Thiago Sombra > Mattos Filho > Brasilia, Brazil > Lawyer Profile

Regarded by clients as ‘one of the best firms nationally‘ for data protection matters, Mattos Filho advises on the entire spectrum of privacy and cybersecurity issues. The firm has established itself as an authority in this field through its work in the development and implementation of sophisticated data compliance programmes and extensive experience in data incidents. A go-to choice for clients from the IT sector, the practice also acts for companies from the worlds of healthcare, insurance, financial services, retail and telecoms (among others) in negotiations with public authorities, risk assessments and litigation. The ‘highly technical and qualified‘ Fabio Ferreira Kujawski focuses on transactional, regulatory and contractual matters in the tech space, while Paulo Brancher ‘stands out for his extensive experience in IP‘, tech and telecoms. Thiago Luís Sombra is particularly skilled in anti-corruption, data protection and digital platform investigations, and often represents clients in contentious matters before the courts. Luiz Felipe Di Sessa, who joined in March 2022 from Cescon Barrieu, brought a wealth of experience in personal data protection and data processing compliance. Isabela Fernandes stands out at the associate level.

Full-service powerhouse Mattos Filho is home to a market-leading technology, innovation and digital business team, which provides ‘assertive and efficient solutions‘ across the full spectrum of sector-related matters, notably cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), digital platforms, and online marketplaces. Singled out for its regulatory expertise, the group attracts instructions from an impressive client roster, featuring tech giants, emerging growth companies, banks, and streaming platforms. Drawing on the firm’s multidisciplinary capabilities, the practice is well placed to handle tax and corporate-related matters, including M&A, financings and IT public procurement. Fabio Ferreira Kujawski and Paulo Brancher have a well-established reputation in this space, and are key points of contact for technology companies. Brasília-based Thiago Luís Sombra is singled out for his experience in litigation, technology, public law and compliance mandates, while Luiz Felipe Di Sessa works with start-ups and corporations on a range of IP, technology and privacy matters. Tax specialist Lisa Worcman oversees Attix, an innovation programme launched by the firm at the end of 2022 aiming to connect start-ups to established companies, and generate business opportunities and innovative partnerships.

Rated for its ‘technical vision‘ and ‘great understanding of management and business‘, the compliance and corporate ethics practice at Mattos Filho is a popular choice for companies seeking assistance in crisis management, corporate governance and investigations. Working in close collaboration with the firm’s M&A and capital markets practices, the team is particularly active in anti-corruption due diligence and risk management on large-cap transactions. A diverse client roster, featuring major domestic and international companies from the worlds of technology, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and energy, among others, regularly instruct the group in internal investigations, administrative enforcement proceedings, leniency negotiations and in the review and implementation of compliance programmes. Marcel Ribas, dual qualified in both Brazil and New York, and Brasília-based Thiago Jabor Pinheiro are names to note for internal investigations, while Kevin Altit in Rio de Janeiro focuses on transactional work, including cross-border M&A and take-over defences. Renato Portella often acts in administrative inquiries and disciplinary procedures. Former state attorney Thiago Luís Sombra, who sits in the Brasília office, brings a unique perspective to public anti-corruption investigations. Senior associates Luiza Mussoi Cattley (Rio de Jarneiro) and Laura Carneiro de Mello Senra (Brasília) possess significant experience in anti-corruption compliance matters. All practitioners are based in São Paulo, unless stated otherwise.

Praised for its ‘outstanding legal capacity‘, Mattos Filho‘s public law department is best known for its strong regulatory and transactional expertise. The team acts for a wide range of foreign and domestic clients, including contractors, construction companies, insurance firms, private equity funds and financial institutions in the full array of public law matters. Typical mandates include public tenders, PPPs, administrative and punitive proceedings, concessions, and M&A involving companies subject to government regulations. Administrative law expert André Luiz Freire is a key contact for public auctions and proceedings before regulatory agencies. Thiago Luís Sombra handles matters related to public law, anticorruption and technology, including investigations and government contracts. Recently promoted partner Henrique Lago da Silveira is building a strong practice in matters related to state-owned companies and concessions for transport and sanitation projects. In March 2023, associate Victor Jacuru left the firm.

Mattos Filho fields a specialised public law team in Brasília which is retained by household names in a range of matters, ranging from public procurement to proceedings before the TCU. A popular choice for technology clients seeking assistance with PPPs, public tenders and administrative law issues, the team is also instructed by state-owned companies engaged in divestment processes and contractual matters. Thiago Luís Sombra is highly regarded for his practice focused on public law, anti-corruption and technology, and extensive experience before the superior courts.