Please note: The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the entities or individuals whose names appear on the following lists. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. The information on the list is provided directly by the local service providers; the Department is not in a position to vouch for such information.

In the event of an arrest or a detention by Angolan authorities, you should request to speak with the Consular Officer. (In Portuguese you would say: “Eu quero falar urgentemente com o Cônsul da Embaixada dos Estados Unidos da América.”)

Under international law the Consular Officer has the authority to visit prisoners to determine their condition and to assist them in obtaining legal and medical attention. The Consular Officer has the right and duty to use best efforts to protect the legal and human rights of all United States citizens, without interfering in the legal system of the host country. The Consular Officer does not have the authority to participate in the legal process by which the prisoner’s case is handled or to request that host country laws not be observed. The Consular Officer will be in regular contact with any detained U.S. citizen.

Click here for a list of English-speaking attorneys practicing law in Luanda (PDF 80 KB).  The American Embassy cannot recommend anyone from the list.  For a more complete listing of Luanda attorneys, please consult the Luanda telephone directory.