João Massano, president of the Bar Association, explains why the trial of José Sócrates is not at risk of stopping, even after the resignation of lawyer José Preto.
The proceedings will not stop because the magistrate has no lawyers. That cannot happen
Tuesday, 13 January 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
The Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados) is the professional body that regulates lawyers in Portugal, manages ethics and professional registration, and organises legal aid and court-appointed defence. The association can set up permanent teams of court-appointed lawyers if it judges the current system inadequate, which is why the Ministry of Justice said it would not object to such a move.
