Mediation Attorneys in Brazil
In some instances of Brazilian law, the parties involved in a dispute might not want to bring their case to court. Whether they can’t afford it or simply do not have time, they want help from a third party to reach an agreement and end their dispute. This can be solved through mediation. Mediation in Brazil is a method of resolution for different disputes, usually with the help of a third-party mediator. The mediator is normally a trained professional but does not necessarily have to be to offer advice. Mediation is more structured than typical negotiation, and it uses a timetable for structure. A well-trained mediator will not simply decide who is right and wrong, but will instead open the lines of communication between the two parties so that they can come to an agreement on their own. Mediation can be used for a myriad of Brazilian disputes, including:
- Legal disputes
- Family Issues
- Workplace Arguments
- Commercial Disputes
Reviewed by Luciano Oliveira, Esq., LL.M — licensed in Brazil, Texas, and California. Last reviewed July 2026.
This page is general information about mediation and dispute resolution in Brazil. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Every dispute is different, and only a formal consultation with a lawyer licensed in Brazil, reviewing your specific facts, can tell you how the law applies to your situation.
The Benefits of Mediation
If you are living or working in Brazil and you need to settle a dispute, consider mediation before going to court. There are many benefits to mediation.
- Mediation costs less than a court hearing: while a trained mediator will still charge you for his or her services, the cost will be much less than that of moving a case through the Brazilian court process. Mediation also takes less time, which means that the hourly fee will be lower than that of an attorney.
- Cases handled through mediation are confidential: unlike court hearings, mediation cases are not made public. The rulings are completely private, and many mediators do not disclose their notes after a case to protect the privacy of all parties involved.
- The rulings are open to discussion: if you take your case to court, the rulings will be final and immediately enforced by law. If your case goes through mediation, both parties will agree upon the ruling, and you can make suggestions when a conclusion has been reached.
- The level of compliance is high: because rulings made through mediation are open to negotiation, both parties are more likely to comply with the terms. Unlike with a court ruling, you will receive what you are owed in a timely, uncomplicated manner.
- There are more options for resolution in mediation: Brazil is a country that follows civil law. When a case goes to court, the judge makes his decision mainly based on the constitution. Therefore, there are only a few possible outcomes. With mediation, the mediator will help both parties think creatively, and many solutions might be possible.
How mediation works in Brazil
In Brazil, mediation is governed by the Mediation Law (Lei 13.140/2016), and the courts actively encourage it — most civil cases begin with a court-appointed conciliation or mediation hearing before the dispute is litigated. Mediation can be private (a mediator or chamber the parties choose) or court-annexed, and an agreement reached in mediation can be made binding and enforceable.
Mediation, arbitration, or a lawsuit — which fits?
Mediation works when both sides are willing to talk. If your contract contains an arbitration clause, a dispute generally goes to arbitration instead; and if the other side will not cooperate and there is no agreement to mediate or arbitrate, a lawsuit is the route. We help you choose the right path — and switch tracks when it makes sense, for example mediating first and litigating only if it fails. See the Litigation & Dispute Resolution hub for the full picture.
Consider Mediation instead of a Trial
If you are planning on doing business in Brazil or investing in the country, you should consider mediation when any disputes arise. Environmental and land-use disputes are perfect examples of cases fit for mediation.
Other cases you might encounter that should go through mediation include landlord and tenant disputes, contract breaches, labor management, wrongful termination, personal injury cases, family business problems, and cases concerning estates. Using a professional mediator to settle these disputes could save you thousands of dollars in court fees, and months of your time.
Considering mediation in Brazil? We can help.
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Frequently asked questions
Is mediation binding in Brazil?
Mediation is voluntary, but the settlement the parties sign can be made binding and enforceable, including as an executive title a court will enforce.
Is mediation required before I can sue in Brazil?
Not strictly, but Brazilian courts routinely schedule a conciliation or mediation hearing early in a case, so most disputes pass through an attempt to settle.
Mediation or arbitration — what is the difference?
A mediator helps the parties reach their own agreement and cannot impose a decision; an arbitrator decides the dispute with a binding award. Arbitration requires an arbitration agreement; mediation only requires willingness to talk.
Can mediation be done in English or remotely?
Yes — private mediation can be conducted in English and remotely by agreement; we handle the process and translation for foreign parties.
Related: Litigation & Dispute Resolution hub · International Arbitration · Business Litigation · Negotiate or Sue? · Debt Collection · Statute of Limitations.