Lisbon, Portugal — The newly elected president of the Portuguese Bar Association seeks to revitalize the country’s legal culture through collaboration, enhanced self-esteem among lawyers, and a more unified professional community. João Massano, who took office in March, envisions a Bar that not only adapts to the challenges of the 21st century, but also strengthens its role as a defender of citizens’ rights against systemic injustices.
As the Bar prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2026, it faces a variety of challenges, including rapid technological advancements, increased social insecurity, and shifting geopolitical dynamics. These changes continue to impact public trust in institutions such as the legal system. Massano, an idealist at heart, believes that lawyers serve as the last bastion against state injustices. “I still believe we can transform our own little corner,” he remarked in a recent interview.
Massano’s career began in the 1990s, eventually leading him to co-found the law firm ATMJ in 2004, where he practiced until 2020. Following a shift to solo practice, Massano found the freedom to focus on areas of law he is passionate about, including family, commercial, and employment law. He has also shared his expertise as an educator at several universities, including the Faculty of Law at the University of Lisbon.
His involvement with the Lisbon Regional Council of the Portuguese Bar has been significant since 2011, where he served as president for the past five years. During this time, he has championed digital transformation within the institution, introducing online training sessions that became crucial during the pandemic. He reintroduced a ceremony honoring long-serving colleagues, highlighting the contributions of those with over 35 years in the profession.
Massano’s initiatives have extended to mental health support for legal practitioners, partnering with the Direito Mental association to create resources aimed at addressing professionals’ psychological well-being. His tenure has focused on reducing isolation among lawyers, particularly those in solo practice, who often feel detached from the broader legal community.
During his campaign, Massano emphasized the need to restore the prestige of the legal profession, arguing that this must come from elevating lawyers’ self-worth and recognition. He pointed to a troubling trend in which the respect once afforded to legal professionals has diminished, leading to feelings of demotivation among members of the Bar. “Lawyers used to be respected. Nowadays, whether you’re a lawyer or something else, it’s all the same,” he lamented.
With a vision to unite and modernize the legal profession, Massano aims to tackle the structural challenges facing the Portuguese Bar. As the institution prepares for its centenary celebration, he hopes to establish a legacy of resilience and innovation, one that honors the profession’s history while embracing the demands of the future.
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