PT

About us

A legal practice shaped by the experience of emigrating

Like many of our clients, we emigrated in search of new opportunities and a better quality of life. That experience has shaped how we practise law today.

From that journey, we built a practice dedicated to immigration and nationality law, guided by clarity, legal rigour, and an understanding of what it means to choose to live in another country.

Meet our team

Our Lawyers

Experienced immigration lawyers who understand your journey because they have walked the same path.

Marcus Zottis Rocha

Marcus Zottis Rocha

Co-founder & Immigration Lawyer

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).

He served 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.

Education

LL.B. PUCRS (2011), Postgrad. Public Law UFRGS (2013), LL.M. Public International Law ULisbon (2024). Legal English for Business Law & Contract Law (C1 Level — CEFR).

Bar Registrations

Portuguese Bar (CP no. 62594L) Brazilian Bar (OAB/RS no. 84.065)

Areas of Practice

Immigration Law, Nationality, Human Rights, Business

Professional Experience

Lawyer since 2020 in Portugal and since 2012 in Brazil. Former Human Rights Commission Board Member, Portuguese Bar Association (2023–2025). Former Assistant Professor, European University: Master's in Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Data Protection (2024).

Languages

Native Portuguese and fluent English

Catherine Rezende Barros

Catherine Rezende Barros

Co-founder & Immigration Lawyer

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.

Education

LL.B. Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2017) LL.M. Civil Law ULisbon (2024) Research Focus: Arbitration

Bar Registrations

Portuguese Bar (CP no. 63589L) Brazilian Bar (OAB/RJ no. 220.485)

Areas of Practice

Immigration Law, Visas, Nationality, Arbitration, Family Law

Professional Experience

Licensed Lawyer since 2017 Experience in Portugal since 2018

Languages

Native Portuguese and fluent English

Robson Mendes Fernandes Amaral

Robson Mendes Fernandes Amaral

Trainee Lawyer

Law graduate from the Autonomous University of Lisbon (2022), with consolidated practical experience as a trainee lawyer. Demonstrates solid competencies in communication, legal analysis, organization, and teamwork.

Possesses strong interest in social causes, fundamental rights, and continuous development. Proactive, responsible, and excellence-oriented in the practice of legal activity, significantly contributing to supporting ZR Lawyers' clients.

His experience includes drafting procedural documents, legal reports, technical court support, client legal assistance and follow-up, as well as procedural monitoring with courts and public bodies.

Dedicates himself to specialized support in migration matters, combining technical knowledge with an empathetic and personalized approach for each client, ensuring close and effective follow-up at all stages of the process.

Education

Law Degree — Autonomous University of Lisbon (2022) Certified Trainer IEFP

Bar Registrations

Portuguese Bar (CP no. 49062L)

Areas of Practice

Migrant Rights, Asylum and Temporary Protection, Nationality

Professional Experience

Trainee Lawyer since 2022 Legal Administrative Technical court support

Languages

Native Portuguese and intermediate Spanish

Our Journey

From Immigrants to Immigration Experts

Our practice was born from both personal and professional necessity, founded by two independent attorneys 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.

Our Values

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.

Mission & Vision

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 build a leading independent legal practice 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.

About ZR Lawyers — Immigration & Nationality Attorneys in Lisbon | ZR Lawyers