TozziniFreire Advogados > Porto Alegre, Brazil > Firm Profile

TozziniFreire Advogados > The Legal 500 Rankings

Brazil > Banking and finance

Noted for its 'excellent expertise in banking, investment and insurance products’, the banking and finance practice at TozziniFreire Advogados offers transactional and regulatory support to a varied client roster comprising banks, fintech companies and payment institutions. Practitioners boast extensive experience advising international clients on corporate and project finance, including cross-border syndicated credit facilities and complex debt restructurings. These are all core areas of activity for Alexei Bonamin, who leads the team praised for its ‘ability to create solutions in untested scenarios’. Pedro Eroles, who joined from Mattos Filho in August 2022, is a key contact for fintech and regulatory issues. Also noted, Gustavo Rabello excels in syndicated loans, and Marcus Fonseca handles structured products and fintech-related mandates.

City focus - Porto Alegre > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

The ‘highly educated and professional‘ corporate and foreign investment team at TozziniFreire Advogados works alongside the firm’s antitrust, financial regulation, IP, and data privacy teams to handle cross-border transactions, including M&A and corporate restructurings. The group acts for clients operating in a multitude of industries, including transport, chemicals, food and beverage, agriculture, healthcare, and banking, and is singled out for its experience in venture capital and deals involving start-ups. Chaired by the ‘organised and talented‘ private equity and foreign investment expert Maria Bofill and contract law specialist Luis Renato Ferreira da Silva, the practice was strengthened by the the addition of Fernanda Fossati from Veirano Advogados in August 2022, which bolstered the group’s succession planning, commercial agreements and infrastructure projects offering. Associates Daniel Born Roman and Bruna Braga Luz De Oliveira are strong in contractual matters.

City focus - Porto Alegre > Tax Tier 1

Sitting within the firm’s national tax offering, the Porto Alegre-based tax department at TozziniFreire Advogados acts for clients from a wide range of industries, including energy, infrastructure, consumer goods, agribusiness, and manufacturing, among others. ‘Distinguished by the high level of technique and the quality of the services provided‘, the team offers representation in judicial and administrative proceedings at the local, state, and federal levels, demonstrating particular strength in cases concerning corporate income tax, services tax, and tax on manufactured products. On the consultancy front, the practice is active in tax planning and in the structuring of major corporate transactions. Corporate tax expert Gustavo Nygaard and Rafael Mallmann, who specialises in tax litigation, jointly head up the group, where associate Bernardo Mascarenhas Mardini is recommended for contentious matters.

Brazil > Competition and antitrust Tier 1

TozziniFreire Advogados‘ competition and antitrust team is noted for its ‘excellence in service, technique and assertiveness‘. The firm demonstrates a wealth of experience in proceedings before CADE, advising clients on the negotiation of leniency and settlement agreements, merger filings, cartel investigations and unilateral cases. Marcelo Calliari, who is retained by major international companies and has played a prominent role in the largest damages class action in Brazil, spearheads the practice. With over two decades’ experience in competition law, Marcel Medon Santos has been particularly active in the negotiation of settlement agreements with CADE in investigations of conduct. Other noteworthy partners include Guilherme Ribas and Vivian Fraga, the latter of whom is adept at defending clients in complex antitrust litigation. Merger review cases are a key area of expertise for Tatiana Lins Cruz, who acts for both acquirers and opposing parties. Patricia Bandouk Carvalho handles leniency negotiations and investigations, and also often acts for defendants in cartel cases.

Brazil > Compliance Tier 1

A ‘leader in the compliance and investigations market in Brazil’, TozziniFreire Advogados has a strong presence in large corporate investigations. The firm is home to a ‘dynamic‘ group of anti-corruption experts who, in addition to their skills in internal investigations, are also active in administrative lawsuits and crisis management. Major companies often seek the team’s advice on leniency agreements with the Brazilian Federal Prosecution Office, and compliance due diligence on M&A deals across a range of industries. The firm ‘has a powerful compliance offering with Shin Jae Kim and Giovanni Paolo Falcetta in the lead’; Kim – co-founder of the Latin American Compliance & Investigation League (LACIL) and board member of The Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) – coordinates cross-border mandates, including internal investigations and due diligence, while Falcetta, who splits his time between Brazil and Italy, specialises in internal investigations into corruption and fraud. Besides her strong performance in investigations, Renata Muzzi Gomes de Almeida boasts particular expertise in the negotiation of leniency agreements. Karla Lini Maeji focuses on internal investigations, regulatory and criminal enforcement. Marcelo Zenkner, a former public prosecutor in the state of Espirito Santo, draws on over 25 years of experience in compliance and anti-corruption policies to assist clients facing possible sanctions following investigations.

Brazil > Labour and employment Tier 1

Described by clients as ‘one of the most qualified labour teams in the country’, TozziniFreire Advogados  is regarded for its expertise in both contentious and non-contentious labour matters. The team frequently acts in sensitive dismissals involving C-level executives, strategic lawsuits and in the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements with unions. The group is also well placed to assist mandates concerning outsourcing and internal labour audits. Its diverse client portfolio features domestic and international heavyweights from a variety of industries, namely consumer goods, retail, manufacturing, financial services and IT. Leading the department, Alexandre de Almeida Cardoso has vast experience in acting for employers in disputes involving wrongful termination, executives' employment contracts and labour unions. Andre Fittipaldi offers expertise in social security issues, while Gabriela Lima specialises in non-contentious mandates, including hiring and compensation structures, which is also an area of focus for Mihoko Kimura. Fernanda Bianco Pimentel is recommended for litigation and negotiations with unions. Leonardo Augusto Padilha Bertanha is also a key name for collective bargaining, legal audits and due diligence.

Brazil > Capital markets Tier 2

Commended by clients for its ‘knowledge of the market and regulations, high responsiveness and collaboration‘, TozziniFreire Advogados has built a good reputation for cross-border debt and equity listings and regulatory support. The firm has carved out a strong niche in ESG-linked products, including manufacturing, renewables, and infrastructure-related green bonds. The firm is particularly active on the underwriter side, building on good links with many of Brazil’s top banks and financial institutions. Led by capital markets, structured finance and derivatives expert Alexei Bonamin, the practice covers transactional, regulatory, and investment fund matters. Ricardo Stuber is the main contact for the real estate receivables segment, while Fabíola Augusta Cavalcanti is active in domestic and cross-border matters involving debentures, shares, bonds, promissory notes and the constitution of investment funds.

City focus - Porto Alegre > Dispute resolution Tier 2

TozziniFreire Advogados is highly adept at representing major local, national, and international clients in a multitude of disputes before judicial courts and arbitration tribunals. Clients from across the energy, infrastructure, banking, telecoms, and food and beverages sectors regularly seek the group's assistance in corporate, commercial and contractual cases, as well as shareholder disputes, consumer law and civil liability claims. Recommended by clients for his extensive experience in high-profile arbitrations, Guilherme Carneiro Monteiro Nitschke is a key point of contact in the team. Corporate and contract law specialist Luis Renato Ferreira da Silva is another name to note for arbitration, while Vinícius de Oliveira Berni is skilled in administrative disputes involving highly regulated sectors, such as energy and telecoms. Gabriela Vitiello Wink, the trusted adviser to several banks, has expertise in financial services litigation, which is also an area of strength for Eduardo Mariotti, whose 'unique strategic and business vision' are praised by clients.

City focus - Porto Alegre > Labour Tier 2

Litigator Maurício De Carvalho Góes heads up the labour law team at TozziniFreire Advogados, which undertakes both contentious and non-contentious matters for domestic and international clients in the automotive, energy, food and beverage, paper, telecoms, technology, manufacturing, and financial services sectors. Showcasing extensive experience in collective negotiations with unions regarding the suspension, reduction, or termination of employment agreements, the practice is also skilled at defending corporate clients against damages lawsuits filed by former employees, including individual claims and class actions. On the advisory side, the team is well versed in workforce restructurings and transactional matters.

Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Arbitration Tier 2

Skilled in proceedings held in Brazil and abroad, TozziniFreire Advogados stands out for its experience in cases before CAM-CBBC and the ICC. Corporate, contractual, post-M&A and shareholder disputes are core areas of focus for the department, which is also a go-to for proceedings involving infrastructure projects, real estate developments and agreements with the public administration. Companies from the infrastructure, mining, energy, life sciences, manufacturing and consumer goods sectors routinely turn to the team, which is under the leadership of arbitration specialist Fernando Eduardo Serec in São Paulo. In the same office, Lucas Britto Mejias is recommended for corporate, commercial and banking-related proceedings, and Antonio Marzagão Barbuto Neto is proficient in international matters. Senior associate Maria Isabel De Sá Dias Machado advises on domestic arbitration and pre-litigation. Based in Porto Alegre, Luis Renato Ferreira da Silva often acts as counsel and arbitrator, while Guilherme Carneiro Monteiro Nitschke is a strong performer in major disputes before the Brazilian Arbitration Committee (CBAr) and the ICC involving the energy and infrastructure industries.

Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Litigation Tier 2

TozziniFreire Advogados acts for a diverse roster of high-profile clients in a broad spectrum of matters, ranging from proceedings before regulatory bodies to competition, corporate and public law judicial cases. Blue-chip multinationals and domestic entities operating in a range of sectors – from the worlds of energy and technology to construction and agribusiness – routinely seek the team’s assistance in strategic litigation. Leading both the arbitration and litigation groups, Fernando Eduardo Serec is recognised for his vast experience before the main Brazilian courts; he is a key contact for construction, energy, transport and life sciences clients. Fellow practice co-head Luíz Virgílio Pimenta Penteado Manente has notable strength in consumer law cases and commercial disputes in the telecoms space. Claims arising from M&A, distribution and agency agreements are among Mônica Mendonça Costa‘s areas of expertise. Elias Marques de Medeiros Neto‘s wide-ranging workload encompasses litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. Other notable practitioners include Flávia Cristina Moreira de Campos Andrade, who is proficient in judicial reorganisations; Patricia Helena Marta Martins, an expert in technology and consumer law mandates; and Isabela Braga Pompilio, who acts in complex cases before the superior courts and oversees the Brasília office. Co-head of the German desk, Carolina Matthes Dotto is highly engaged in civil and corporate disputes; she was promoted to partner in January 2022.

Brazil > Environment Tier 2

Singled out for its ‘broad technical knowledge‘, TozziniFreire Advogados ‘provides excellent services‘ in the field of environmental law, advising clients throughout all stages of environmental licensing, administrative proceedings, judicial litigation and project implementation. The group, which possesses a strong track record in climate change and carbon market-related matters, is retained in mandates across multiple environmentally sensitive industries, including real estate, agribusiness, infrastructure, energy and forestry. Other areas of expertise for the team include the identification of environmental risks in the context of corporate and financing transactions. The ‘brilliant‘ Adriana Mathias Baptista has devoted the past 25 years to environmental law, having advised on numerous high-stakes transactional and contentious matters. She oversees the practice with Bianca Bilton Signorini Antacli, whose ‘technical knowledge‘ is rated by clients; Antacli stands out for her knowledge of ESG and matters involving Brazilian Biodiversity and Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing (ABS). Vladimir Miranda Abreu spearheads the climate change and carbon market department, and has substantial experience in real estate transactions and timberland investments. Senior associate Danilo Lambert Vieira De Sousa handles environmental licensing matters and litigation before state and federal courts, the latter of which is also an area of particular focus for associate Bruno Pisani Della Barba.

Brazil > Public law Tier 2

Praised for its ‘extensive theoretical and practical knowledge‘, TozziniFreire Advogados‘ government projects and contracts team offers clients a comprehensive service, covering PPPs, public procurement and litigation. The practice has a wealth of experience in infrastructure projects and privatisations in the water and sewage, transport and logistics sectors. Regulatory matters and administrative litigation are other key areas of strength for the group, which is frequently instructed in proceedings before regulatory bodies and the Federal Court of Accounts. José Augusto Dias de Castro handles public contracts and compliance matters, Caio Loureiro advises on PPPs and concessions, and Marcelo Zenkner is recommended for anti-corruption compliance matters. Claudio Timm is no longer with the firm.

Tax > Customs Tier 2

Brazil > TMT: Cybersecurity and data privacy Tier 2

At TozziniFreire Advogados, the women-led data protection team - praised for its 'exceptional expertise and comprehensive understanding of data protection laws and regulations' - handles a variety of non-contentious and contentious matters, ranging from data breaches to compliance programmes, impact assessments and due diligence exercises. Marcela Waksman Ejnisman leads on consulting matters, including regulatory and contractual work related to training and data compliance projects. Data sharing agreements and breaches are among Carla do Couto Hellu Battilana's core areas of activity, while IP, technology and digital law specialist Luiza Sato is often engaged in the structuring and implementation of LGPD-compliant programmes and policies. The firm's litigation capabilities are also noteworthy; Patricia Helena Marta Martins steers the group in an array of administrative and judicial litigation matters, including high-profile cases involving tech giants and AI. Bruna Borghi Tomé and Sofia Gaviao Kilmar are other names to note for sensitive class actions, individual lawsuits, and administrative proceedings in this space.

Brazil > TMT: Tech, innovation and digital business Tier 2

The ‘innovative and forward-thinking‘ department at TozziniFreire Advogados is comprised of two practices – technology and innovation, and cybersecurity and data privacy – which enable it to provide comprehensive advice across the technology landscape. Major social media and networking companies are key clients for the firm, which has been increasingly engaged by fintechs and tech start-ups in relation to regulatory challenges involving digital wallets, cryptocurrency and assets. In addition to its regulatory expertise, the group also showcases strength in tech-related litigation and transactions, notably technology transfer agreements, venture capital funding and software licensing. Consultancy work (including corporate, IP and data privacy matters) is led by technology expert Marcela Waksman Ejnisman, while Patricia Helena Marta Martins heads up the litigation team. Other noteworthy practitioners include Carla do Couto Hellu Battilana and Luiza Sato, the latter of whom joined from ASBZ Advogados  in July 2022; both specialise in core technology issues related to internet and digital law. Bruna Borghi Tomé has substantial experience in litigation concerning technology and data privacy.

Brazil > Venture capital Tier 2

TozziniFreire Advogados fields a ‘well-trained', 'accessible‘ and ‘attentive’ venture capital team, which has a strong track record in investments and fundraising, advising investors and emerging growth companies on early and late-stage funding rounds. The team, which ‘boasts a differentiated position given its international profile‘ and core focus on technology and innovation, is also well placed to assist in the structuring and formation of funds, and implementation of corporate venture capital programmes. Department head João Busin, who is ‘able to quickly capture nuances of cases and business dynamics‘, has in-depth knowledge of the private equity and venture capital markets. Domestic and foreign clients often turn to Fernando Silveira Carvalho for advice on PE and VC transactions across an array of industries, including fintech. Other key individuals include Beatriz Seixas, who combines experience in M&A, PE and capital markets deals, and Juliana Soares Zaidan Maluf, ‘a skilled negotiator‘ in VC investments.

Brazil > Corporate and M&A: High-end Tier 3

The ‘excellent full-service firm’ TozziniFreire Advogados offers support to a mix of top-notch financial institutions and corporate clients from the worlds of energy, telecoms, healthcare, retail and technology, in some of their most significant deals in the Brazilian market. The group continues to attract a big volume of private equity deals and is also engaged in a number of transactions related to the purchase and sale of start-ups by larger companies, funds and alternative sponsors. João Busin – ‘a great reference in the business area’ – is routinely instructed by private equity firms, venture capital funds and institutional investors in relation to domestic and cross-border transactional work. He oversees the group with Marcela Waksman Ejnisman, who marries in-depth knowledge of technology and data protection matters with extensive experience in M&A. Fernando Silveira Carvalho – who is especially active in the automotive, education, fintech, technology, logistics and shipping sectors – advises on corporate governance, commercial contracts and M&A. Oswaldo Dalla Torre has a strong international background, and focuses on contracts and international agreements. Other key individuals include: Silvia Castro Cunha Zono, a key contact for agribusiness clients; Beatriz Seixas, who specialises in M&A and private equity; and Victor Frias Françoso.

Energy and natural resources > Electricity (and renewable energy)

‘Highly qualified and dedicated professionals‘ make up TozziniFreire Advogados‘ energy team, which is adept at assisting clients from the generation, transmission, distribution and trading segments, as well as institutional investors and large consumers in a broad spectrum of transactional matters in the power sector. The department has considerable experience in industry-related stock and asset deals, and is often engaged in the structuring and implementation of distributed generation and self-production projects. Also noteworthy is the group’s strong performance in the renewable energy space, covering biomass, biomethane, wind and solar power. Leonardo Miranda, who combines corporate and regulatory expertise, is seen with great regularity advising on M&A deals in the power sector. Ana Carolina Katlauskas Calil, who has in-depth knowledge of long-term PPAs and self-production structures, and Karin Yamauti Hatanaka, who is skilled in project finance, are also part of the core team.

Brazil > Insurance Tier 3

TozziniFreire Advogados provides comprehensive insurance and reinsurance advice encompassing corporate matters, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution. The team is active in emerging sectors like insurtech, and offers support in associated online and data protection matters. The firm also handles major coverage claims, M&A transactions, insurance policies, and joint ventures, where it represents prominent insurers, reinsurers, and brokers. The ‘excellent’ Bárbara Bassani De Souza ‘has a comprehensive and deep vision of the insurance market’, and jointly leads the team with New York-based partner Marcio Mello Silva Baptista.

Brazil > International trade Tier 3

TozziniFreire Advogados possesses ‘technical and specialised knowledge' of international trade. The group acts for domestic and international clients in anti-dumping investigations and sunset reviews, and is also proficient in compliance issues. Clients rate the ‘extreme professionalism’ of the team, which is led by Vera Kanas, whose previous experience at Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and track record in WTO disputes are noteworthy. Lisandra Pacheco excels in customs and tariff issues.

Brazil > Life sciences Tier 3

Rated for its ‘extensive experience‘ and ‘established presence‘ in the life sciences space, full-service firm TozziniFreire Advogados offers multidisciplinary advice to companies across multiple segments, though its primary focus lies on pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food and healthcare. The group, which has recently acquired new clients in the emerging field of pet health and food, is adept at handling a combination of regulatory, transactional, litigation, IP and tech-related matters, and is also skilled in advising on the import and export of health products. Department head Marco Aurélio Torronteguy, ‘an extremely prepared, well-educated, pragmatic, skilled and collaborative professional’, has a wealth of experience in administrative proceedings before ANVISA; clinical trials and regulatory issues involving medical devices are also among his key areas of expertise. Associate Victor Hugo Callejon Avallone offers key support in the context of administrative proceedings, M&A concerning the health sector and clinical trials.

Brazil > Projects and infrastructure Tier 3

Commended for its ‘dedication, involvement and availability‘, the infrastructure group at TozziniFreire Advogados attracts regular instructions from a variety of sponsors, multilateral agencies and investors. The firm, which is well placed to assist with public bids, financings and project development in the energy, water, waste, mobility and logistics sectors, has been particularly active in the purchase and disposal of infrastructure projects and companies. The team is under the joint leadership of two seasoned partners: Leonardo Miranda, who handles a mix of corporate, regulatory, financing and development work, and Jun Makuta, who heads up the Japan desk and routinely advises on transactions in the energy, chemical and infrastructure segments. Among the other names to note, Karin Yamauti Hatanaka specialises in project finance; Ana Carolina Katlauskas Calil has in-depth knowledge of power regulations; and Caio Loureiro – who joined from Cascione Pulino Boulos Advogados in March 2022 – focuses on government projects, including concessions and PPPs. Senior associate Erica Makiyama is often engaged in M&A deals involving regulated assets.

Brazil > Real estate Tier 3

Rated for its ‘agility, availability, technical knowledge’ and ‘up-to-date professionals’, TozziniFreire Advogados' real estate team is a popular choice for investors and asset managers seeking advice on multi-use developments, as well as hotel, infrastructure and student accommodation acquisitions and projects. Major corporate clients also instruct the firm on leasing and supply agreements for industrial facilities. Practice head Vladimir Miranda Abreu has a strong track record in transactions involving rural properties. Pablo Meira Queiroz frequently advises on the issuance of real estate receivables-backed securities. Julian Junqueira Rill and Gabriela Nunes stand out at the associate level for their involvement in real estate transactional matters.

Tax > Tax advisory Tier 3

TozziniFreire Advogados fields a strong team of tax lawyers who are ‘very well prepared technically’ and ‘always available for any discussions, whether simple or complex’. Contentious and non-contentious advice is provided across all of the key tax disciplines, including direct tax, indirect tax and customs law. Gustavo Nygaard jointly leads the team with Renata Emery, who is ‘very analytical and profound in her analyses’ of tax planning, litigation and cross-border transactions. Noted for his 'excellent communication' skills, Jerry Levers de Abreu has a keen focus on indirect taxation, while Erlan Valverde has developed a good name for corporate tax. Other lead partners include Ricardo Maitto, who is especially active in assisting multinationals (with a special focus on the pharmaceutical sector) in corporate reorganisations, M&A and strategic tax litigation, and Thiago Medaglia, ‘a professional with a vast repertoire in the tax sphere’, including customs and social security matters. Lisandra Pacheco stands out for her in-depth knowledge of indirect taxes and global trade.

Tax > Tax litigation Tier 3

Brazil > TMT: Media Tier 3

Handling both contentious and non-contentious mandates, TozziniFreire Advogados employs a cross-disciplinary approach, folding in its corporate, regulatory and IP expertise as it advises a number of media and entertainment clients. The group is frequently engaged by market-leading social media, gaming and e-sports companies, which turn to the team for its capabilities regarding the regulation of free speech, commercial agreements, licensing and copyright issues, among other matters. Marcela Waksman Ejnisman steers the team in a range of transactions, IP-related mandates, and agreements linked to the financing, broadcasting and distribution of content. Showcasing strength in the intersection of technology, media and data protection, Carla do Couto Hellu Battilana is a key contact for social media clients.

Brazil > TMT: Telecoms Tier 3

TozziniFreire Advogados attracts varied instructions from major telecom providers and operators of telecom towers seeking assistance in the negotiation of M&A transactions, infrastructure deals, commercial agreements and regulatory matters, including proceedings before ANATEL. Besides its strong domestic client base, the team is also a popular choice for international players, typically from the US, that offer internet-based telephone services. Corporate law specialist Marcela Waksman Ejnisman oversees the group, utilising her technology and telecoms knowledge to assist with regulatory and commercial issues. Luciana Bazan Martins Bisetti is a seasoned litigation attorney, who handles strategic cases for leading telecoms clients. Luiza Sato joined the firm from ASBZ Advogados in July 2022.

Brazil > Intellectual property Tier 4

‘Combining a deep understanding of the local market with a global perspective‘, TozziniFreire Advogados is home to ‘a team of highly skilled lawyers with extensive experience in a variety of IP' matters, including trade marks, copyright and technology agreements. Transactional matters involving IP assets and tech-related IP mandates are core strengths for the firm, which is proficient in prosecution, enforcement and litigation issues. Marcela Waksman Ejnisman is skilled at handling transactional and contentious matters in this space. She heads up the practice with Carla do Couto Hellu Battilana, who excels in the negotiation of joint venture agreements that involve IP and technology transfers. Associate Stephanie Consonni De Schryver assists domestic and international clients with the full spectrum of IP matters.

Brazil > White-collar crime and investigations Tier 5

Led by Isadora Fingermann, the white-collar crime department at TozziniFreire Advogados is regularly engaged by major companies and executives in proceedings involving tax evasion and financial crimes. Covering both investigations and litigation, the team often works in collaboration with other practices – most notably antitrust, labour and environment – in crisis management. Key areas of growth for the group include tech-related mandates and investigations into allegations of cyber fraud. Commended by clients for her ‘technical knowledge, strategy and experience‘, Fingermann excels in the defense of criminal cases and interactions with prosecutors. Senior associate Carolina Franco has worked in several high-profile corporate criminal cases. Associate Nathalia Latorre maintains a broad practice acting for corporations and individuals in cases related to the full range of white-collar crime offences, from money laundering to bid rigging.

City focus - Brasilia > Tax