Carlos Mello > Lefosse Advogados > Sao Paulo, Brazil > Lawyer Profile

Praised for its ‘great negotiation skills’, Lefosse Advogados fields a large team that is fully dedicated to corporate law and M&A transactions. The group works with a broad range of corporate clients on a wealth of headline-grabbing transactions, demonstrating particular strength in the education, technology and energy sectors. The firm – which has been experiencing considerable growth in both headcount and market share – is a prime destination for Brazilian and foreign companies, as well as private equity funds and venture capital players engaged in ‘critical transactions’, including cross-border deals. Luiz Octavio Lopes, whose ‘broad legal vision’ is highlighted by clients, has steered the team in an array of M&A transactions of national and international significance. Carlos Mello – one of ‘the best M&A legal advisors in the market’ – is often retained by large Brazilian conglomerates in relation to M&A deals and corporate restructuring matters. André Calumby is turned to by several public companies, private equity firms and venture capital funds seeking advice on the entire spectrum of corporate matters, such as M&A and joint ventures, while recently promoted partner Lígia Padovani is also recommended for corporate restructurings, strategic M&A and private equity investments.

Considered a ‘national benchmark in capital markets’, Lefosse Advogados offers a ‘great’ regulatory and transactional services. Led by managing partner Rodrigo Junqueira, the practice excels in equity capital markets, acting for a wide range of issuers and underwriters in both domestic and cross-border initial and secondary offerings. The team is also noted for its strong capabilities in debt issuances, where it advises banks and issuers. Key corporate partners, including Carlos Mello, provide crucial support to the team. Ricardo Prado, Roberto Zarour, who focuses on capital markets transactions, debt restructurings and structured finance, and senior associate Lucas Padilha are among the lawyers noted for their ‘organised and proactive manner’ and for ‘always bringing innovative ideas to better serve the client’. Other noteworthy individuals include Jana Araujo, who has led on some of the largest equity public offerings in Brazil, Felipe Gibson, Bruno Massis (a key contact for issuers, underwriters, investors, creditors and debtors), and senior associate Mariana Pollini, who handles both DCM and ECM work, including public offerings and private placement of securities.