Consultations and Legal Analysis
Legal consultations, document review, examination of cases already under way, feasibility assessment, definition of an administrative or court strategy, legal opinions and second reviews.
What is included
- Consultation in person in Porto
- Consultation by video call
- Document review
- Examination of cases already under way
- Second legal opinion
- Feasibility assessment
- Definition of an administrative strategy
- Definition of a court strategy
- Legal opinions
- Review of deadlines and risks
- Preparation of a document checklist
- Guidance on the next steps
Every situation is assessed individually. These services are provided within the remit of a Trainee Lawyer, under the supervision of Dr. João Nogueira Marques, Lawyer.
What helps prepare for your consultation
- A chronological summary of events and the questions you want to clarify.
- Documents and communications about the situation you already have, including decisions or notices.
- The reference for any ongoing case and any commitments or dates you consider urgent.
- The complete documents, including annexes and any envelopes or receipts showing the date of delivery.
- Details of anyone already involved in the matter, such as other representatives, authorities or insurers.
- A note of what you have already decided and what remains open, so the assessment focuses on what is useful.
What we review with you
The consultation starts by defining the question, your intended outcome and what the documents establish. We identify uncertainties, risks and timing issues that need assessment. We explain the available options and any further information needed to decide the next steps. We separate a legal question from a question of evidence, because the latter depends on documents that may still be obtainable. If the assessment shows the matter falls outside the scope of this work, we say so at the outset and explain the appropriate referral.
Official information
Common questions before a consultation
What happens in a first consultation?
It starts by defining the question, the outcome you want and what the documents establish. From there we identify uncertainties, risks and timing issues, and explain the available options and the further information needed to decide the next steps.
Do I need to bring every document?
It is not essential, but the more complete the material, the more useful the assessment. Complete documents, with annexes and proof of the date of delivery, avoid conclusions drawn from partial versions. Anything missing is identified in the consultation itself.
Is my question important enough for a consultation?
A question that concerns you is reason enough to have it assessed. Often the consultation serves precisely to establish whether there is anything to pursue, and that answer is a useful result in itself, even when it means not proceeding.
Can you tell me what the outcome will be?
An outcome cannot be promised, and we would be wary of anyone who promised one. What the assessment offers is a reasoned reading of what the documents support, the risks identified and the options available, so that you can decide on an informed basis.
What is the difference between a legal question and a question of evidence?
It is an important practical distinction. A legal question concerns how the situation is framed; a question of evidence concerns what you can demonstrate. The latter depends on documents that can often still be obtained, and that changes the plan of work.
I have already spoken to another professional. Is that a problem?
It is not, but it should be mentioned at the start. It matters who has already been involved, including other representatives, authorities or insurers, so the assessment starts from the current state of the matter and does not repeat work already done.
What if my question is not in your area?
We say so straight away. If the assessment shows the matter falls outside the scope of this work or the applicable professional remit, we explain the appropriate referral rather than proceeding. Saying so is part of what the consultation should deliver.
Can the consultation be held remotely?
Yes. Appointments are held by video call or telephone, in Portuguese, English or Spanish, with documents sent in advance. In-person consultations in Porto remain available for anyone who prefers to deal with the matter face to face.
Editorial responsibility: Carvalhos Advocacia. General information; confirm the current position for your case before acting.