Souto Correa Advogados‘ ‘practical experience, technical knowledge and commercial mindset‘ are ‘unparalleled in the local market‘. The firm is one of the first ports of call in Porto Alegre for clients from a wide range of sectors, including tech, manufacturing, energy and pesticides, seeking assistance in strategic disputes. The practice is particularly known for its broad expertise, which covers litigation involving consumer law, environmental issues, civil liability, corporate and contractual conflicts as well as concession matters. Other areas of strength for the team include domestic and international arbitration, and mediation proceedings. Litigator Guilherme Rizzo Amaral jointly leads the group with associate Rafael Sirangelo de Abreu, who focuses on both judicial and extrajudicial proceedings. Diogo Squeff Fries and Otávio Domit are key contacts for high-profile civil and commercial disputes.
Dispute resolution in Brazil
Souto Correa Advogados
Practice head(s):
Guilherme Rizzo Amaral; Rafael Sirangelo de Abreu
Other key lawyers:
Otávio Domitt; Diogo Squeff Fries; Geraldo Korpaliski Filho; Ronaldo Kochem (Associate)
Testimonials
‘Very accessible partners, very specialised team and always helpful and brave in defending their clients.’
‘Associate Ronaldo Kochem is an excellent lawyer with a lot of experience in the civil and contractual areas.’
‘Otávio Domitt is a name to be praised for sure. Among other attributes, he has extensive knowledge of civil procedure.’
‘Souto Correa Advogados stands out for its technical quality in the preparation of procedural documents, competence in negotiating judicial and extrajudicial agreements, in addition to the availability of the team to serve clients. They are also flexible to adapt the monitoring reports of the actions according to the specific needs of the client.’
‘I would like to acknowledge the partners Diogo Squeff Fries and Geraldo Korpaliski Filho. They are excellent professionals, always available to provide practical and business-oriented advice, with technical excellence and understanding of the business conducted by our company.’
‘Souto Correa has one of the best dispute resolution practices in the country. The practical experience, technical knowledge and commercial mindset offered by the team are unparalleled in the local market and rarely found in the international market. From domestic claims to large international arbitrations, crisis management and general advice, Souto Correa is certainly a market leader in the field.’
‘Guilherme Amaral and Diogo Squeff Fries are market leaders. Both have extensive practical experience and solid technical knowledge, always combined with excellent customer service. These are two of the best dispute lawyers in the country.’
‘Technical knowledge, depth of analysis and understanding of client interests.’
Key clients
Taurus Máquinas-Ferramenta
Malbec Comercio de Materiais Elétricos
Fundação CEEE de Seguridade Social
RGE Sul Distribuidora de Energia (CPFL Energia Group)
CERAN – Companhia Energética do Rio das Antas
WMS Supermercados do Brasil (Grupo BIG)
Adama Brasil
Panambra Sul Comércio de Veículos
Aeromot Aeronaves e Motores
Buser Brasil Tecnologia
Work highlights
- Represented Grupo BIG in two claims against Praia de Belas Shopping Center before the Porto Alegre Civil Court, regarding an eviction filed by the shopping centre and a lease renewal action filled by Grupo BIG.
- Acted for Panambra in two real estate disputes, involving the value of the monthly rent payment and termination penalties.
- Assisted Buser with all claims filled against the company in the Southern region of Brazil.
CMT – Carvalho, Machado e Timm Advogados
With notable expertise in complex and strategic litigation, including extrajudicial proceedings, CMT – Carvalho, Machado e Timm Advogados attracts instructions from clients operating in an array of industries, including biotech, oil and gas, energy, and agribusiness. Its disputes team has been particularly busy handling contentious matters related to commercial and distribution agreements, shareholder conflicts and environmental issues. Corporate law expert Luciano Benetti Timm leads the practice alongside Tiago Faganello, who is well versed in litigation and arbitration proceedings. Other key names in the team are Danilo Brum De Magalhães and associate Maria Rafaela Saadi Nunes.
Practice head(s):
Luciano Benetti Timm; Tiago Faganello
Testimonials
‘Empathy and the quest to understand the client’s needs in addition to a technical assessment of the law. Seeking to advise the best and most prudent course of action in light of the client’s context.’
‘CMT is a firm that stands out for the quality of its technical team, in addition to the production of well-founded procedural strategies, bringing strong results for our company.’
‘Availability and proposal of creative solutions.’
‘I would highlight partners Tiago Faganello and Danilo Brum de Magalhães, in addition to associate Maria Rafaela Saadi Nunes. The qualities I value in these professionals are technical quality, availability, creativity, organisation and sense of ownership, which make them excellent partners for our business.’
Key clients
Ambev
Indigo – Administradora Geral de Estacionamentos
Juntos Somos Mais
Merck
Philip Morris Brasil Indústria E Comércio
PPG Industrial Do Brasil – Tintas E Vernizes
Syngenta Proteção de Cultivos
Yara Brazil Fertilizantes
Work highlights
- Assisted Teikon Tecnologia Industrial in an arbitration involving commercial agreements.
- Represented Yara Brasil Fertilizantes in a claim filed by fishermen seeking compensation in connection to the discharge of sulphuric acid from a Bahamas vessel in the Lagoa dos Patos in 1998.
- Acted for Setapar’s CEO and major shareholders in an arbitration involving a shotgun clause in a share purchase option agreement.
Silveiro Advogados
Silveiro Advogados stands out for its strong track record defending telecom companies, most notably Telefonica, in complex litigation cases before state and federal courts, including high-value class actions. Although specialised in corporate litigation and arbitration, the group is also well positioned to handle disputes involving real estate projects, often representing leading construction companies operating in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. Ricardo Ranzolin, who draws on more than 37 years of experience in class actions, corporate disputes and construction litigation, oversees the department. Another key name is Ricardo Fortes, who regularly assists banks and corporations with complex disputes and court-supervised reorganisations.
Practice head(s):
Ricardo Ranzolin
Other key lawyers:
Fábio de Albuquerque Silva; Ricardo Fontes
Testimonials
‘Their technical knowledge is great. Security, responsibility and fast turn-around are the differentials of the firm. Top-notch team of interns like you won’t see elsewhere.’
‘The team has a very solid theoretical knowledge and great experience in the field. Whenever help is needed, they do not hesitate to call other colleagues for collaboration, in a very integrated way.’
‘The firm provides a differentiated and personalised service. They are excellent and innovative. We discussed numerous strategies together that were successful.’
‘The team is extremely technical and dedicated.’
‘I would like to highlight Fábio de Albuquerque Silva, an excellent lawyer, extremely technical and dedicated.’
‘What draws our attention the most is the firm’s ability to promptly answer our queries; there is a promptness in service that brings us a lot of tranquility.’
‘Silveiro’s make an effort to know every detail of the case brought by the client, examining facts and evidence with a multidisciplinary view from the most diverse angles. They are distinguished in the market by the qualification of the professionals and by their extreme dedication in seeking to build an integral solution to the client’s problem. Allied to this is a multidisciplinary vision, the use of modern technology tools and refined negotiation techniques.’
Key clients
Telefonica Brasil
Elevadores Otis
Rio Bravo Investimentos
Terra Santa Agro
Frusapar Participações
Banco Cooperativo SICREDI
BANRISUL – Banco do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul
Rohden Indústria Lignea
CSL – Cordoaria São Leopoldo
Casa da Montanha Group
Work highlights
- Represented Zaffari in an action relating to the right to vindicate the possession of a building located in a strategic and prime area of the city of Porto Alegre.
- Acted for Telefônica in actions that changed and consolidated the understanding of the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) about the method of subscription and paying of its shares in thousands of contracts.
- Representing Terra Santa in six actions concerning the sale of a biodiesel plant.
TozziniFreire Advogados
Major domestic and international companies turn to TozziniFreire Advogados for assistance in litigation before all levels of the judiciary, and arbitration cases involving the energy, transport, banking, infrastructure and telecoms sectors. In addition to its track record in disputes against regulatory agencies and public authorities, the group excels in contentious matters concerning commercial contracts, consumer law and civil liability. Civil and post-M&A arbitration proceedings are among Guilherme Carneiro Monteiro Nitschke‘s areas of expertise. Eduardo Mariotti is a key name for banking, financial and consumer disputes, while Luis Renato Ferreira da Silva focuses on contractual issues. Vinícius de Oliveira Berni is specialised in administrative and regulatory law. Gabriela Vitiello Wink is well versed in civil litigation. Senior associate Filipe Nasi is noted for his expertise in judicial and administrative disputes.
Practice head(s):
Eduardo Mariotti; Luis Renato Ferreira da Silva; Vinícius de Oliveira Berni; Guilherme Carneiro Monteiro Nitschke; Gabriela Vitiello Wink
Testimonials
‘The technical quality of the professionals, organisation, and transparency sets the practice apart.’
‘Vinicius de Oliveira Berni and Filipe Nasi stand out for their availability.’
‘The lawyers are very attentive, and achieve great results.’
‘Great ability to seek positive results for the clients.’
Key clients
RGE Sul Distribuidora de Energia
Banco Santander
Banco do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul – BANRISUL
CPFL Energia
Claro
Lojas Renner
SPAL Indústria Brasileira de Bebidas (Coca Cola FEMSA)
Braskem
Companhia de Geração e Transmissão de Energia Elétrica do Sul do Brasil – Eletrobras CGT Eletrosul
Fras-Le
Sodexo Comercial do Brasil
Sport Club Internacional
Copobras SA Indústria e Comércio de Embalagens
Cosan
Pirelli
Tanac
Banco BMG
Ford Motor Company Brasil
Work highlights
- Represented Banco Santander in a claim filed by Caixa Econômica Federal against Banco Santander and Bozano Holding, in which the claimant requested the account reconciliation for credits and debts related to the acquisition and transfer of assets concluded by the parties in 1997.
- Acted for TESB – Transmissora de Energia Sul Brasil in a claim against ProCable Telecomunicações e Energia seeking compensation for damages arising from the breach of an EPC contract.
- Acted for Claro in a claim filed by Centrais Elétricas de Goiás – CELG.
Veirano Advogados
The dispute resolution team at Veirano Advogados possesses a strong track record in complex litigation and arbitration, with a particular focus on disputes arising from M&A transactions and commercial contracts. The team is also seasoned in regulatory matters, often representing clients from the energy, mining, oil and gas, and logistics segments in administrative disputes involving concessions and public law contracts. Product liability and consumer law claims also feature on the caseload. Department head Filipe Scherer Oliveira has a strong background in sensitive litigation cases. Another key practitioner in the team is Mauro Hiane de Mouro, who focuses on administrative, regulatory and compliance law.
Practice head(s):
Filipe Scherer Oliveira
Other key lawyers:
Luiz Migliora
Testimonials
‘Veirano provides top-notch legal advice and strategic guidance for the most complex commercial matters, including mandates that involve multi-jurisdictional elements. The firm has an outstanding depth and breadth of expertise.’
‘Filipe Oliveira Scherer is a fantastic lawyer. He is very mindful of the client’s strategic goals, extremely detail-oriented, and develops persuasive and reasonable advocacy strategies.’
‘Luiz Migliora is thoughtful and a top-level advocate. He quickly drills down on the key points and distills them into a persuasive oral presentation. He has an impactful presence and easily captures the attention of the court.’
‘The team is very thorough with the discovery, in addition to always being there to assist clients with urgent demands. They are always assertive and demonstrate technical confidence in relation to the subject demanded.’
‘Availability of service, client care and assertiveness in legal opinions.’
‘Veirano’s dispute resolution team stands out for its holistic view, quick understanding of the company’s strategies and the impactful solutions.’
‘Filipe Scherer Oliveira and Diego Lerner are exceptional. They navigate through the various fields of law that affect the conflict with an accurate vision and a broad and efficient strategy, effectively resolving the dispute.’
Key clients
Clariant
CropLife Brasil
Associação Brasileira de Defensivos Pós-Patente (AENDA)
Sindicato Nacional da Indústria de Produtos para Defesa Vegetal (SINDIVEG)
BASF
Philip Morris International
Yara Brasil Fertilizantes
Borrachas Vipal
99 Tecnologia
WestRock
Work highlights
- Acted for Philip Morris International in a class action filed by the Federal Government seeking reimbursement of costs incurred by the National Health System (SUS) with the treatment of diseases allegedly caused by smoking.
- Represented Yara in an emergency writ of mandamus that managed to suspend an order to undock a ship loaded with the client’s cargo at the Santos Port.
- Assisted CropLife Brasil, Sindicato Nacional da Indústria de Produtos para Defesa Vegetal and Associação Brasileira de Defensivos Pós-Patente (AENDA) as amicus curiae at the Supreme Court in a case discussing the constitutionality of the law regarding trade barriers on pesticides.
Andrade Maia Advogados
Andrade Maia Advogados excels in large-scale, strategic and complex litigation related to a range of matters, most notably tax, labour and commercial law. Its client base is equally broad featuring companies from the tech, energy, infrastructure, telecoms and real estate sectors. With increasing demand from hospitals and health insurance companies, the firm has recently established a team specialised in healthcare disputes. Civil procedure and labour law are strong points for Julio Cesar Goulart Lanes. Carolina De Azevedo Altafini Brody is a key contact for corporate disputes. Other key names include Otávio Luiz Verdi Motta, Fabrício Costa Pozatti and Fábio Cardoso Machado.
Practice head(s):
Julio Cesar Goulart Lanes; Otávio Luiz Verdi Motta; Fabrício Costa Pozatti; Carolina de Azevedo Altafini Brody; Fábio Cardoso Machado
Testimonials
‘The firm stands out for the management of complex portfolios.’
‘Julio Cesar Goulart Lanes stands out for his leadership and up-to-date legal knowledge.’
‘A great firm with a lot of quality in dispute resolution.’
‘The firm uses accessible language without legalese or formalities and that is focused on solving the client’s problems.’
‘Andrade Maia combines quality with availability. The professionals are able to solve the challenges that the client faces. They have a good network of offices and serve us all over Brazil. Very attentive partners.’
‘I would highlight Otávio Luiz Verdi Motta. The qualities that I highlight the most are his availability, sense of ownership and technical quality to propose solutions and help the client in the most challenging moments.’
Key clients
General Motors do Brasil
Jaguar Land Rover
Uber Tecnologia do Brasil
Construtora Queiroz Galvão
CIA Mutual de Seguros
Unimed Porto Alegre
Mercado Livre
Dobreve Participacoes
Lojas Renner
Hart’s Alimentos Naturais
Lojas Renner
Claro
SL Ambiental
Lojas Quero-Quero
Lojas Colombo
Work highlights
- Acted for Construtora Queiroz Galvão in a claim challenging the decision which authorised China Railway to take part in the public bidding process conducted by the City of Canoas.
- Represented Planauto Administradora de Consórcios in a claim seeking to open the discussion about the legitimacy of the Brazilian Central Bank to liquidate the company’s assets.
- Assisted General Motors do Brasil with a product liability claim.
Feijó Lopes Advogados
Feijó Lopes Advogados offers national and international companies assistance in a broad range of contentious matters, most notably civil and commercial litigation. Besides its expertise in tax and labour law disputes, the group is well versed in conflicts involving negotiations of debt, breach of contracts and debt recovery. A key name in the team is founding partner Lúcio Feijó Lopes, who is skilled in complex commercial negotiations and litigation.
Gerson Branco Advogados
Gerson Branco Advogados is retained by private clients and companies from the agribusiness, banking, education and construction sectors in relation to litigation and arbitration cases. Its dispute resolution team is equipped to assist in disputes involving civil liability, consumer law, insolvency and corporate and commercial matters. Founding partner Gerson Luiz Carlos Branco leads the group alongside Flaviana Rampazzo Soares, who is specialised in contractual issues and civil litigation, and Diogo Merten Cruz, a key contact for extrajudicial proceedings and insolvency cases.
Practice head(s):
Gerson Luiz Carlos Branco; Flaviana Rampazzo Soares; Diogo Merten Cruz
Testimonials
‘Personalised solutions for our company, strict risk control and high predictability differentiates the firm from competitors.’
‘We are supported by Lenin Mariano da Rocha and Gerson Luiz Carlos Branco. Both are excellent lawyers with a lot of technical and market knowledge.’
‘The firm stands out for its professionals, who have excellent technical knowledge in their areas of expertise, providing services in a personalised way.’
‘All professionals are excellent, but I highlight as a reference point Gerson Luiz Carlos Branco.-
‘Legal knowledge, care and success in the processes.’
Key clients
Dakota Group
Portocred A Credito, Financiamento e Investimento
Raiz Educação
Cerealle Technologia em Alimentos
Granjas 4 Irmãos
Industria de Alimentos e Construções
Encorp Engenharia e Construções
Serra Morena Corretora
AGM Operadora Portuária
Kaefe Engenharia e Empreendimentos Imobiliários
Work highlights
- Assisted Dakota Group in several disputes involving tax, consumer and contract law.
- Acted for Portocred SA Crédito, Financiamento e Investimento in complex contractual disputes.
- Represented João Carlos de Oliveira Junior (Granjas 4 Irmãos) in litigation cases related to corporate and contract law.
Rossi, Maffini, Milman & Grando Advogados
Rossi, Maffini, Milman & Grando Advogados is regularly engaged in strategic litigation involving corporate and commercial law. Domestic and international clients operating in the banking, entertainment and construction sectors regularly turn to the team for advice. Skilled in both extrajudicial and judicial disputes before all levels of the judiciary, the group assists in damages claims, preliminary injunctions and defense strategies. Civil law expert Fabio Milman jointly oversees the department with Rafael Maffini, who has extensive experience in administrative and public law.
Practice head(s):
Fabio Milman; Rafael Maffini
Testimonials
‘Firm with excellent dispute resolution capabilities, always looking for a good solution and producing interesting strategies.’
‘I highlight the strategy of the firm in seeking the best results for its clients.’
‘Competence and seriousness that generate security and reliability’
‘Agile and always available team, up-to-date on legislative changes.’
Key clients
XP Investimentos
Andrade Gutierrez
Saint Gobain Brasil
Banco de Lage Landen Brasil
Fleury
FoodChain ID (formally Global ID)
Grupo RBS – Zero Hora
Iguatemi Shopping
SPE Holding Beira-Rio
Enerfin do Brasil
Amvian Indústria e Comércio de Peças Automotivas
Marcopolo
SLC Agrícola
DC Set Shows e Entretenimento
Opus Assessoria e Promoções Artísticas
LTS Incorporadora e Construtora Eireli
Arauco Indústria de Paineis
CMPC Celulose Riograndense
Medabil Soluções Construtivas
Indústria de Plásticos Herc
Fleckstan Participações
Work highlights
- Assisted XP Investimentos in disputes, in which claimants complained about negotiations made in their names without their consent or disclaimer about risks.
- Represented RBS in a claim seeking to block the client from disclosing irregularities in the granting of the Federal Government’s emergency aid.
- Acted for Amviam in a claim seeking repossession of its property.
Scalzilli Althaus Advogados
The civil and commercial litigation team at Scalzilli Althaus Advogados is noted for its broad expertise, which encompasses contentious matters related to consumer relations, real estate, civil liability, debt recovery and commercial contracts. Ingrid Nedel Spohr, who has more than 10 years of experience in family, real estate and civil liability cases, chairs the practice with Veronica Althaus, who is often engaged in corporate litigation, restructurings and M&A transactions.
Practice head(s):
Ingrid Nedel Spohr; Veronica Althaus
Key clients
Daniel Antonio Zarth Francisco Hepp
Foxter Consultoria Imobiliária
Salustiano Justo
Construtora Sultepa
Pedrasul Construtora
Sultepa Participações
Cargill Alimentos
Stepie – ULB
Diferencial Agrícola
Work highlights
- Acted for Cargill Alimentos in a compensation action for moral and material damages.
- Represented Cargill Agricola in a civil action against the Public Ministry of Mato Grosso.
- Assisted Sulcatarinense Min. Artefato de Cim, Brit e Construções in an action seeking material damages against Autopista for building and road maintenance.