Almeida Advogados > Belo Horizonte, Brazil > Firm Profile

Almeida Advogados > Firm Profile

After successfully working at large law firms, and before turning 30, André de Almeida founded Almeida Advogados in 2001. Initially focused on M&A and corporate restructuring, he quickly saw the potential for a firm committed to exceptional value-added services in all areas of corporate law. Thus began Almeida Advogados and its niche in advising Brazilian and international companies on corporate law, alternative dispute resolution and general litigation matters.

Having grown exponentially, the law firm now has over 200 professionals at its offices in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Belo Horizonte and Recife. We credit this expansion to our team’s commitment to personalized service, modern spirit and determination to shape the future of lawyering.

Corporate

Through our multidisciplinary view, we assist our Brazilian and foreign clients on corporate, M&A and contractual matters related to their operations in Brazil and abroad, covering both transactional and contractual matters.

The team is well known for its skills structuring complex and strategic matters in a variety of Corporate and M&A mandates, managing, successfully, the intersection between corporate law and companies’ daily business activities.

We have a deep understanding of acquisitions, equity sales and are well-versed in navigating the complexities of restructurings.

Our team also has extensive experience in the defence of minority shareholders of large Brazilian corporations.

Tax

 The team is well known for its skills in structuring complex and strategic disputes against Municipal, State and Federal authorities and is specifically sought after by clients who require assistance with challenging tax infraction notices (tax assessments) and with filing lawsuits that could set important precedents for the tax code.

Almeida Advogados has a strong and consolidated practice in judicial tax disputes, regarding direct and indirect taxes.

We are also frequently seen acting in international trade and applying for special tax regimes.

Our team represents clients on complex and high-value lawsuits, especially related to State and Federal authorities, covering a variety of issues, such as tax advice for commercial operations, tax planning for incorporations and M&As, review of tax elements in commercial agreements, and advocacy before tax authorities regarding new legislation.

Our focus is to provide tailored and effective advice that addresses the specific needs and goals of each client in high-profile cases that are likely to have a significant impact on their respective sectors.

Environment

The team is well known for its strategic assistance with environmental licensing. It has extensive experience in environmental licensing proceedings, as well as challenging unlawful licensing requirements.

Almeida Advogados is also specifically sought after to assist clients with settlements (TAC – Termos de Ajustamento de Conduta), negotiating several TACs with Environmental Authorities on behalf of our clients to protect their operations and avoid civil liability.

The team has a strong and consolidated experience in reverse logistics, which is one of the most relevant environmental issues in the day-to-day of industrial companies. We have developed in-depth expertise in reverse logistics and waste management and have advised several industry associations on these issues.

We are also frequently seen acting in civil investigations and public prosecutions. We represent clients in Criminal Actions and Police Investigations in cases of environmental damages/infringements, as well as advise on the negotiations of settlements and agreements before the Public Prosecutors’ Offices to avoid criminal prosecutions and the commencement of Public-interest Lawsuits(Class Actions).

Public Law

The team is well known for its skills in complex Public Procurement matters, from participating in Public–private partnership (PPP) and other government contracts, to representing clients in public civil actions related to public contracts. Considering our work in Credit recovery, we represent our clients in lawsuits for payment of multi-million credits owed by municipalities and states of Brazil.

Our Public Law team has also extensive experience in advising clients on strategic litigation against government agencies, representing clients in complex cases involving Public Civil Actions, Infraction Notices, and Bidding Processes.

 Litigation

The team is well known for its in skills structuring complex and strategic Corporate Litigation. We are often sought by domestic and international clients between corporate and individual shareholders.

Our team has vast experience at all court levels and administrative proceedings, such as drafting, filing, and following up on appeals before the Regional, State, and Federal Courts, as well as before the Supreme Court.

We also provide representation in administrative proceedings before the Attorney General’’s Office, the Antitrust Department (CADE), the State Department of Consumers’ Protection (PROCON), the Public Finance Court, and other consumer agencies.

IP

Our team is well known for its extensive experience and excellent track record in securing positive outcomes for our clients in extrajudicial trademark negotiations, protecting and expanding the value of our clients’ IP assets. For example, we understand the key importance of franchising agreements for multinational companies and we have extensive experience in their registration with the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (INPI).

Our team also has experience in judicial litigation against the unlawful use by third parties of our clients’ intellectual property, as well as in clients’ defence in infringement actions brought by third parties.

Data Protection

Our team has gained a strong reputation for its expertise in crafting intricate litigation strategies, making it the top choice for clients seeking customised solutions.

Our department has earned a strong reputation in the field of Data Protection, with a primary focus on Personal Data Protection and compliance initiatives. We specialise in navigating the intricacies of data protection regulations, notably the Brazilian General Data Protection Regulation (LGPD) and the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Additionally, we excel in interpreting and applying digital-related legislation, such as the Brazilian Internet Act, e-commerce regulations, and the intricacies of complex agreements and policies.

Our expertise extends to critical areas like information security and digital fraud prevention, safeguarding software (including algorithms and AI), protecting online intellectual property brands, as well as managing e-commerce projects. We play an essential role in helping our clients seamlessly integrate digital innovation into their business operations.

Our team has had the privilege of collaborating with significant players in various sectors, including banking and finance, automotive, energy, marketing, services, pharmaceutical, and technology related to electronic documents, digital certificates, and e-signatures. We have successfully executed LGPD compliance projects for these clients, handling strategic and sensitive information related to their operations and practices with the utmost care and precision.

 Technology

Our team has gained a strong reputation for its expertise in crafting intricate litigation strategies, making it the top choice for clients seeking customised solutions.

Furthermore, we are consistently sought after for our advisory services in the realm of technological regulations, contract drafting and risk analysis, and corporate compliance pertaining to privacy and information security laws and regulations.

Tech companies and companies them routinely turn to us for guidance on multifaceted technology-related issues, encompassing both consultancy and litigation. Our clients consistently acknowledge and commend the meticulous craftsmanship of our briefs and memoranda, the depth of our research, and the personalized approach we take in handling each case.

 Labour

The team is well-known for its skills in representing clients before regional labour departments, pre-conciliation commissions, trade unions, and professional associations and is specifically sought after by clients who require advisory services regarding the application of Labour Law and collective agreements.

Other main practices in the field encompass:

• Consultancy in studying, planning, drafting, and amending individual and collective agreements for employees at all levels;
• Analysis of plans and benefits, including profit-sharing and/or performance-based plans, stock option plans, voluntary redundancy plans, and variable compensation plans in general;
• Handling of labour complaints, actively involving clients in defining strategies;
• Analysis of legal labour risks;
• Conduction of administrative procedures within the scope of the Ministry of Labour and the Labour Oversight Agency;
• Conduction of labour due diligence;
• Assistance in guiding clients through agreements, collective conventions, union negotiations, and collective labour disputes;
• Assistance in guiding clients towards compliance with safety and hygiene standards at work;
• Assistance in studying, planning, and monitoring contributions aimed at funding social security;
• Assistance in implementing private pension plans, health assistance plans, and general assistance plans;
• Legal advisory for outsourcing services and hiring suppliers and independent representatives;
• Drafting, implementation, and revision of salary and benefit structures;
• Drafting, implementation, and revision of incentive plans (bonuses, stock options, restricted stock units, and profit-sharing plans).

 Government Relations

Almeida Advogados has a team specialised and experienced in Government and Institutional Relations, composed of lawyers who monitor the regulatory agenda and legislative branch of the country and are dedicated to maintaining a permanent strategic dialogue channel with the Public Power to defend the interests of national and foreign clients in the main sectors of the economy.

Among our activities, we highlight:

• Assistance to Diplomatic Representations and foreign Chambers of Commerce with the Government.
• Assistance in mapping and evaluating legal and regulatory scenarios and formulating strategies.
• Active participation in public hearings and consultations in the National Congress and the Executive Branch.
• Monitoring of bills and regulations from the Executive Branch and Regulatory Agencies.
• Building of relationships and dialogue with authorities and public agents.
• Influence on the formulation of public policies at federal, state and municipal levels.
• Personalized service to social groups, companies and associations.
• Mapping of the main standards and laws that impact customer interests.
• Assistance with the creation of Parliamentary Fronts in the National Congress.
• Active participation in the process of drafting legislation in the National Congress and standards in Regulatory Agencies.
• Institutional representation of clients at the governmental level.

Lawyer Profiles

Photo	Name	Position	Profile
	Henrique Carmona	Partner	View Profile
	Guilherme Doval	Partner	View Profile
	Andréa Seco	Partner	View Profile