‘Fully focused on arbitration and judicial disputes‘, Ferro, Castro Neves, Daltro & Gomide Advogados has an excellent track record of victories and successful awards in the context of arbitral proceedings. The group, which is primarily based in Rio de Janeiro, is particularly renowned for its experience in high-stakes arbitration cases in the commercial, construction and infrastructure spaces, having handled some of the most high-profile disputes arising from oil and gas projects and energy plants in the country. The team is a go-to choice for domestic clients and foreign entities with investments in Brazil engaged in international arbitration involving shareholder disputes, where it normally acts alongside leading foreign law firms. Marcelo Ferro, who often acts as counsel and arbitrator in domestic and international arbitrations involving corporate, commercial and construction disputes, ‘is a highly experienced, tactically astute leader in the Brazilian Bar‘. He jointly manages the practice with José Roberto De Castro Neves, whose experience covers both arbitration and judicial litigation. Karina Goldberg ‘is a key member of the arbitration team‘, who handles arbitrations arising from M&A, construction and shareholder agreements out of the São Paulo office. Rodrigo Barreto Cogo, Natalia Mizrahi Lamas and Antonio Pedro de Souza are other noteworthy arbitration practitioners, whose experience also extends to litigation.

Domestic and foreign companies, financial institutions and investors turn to Mattos Filho for representation in arbitrations in Brazil and abroad. The ‘first-rate arbitration team‘ has the ability to ‘deal with the largest cases and bring specialist knowledge to bear in the most difficult issues’ in the infrastructure, energy, telecoms, construction, and oil and gas sectors. Major arbitrations involving M&A and corporate law are other key strengths for the department, which has experienced a substantial increase in demands related to securities and international disputes against public entities. Recognised as ‘one of the best arbitration lawyers in Brazil‘, Eduardo Damião Gonçalves has worked as counsel and arbitrator in a variety of cases including in ICC and UNICITRAL proceedings. Arthur Gonzalez Cronenberger Parente is rated for being ‘a tenacious, skilled strategist with a commercial mindset‘; corporate and M&A disputes are among his areas of expertise. Flávio Spaccaquerche Barbosa is a name to note for proceedings involving the construction and oil and gas industries, while André Chateaubriand Martins handles arbitrations arising from banking, energy, corporate and commercial issues. Laura Ghitti stands out at the associate level for her involvement in commercial and investment arbitration cases.

The ‘highly qualified‘ arbitration team at Pinheiro Neto Advogados is a recognised market leader for complex, high-value and cross-border disputes. The team routinely represents multinational companies operating in a variety of industries, such as oil and gas, energy, telecoms, insurance and healthcare, involved in high-stake arbitrations arising from M&A and corporate governance agreements, construction contracts, infrastructure investments, PPPs and concessions. With over three decades of experience in dispute resolution, Gilberto Giusti is singled out for his arbitration work related to civil, commercial, corporate, securities and construction disputes. Major cases involving construction and infrastructure projects in Brazil and Latin America are core strengths for Júlio César Bueno, who excels in cross-border disputes involving power plants and mining facilities. Renato Stephan Grion ‘is extremely competent in arbitration proceedings‘, most notably ICC arbitrations. Rodrigo Persone P. Camargo has combined expertise in litigation and arbitration, while Pedro Barradas Barata stands out for his work in arbitration proceedings concerning financial services and life sciences players. Thaís Fernandes Chebatt focuses on dispute resolution involving infrastructure, construction and engineering contracts.

Retained to lead some of the most significant disputes in Brazil, Sergio Bermudes Advogados‘ arbitration team is routinely engaged by large domestic and foreign companies as well as financial services clients and concessionaires. With longstanding experience in the field of arbitration, the practice possesses strong credentials in arbitration proceedings arising from corporate, investment and contractual disputes. Claims involving insurance contracts, energy and real estate projects also feature on the department’s busy caseload. Sergio Bermudes enjoys a strong reputation in the market for his involvement in high-stakes disputes heard before judicial and arbitral courts. Corporate disputes are an area of particular focus for Marcio Vieira Souto Costa Ferreira, while Fabiano Robalinho Cavalcanti is a key contact for cross-border commercial and corporate arbitrations. Other key individuals include Guilherme Valdetaro Mathias, who focuses on cases pertaining to commercial, corporate and financing contracts; Caetano Berenguer, who is recommended for international proceedings; Ricardo Loretti Henrici; and Fernando Novis.

The sizeable arbitration practice at BMA - Barbosa, Müssnich, Aragão has an impressive track record in complex and high-profile matters before arbitration tribunals in Brazil and abroad. Its strong performance in cross-border matters is noteworthy, as is its ability to handle a myriad of arbitration cases involving commercial, post-M&A and investment-related disputes. The department’s sector-specific expertise is also highly varied, spanning energy, construction, financial services, mining, healthcare, insurance and real estate, among others. Clients rely on co-head André Abbud‘s ‘extensive experience in arbitration‘ arising from corporate, capital markets, infrastructure and contractual disputes. Fellow co-leader Pedro Oliveira Da Costa focuses on litigation and arbitration, most notably contentious issues resulting from contracts and commercial agreements. Agribusiness, mining, construction and pharmaceutical companies often seek Luiz Fernando Fraga‘s assistance in arbitration at the domestic and international levels. Mario Gelli and Gustavo Santos Kulesza, the latter of whom is noted for international proceedings, are other key individuals. Luciana Celidonio recently joined from Tauil & Chequer Advogados, while Iara Santos Conrado Costa Ferreira and Renan Frediani Torres Peres were promoted to partner in late 2021.

Demarest Advogados houses a premier arbitration practice specialising in investment treaty arbitration, with extensive experience of handling claims for clients across a wide range of sectors, including pharmaceutical, automobile, steel and commodities, power, and infrastructure in general. Corporate disputes and arbitration arising from capital markets, M&A transactions and shareholder agreements also feature in the firm’s impressive portfolio. Covering both domestic and international arbitration, the team is noted for its strength in construction and contractual disputes, while showcasing niche expertise in sports and entertainment cases. Camila Biral is regularly instructed in complex arbitration proceedings involving corporate and contractual issues. Since publication, Celso Xavier, Marcelo Inglez de Souza, Carlo Verona, and Rafael Gagliardi have left the firm, effective as of May 2023.

‘Highly specialised in arbitration‘, Mannheimer is ‘able to structurally and globally think of complex disputes to deliver the best possible advice in terms of strategy and damage control‘. Showcasing experience in proceedings held in Brazil and abroad, the team has particular experience in cases before CAM-CCBC and ad-hoc arbitrations, where it acts alongside renowned global law firms. The practice, which regularly participates in complex matters involving contractual, shareholder and M&A disputes, is well equipped to handle commercial disputes in sectors such as construction, infrastructure, oil and gas, and financial services, to name a few. Sergio Mannheimer has a wealth of experience acting as both counsel and arbitrator before the ICC and other arbitral institutions. International proceedings are also an area of activity for Tomaz Lyra, who is seasoned in commercial and corporate disputes. Marcela Levy, who has a relevant international background, is regularly sought after for her expertise in matters relating to the US. Fernanda Aviz has been regularly involved in arbitration proceedings involving the construction and oil and gas segments, while Ricardo Ramalho Almeida specialises in commercial disputes before CAM-CCBC, CAMARB and CAESP.

At TozziniFreire Advogados, the ‘excellent arbitration practice' offers ‘well-thought-out and practical advice' in proceedings conducted under all sets of institutional rules. Arbitration arising from M&A, distribution agreements, shareholder disputes, construction contracts and conflicts involving the public administration are all core areas of focus for the department, which is often retained by clients operating in an array of industries, including real estate, energy, agribusiness and transport, among others. Fernando Eduardo Serec, who is a ‘go-to lawyer in difficult M&A disputes and any complex business litigation or arbitration’, oversees the practice, which also includes Guilherme Carneiro Monteiro Nitschke, who specialises in commercial and investment-related arbitrations, Lucas Britto Mejias, who undertakes both litigation and arbitration work, and Antonio Marzagão Barbuto Neto, a name to note for international arbitration. Luis Renato Ferreira da Silva is a key contact in Porto Alegre. Senior associate Maria Isabel De SÁ Dias Machado stands out for her involvement in domestic arbitrations concerning commercial, corporate and administrative law.

Corporate and contractual disputes are core areas of focus for Cescon Barrieu‘ arbitration team, which attracts praise from clients for its ‘great expertise‘ in this space. Proceedings arising from M&A, joint ventures, shareholder agreements and international contracts are strong points for the department, which is also sought after for its experience in construction, infrastructure, distribution, public law and environmental disputes. The practice is under the joint leadership of three practitioners: ‘technical and pragmatic lawyer‘ Carlos David Albuquerque Braga, who specialises in conflicts resulting from M&A transactions and shareholder agreements; Gabriel Seijo Leal de Figueiredo, a name to note for international arbitration; and Helena Abdo, whose areas of expertise encompass infrastructure and construction disputes. Mauricio Fabbri provides assistance to both domestic and international players in arbitration. Luiz Nardy, who is based in Belo Horizonte, was promoted to partner in October 2021. Since publication, Paulo Macedo Garcia Neto and Mariana Capela Lombardi Moreto have joined from MAMG Advogados, effective as of August 2023.

Standing out for its experience in international proceedings, Lefosse Advogados is well positioned to handle a wide range of corporate and commercial arbitration matters. In terms of its sector-specific offering, the team benefits from the ever-growing interest of its client base in sectors such as construction and utilities; disputes arising from M&A, investments, shareholder agreements and concessions are particular areas of expertise. Practice head Pedro Maciel is instructed in domestic and international cases on behalf of clients operating in the banking, energy, mining, oil and gas and telecoms sectors. Raphael Nehin Corrêa splits his time between dispute resolution and insolvency matters, while the recently promoted Bernardo Pires specialises in post-M&A and corporate arbitration. Diogo Ciuffo Carneiro recently joined from Bichara Advogados, bringing significant experience in complex arbitration. Since publication, Márcio Opromolla left the firm in October 2022.

Fielding a sizeable team of practitioners dedicated to arbitration, Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados is rated by clients for its ‘deep knowledge of the legislation relevant to arbitration procedures‘. Institutional and ad hoc proceedings before various national and international arbitral bodies, including the ICC and CAM-CCBC, feature heavily in the team’s busy caseload. Corporate, commercial and post-M&A disputes are key areas of focus for the department, which has recently witnessed an uptick in demand from clients operating in the construction, energy, oil and gas, and financial services sectors. Eliane Cristina Carvalho is recognised as ‘one of the best arbitration professionals in the market‘; she has represented major companies in several national and international arbitration proceedings. Gisela Ferreira Mation focuses on the resolution of disputes through arbitration, and is singled out for her experience in cross-border matters involving Brazil and the US. Multi-jurisdictional proceedings are also a field of particular activity for associate Leandro Felix, who has gained legal international experience in the US.

Wald, Antunes, Vita e Blattner Advogados is recognised for its ‘in-depth knowledge of contentious matters involving infrastructure projects’. The firm, which is fully devoted to dispute resolution, showcases strong credentials in arbitration at the domestic and international levels, with lawyers serving as counsel, arbitrators, legal experts and consultants in proceedings. Besides its proficiency in disputes in the infrastructure and engineering sector, the team is also adept in investment-related arbitration. Founding partner Arnoldo Wald has a wealth of experience in the field. Banking matters and arbitration are areas of expertise for Arnoldo Wald Filho; Riccardo Giuliano Figueira Torre specialises in arbitration and litigation. Clarissa Marcondes Macéa and Mariana Tavares Antunes are other noteworthy practitioners.

With attorneys in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre, Souto Correa Advogados is capable of assembling multidisciplinary teams, combining industry and procedural knowledge, to assist clients in a variety of arbitration cases. Covering domestic and international proceedings, as well as mediation, the team has been particularly active in matters involving construction contracts and oil and gas clients, but is also retained by companies operating in other segments, including energy, engineering, real estate and technology. Guilherme Rizzo Amaral stands out for his experience in international arbitration. Other key contacts include Jorge Cesa Ferreira da Silva, who often acts as arbitrator, expert witness and counsel in proceedings, and Luis Alberto Peretti. Since publication, Marcelo Gandelman has left the firm, effective as of April 2023.

Based across São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Tauil & Chequer Advogados‘ arbitration team is comprised of seasoned lawyers with extensive experience in domestic and cross-border cases, with a special emphasis on energy, construction, mining and corporate disputes. The practice is particularly well versed in arbitration arising from construction and engineering projects, as well as concession contracts in the oil and gas segment. Gustavo Fernandes De Andrade has over two decades of experience serving as counsel and arbitrator in proceedings under the rules of leading arbitration institutions around the world. Fabio Peixinho Gomes Correa, whose experience also includes mediation, joined from Huck, Otranto, Camargo Advogados in April 2021. Gustavo Scheffer Da Silveira is singled out for his track record in international proceedings. Associate Rodrigo Nikobin is also noted for corporate and commercial arbitrations at the domestic and international levels.

The arbitration team at Veirano Advogados is well placed to advise foreign clients and handle international proceedings across an array of sectors, including construction, private equity, technology, mining and energy, among others. Besides their in-depth knowledge of the Brazilian market, all partners who make up the team specialise in at least one other jurisdiction, making them a popular choice for commercial and investment-related arbitration. Ricardo Gama oversees domestic and international arbitration work from Rio de Janeiro, while Mateus Carreteiro in São Paulo is routinely sought out by clients in energy, mining, telecoms and construction-related cases. Diego Capistrano, who has an extensive track record encompassing litigation and arbitration, as well as bankruptcy and restructuring, joined the team in April 2022.

At Felsberg Advogados, the arbitration team is adept in cases involving corporate law, M&A, tort, contractual issues, energy and construction disputes, to name a few. Its practitioners have significant experience in cross-border arbitration and mediation matters, where they act for major players in the financial services, transport, energy and retail sectors. Marcus Alexandre Matteucci Gomes leads the team, which is noted for its ‘competence and business and strategic vision'; he is seasoned in multi-jurisdictional proceedings involving New York, London, Houston and Canada. Pedro Butti Do Vale focuses on commercial disputes.

Founded in 2021, dispute resolution boutique Muriel Advogados focuses on strategic disputes, showcasing particular experience in complex arbitration proceedings in Brazil and abroad. Name partner Marcelo Muriel  is a renowned figure in the international arbitration space, where he assists clients from a myriad of sectors, and also frequently acts as arbitrator. The team was recently strengthened by the arrival of a team of lawyers from KLA Advogados, including co-head Danilo Orenga , who is seasoned in arbitration proceedings involving commercial, corporate and contractual issues. Pre-arbitration and arbitration-related disputes before state courts are notable strengths for Giovanny Russo , while Fernanda Nemr  is recommended for construction cases.

Warde Advogados is highlighted for being able to ‘handle very large and complex disputes under all major institutional rules‘. The firm, which is fully focused on corporate disputes, anti-corruption and regulatory matters, has a well-established practice handling arbitration proceedings for significant clients, including major companies from the energy, manufacturing and insurance sectors, and has recently attracted new instructions from clients in other segments, most notably construction and media. Walfrido Jorge Warde Júnior is highlighted for his wide-ranging skills in corporate disputes and for his experience as an arbitrator. Alfredo Sérgio Lazzareschi Neto specialises in commercial arbitration, where he normally represents companies and investment funds, while Jose Luiz Bayeux Neto has notable strength in bankruptcy cases. At the associate level, Felipe Emmanuel De Figueiredo stands out for his involvement in matters involving the real estate, infrastructure, food and media segments.

Costa Tavares Paes Advogados is well placed to handle domestic and international arbitration before several arbitral institutions, including the ICC and CAM-CCBC. Construction, banking and finance, contractual and post-M&A disputes are all areas of activity for the department, which is noted for providing ‘partner-led advice‘ in all matters. With extensive international experience, Antonio Tavares Paes Jr.   excels in cross-border proceedings involving conflicts of a corporate, commercial and financial nature. Vamilson José Costa   has notable strength in shareholder and M&A disputes. Other key individuals include Carolina Xavier da Silveira Moreira  and Cristiano Cardoso Dias   , the latter of whom advises on infrastructure, industrial and energy-related cases.

Singled out for its expertise in interactions between the private and public sectors, Manesco, Ramires, Perez, Azevedo Marques Sociedade de Advogados is a solid performer in arbitration and mediation matters involving public law issues. Its caseload predominantly features infrastructure, construction, energy, and oil and gas disputes. Carolina Smirnovas specialises in disputes involving private parties and governmental entities. Since publication, Ana Elise Perez left the firm.

Working in close collaboration with other practices within the firm, Stocche Forbes Advogados‘ ‘very responsive, diverse and knowledgeable‘ arbitration group fields specialist teams dedicated to M&A, energy, construction, environmental and real estate disputes. With over two decades of experience in dispute resolution, Rafael Passaro handles commercial, corporate and contractual arbitration; these are also among Luis Guilherme Aidar Bondioli‘s areas of expertise. Guilherme Gaspari Coelho possesses significant experience in debt restructuring and commercial cases. Other names to note include Wilson Newton de Mello Neto and Maria Lucia Cetraro, both of whom focus on strategic disputes.

Focused exclusively on strategic dispute resolution, Wongtschowski Kleiman Advogados has been engaged in a growing number of arbitration proceedings, most notably cases arising from construction, commodities, real estate, technology and corporate disputes. The team, which is equipped to assist clients in all types of arbitral proceedings, consultations and legal opinions, has experienced an uptick in demands from clients engaged in post-M&A arbitration. Vânia Wongtschowski has a proven track record in matters involving real estate and financial services clients. Recent highlights for Marília Canto Gusso include cases involving construction, retail, infrastructure and technology players, while Juliana Brotto De Barros Milaré specialises in real estate matters. Domingos Fernando Refinetti is a leading figure in restructuring and insolvency mandates. Patrícia Paoliello Lamaneres Binnie recently joined from Lobo de Rizzo Advogados, bringing significant experience in construction, corporate and investment-related arbitration.