Why Choose Us
A Brazilian Law Firm
Founded by an American-Born Attorney
When you need legal help in Brazil, you need more than a lawyer who speaks English. You need someone who understands what it's like to be a foreigner navigating the Brazilian system — because they've done it themselves.
Our Founder
He Didn't Just Study Brazilian Law — He Lived the Immigrant Experience
Zachariah Zagol moved to Brazil at 18. He learned Portuguese from scratch, graduated from a Brazilian law school, and became the first American citizen to pass Brazil's bar exam (OAB). Then he earned an LL.M. from the University of Southern California in International Law and Real Estate Law.
Today, he runs multiple businesses, manages a significant real estate portfolio, and has built a family in Brazil. He has personally navigated every challenge foreign clients face — immigration paperwork, cultural barriers, bureaucratic complexity, banking, tax obligations, property purchases.
No other law firm in Brazil can offer this combination: an American-born Brazilian attorney (OAB/SP), entrepreneur, investor, and immigrant — all in one. Meet our full team.
The Difference
What Sets Us Apart
Founder background
American-born, Brazilian OAB
English fluency
Native English speaker
Understanding of your situation
Lived the immigrant experience
International education
LL.M. from USC (top 20 US)
Who handles your case
Partners directly
WhatsApp contact
Available 24/7
Practice scope
Immigration · Real Estate · Corporate · International
Real-world business experience
Entrepreneur, investor, property manager
6 Reasons
Why International Clients Choose ZS
Bicultural Perspective
Our founder understands American and Brazilian culture, law, and business — because he lives in both worlds daily. This means fewer misunderstandings and better outcomes.
WhatsApp + Your Timezone
Reach us via WhatsApp, email, phone, or Zoom — on your schedule, not ours. We respond within 24 hours, every time. No chasing or waiting.
One Firm, Complete Coverage
Visa, property, company, contracts, litigation, family law — all handled by one firm that knows your full picture. No coordination headaches between five different offices.
Partners Handle Your Case
No junior associates, no delegating, no handoffs. The founding partners work directly on your matter. You get the experience and attention your case deserves.
Real Business Experience
Our founder doesn't just advise on investments — he invests. He doesn't just draft leases — he manages properties. You get advice from someone who knows the real-world implications of every decision.
29 In-Depth Guides
We've published 29 comprehensive legal guides specifically for foreigners in Brazil — covering visas, property, business, family law, and more. We share knowledge because confident clients make better decisions.
Credentials
Verified Qualifications
OAB
Brazilian Bar Association
1st American to pass
USC
LL.M. International Law
& Real Estate Law
700+
Cases managed
across all areas
15+
Years living and
working in Brazil
What We Do
Complete Legal Coverage for Foreigners
Explore All Practice Areas
View comprehensive overview of all our services and expertise
Immigration & Visas
Investor visa, work permit, citizenship, family reunion, digital nomad
Real Estate
Buying property, due diligence, leases, investment structuring
Corporate & Business
Company formation, M&A, governance, LGPD compliance, holdings
International Law
Cross-border contracts, foreign investment, arbitration, trade compliance
Family Law
International divorce, custody, estate planning, binational families
Litigation
Contract disputes, property disputes, arbitration and mediation
Ready to Talk?
Whether you're moving to Brazil, investing, starting a business, or need legal help as a foreigner — we've been where you are. Learn more about our firm and schedule a consultation to experience the difference.
+55 18 3908-1653 · contato@zsassociados.com · WhatsApp available