Jessica Santos' Apology to Judge Fabiane Pieruccini Goes Viral in Brazil

Lawyer Jessica Santos, a 26‑year‑old attorney from Jaraguá do Sul in Santa Catarina, posted a video of an online court session in which she apologized to Judge Fabiane Pieruccini of the Tribunal de Justiça do Paraná. Santos said she was worried about using the correct form of address and wanted to avoid a procedural misstep.

Judge Pieruccini responded with unexpected warmth, telling Santos they were "on the same level" and encouraging a normal conversation. She praised the lawyer’s professionalism, saying the exchange was "very good" and highlighted the essential role of attorneys in the justice system.

The clip was shared on Instagram, quickly amassing more than 224,000 views and drawing extensive commentary from legal professionals who lauded both the judge’s empathy and the lawyer’s willingness to share the moment. The story sparked broader discussion in Brazil about courtroom etiquette and support for early‑career lawyers.