Norton Rose Fulbright > Sao Paulo, Brazil > Firm Profile

Norton Rose Fulbright > The Legal 500 Rankings

Latin America: International firms > Banking and finance Tier 2

Norton Rose Fulbright is unique in having a large banking and finance team in São Paulo, that works alongside Latin America-focused colleagues in New York, Washington DC, Mexico City and other offices. The practice has an extensive record in project finance, acquisition finance, restructurings, trade finance and aviation finance, and is also increasingly making its mark in relation to sustainability-linked financings and ESG loans. The Washington DC office has close connections to agency lenders and DFIs, while the broader team has an impressive portfolio of commercial lender clients and large corporate borrowers. Charles Johnson is a leading figure in structured trade finance, asset finance and restructuring, and – although focused on Brazil – he has broad geographic coverage, including Colombia, Peru, Uruguay and Paraguay. Michael McCourt has impressive connections to Brazilian and international lenders, and has a fine record in structured trade finance, leveraged finance and acquisition finance. Daniel Spencer is a prominent name in project finance and project bonds; while Raquel Bierzwinsky, who splits her time between New York and Mexico City, brings further project finance expertise. In Washington DC, key figures Sarah Devine and Jeremy Hushon frequently represent agencies and DFIs. Counsel Diego Brandão is another prominent team member. All named individuals are based in Sao Paulo unless stated otherwise.

Latin America: International firms > Projects and energy

Norton Rose Fulbright has one of the largest teams in the market, spread primarily across its New York, Washington DC, Mexico City and Sao Paulo offices. This affords the Latin America team with a broad and enviable client base of sponsors, commercial banks and agency lenders. The firm has a strong pipeline of engagements, particularly in Brazil and Mexico, but also in other key markets such as Chile, Peru and Colombia. It has achieved further growth in data centre infrastructure projects in Brazil and Mexico, along with further urban infrastructure matters and green technology financings. The team is also active on the acquisition of power and renewables portfolios, including existing assets and those under development, along with the renewables refinancings. In Mexico, it remains focused on pipelines and LNG facilities, among other areas. Native Spanish speaker Raquel Bierzwinsky splits her time between Mexico City and New York, and advises on projects and transactions in multiple market segments - including metro lines and LNG liquefaction projects. Washington DC’s Sarah Devine represents numerous of agency lenders and development banks, and has a prolific recent record in Latin America. Sao Paulo partner Daniel Spencer is an experienced figure in energy and infrastructure projects in South American jurisdictions.

Latin America: International firms > Corporate and M&A

Norton Rose Fulbright is highly-regarded for energy and infrastructure deals throughout Latin America. Its sizeable offices in Sao Paulo and Mexico City provide it with a platform for numerous Latin America deals, and this is backed by Latin-America focused colleagues in the US and elsewhere. The firm has also built its presence in the SPAC segment and in agribusiness. Sao Paulo partner Silvia Fazio is a specialist in Latin America M&A and Mexico City partner Andrés Nieto, who joined the firm in April 2022, is a well-rounded practitioner with extensive experience in M&A across multiple industries. Since publication, Nieto has left the firm - effective as of December 2023.