Zachariah Zagol

Media Appearances & Speaking Engagements

Thought leadership on cross-border estate planning, Brazilian inheritance law, and the legal challenges facing foreigners with assets in Brazil.

Featured Media

Feature Article March 2026

Cross-Border Estate Planning: What Americans in Brazil Need to Know

AmCham Brazil Quarterly

An in-depth feature examining how the 2026 ITCMD reform under LC 227 affects American expatriates and investors with assets in Brazil. Covers dual-taxation risks, treaty gaps, and practical planning strategies for US citizens subject to both IRS estate tax and Brazilian ITCMD.

Webinar January 2026

The ITCMD Reform: Impact on Foreign Investors

Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce

A 45-minute webinar for the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce analyzing the transition from flat-rate to progressive ITCMD brackets. Discussed state-by-state implementation timelines, planning windows, and holding company restructuring strategies for foreign-owned assets.

Podcast Interview November 2025

First American to Join the OAB: A Conversation with Zachariah Zagol

Sao Paulo Review Podcast

A wide-ranging conversation about the path from USC Gould School of Law to the Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil, the challenges of practicing law across two legal systems, and why more foreigners in Brazil need specialized succession planning before it becomes urgent.

Conference Paper October 2025

Navigating Forced Heirship as a Foreign Resident

International Bar Association

A paper presented at the IBA Annual Conference examining how Brazil's forced heirship rules interact with common-law estate plans. Analyzed recent jurisprudence on the application of Article 10 of the LINDB to foreign testators with habitual residence in Brazil.

Speaking Engagements

April 2026

Succession Planning for Binational Families

AmCham Sao Paulo Annual Legal Forum — AmCham Business Center, Sao Paulo

March 2026

Brazilian Inheritance Tax Reform: What US Practitioners Need to Know

ABA Section of International Law Spring Meeting — Washington, D.C.

February 2026

Building a Cross-Border Practice: From Los Angeles to Sao Paulo

USC Gould School of Law Alumni Speaker Series — Virtual

December 2025

Estate Planning Essentials for Expats in Brazil

InterNations Sao Paulo Expat Legal Workshop — Hotel Emiliano, Sao Paulo

November 2025

The New ITCMD Landscape: Progressive Rates and Planning Opportunities

Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce Year-End Seminar — BACC Headquarters, New York

September 2025

Protecting Foreign-Owned Assets in Brazil

AmCham Campinas Business Breakfast — Royal Palm Plaza, Campinas

June 2025

Trusts Under Brazilian Law: Recognition, Taxation, and Pitfalls

International Academy of Estate and Trust Law Symposium — Lisbon, Portugal

April 2025

Wills, Probate & ITCMD: A Practical Guide for Foreign Residents

Expat Living Brazil Community Event — Coworking Cubo, Sao Paulo

Publications & Articles

February 2026

Progressive ITCMD and the Foreign Estate: Planning Under LC 227/2026

Revista Brasileira de Direito Tributario

Peer-reviewed article analyzing the constitutional basis and practical implications of progressive inheritance tax rates for cross-border estates.

October 2025

The Holding Company as Succession Vehicle: Tax Efficiency and Legal Risks

Conjur (Consultor Juridico)

Analysis of the advantages and regulatory risks of using Brazilian holding companies (holdings patrimoniais) for estate planning purposes.

Summer 2025

Forced Heirship and the American Will: Conflicts of Law in Binational Succession

The International Lawyer (ABA)

Examines how Brazilian courts apply mandatory inheritance rules to foreign testators, with practical guidance for US-based estate planners.

March 2025

ITCMD on Foreign Donations After STF Ruling: A Compliance Guide

JOTA Info

Practical compliance guidance following the Supreme Federal Tribunal decision authorizing ITCMD on international donations and inheritances.

Press Inquiries

Zachariah Zagol is available for media interviews, podcast appearances, and conference presentations on topics including cross-border estate planning, Brazilian inheritance law, ITCMD tax reform, and the legal challenges facing foreign residents and investors in Brazil.

Schedule a Consultation

Whether you need estate planning guidance or legal representation for cross-border matters in Brazil, our team is here to help.

WhatsApp Consultation