1. Objective
Through this code, implement the guidelines that anchor relations among NELSON WILIANS & ADVOGADOS ASSOCIADOS employees: between clients and legal professionals.
2. Extension
These guidelines apply to all members of NWADV; partners, associates, members of the legal team or administrative body.
3. Assumptions
Knowledge and strict observation of Brazilian law, particularly the Code of Ethics and Discipline of the Brazilian Bar Association – OAB; mutual respect, transparency, truth, loyalty, responsibility and integrity.
4. Working Conditions
NWADV provides its employees with impeccable working conditions: respect for legislation, rules, labor and contractual rights. NWADV must make available ergonomic spaces, computer equipment, books and research material.
5. Workplace Environment
Stimulate everyone to contribute towards a balanced, serene and pleasant working environment, without any type of discrimination. Teasing, joking and behavior that is suggestive of bullying, moral, physical or sexual harassment will not be tolerated.
6. Execution of Services
Legal Services: faithful observation of legislation applicable to each case, as well as Court Precedents; research and study of jurist opinion and pursuit of excellence.
Administrative Services: fully attentive to technical norms and due procedures.
Technical Guidelines: immediate and proper application of technical guidelines – legal, accounting, contract drafts, standardization of complaints and appeals, control systems, etc. Representation implies the personal liability of the violator, without prejudice to item “11” and possible fair dismissal, depending on the gravity of the breach.
Fee Agreement: no work may be undertaken without the respective fee agreement, which must be unambiguous with regard to the purpose, conditions of implementation, payment etc. Additional work or amendments to clauses must be recorded in an appropriate Addendum.
7. Confidentiality
Complete confidentiality regarding the matters entrusted to NWADV, as well as in relation to the internal information of the firm itself.
8. Client Relations
Complete transparency, clearly informing the applicable legal measures, risks, benefits and consequences involved; monitoring of the case from the initial stages to unappealable judgment; prompt clarification of queries and provision of reports, receipts, procedural documents etc., whenever requested by the client. Any and all information and/or technical orientation must be done in writing and include unmistakable identification of the signatory (full name, professional identity number and contacts).
9. Relation with Legal Professionals
Independence but with respect and loyalty in dealings with former adversaries, competitors, civil servants, magistrates and legal professionals in general.
10. Individual Liability
Lawyers are accountable individuals in the administrative, civil and criminal areas, in relation to their attitudes, procedural acts practiced and guidance given to clients.
11. Branch Liability
Each NWADV branch – duly separate legal entities, with registered Corporate Tax Number (CNPJ) and local Brazil Bar Association Sectional (OAB) member – has administrative, civil and criminal liability, in the person of their respective Institutional Director for the acts, facts, consequences etc., practiced and/or produced within their units.
12. Personal and Professional Reputation
All NWADV staff must make every effort to maintain a personal and professional reputation beyond reproach, carrying themselves with dignity, respect and discretion, always striving towards their technical and cultural enhancement.
13. Respect for Property
NWADV property must only be used for professional purposes, and we must all be responsible for its maintenance and preservation. With regard to computer equipment and electronic messages, the latter in particular, they should not be used to send personal messages, forwarded material, jokes, etc.
14. Queries and Violations
Queries regarding this code of ethics and any possible omissions, as well as the reporting of alleged violations, should be sent in writing to the local Institutional Director. If the query is not resolved in the branch, it will be forwarded in writing to the Head Office partners.
15. Dissemination
The current ethics code, along with the Vision, Mission and Values will be circulated internally, via e-mail and at www.nwadv.com.br. Copies will be made available to all partners, associates and employees so that its content becomes common knowledge.
