What Are the Risks of Hiring Attorneys in Brazil Who Charge Little or Nothing Upfront?

Some prospective clients look for legal representation in Brazil at prices or conditions not compatible to the Brazilian legal system. The reality is that attorneys in Brazil need to charge a fair amount to be able to deliver professional results. An attorney’s job involves staff salaries, office expenses, continued education, and other significant fees related to filing documents, attending hearings, and proper case management. If a low upfront fee may jeopardize a legal representation in Brazil putting the client’s entire legal action at risk, what to say about a “no upfront fee”?

The Best Attorneys Come at a Price

An experienced lawyer who knows Brazilian law and procedures will set a fee that reflects years of study and practice. Clients who hire representation in Brazilian courts do so because they want a reliable professional who can steer their case to a positive outcome. If the chosen attorney charges little or no retainer, it’s worth asking how that lawyer plans to cover costs or find resources to handle the matter effectively. This illustrates some of the risks of cheap attorney fees in Brazil.

The Risk of Not Getting What You’re Paying For

When someone accepts a remarkably low rate, their real plan may be to say whatever it takes to secure the client’s money. Once payment is made, there’s a chance that the attorney’s enthusiasm for the case dwindles, leaving the client unsure of next steps. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for us to hear from new clients stories of radio silence from their lawyer or an abrupt change in attitude during a case. Legal representation in Brazil hinges on consistent communication, proper case management, and proactive measures. These may not be possible when the attorney is scrambling to stay afloat after offering an unsustainable fee.

Dwindling Service After a Payment

A common complaint is that the attorney promises solid service, but starts to become unresponsive not long after the initial payment. For foreign parties, this can create a crisis. Updates get delayed, documents miss important deadlines, and the client is left in the dark on the status of the lawsuit. In Brazil, meeting procedural deadlines is crucial, and a sudden lack of communication puts the entire legal action at risk. Unresponsive legal representation is one of the biggest risks of cheap attorneys in Brazil.

Confusing Fees

Some attorneys who promise low upfront rates may later introduce additional charges that never came up in the initial conversation. Extra fees might appear under the claim of “new events” in the lawsuit that weren’t actually unexpected. Brazilian civil procedure is quite structured, and seasoned lawyers are usually aware of potential complexities for a certain type of case. An honest professional strives to set out the scope and likely costs from the start. The hidden costs can be one of the major risks of cheap attorneys in Brazil.

Lack of Experience

Expertise in a specific field of Brazilian law is not something acquired overnight. A lawyer who barely charges can’t always devote the time needed to master a client’s particular type of claim. Whether it’s a dispute over a contract in Sao Paulo or a complex inheritance case in Rio de Janeiro, relevant experience matters. Skilled advocacy requires ongoing study of case precedents and local court practices. Low-cost attorneys may skip essential learning or delegate tasks to inexperienced associates. This shortfall is another risk of cheap attorneys in Brazil.

No Understanding of How Things Work Abroad

Foreign clients dealing with lawsuits in Brazil need an attorney who understands procedures involving apostilles, sworn translations, and security deposits. These elements are common when litigants reside outside the country or must present foreign documents in Brazilian courts. A lawyer who lacks international know-how might fail to properly authenticate documents or overlook crucial filings. This can hurt the outcome of a case or result in costly delays.

Choose Quality Over the Absolute Lowest Rate

Choosing representation in Brazilian lawsuits and disputes should revolve around reaching goals, not the absolute lowest rate. The art of advocacy in Brazil demands consistent dedication. Attempting to cut corners with low-cost attorneys may save a little money in the short term, but it can lead to significant risks that jeopardize the entire outcome of your case. These risks of cheap attorneys in Brazil should be duly considered to avoid potential pitfalls.

Watch our video here: