Historic Shift: João Massano Elected New Head of the Portuguese Bar Association

Change at the Helm of the Portuguese Bar Association

João Massano has emerged victorious in the elections for the bastonário of the Ordem dos Advogados (Bar Association) for the term 2025-2027, securing 54.58% of the votes. This marks a significant change as he defeated the incumbent Fernanda Almeida Pinheiro, who received 45.42% of the votes.

Massano garnered 9,541 votes, while Almeida Pinheiro received 7,941 votes. Additionally, there were 2,260 blank votes and 186 invalid votes.

In the first round of voting held on March 19, Almeida Pinheiro led with 6,946 votes (approximately 33%), while Massano trailed with 5,946 votes (about 30.95%). José Costa Pinto and Ricardo Serrano followed in third and fourth place respectively.

Despite the initial division into three candidacies during the first round, the opposition rallied around Massano in the second round, with Costa Pinto formally endorsing him.

Massano's Vision for the Future

In his campaign statement, Massano emphasized his commitment to unite the legal profession, modernize the field, and restore the prestige of the Bar Association. He aims to ensure that every lawyer feels valued, represented, and equipped for future challenges.

A prominent figure in the Bar Association, Massano has been the president of the Lisbon Regional Council since 2019. He graduated from the University of Lisbon’s Faculty of Law in 1994 and joined the Bar Association in 1997. His extensive academic career includes positions at several universities and significant roles within the Bar Council since 2011.