Trouble ahead for international law firms in Brazil

The future of foreign law firms in Brazil’s growing market is under question after the Sao Paulo Bar Association published an advisory decision – finding that the formal alliances between foreign and local law firms breach local practice rules. The advisory decision gives an indication as to the likely ruling if a case were pursued against one of the foreign firms operating in Brazil in alliance with a local firm. International firms that might be affected by such a case include Mayer Brown, DLA Piper, Clifford Chance, Allen & Overy and Linklaters. These international firms have caused disturbance in the local legal services market by hiring top Brazilian lawyers from other local firms.

Trouble ahead for international law firms in Brazil legalweek.com Mon, Sep 27, 2010