STF · STJ · TSE · TST
Did your case reach the appellate level?
An unfavorable decision at the appellate level is not necessarily the final word. Learn about the possibilities of bringing your case before Brazil’s superior courts, with technical analysis and strategic insight.
Where We Practice
Extraordinary appeals demand a strategy of their own
Brazil’s superior courts do not function as a third-instance review of facts and evidence — which is why admissibility and the construction of the appellate legal theory require specific technical knowledge. We work across the following fronts:
Extraordinary Appeal (STF)
Discussion of constitutional questions before the Supreme Federal Court.
Special Appeal (STJ)
Discussion of federal law interpretation before the Superior Court of Justice.
General Repercussion
Demonstrating the constitutional relevance required for admission of the extraordinary appeal.
Interlocutory Appeal Against a Non-Admitted Appeal
Challenging the decision that denies an appeal at the court of origin.
Oral Argument and Written Briefs
Direct representation before the courts in the hearing of strategic cases.
Electoral and Labor Appeals
Representation before the TSE and the TST in higher-complexity cases.
Didn’t find your situation? Every case is unique — tell us the details of your case.
How It Works
A technical assessment before any decision
You present your case to us
We analyze the appellate-level decision and the case's procedural history to understand what is at stake.
We assess the appeal's viability
We check the admissibility requirements and the strategy best suited to the competent court.
We build the appellate legal theory
We prepare the appeal with in-depth technical analysis, without promising any outcome.
The Firm
Consolidated experience before Brazil’s superior courts
Schwab Alonso Advogados is a boutique firm with a strategic practice before the Supreme Federal Court, the Superior Court of Justice, the Superior Electoral Court and the Superior Labor Court, focused on complex matters, building legal theories and personalized case follow-up.
Learn about the firmFrequently Asked Questions
Questions we hear often
What is the difference between an extraordinary appeal and a special appeal?
The extraordinary appeal (recurso extraordinário) is directed to the Supreme Federal Court (STF) and addresses constitutional questions. The special appeal (recurso especial) is directed to the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) and addresses the interpretation of infra-constitutional federal law. In theory, the same case may support both appeals simultaneously, when it involves both constitutional and infra-constitutional questions.
Do the STF and the STJ re-examine the facts and evidence of the case?
As a rule, no. Brazil's superior courts have the role of unifying the interpretation of constitutional law (STF) and of federal legislation (STJ), and do not act as a third-instance review of facts and evidence — which is why a well-built appellate strategy from the earlier instances onward is so important.
What is general repercussion (repercussão geral)?
It is an admissibility requirement for the extraordinary appeal: the appellant must show that the constitutional question discussed goes beyond the subjective interests of the parties, carrying economic, political, social or legal relevance for the case to be heard by the STF.
What is the deadline to file an extraordinary or special appeal?
As a rule, the deadline is 15 business days from publication of the decision being appealed, but it may vary depending on the procedural rite applicable to the case. A lawyer can confirm the specific deadline for your situation.
Talk to our team about the appellate strategy for your case
An initial conversation to understand the viability of your appeal.