By Summary
A Brazilian living abroad can hire a lawyer in Brazil entirely at a distance: the first meeting is by video, the fee agreement is signed electronically (Law 14,063/2020) and the power of attorney for a lawsuit is the law firm's own document, signed digitally, with no consulate (Code of Civil Procedure, art. 105). Before hiring, check the lawyer's registration in the Brazilian Bar Association's National Lawyers Registry and ask for a written agreement stating the work, the timeline and the cost. Be wary of anyone who promises a result, which the Bar forbids (Provision 205/2021). Rocha Advogados, based in Goiânia, Brazil, serves Brazilians in any country, in Portuguese and English.
I live abroad: how do I hire a lawyer in Brazil without traveling?
A Brazilian living abroad hires a lawyer in Brazil the same way they would if they lived there, except that everything happens online: the first meeting by video, the agreement signed electronically and the power of attorney signed digitally. For a lawsuit there is no need to go to the consulate or to Brazil. Rocha Advogados, based in Goiânia, Brazil, serves Brazilians living in any country, with lawyers Rafael Bispo da Rocha, OAB/GO 33.675, and Ivenise Uchôa de Almeida Rocha, OAB/GO 59.087.
Does the lawyer need to be from the city where my problem is?
No. A lawyer registered with the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) can act in any Brazilian state, and almost all court cases are now electronic (Law 11,419/2006), filed and followed online. A Goiânia firm can handle a probate case in São Paulo or a property sale in Minas Gerais without anyone traveling. When a lawyer takes on more than 5 cases a year in another state, the lawyer files a supplementary registration with that state's Bar (Law 8,906/1994, art. 10, § 2), which is the lawyer's obligation, not the client's.
How do I know the lawyer is real?
Through the National Lawyers Registry (CNA) on the Bar's website (cna.oab.org.br). Type the name or registration number and check that the registration is active, in which state, and that the photo matches. Scams using the names of lawyers and law firms exist and usually ask for an urgent deposit into a personal account. Fees should be paid into the account of the lawyer or the law firm that signs the agreement.
Do I need to go to the consulate to sign a power of attorney?
For a lawsuit, no. The power of attorney that allows the lawyer to act in court can be signed with a digital certificate or with the Brazilian government's gov.br electronic signature, which works from abroad (Code of Civil Procedure, art. 105, § 1). It needs no consulate, translation or apostille.
The consulate or a notary is only required when the law demands a public power of attorney, as in the sale of property by deed and in out-of-court probate (Civil Code, art. 657). Even then, many deeds can now be signed by video conference on the e-Notariado platform, regulated by Brazil's National Council of Justice (CNJ Provision 100/2020, now part of the National Code of Rules).
Can the fee agreement be signed at a distance?
Yes, and it should be in writing. The Bar's Code of Ethics recommends a written fee agreement (OAB Code of Ethics and Discipline, art. 48), and electronic signatures are legally valid in Brazil (Law 14,063/2020). A good agreement states what the work is, what is not included, how the cost is calculated, how court expenses are paid and how the client is kept informed.
How does the case move forward if I am not in Brazil?
The lawyer represents you in every step, and hearings can be held by video conference, including with the party in another country (CNJ Resolution 354/2020). Foreign documents used in Brazil, such as certificates issued abroad, need an apostille (Hague Apostille Convention, Decree 8,660/2016) and, if they are in another language, a sworn translation (Code of Civil Procedure, art. 192, sole paragraph). The firm tells you which documents in your case need this before you pay for translation.
Step by step to hire a lawyer in Brazil while living abroad
- Write in a few lines what the problem is, in which Brazilian state it is and any deadline you know of.
- Check the lawyer in the Bar's National Lawyers Registry.
- Have the first meeting by video and ask the lawyer to state, in writing, what can and cannot be done in your case.
- Receive the fee agreement stating the work, the timeline and the cost, and sign it electronically.
- Sign the firm's digital power of attorney and send your documents as PDFs.
- Agree on the channel and frequency of case updates, taking into account the time zone where you live.
In the cases Rocha Advogados handles, the most common question in the first meeting is the belief that every step requires a trip to the consulate. For most cases the digital power of attorney is enough, and the consulate is only needed for deeds and out-of-court probate.
What signs should make me walk away from a lawyer?
- A promised result. The Bar forbids lawyers from guaranteeing a win or a decision date (Provision 205/2021). Anyone who promises is breaking the profession's own rule.
- Payment to a third party. Fees paid into the account of someone who does not sign the agreement.
- Nothing in writing. No agreement, no identified power of attorney and no Bar number.
- Artificial urgency. A request for an urgent deposit "to release" money or a case.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hire a lawyer from Goiânia for a problem in another state?
Yes. A lawyer registered with the Bar acts in any state, and electronic cases are followed online (Law 11,419/2006).
Do I need a power of attorney from the consulate to file a lawsuit in Brazil?
No. For a lawsuit, the firm's power of attorney signed digitally is enough (Code of Civil Procedure, art. 105). The consulate or a notary is only required for acts with a public deed, such as selling property and out-of-court probate (Civil Code, art. 657).
How do I pay the fees while living abroad?
By transfer to the account of the lawyer or the law firm that signs the agreement, from a Brazilian account or by international transfer through an authorized bank (Law 14,286/2021).
Will I have to attend a hearing?
Sometimes. When your presence is needed, the hearing can be held by video conference from wherever you are (CNJ Resolution 354/2020).
Can I be served in English?
Yes. Rocha Advogados works in Portuguese and English.
This content is for information only and does not replace advice on your specific case. No outcome is guaranteed, in line with Brazilian Bar Provision 205/2021.
Rocha Advogados, a law firm in Goiânia, Brazil, serving Brazilians living abroad. Av. D, 419, 4th floor, Setor Marista. Lawyers in charge: Rafael Bispo da Rocha, OAB/GO 33.675, and Ivenise Uchôa de Almeida Rocha, OAB/GO 59.087. Online service for Brazilians in any country and in-person service in Goiânia.