Duarte Bazaliza is an English and Portuguese speaking Lawyer, and he was the first Lawyer from the Portuguese Bar to become qualified to practice law in Australia, and the first to open a law firm in Australia - Sydney (Potts Point).
As Principal of Bazaliza Lawyers, and holding two Law Degrees (Civil Law & Common Law), Duarte brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the areas of Migration Law, Family Law, Property & Conveyancing, Wills & Probate, Business Law, Employment Law, Criminal Law, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, and International Law.
Duarte completed his first law degree at the Lusiada University of Portugal in Lisbon in 2004. Over the next five years, he worked as a Lawyer in a boutique general practice in Lisbon. Here, he worked in Credit Recovery, Commercial & Companies Law, and Real Estate Law, particularly in negotiation with public entities (Municipalities, Registration departments, Tax Authorities) as well as the preparation of public deeds and drafting contracts.
During this time, he also undertook postgraduate studies in Employment Law, and Commercial & Business Law. Duarte’s experience as a Lawyer in Portugal also extends to Notarial practice, liaising with public and private notaries, the supervision of public deeds, drafting wills and enduring powers of attorney.
Duarte came to Australia at the beginning of 2009. He underwent further extensive study with the Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB, in conjunction with Sydney University), so that he could be admitted and practise as a Lawyer in Australia. He completed his studies in 2013 and was sworn in before the Supreme Court of New South Wales. In November 2014, he started working as a Lawyer with McCourts Solicitors in Pyrmont.
Duarte is also a registered Migration Lawyer and has represented clients from many different cultural backgrounds, e.g. Portuguese speaking clients etc.
He remains very proud of his Portuguese heritage, and being a Portuguese speaking lawyer makes him well equipped for dealing with matters amongst the Portuguese-speaking community. He also has a strong commitment to the promotion of Portugal’s commercial ties with Australia.
Duarte also supports his Australian clients who want to invest in Portugal and Portuguese speaking countries. He also acts as a liaison with Portuguese Legal Advisers with civil or criminal matters in Portugal.
Duarte is also a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner in New South Wales/Australia, and he is also completing an accreditation in Mediation.
Duarte has two beautiful daughters, Annie and Florence.