is typically beneficial for foreign residents to hire a local lawyer who understands Portuguese law and procedures.

2. What languages can I expect Portuguese lawyers to speak?

Most Portuguese lawyers are fluent in Portuguese and English. Some may also speak additional languages such as Spanish, French or German.

3. What if I can't afford a lawyer?

Portugal has a legal aid system for those who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Eligibility is determined by income and other factors.

4. Can Portuguese lawyers represent me in court?

Yes, Portuguese lawyers are authorized to represent clients in court proceedings.

5. How do I check a lawyer's credentials in Portugal?

You can verify a lawyer's credentials through the Portuguese Bar Association.

6. Can I change lawyers during a case?

Yes, clients have the right to change lawyers during a case, although there may be costs involved.

7. How are lawyer fees determined?

Lawyer fees vary depending on the type of case and the lawyer's level of experience. Most lawyers charge an hourly rate, but some may offer flat fees for certain services.

8. Can my lawyer in Portugal share my case details with others?

Lawyers in Portugal are bound by confidentiality rules. They cannot share your case details without your explicit permission.

9. Can I sue for damages in Portugal?

Yes, Portugal's legal system allows for damages to be sought for both personal injury and property damage cases.

10. What is the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit in Portugal?

The statute of limitations varies depending on the specific legal issue, generally ranging from 3 to 20 years.

Additional Resources

In addition to individual law firms, there are different resources you can explore for legal assistance. The Portuguese Bar Association is a regulatory body for legal practitioners and can provide resources and assistance. For those in need of legal aid, the Ministry of Justice operates a legal aid service. Various non-profit organizations also provide legal assistance for specific issues, such as tenants' rights or employment discrimination.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in Portugal, start by identifying the specific area of law your issue falls under. Then, search for local law firms or attorneys that specialize in this area. Arrange consultations with a few attorneys to discuss your case and choose the best fit for you. Remember to ask about pricing structures, potential timelines, and what you can expect from the process.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Portugal 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, 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. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Portugal - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

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.