Technology is quickly advancing and AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming increasingly prevalent in the legal field. Those who aren’t actually lawyers in Brazil are taking advantage of the technology, claiming to have expertise they don’t really have. Protect yourself by doing your due diligence before you hire a Brazilian lawyer.

First, ask for their OAB number. The OAB number is issued to lawyers by the Brazilian Bar Association and serves as proof of their credentials. You can also review the lawyer’s website and read any articles they’ve published to get an idea of their experience, knowledge, and areas of expertise.

Next, be cautious of lawyers who use Gmail, Hotmail or other personal (free) e-mail addresses. While this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re unqualified, a lawyer with a corporate e-mail address is more likely to be part of a law firm or have a more professional legal practice.

Finally, keep in mind that no lawyer can be an expert in every area of law. Be wary of Brazilian lawyers who claim to have expertise in all subject matters. Instead, consider hiring a lawyer who specializes in a couple of practice areas and has extensive experience in those areas.

As AI becomes more prevalent in the legal field, consumers need to take additional precautions to protect themselves from scams. Before hiring a Brazilian lawyer, do your due diligence. It’s the only way you can be confident that you’re working with a reputable lawyer who has the necessary skills to handle your legal matter.