- Founded
- 1932-01-01 in São Paulo, Brazil
- Headquarters
- São Paulo, SP, Brazil
The Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil – Seção São Paulo (OAB SP) is the São Paulo state chapter of Brazil's national bar association, founded in 1932 with Plínio Barreto as its first president. It regulates and represents over 380,000 registered lawyers, nearly 3,000 legal interns, and more than 52,000 law firms across the state, operating through 257 local sub-sections and 947 service points. Its statutory mission includes defending the Constitution, the rule of law, human rights, and social justice, while providing professional support and development. OAB SP runs several affiliated organizations: the Caixa de Assistência dos Advogados de São Paulo (CAASP) for health and welfare, the Escola Superior de Advocacia (ESA) for continuing legal education, and OAB Prev for complementary pension plans. A notable recent initiative is the 'Anuidade de Volta' program, which refunds annual membership fees as credits for courses and events, impacting over 62,000 professionals in 2025. The current president, Leonardo Sica, leads a triennial elected board, and the organization actively advocates for lawyers' rights, ethical standards, and innovation in the legal sector.
Detailed Review
History and Governance
OAB SP was established in 1932, two years after the creation of the national Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil (OAB). It is a non‑profit, self‑regulatory professional association that maintains the official registry of attorneys, issues professional identification cards, enforces ethical codes, and provides disciplinary oversight. Governance follows a triennial election cycle; the current term (2025‑2027) is headed by President Leonardo Sica, a criminal law expert and former president of the São Paulo Lawyers Association (AASP), supported by Vice‑President Daniela Magalhães, Secretary‑General Adriana Galvão Moura, and Deputy Secretary‑General Viviane Scrivani. The organization does not use corporate C‑suite titles; executive authority rests with the elected board.
Services and Member Benefits
OAB SP offers a comprehensive ecosystem for legal professionals. The Escola Superior de Advocacia (ESA) provides over 1,100 courses in 2025, covering topics from e‑proc and artificial intelligence to legal design and compliance. The Caixa de Assistência dos Advogados de São Paulo (CAASP) delivers health, dental, and social assistance to registered lawyers and their dependents. OAB Prev is a complementary pension plan tailored to the profession. The Anuidade de Volta program allows members to convert annual dues into credits for ESA courses, conferences, and specialized training – in 2025 it directly benefited more than 62,000 individuals. The Universo OAB SP brand aggregates all member benefits, including digital tools, co‑working spaces, and networking platforms. The entity also produces a regular podcast and digital content geared toward young lawyers.
Advocacy and Innovation
Beyond regulation, OAB SP positions itself as a driver of innovation in legal services, launching initiatives on legal technology, AI ethics, and data protection. It actively combats scams targeting lawyers and advocates for the profession's interests in legislative and judicial reforms. The organization hosts major industry events such as Fenalaw and maintains a strong digital presence. Its financial model relies primarily on annual membership fees (anuidades) paid by all registered attorneys.
Key Products
ESA – Escola Superior de Advocacia
Continuing legal education provider offering postgraduate courses, workshops, and specialized training for lawyers.
CAASP – Caixa de Assistência dos Advogados de São Paulo
Welfare fund providing healthcare, dental, and social assistance to lawyers and their dependents.
OAB Prev
Complementary pension plan designed for legal professionals in São Paulo.
Anuidade de Volta
Program that refunds annual membership fees as credits for ESA courses, events, and professional development resources.
Universo OAB SP
Umbrella brand for all member benefits, including digital tools, co‑working spaces, and networking platforms.
OAB SP Podcast & TED OAB SP
Digital content series on legal innovation, career advice, and current affairs.
Key Persons
- Leonardo Sica
President
- Daniela Magalhães
Vice-President
- Adriana Galvão Moura
Secretary-General
- Viviane Scrivani
Deputy Secretary-General