is widely recognized as the premier local law firm in Timor-Leste and is unrivalled in its ability to provide in-country context and a genuine understanding of the Timorese legal framework and regulatory dynamic to both local and international customers.
Our firm primarily advises multinational corporations, multi-lateral agencies, aid/development partners, government entities and non-governmental organizations, by combining the top-tier legal excellence of our lawyers with their extensive knowledge of the unique economic, political, historical and cultural factors that shape Timor-Leste.
As a whole, the lawyers who form part of the DTA team are multi-lingual and have obtained legal certification and experience both in Timor-Leste and internationally, in leading law firms operating throughout the Asia-Pacific Region, Australia and Europe, allowing our team to deliver high quality legal services to our clients.
The ability of all our lawyers to communicate in English as well as the local official languages (Tetum and Portuguese) combined with our extensive experience working within Timorese society place us in a unique position to provide relevant and practical advice to companies and organisations doing business in Timor-Leste.
Da Silva Teixeira & Associados’ premier position in the Timorese legal market has been repeatedly confirmed in the Chambers and Partners Asia Pacific and Global Guides for 2016-2025, which unvaryingly ranked the firm as a top tier "Band 1" law firm in Timor-Leste, with both of its partners, Sahe Da Silva and José Teixeira, also being ranked as top tier "Band 1" lawyers. Senior Associate Nuno Marrazes is also listed as “Associate to Watch”.
We are pleased to announce that Jorginha Martins has joined our firm as a trainee lawyer. Jorginha is currently undertaking the 6th Course for Private Lawyers and will be completing her traineeship with DTA as part of this programme.
In addition to her strong academic profile, Jorginha brings with her professional experience gained while working in Government, which will enrich her practical exposure during the traineeship.
The traineeship is a fundamental requirement of the course, aimed at providing trainee lawyers with first-hand experience of legal practice, practical exposure to the judicial system and related services, and an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired throughout their studies.
We look forward to supporting Jorginha as she gains valuable insights into the profession and contributes to our ongoing work.
The 2nd Timor-Leste–Australia Business and Economic Conference (TLAUCON25) took place at the Dili Convention Centre (CCD), a joint initiative of the Governments of Timor-Leste and Australia, supported by TradeInvest Timor-Leste and the Timor-Leste Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-TL).
This annual conference brought together business leaders and government representatives to foster economic partnerships, promote sustainable development, and enhance bilateral cooperation in priority sectors.
The event featured panel discussions, a trade fair, and the signing of an MoU between CCI-TL and the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry to strengthen regional trade collaboration.
José also encouraged Australian investors to join the TLABC and contribute to shaping its upcoming advocacy agenda, highlighting membership inclusivity for businesses of all sizes.
He reflected on a personal connection to the venue: in 2002, as the coordinator of the transitional government restoration of independence celebrations responsible for the Restoration of Independence Trade Expo , working under the chief minister of the UN Transitional Government, José oversaw the AUSAID reconstruction of the old market (now the Dili Convention Centre) in preparation for the Expo. That historic occasion, inaugurated by Australian Prime Minister John Howard and Timor-Leste’s Chief Minister Mari Alkatiri, symbolized the enduring economic partnership between the two nations, a legacy proudly carried forward at TLAUCON25, 23 years later.
Photo credit: TradeInvest Timor-Leste
Partner José Teixeira, alongside Cláudio Boavida Fernandes, facilitated a training on Powers of Judicial and Police Authorities and Citizens' Rights in Criminal Investigations.
Hosted by the Asosiasaun Juventude Hakbi'it Justisa Timor-Leste (AJHJ-TL), the session brought together 30 young participants eager to deepen their understanding of citizens' rights and the legal boundaries of law enforcement during criminal investigations.
This initiative is part of AJHJ-TL’s ongoing commitment to advancing legal literacy and civic empowerment among Timorese youth, helping build a more informed and participatory society.