Who We Are
More Than Lawyers.
True Partners.
We are a boutique law firm that combines top-tier legal expertise with the real-life experience of someone who understands Brazil from the inside — and the world from the outside. We build relationships of trust because we believe the best legal counsel comes from truly knowing the people we serve.
Founding Partner
Zachariah Zagol
Zachariah Zagol moved to Brazil at 18 years old from the United States with a singular conviction: he wanted to build his life here. What began as a bold decision by a young American became more than 15 years of a truly unique journey — one that weaves together entrepreneurship, law, family, and a deep understanding of two worlds.
In Brazil, Zac attended law school and became the first American citizen to pass the Brazilian Bar Exam (OAB). He then completed his LL.M. in International Law and Real Estate Law at the University of Southern California (USC), one of the most prestigious universities in the United States — solidifying an academic foundation that moves fluently between two legal systems.
But Zac is not just a lawyer. He is an entrepreneur, a real estate investor, and the administrator of a significant property portfolio in Brazil. He founded and manages multiple companies across sectors ranging from property management to technology. He built a Brazilian family, put down deep roots in this country, and understands like few others the opportunities and challenges that Brazil offers — especially for those coming from abroad.
This kind of experience cannot be learned from a textbook. Knowing how to explain a Brazilian property registry to an American investor, understanding the cultural nuances of a business negotiation between Brazilians and foreigners, or guiding a family through the immigration process with genuine empathy — this is only possible when you have lived through every one of these experiences yourself.
Co-Founding Partner
Karina Peres Silvério
Karina Peres Silvério is an attorney with a strong academic background and hands-on experience in real estate law, corporate law, and civil litigation. As co-founder of ZS Advogados Associados, she is the legal backbone that sustains the firm's day-to-day operations — from managing hundreds of cases to steering the most complex matters with strategic precision.
With technical rigor and meticulous attention to detail, Karina handles complex contracts, real estate due diligence, corporate structuring, and strategic litigation with equal excellence. Her ability to transform complex legal situations into clear, actionable solutions is what makes the firm's service truly differentiated.
Together, Zac and Karina form a partnership that goes beyond the professional — it is a combination of international vision with deep knowledge of Brazilian law, of innovation with tradition, of strategy with execution.
Our Philosophy
Why We Are a Boutique Firm
There is a fundamental difference between a large law firm and a boutique firm. At a large firm, you are a case number. Your matter is delegated to a junior associate who has never met the responsible partner, and service follows a standardized workflow that treats every client the same way — regardless of their specific needs.
At ZS Advogados, we deliberately chose a different path. We do not want hundreds of attorneys. We do not want thousands of clients. We want to serve each client as if they were the only one — because to us, each client is unique.
This means that when you reach out to us, you are served by the partners. When you call, someone who knows your case answers. When there is an important decision, it is discussed with you personally — not communicated through a generic email.
Yes, our fees reflect this level of service. A firm that offers personalized attention, with highly specialized attorneys and full dedication to each case, cannot charge the same as a volume practice. But the question we ask is: when we are talking about your assets, your business, your family, or your future in another country — do you want the cheapest service, or do you want the service that truly protects what matters? Learn why businesses choose us.
Our clients do not just pay for legal services. They pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing they have someone at their side who truly understands their situation, who cares about the outcome, and who has the experience necessary to navigate the complexities of Brazilian and international law with mastery.
What We Believe
Our Values in Practice
Relationships Before Transactions
We do not want clients who come once and never return. We want to build long-term relationships. We want to know you, your family, your goals. Because by knowing you, we can offer the best path forward.
Experience Lived, Not Just Studied
Our founder did not learn about immigration from a book — he immigrated. He did not study real estate investment as theory — he invests. He did not read about doing business in Brazil — he does it. This lived experience permeates everything we do.
Excellence Without Compromise
We do not cut corners. Every contract is reviewed line by line. Every due diligence is conducted with absolute rigor. Every opinion is grounded in depth. Because when it comes to your assets and your family, the details matter.
Complete Transparency
You always know what is happening with your case. No surprises, no hidden costs, no vague answers. We believe trust is built through clear information and constant communication.
About Us
Two Worlds, One Mission
ZS Advogados Associados was born from the convergence of two complementary journeys: Zac's global and entrepreneurial vision combined with Karina's technical rigor and legal dedication. Together, they built a firm that is genuinely different — not by marketing, but by essence.
Based in Presidente Prudente with practice throughout Brazil and internationally, we serve individuals, families, companies, and investors who seek something few firms can offer: the combination of deep legal knowledge with a real understanding of life, business, and the challenges our clients face.
If you are looking for a firm that treats your case with the importance it deserves, that knows you by name, and that is genuinely committed to the best outcome — we are here to meet our team and talk.