About ZR Lawyers
Founded by two young lawyers who, like many of our clients, emigrated in search of a better quality of life and new challenges. We combine personal experience with legal expertise to guide you through your Portuguese immigration journey.
The People Behind ZR Lawyers
Two experienced immigration lawyers who understand your journey because they've walked the same path.
Marcus Zottis Rocha
Co-founder of ZR Advogados, licensed lawyer in Brazil since 2012 and in Portugal since 2020. Holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from PUCRS (2011), a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Law from UFRGS (2013), and a Master's degree (LL.M.) in Public International Law from the University of Lisbon (2024).
Currently serving as a board member of the Human Rights Commission of the Portuguese Bar Association (2023–2025) and as an assistant professor in the Master's program in Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Data Protection at the European University.
Distinguished in the field of human rights, with a particular focus on immigration law, nationality processes, and business, combining academic expertise and practical experience to deliver tailored and efficient legal solutions.
Having emigrated to Portugal in 2019, his personal experience became the driving force behind his dedication to making his clients' immigration journeys less challenging and more accessible.
Postgrad. Public Law UFRGS (2013)
LL.M. Public International Law ULisbon (2024)
Brazilian Bar (OAB/RS no. 84.065)
Assistant Professor - Cybersecurity
English (Fluent)
Catherine Rezende Barros
Co-founder of ZR Advogados, she has been a licensed lawyer since 2017, building a solid career and breaking barriers in the legal profession. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2017) and a Master's degree (LL.M.) in Civil Law from the University of Lisbon (2024), with research focused on arbitration.
She began her professional journey in Portugal in 2018, gaining extensive experience that now distinguishes her in the areas of immigration, visas, nationality processes, arbitration, and family law. Her work is a testament to the strength and resilience of women in the legal field.
As an immigrant herself, she found inspiration in her own experiences to help clients—particularly women and families—overcome legal challenges with effective and personalized solutions, always committed to ethics and professionalism.
Her extensive experience in complex immigration and nationality cases, combined with her strong academic background, ensures effective and tailored solutions for each client.
LL.M. Civil Law ULisbon (2024)
Research Focus: Arbitration
Brazilian Bar (OAB/RJ no. 220.485)
Nationality Processes
Arbitration & Family Law
English (Fluent)
From Immigrants to Immigration Experts
Our law firm was born from both personal and professional necessity, founded by two lawyers who experienced the immigration journey firsthand.
The Beginning
In 2018, we decided to further our academic knowledge and found Portugal to be our new home. Like many of our clients, we emigrated in search of a better quality of life and new challenges, leaving behind established careers in Brazil.
Overcoming Challenges
Upon arriving in Portugal, we faced the need to start anew and rebuild our lives. We experienced firsthand the difficulties of immigration: complex bureaucracy, language barriers, and the lack of clarity in information provided by public services.
The Turning Point
In 2020, we decided to shift the course of our professional paths and establish the firm, focusing exclusively on immigration law and leaving traditional litigation behind. We identified significant gaps in legal support available to immigrants in Portugal.
What Sets Us Apart
Our unique combination of legal expertise and personal experience gives us genuine empathy and deep understanding of the challenges our clients face. We offer a service characterized by personalized care and sensitivity that goes beyond conventional legal support.
What Drives Us Every Day
Personal Experience
Having walked the immigration path ourselves, we understand the challenges, fears, and hopes that come with starting a new life in Portugal.
Ethics & Professionalism
We maintain the highest standards of legal ethics and professionalism, always acting in our clients' best interests with transparency and integrity.
Personalized Care
Every client is unique and deserves personalized service that goes beyond standard solutions. We provide tailored guidance for each individual situation.
Comprehensive Support
We walk alongside you throughout your entire journey in Portugal, offering guidance and support to turn challenges into opportunities.
Continuous Learning
We stay updated with the latest immigration law changes and continuously improve our knowledge to provide the best possible service.
Cultural Understanding
Our multicultural background helps us understand and bridge cultural differences, making the integration process smoother for our clients.
Our Purpose & Future
Our Mission
To provide comprehensive and compassionate legal support for immigrants arriving in Portugal. We are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the legal and administrative complexities of the immigration process, ensuring that every step is managed with precision and clarity.
Our Vision
To establish a leading law firm in the field of immigration in Portugal, fostering an environment where every immigrant can find not only legal assistance but also a true partnership throughout their integration journey. We envision a future where our efforts contribute significantly to the creation of an inclusive and dynamic society.
Let's Start Your Journey Together
With our personal experience as immigrants and professional expertise as lawyers, we're uniquely positioned to guide you through your Portuguese immigration journey with confidence and care.