OAB-DF opens disciplinary proceedings against law firm of Alexandre de Moraes' family

The Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil in the Distrito Federal (OAB-DF) opened an ethical disciplinary process on Tuesday against the partners of the Barci de Moraes law firm. The firm includes the wife, children, and sister-in-law of Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes. The OAB-DF also opened a separate disciplinary procedure against lawyer Ciro Soares. Both actions are based on a Federal Police report involving Daniel Vorcaro, the former owner of Banco Master.

According to the Federal Police report, Vorcaro communicated with Minister Moraes and allegedly asked if he should leave the country before his arrest last November. The report also suggests that the minister edited a contract worth 131 million reais between Banco Master and the Barci de Moraes firm. In the case of Ciro Soares, the report indicates he acted as an intermediary between Vorcaro and Attorney General Paulo Gonet.

Paulo Maurício Siqueira, the president of OAB-DF, stated that the organization has a duty to investigate these facts to ensure the regularity and respectability of the legal profession. He emphasized that the proceedings will respect constitutional guarantees of a full defense and the right to be heard. Potential penalties for such processes include fines, censure, suspension, or the most severe penalty, which is the cancellation of the lawyer's registration.

The Barci de Moraes firm released a statement lamenting the decision. The firm argued that the issues had already been analyzed and archived by the Attorney General's Office and claimed that the OAB-DF is using these matters within an electoral context. The proceedings are expected to remain confidential, and there is currently no deadline for a final decision.