Highly rated shipping boutique Farinon, Carvalho da Silva & Advogados Associados has been operating in the market for 50 years. The firm advises clients from across all corners of the market, including shipowners, charterers, P&I clubs, agencies, port operators and salvage companies. It is often the first port of call for clients seeking advice on marine casualties and groundings, as well as broader dry shipping issues. In addition to maritime law, the team also has substantial expertise in environmental law and foreign trade issues. Its lawyers ‘deliver what they promise'; partners Jose Augusto Marques, Roberto Farinon and Ruy Fernando Carvalho Da Silva are all ‘very experienced lawyers who complement each other, resulting in the delivery of a good job’.

Shipping Consultoria is praised for its ‘very collaborative team‘ and ‘very good lawyers‘. The shipping boutique fields a selection of highly experienced partners, including Fernando Porto Filho, who is considered by clients to be ‘outstanding in maritime transport litigation – an excellent lawyer with deep knowledge in the area’. Other key individuals include Fernando Porto, who has over 40 years of experience in the market, handling both ship financings and disputes. On the dry shipping side, Luciano Luz advises on cargo and bills of lading disputes.

Castro Barros Advogados is praised for its ‘quick and hands on’ shipping practice, which has ‘great capacity in maritime litigation’. The popular team handles a broad range of dry and wet shipping disputes and also acts for shipowners, insurers and shipyards on transactional issues, including finance and charterparty agreements. Practice head Olympio Carvalho ‘excels in maritime litigation and advice’ and is noted for his ‘remarkable international experience’. Recently promoted partner Camilla Werneck has ‘extensive experience in the maritime area, with excellent client service’. Associate Ana Luiza Rizzo Cardoso is also singled out for the ‘quality of her work and her dedication’.

Shipping boutique Pedro Calmon Filho & Associados (PCF&A) has been in the market since 1962. Based in Rio de Janeiro, it represents a mix of domestic and international shipowners, P&I clubs, and energy and natural resources companies. Key partners include Pedro Calmon Neto and Henrique Oswaldo Motta.

Based in Fortaleza in the northeast of Brazil, popular maritime boutique Promare | Rabb Carvalho Advocacia can regularly be seen representing clients from across the country. Major shipowners and operators instruct the firm on their dry and wet shipping matters, as well as international trade and customs. Regular contentious mandates for the department involve ship arrests, maritime accidents and cargo damage, among other matters. Clients also benefit from a 24/7 emergency response team. Lead partner Larry Carvalho is highly regarded. ‘The specialisation of the lawyers allows them to respond quickly to questions’, with partner Mariana Félix a key contact for labour and personal injury issues.

Siano & Martins Advogados Associados is a well-regarded shipping boutique with offices in Rio de Janeiro, Santos and Paranaguá. Its clients include shipowners and P&I clubs, and the firm regularly advises on casualty, salvage, cargo loss and damage, and maritime pollution issues. Fabiana Simões Martins and Luiz Roberto Leven Siano are two of the lead partners.

Vieira, Rezende, Barbosa e Guerreiro Advogados has a well-regarded multidisciplinary shipping and offshore practice, which provides ‘clear, helpful, conscientious and practical advice and assistance' and is noted for its ‘extensive knowledge of the Brazilian maritime sector'. Clients include major shipowners, port and terminal owners, P&I clubs and offshore operators. Dry and wet shipping disputes feature prominently in the department's workload, as do insurance claims and support on broader non-contentious matters, including charter and transportation agreements. Bernardo Mendes Vianna is praised for his ‘insightful and clear advice and his considerable knowledge and expertise in the maritime sector', while Daniela Ribeiro Davila is particularly experienced in offshore oil and gas. Former partner Joyce Jacobsen left the firm in November 2021.

Advocacia Rocha Baptista is an experienced shipping boutique with a strong contentious practice. Clients, including insurers, shipowners, agents and freight forwarders, regularly use the firm on cargo claims and ship arrests. Fabricio Rocha is a key partner.