Governance

Transparency, Ethics and Prevention of Corruption and Money Laundering

The quality of the services that we provide is based in responsibility and respect for ethics as key values in our way of being, meaning that the success of Abreu Advogados in the development of its business and in the achievement of its strategic goals depends upon a commitment undertaken by each of those that are part of the firm, starting with a commitment to observe the duties foreseen in our Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics.

In the pursuit of Abreu Advogados’ business we consider the prevention of corruption under two aspects – legal and ethical:

  • Acting in accordance with legal and ethical rules, refusing requests that might suggest cutting corners on procedures and obtaining financial gain in return for the taking of decisions;
  • Discouraging any practices of corruption and rejecting the idea that it is only through such practices that it will be possible to obtain positive responses to legitimate requests or claims.

Concerning the prevention of money laundering and terrorism financing, Abreu Advogados is committed to observe its legal and regulatory duties, refraining from any actions that might encourage or promote such unlawful practices.

Corruption, money laundering and terrorism financing prevention is regulated in several laws, regulations and international treaties, all of them strictly followed by Abreu Advogados, in particular:

  • The Statute of the Portuguese Bar Association (as approved by Law nr. 145/2015, of September 9th), which determines the standards of professional conduct;
  • The Code of Conduct for European Lawyers approved by the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) on October 28th, 1995;
  • Law nr. 83/2017, of August 18th (Measures concerning Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing);
  • Regulation of the Portuguese Bar Association on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing (Resolution of the Portuguese Bar Association nr. 822/2020);
  • The United Nations Convention against Corruption, approved by the United Nations on its Resolution 54/8, of October 31st, 2003;
  • The OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, signed on December 17th, 1997;
  • Convention on the fight against corruption involving EU officials or officials of EU countries of May 26th, 1997 and the Council Framework Decision 2003/568 JAI of July 22nd 2003 on combating corruption in the private sector.