Firms To Watch: Dispute resolution

The dispute resolution team at Martinelli Advogados is noted for its strong track record in representing private pension funds in large collective class actions, often securing wins in precedent-setting cases; Vanessa Lima Nascimento and Tiago de Oliveria Brasileiro are key contacts.
Specialised in arbitration, mediation and strategic litigation, boutique law firm Suzana Cremasco Advocacia offers expertise in a wide range of disputes, including contractual matters, family and succession law, civil liability, bankruptcy and judicial recovery.

Dispute resolution in Brazil

Azevedo Sette Advogados

Azevedo Sette Advogados has considerable expertise in complex litigation and arbitration, often handling a varied caseload of consumer law, IP, public law, corporate and banking disputes. Large domestic and international companies from various sectors such as mining, telecoms, construction and energy turn to the group for legal representation. With more than 25 years of experience in litigation and arbitration, João Capanema is a key name for product liability and insurance disputes. Felipe Moraes is well versed in arbitration proceedings involving concession contracts and energy and infrastructure projects. Also noted are Leonardo Farinha Goulart and Marcos Augusto Leonardo Ribeiro, who together combine expertise in competition, environmental, IP and corporate matters.

Practice head(s):

João Capanema; Felipe Moraes; Leonardo Farinha Goulart; Marcos Augusto Leonardo Ribeiro

Testimonials

‘Azevedo Sette is exemplary and of extreme technical capacity, always exceeding our expectations.’ 

‘Marcos Augusto Leonardo Ribeiro stands out in the team. He is a very competent and technical lawyer. The defense presented was excellent, putting us in a strong position.’

Madrona Fialho Advogados

With a varied client base of companies from the energy, mining, infrastructure, technology and education segments, Madrona Fialho Advogados frequently handles litigation and arbitration involving corporate, commercial and tax matters. The group is also known for its strong expertise in public law, making it a popular choice for clients seeking assistance with disputes related to concession agreements, PPPs and bidding processes. Érico Andrade and Gustavo Magalhães oversee a team focused on administrative and public law-related disputes. Leonardo Canabrava and Leonardo Birchal are key contacts for cases involving corporate and commercial matters. Supporting the team from São Paulo is arbitration expert Lucas Spadano.

Practice head(s):

Érico Andrade; Gustavo Magalhães; Leonardo Canabrava; Lucas Spadano; Leonardo Birchal

Key clients

Usina Siderúrgicas De Minas Gerais – Usiminas

Inspira Mudança Participações

Hap Engenharia

Sisnergy – Soluções e Sistemas Integrados

SPE Terminal

The Petra Group’s Shareholders

Torc – Terraplanagem, Obras Rodoviárias e Construções’ Shareholder (Túlio Vilela Miari)

BH Iluminação Pública

Axxiom Soluções Tecnológicas

Via Magna Construções e Empreendimentos

Mohallem Engenharia

LSM Participações

Parex Engenharia

Work highlights

  • Represented SumUp, a mobile payments company, in a court dispute involving Google and other relevant players in the Brazilian mobile payments market.
  • Assisted OECI, the infrastructure and construction arm of Novonor Group, formerly Odebrecht Group, with a lawsuit involving the R$300m public bidding for the rehabilitation of the waterfront of the city of Matinhos PR.
  • Assisted AEGEA Saneamento Group with the preparation and negotiation of the agreement of transfer of assets between the client and SANESUL in connection with the sub-concession for sewage services in 68 municipalities in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul.

Rolim, Viotti, Goulart, Cardoso Advogados

With notable strength in the energy, mining, telecoms and automobile segments, Rolim, Viotti, Goulart, Cardoso Advogados frequently handles complex litigation involving corporate and commercial matters. The group is particularly known for its expertise in disputes related to regulatory matters, real estate and consumer law. Heading the practice is Helvécio Franco Maia Júnior, who draws on over 20 years of experience in franchise dealership agreements, regulatory matters in the energy and telecoms industries, and mining contracts. At the associate level, Patrícia Pilo Bittencourt Redig is a key contact for disputes related to vehicle distribution agreements.

Practice head(s):

Helvécio Franco Maia Junior

Key clients

FCA Fiat Chrysler Automóveis

Peugeot Citroën do Brasil Automóveis

Mercedes-Benz do Brasil

Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans Brasil

TSEA Energia

Claro

Transmissora Aliança de Energia Elétrica (TAESA)

Algar Telecom

CNH Indústria Brasil

Telefônica Brasil

Anglogold Ashanti

Lundin Mining – Brasil

BP Bunge Bioenergia

Associação Brasileira de Distribuidores de Energia Elétrica (ABRADEE)

Mosaic Fertilizantes P & K

Consórcio Candonga

Vale

Companhia Paulista de Força e Luz (CPFL)

Rio Grande Energia

Operador Nacional do Sistema Elétrico (ONS)

GELF Siderurgia

Companhia de Geração e Transmissão de Energia Elétrica do Sul do Brasil (CGT ELETROSUL)

Ciber Equipamentos Rodoviários

Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais (CEMIG)

Ligas de Alumíno (LIASA)

Kinross Brasil Mineração

Companhia Estadual de Geração e Transmissão de Energia (CEEE-G)

Grupo Evoltz

Vallourec Soluções Tubulares do Brasil

Centrais Elétricas do Norte do Brasil (Eletronorte)

Kuttner do Brasil Equipamentos Siderúrgicos

Work highlights

  • Represented CPFL in an approximately R$200m dispute brought by a private operator of a major complex of highways in the state of São Paulo.
  • Assisted an international client with a series of disputes against a contractor hired to build a large industrial plant, regarding damages and compensation for flaws in the construction of the plant.

Freitas Ferraz Advogados

Working in close collaboration with the firm’s corporate department, the dispute resolution team at Freitas Ferraz Advogados is sought by large companies and high-net-worth individuals to handle shareholder disputes and complex corporate litigation. The group is well versed in matters involving M&A transactions, breach of non-compete agreements, land-development projects and real estate investment. Its client list is equally varied, including companies from the mining, energy, telecoms, construction and technology segments. Founding partner Guilherme Capuruço, whose expertise spans government contracts, civil liability and corporate restructuring, leads the practice, with support provided by key associate André Ruiz.

Practice head(s):

Guilherme Capuruço

Testimonials

‘Guilherme Capuruço demonstrates a high level of expertise.’

‘Top quality work.’

‘I would single out Guilherme Capuruço, given his ability to lead his lawyers and allow people to actively contribute to cases.’

‘The team conveys security to the client by being highly trained and up-to-date’

‘Guilherme Capuruço and Andre Ruiz are excellent lawyers. They develop very good theses.’

‘Freitas Ferraz is technically very good. With qualified, up-to-date professionals.’

‘Great lawyers. Qualified team that works hard and delivers results.’

‘What makes the team unique is the fact that they carefully select the cases in which to act, accepting only those in which they believe there is a possibility of an effective solution.’

Key clients

Horizonte Minerals

Phibion Brasil Tecnologia e Inovação em Mineração

CIPAC

Magnesita Refratários

CEI Energética Integrada

BTS Properties Empreendimentos Imobiliários

CJE Empreendimentos Imobiliários

Cosimat Siderúrgica de Matozinhos

CUREM Cursos de Urgência e Emergência e Editora

Bruno França Pádua Coelho

Work highlights

  • Represented the successors of Ajax Corrêa Rabello in a civil liability claim brought against the former officers of Banco Rural.
  • Represented Horizonte Minerals on all mineral easement disputes regarding the Araguaia Project, a nickel-mining venture involving a deposit of approximately 27m tons of ore.
  • Represented all plaintiffs in a decade-long corporate dispute regarding the partial dissolution of Tratex and Inca.

Humberto Theodoro Jr. Sociedade de Advogados

With a longstanding reputation in the Belo Horizonte market, Humberto Theodoro Jr. Sociedade de Advogados is particularly known for its strong expertise in dispute resolution. The group is a port of call for clients from the banking, mining, technology and real estate sectors seeking assistance with litigation and arbitration proceedings involving corporate and commercial matters. Key names include Humberto Theodoro Junior, Juliana Cordeiro de Faria and Humberto Theodoro Neto.

Tolentino Advogados S/C

With notable expertise in administrative and judicial disputes as well as corporate and commercial arbitration and mediation, Tolentino Advogados S/C is a popular choice for clients from the banking, agribusiness, logistics, mining and telecoms sectors. The dispute resolution team’s leadership is split between Augusto Tolentino, who has over 30 years of experience in complex litigation and arbitration cases; procedural law expert Cláudia Ferraz, who often represents clients before the appellate courts; and Daniel Freitas Drumond Bento, whose expertise spans corporate transactions and arbitration.

Practice head(s):

Augusto Tolentino; Cláudia Ferraz; Daniel Freitas Drumond Bento

Work highlights

  • Represented a client in a claim where the counterparty sought to annul the client’s vote in an extrajudicial liquidation proceeding.
  • Represented a client in several claims where the counterparties sought damages for the rupture of a dam.
  • Assisted a client with arbitration proceedings regarding the breach of a supply contract.

Vilas Boas, Lopes e Frattari Advogados

At Vilas Boas, Lopes e Frattari Advogados, the dispute resolution team excels in civil and commercial litigation, often representing companies from the automotive, telecoms, mining, construction and energy segments in strategic and sensitive cases, including those before the superior courts in Brasília. The group is also noted for its expertise in arbitration and corporate reorganisation proceedings. The practice is jointly led by Daniel Vilas Boas, who focuses on commercial and civil law disputes; Leonardo Martins Wykrota, whose expertise spans public and procedure law; and Christian Lopes, a key contact for arbitration and mediation involving corporate matters and commercial contracts.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Vilas Boas; Leonardo Martins Wykrota; Christian Lopes

Key clients

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Usinas Siderúrgicas de Minas Gerais (USIMINAS)

ArcelorMittal Brasil

Anglo América Minério de Ferro Brasil

CNH Latin America

Samarco Mineração

CEMIG Distribuição

Direcional Engenharia

Belgo Bekaert Arames

Gerdau Açominas

Acesita Previdência Privada

Fundação Ouro Branco

Cescon Barrieu

Cescon Barrieu is well known for its strength in mining disputes, though the firm's dispute resolution practice is also noted for its expertise in litigation involving the car rental, real estate and financial services industries. The group frequently assists domestic and international companies with commercial arbitration, cross-border litigation, administrative proceedings and disputes related to M&A transactions. The team is led by Luiz Nardy, who has more than 10 years of experience in litigation, arbitration, restructuring plans and corporate recovery cases.

Practice head(s):

Luiz Nardy

Key clients

Vale

Instituto Brasileiro de Mineração (IBRAM)

Anglo American Minério de Ferro Brasil

RHI Magnesita

Nexa Recursos Minerais

Samarco Mineração

Banco Mercantil do Brasil

Associação Nacional de Empresas de Aluguel de Veículos e Gestão de Frotas (ANAV)

Localiza Rent a Car

Unidas

Hipolabor Farmacêutica

Engefor Engenharia e Construções

Itapeva Florestal

Mineração Morro do Ipê

Codeme Engenharia

Grupo Herculano

Celulose Nipo-Brasileira (CENIBRA)

Intercement Brasil

Work highlights

  • Assisted Vale with a number of matters related to mining and civil law in federal courts.
  • Represented Samarco Mineração in several disputes related to environmental, mining and civil matters in state and federal courts.
  • Represented Anglo American Minério de Ferro Brasil in various disputes regarding iron ore exploration in the states of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro.

Grebler Advogados

Showcasing particular strength in arbitration and mediation, Grebler Advogados is a popular choice for clients seeking assistance with proceedings involving M&A, international sales of goods and equipment, and real estate matters. Another area of expertise for the practice is judicial disputes related to corporate insolvency and anti-competitive practices. The team is jointly led by founding partner and arbitration expert Eduardo Grebler and Eduardo Mohallem, who has extensive experience in litigation and arbitration involving commercial contracts, IP and civil liability.

Practice head(s):

Eduardo Grebler; Eduardo Mohallem

Key clients

Merck Sharp Dohme

ArcelorMittal Brasil

Stoque Soluções tecnológicas

Center Trading indústria e Comercio

Egesa Engenharia

Engemonte Engenharia Montagens e Equipamentos

AG Metalúrgica Fischer

ETC Empresa Taquaril de Minérios

MGI Minas Gerais Participações

Sion Advogados

With notable expertise in judicial and administrative disputes involving mining and environmental matters, the dispute resolution team at Sion Advogados often attracts clients from the energy, infrastructure, oil and gas, logistics and mining industries. Bernardo Pessoa, whose expertise spans commercial litigation and arbitration, regulatory matters and real estate disputes, leads the practice. Another key name in the team is founding partner Alexandre Sion, who has more than 20 years of experience assisting national and international clients with large energy and infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):

Bernardo Pessoa

Testimonials

‘Partners are always available and effectively interested and engaged in deals.’

‘Bernardo Pessoa has in-depth technical knowledge of the courts. This gives a lot of confidence. In addition, his experience in mining and energy projects contributes to the success of the cases.’

‘The great differential of Sion Advogados is the partners Alexandre Sion and Bernardo Pessoa, who have decades of experience in the performance of capital-intensive projects. The corporate and business vision applied to legal operations contributes to the success of transactions.’

Henrique Mourão Advocacia

Praised for ‘its close relationship with clients' and 'technical quality’, Henrique Mourão Advocacia is frequently turned to by national and international clients in arbitration and litigation involving commercial disputes. The team is also active in administrative proceedings before the federal and state audit courts. The department is jointly led by founding partner Henrique Mourão Advocacia, who has over 30 years of experience in M&A, environmental law and mining matters; arbitration specialist Raul De Araújo Filho; and Juliana Safar, an excellent lawyer’ who has a strong background in commercial and civil law disputes.

Practice head(s):

Henrique Mourão; Raul de Araujo Filho; Juliana Safar

Testimonials

‘The office stands out for its close relationship with clients and technical quality, which adds confidence to the work provided. The professionals are efficient and answer promptly and quickly.’

‘In addition to Henrique Mourão, who has in-depth technical knowledge and closely monitors all my matters, I would like to highlight the work of Juliana Safar, who has extensive experience and delivers fast results.’

‘Exceptional quality. They treat clients with empathy and are always available, returning calls promptly and dealing with queries in an agile way.’

Key clients

Samarco Mineração

Paranasa Empreendimentos e Comércio

Work highlights

  • Represented Samarco Mineração in a claim filed by a claimant seeking compensation of approximately R$250m for damages allegedly suffered due to an environmental accident.
  • Assisted Paranasa Empreendimentos e Comércio with an action brought by Minasmáquinas Automóveis seeking compensation for damages caused to its properties.
  • Represented a client in a claim filed by an insurance company requesting compensation in the amount of R$111.5m.

Portela, Lima, Lobato & Colen Advogados

With capabilities in both arbitration and litigation, Portela, Lima, Lobato & Colen Advogados is particularly known for its strong expertise in the real estate, construction and shopping centre sectors. The group is a popular choice among clients looking for representation in public civil actions and complex disputes involving real estate issues. Arbitration and litigation expert João Víctor Martins leads the dispute resolution team in Belo Horizonte. Other key names in the team are Júlio Carvalho De Paula Lima and Diogo Silva.

Practice head(s):

João Víctor Martins

Testimonials

‘Multidisciplinary and extremely qualified team that meets the demands of all areas.’

‘Lawyers that are highly qualified and prepared to meet the clients’ demands, in addition to a high level of technical knowledge.’

‘Portela, Lima, Lobato & Colen Advogados acts in an unparalleled way, always seeking to solve problems with the least costs and the best possible result.’

Key clients

Walmart (Grupo Big)

Tenco Shopping Centers

E.P.O. Engenharia Planejamento e Obras

Direcional Engenharia

Construtora Caparaó

Aliansce Sonae

Gazit Brasil

Patrimar Engenharia

Ancar Invanhoe

Forcasa Incorporações Imobiliárias

Even Construtora e Incorporadora

Construtora Canopus

Grupo Pão De Açúcar

Afya Participaçoes

Rossi Residencial

BBB Equipos

Jereissati Centros Comerciais

Emccamp Residencial

Participar

AD Shopping Agência de Desenvolvimento de Shopping Centers

Even Construtora e Incorporadora

Work highlights

  • Represented Apis Engenharia e Empreendimentos in arbitration proceedings, securing a considerable reduction in the indemnity payable by the client.
  • Successfully represented Construtora Caparaó in a public civil action.
  • Assisted Patrimar Engenharia in securing a preliminary injunction lifting an order to suspend construction works.

Tavernard Advogados

Complex corporate and commercial disputes are core pillars of the dispute resolution practice at Tavernard Advogados, which is frequently retained by clients from an array of sectors, most notably financial services, construction, technology and education. Skilled in both litigation and arbitration proceedings, the team is well versed in disputes involving banking, public law, commercial and civil matters. The department is jointly led by Mário Tavernard, a key contact for disputes related to M&A transactions, investment funds and corporate restructurings, and arbitration and litigation expert Guilherme Vinseiro Martins.

Practice head(s):

Mário Tavernard; Guilherme Vinseiro Martins

Testimonials

‘The team is composed of strategists that know how to coordinate cases. Always available.’

‘Guilherme Vinseiro is our contact for strategic litigation. He has technical knowledge and experience in complex cases that require thorough work.’

‘Renowned firm in the market, which has professionals with strong technical expertise.’

Key clients

TSX Participações e Administração Limitada

Transaex Assessoria

BII BTS – FII Investment Fund Shareholders

Ster Engenharia

Concert Tecnologies

HotMilhas

Fernando Silveira e Silva

Wagner Spinola

Inelto Construções e Comércio

Fernandes Administradora de Bens e Negócios

TFC (The Forest Company)

Work highlights

  • Assisted TSX Participações e Administração Limitada and Transaex Assesoria with an enforcement dispute against Banco do Brasil.
  • Represented BII BTS – FII Investment Fund Shareholders in a claim filed by Votorantim Asset Management seeking to annul a decision to replace the fund managers.
  • Represented HotMilhas in a complex civil claim filled by Latam Linhas Aéreas and Multiplus, regarding the right to negotiate flight ticket miles.