International law firms with Brazilian alliances look set to come under renewed regulatory pressure after the Sao Paulo Bar Association this month concluded that formal tie-ups breach local practice rules.
The recent opinion from the Sao Paulo Bar (Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil – Secao de Sao Paulo) illustrates the mounting tension over the recent influx of foreign law firms into Brazil’s fast-growing market.
Though the decision by the ethical and disciplinary tribunal of the Sao Paulo Bar is only advisory, it is regarded as giving an indication as to which way a ruling would go if a case were to be pursued against one of the foreign firms operating in Brazil in alliance with a local firm.
