João Massano, the newly appointed President of the Portuguese Bar Association, was inaugurated today in a ceremony at the Order’s headquarters in Lisbon. In his inaugural address, he expressed a commitment to enhancing the interaction between lawyers and public services.
Focusing on the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA), where thousands of immigrant regularization cases are pending, Massano intends to revisit an initiative he had previously proposed while serving as President of the Lisbon Regional Council of the Bar Association. This initiative involves a digital platform designed to streamline workflow between lawyers and AIMA.
Massano articulated skepticism towards a complete overhaul of the justice system, suggesting instead that “perhaps the secret lies in initiating sectoral reforms.” He proposed prioritizing reforms in family and children’s law, a domain he perceives as undervalued despite its significant societal impact.
He noted that while these areas do not garner the same attention as high-profile cases, they have profound effects on personal lives, especially evident in serious situations like domestic violence.
Criticizing the previous administration’s financial management, particularly regarding the purchase of a new headquarters building, Massano advocated for sound financial oversight. He plans to request an audit of the Bar Association’s accounts.
Massano confirmed his intention to serve in an unpaid capacity, drawing only essential benefits required for the role. Reiterating campaign objectives, he emphasized improving work conditions and remuneration for lawyers working within the legal aid system and enhancing public access to judicial support services.
The proposed measures include establishing a preliminary consultation network for citizens to assess case viability and simplifying legal aid application procedures, particularly in socially vulnerable areas.
Massano also highlighted the importance of regular reviews of the fee structure and called for unity within the legal profession. Acknowledging the need for cooperation, he encouraged lawyers to adopt a collaborative approach in tackling significant challenges.
