# Leadership transitions in Brazilian high courts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/leadership-transitions-in-brazilian-high-courts
> Updated: 2026-08-25T16:30:56.000Z. Sources: 46. Developments: 4.

Brazil is undergoing leadership transitions across its highest judicial bodies. Minister Luís Felipe Salomão has assumed the presidency of the Superior Tribunal de Justiça (STJ) for the 2026-2028 term, succeeding Minister Herman Benjamin. A central pillar of his administration is the implementation of a ‘relevance filter’ for federal questions to reduce workload and improve focus on cases with significant impact.

In late August 2026, additional leadership changes occurred within the STJ and related institutions. Minister Benedito Gonçalves was sworn in as the National Corregedor of Justice for the 2026-2028 term, succeeding Mauro Campbell Marques. During his inauguration, Gonçalves emphasized the necessity of judicial efficiency and maintaining a connection to local realities, warning that technology should not replace the “human presence of judges in their local jurisdictions.” He also committed to conducting disciplinary investigations with technical rigor.

Concurrently, Minister Raul Araújo assumed the role of Director-General of the National School for the Formation and Improvement of Magistrates (Enfam) for the period of September 2026 to September 2028, succeeding Benedito Gonçalves.

At the Supreme Federal Court (STF), Minister Cármen Lúcia has been elected to preside over the First Chamber, succeeding Minister Flávio Dino, with her term beginning September 30. Future transitions at the STF are also established: Minister Alexandre de Moraes is slated to succeed Minister Edson Fachin as president of the Supreme Court in September 2027.

## Claims

- Luís Felipe Salomão took office as president of the Superior Tribunal de Justiça (STJ). (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The administration will prioritize the use of artificial intelligence and technology to assist court work. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Mauro Campbell Marques assumed the vice-presidency of the STJ. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The STJ intends to implement a relevance filter for federal questions to reduce case volume. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The new administration will serve until 2028. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The relevance filter is estimated to reduce the number of processes by 45%. (single source)
- The relevance filter regulation was sanctioned by President Lula on August 4. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: Benedito Gonçalves assumes role as National Corregedor of Justice

Benedito Gonçalves has assumed office as Brazil's National Corregedor of Justice, while the TJSP revoked the retirement of former judge Arthur Del Guercio Filho following an improbity conviction.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-judicial-leaders-benedito-gonalves-and-raul-arajo-take-office

### 2026-08-19: Luís Felipe Salomão assumes presidency of the STJ

Luís Felipe Salomão has been sworn in as president of Brazil's Superior Tribunal de Justiça (STJ) for the 2026-2028 term, focusing on technological modernization and a new relevance filter for appeals.

26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lus-felipe-salomo-assumes-presidency-of-brazils-stj

### 2026-08-17: Brazilian high courts undergo leadership transitions

Brazil's high courts are seeing leadership changes: Cármen Lúcia is elected to lead the STF's First Chamber, while Luis Felipe Salomão assumes the presidency of the STJ.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/crmen-lcia-discusses-democracy-and-rights-at-puc-sp

### 2026-08-02: Brazil's New STJ President Luís Felipe Salomão Says Politically Active Judges Are in the Wrong Profession

Luís Felipe Salomão, set to lead Brazil's STJ on Aug 19, says judges with political views are in the wrong profession and calls for a quarantine before judges or prosecutors run for office.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-new-stj-president-lus-felipe-salomo-says-politically-active-judges-are-in-the-wrong-professi

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Cite as: Leadership transitions in Brazilian high courts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/leadership-transitions-in-brazilian-high-courts