Trench Rossi Watanabe > Porto Alegre, Brazil > Firm Profile

Trench Rossi Watanabe > The Legal 500 Rankings

Tax > Customs Tier 1

City focus - Porto Alegre > Tax Tier 2

Standing out in the market for its expertise in international tax, the tax planning and tax controversies practice at Trench Rossi Watanabe is equipped to handle complex matters involving foreign jurisdictions on behalf of multinational clients. The group is frequently instructed by companies from the automotive, IT, and agribusiness sectors, although its client roster continues to expand, most notably in the pharmaceutical and education spaces. The team is jointly led by Claudio Moretti and Thales Stucky, who specialise in tax litigation related to direct and indirect taxes, including proceedings at the judicial and administrative level. Another key member of the practice is associate Thaís Amaral, who often advises technology, automotive, pharmaceutical and agribusiness clients on direct and indirect tax issues.

Brazil > Compliance Tier 2

The ethics, compliance and investigations practice at Trench Rossi Watanabe offers wide-ranging expertise in corporate compliance and investigations to a variety of domestic and international corporate clients. Compliance risk assessments, the development of compatible codes of conduct and settlement negotiations with enforcement agencies are typical mandates for the firm. Heloísa Barroso Uelze excels in corporate and criminal investigations across a variety of industry sectors and leads the practice alongside Felipe Ferenzini, who is also very active on the internal investigations front. Associate Ana Carolina Mazzer shines in the implementation and development of compliance programmes, while Beatriz Sangirardi Aranha focuses her practice on anti-corruption matters. Fernanda Casagrande left the firm in July 2023.

Energy and natural resources > Electricity (and renewable energy)

Transactions are the bedrock of Trench Rossi Watanabe’s São Paulo power practice, which acts for project developers, public utilities, investors, and large consumers in joint ventures, investments and divestments, and large-scale projects. PPAs, renewable energy purchases, self-production deals, and energy auctions also count within the remit of the team’s expertise. Practice head José Roberto Martins, credited with having ‘directly contributed to the development and implementation of the regulatory framework for the electricity sector’, is a reference for greenfield development projects, concessions, privatisations, and M&A. Mauricio Pacheco’s corporate and finance experience make him particularly well placed to advise investment banks and M&A financial advisers, while associate Adam Milgrom has ‘high technical knowledge’ of industry regulations, and is skilled in the drafting and negotiation of PPAs, EPCs, and operations and management contracts (O&Ms).

Brazil > Environment Tier 2

Expert services in the management of critical contaminated areas, structuring of take-back schemes, and increasingly, ESG and climate change matters, distinguish Trench Rossi Watanabe as a practice closely ‘aligned with the most recent trends’ in environmental law. Multinational and large domestic clients look to the firm for counsel on sensitive issues relating to class actions, infraction notices, licensing, forestry, solid waste, biodiversity, protected areas and human rights. Based in São Paulo, the team operates under the leadership of Renata Amaral, a ‘hands-on’, core resource for nature-based solution projects, carbon credit transactions, decarbonisation strategies, and carbon-related advocacy and regulatory advice, and the ‘assertive’ Giovani Tomasoni, who supports corporations in the internalisation of sustainability, ESG, circular economy, and environmental compliance practices. At the senior associate level, Alexandre Jabra carries a wealth of experience in contamination, pollution, solid waste management, protected areas and minorities; Manuela Demarche Mello Neira directs her attention to environmental liability, licensing proceedings, M&A transactions, and cross-border disputes; and Livia Ribeiro Lupinacci lends her expertise to take-back schemes, ESG, and biodiversity matters.

Brazil > Intellectual property Tier 2

Trench Rossi Watanabe‘s IP practice is led by Flavia Rebello, who focuses on the intersection between IP and TMT. An array of clients, from major multinational pharmaceutical companies to international technology corporations, regularly seek the firm's assistance with patent and trade mark litigation, IP audits, and the IP aspects of M&A and joint ventures. The team is particularly well versed in advising on IP rights protection, covering enforcement and litigation. Marcela Trigo is an experienced patent attorney who routinely advises notable pharmaceutical clients, while Felipe Zaltman Saldanha focuses on prosecution and litigation matters for pharmaceutical, biotech and telecoms companies. Flávia Amaral is noted for her expertise in IP rights pertaining to the tech sector.

Brazil > Labour and employment Tier 2

Praised for its ‘meticulous attention to detail and in-depth knowledge of the local laws‘, Trench Rossi Watanabe assists clients with a host of employment matters, from compensation and benefits issues, to workforce restructurings, trade union negotiations and litigation. Practice head Letícia Ribeiro Crissiuma De Figueiredo has a wealth of experience in strategic litigation and collective bargaining agreements. Tricia Oliveira specialises in judicial and administrative labour litigation, while Priscila Novis Kirchhoff is skilled in C-suite compensation matters, outsourcing, benefit harmonisation, as well as bonus, stock option and profit-sharing plans. These are all key areas of expertise for Clarissa Lehmen, who primarily undertakes non-contentious work. Julia Michele Pereira stands out at the associate level.

Tax > Tax advisory Tier 2

With extensive experience in all areas of tax, the ‘very diligent, attentive and available‘ tax practice at Trench Rossi Watanabe is equipped to advise on cross-border and domestic transactional matters, complex tax disputes and transfer pricing. International taxation is a key area of expertise for the department, which benefits from its strategic cooperation with Baker McKenzie LLP and attracts instructions from Brazilian and international clients from the worlds of energy, technology, consumer goods, healthcare, banking and infrastructure, to name a few. Simone Musa, who specialises in international taxation, transfer pricing, and transactional tax, jointly leads the group with Maria Rita Ferragut, who handles tax litigation at the federal, state and municipal levels. The practice ‘contains several highly qualified professionals‘: Clarissa Giannetti Machado is noted for her proficiency in global transfer pricing issues, corporate income and federal taxes; Mariana De Vito ‘has unique knowledge of social security law‘; Rafael Gregorin focuses on tax and customs disputes; and Telirio Saraiva is experienced in both tax consultancy and litigation at the federal level.

Tax > Tax litigation Tier 2

Brazil > TMT: Tech, innovation and digital business Tier 2

Trench Rossi Watanabe‘s IP and technology practice has a notable presence in contentious matters, having recently worked in several cases relating to the Fake News Bill and disruptive technologies before the Superior Court of Justice and the Supreme Court. Content moderation, cybersecurity issues and software, licensing and other IT agreements are key pillars of the practice, which is also adept at assisting with the implementation of AI projects. Flavia Rebello focuses on tech and outsourcing transactions, while Marcela Trigo De Souza leads on IT and data litigation. Flávia Amaral is the go-to for clients requiring assistance with data privacy and cybersecurity cases, and Felipe Zaltman Saldanha advises on content moderation and civil law issues.

Brazil > Capital markets Tier 3

Covering both debt and equity, Trench Rossi Watanabe‘s broad service offering in the capital markets space includes transactions, corporate governance and administrative matters before the CVM. The team, which is regularly instructed by corporate issuers, has been particularly active in debt capital markets work, but is also well versed in IPOs, follow-ons and tender offers. Practice head Daniel De Miranda Facó, a reference for issuers, financial institutions, investors and shareholders, handles debt and equity public offerings, and is also proficient in M&A involving listed companies. Luís Ambrósio is noted for debt deals, while Eduardo Herszkowicz, who joined from Cescon Barrieu in August 2023, possesses in-depth knowledge of investment funds, asset management and securitisations.

Brazil > Competition and antitrust Tier 3

Drawing on an expansive ‘international network of lawyers‘, the antitrust practice at Trench Rossi Watanabe has the ability to handle multijurisdictional merger clearances, and is also often engaged in high-profile investigations before CADE and litigation. The team also assists corporate clients from the consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and automotive sectors, among others, with audits and the development and implementation of antitrust compliance programmes. The group is under the joint leadership of Paulo Casagrande and Francisco Niclós Negrão, both of whom have a wealth of experience in competition law, covering conduct and merger control work. Merger cases and antitrust investigations are core areas of activity for senior associate Andrea Cruz.

Brazil > Corporate and M&A: High-end Tier 3

With extensive experience in inbound and outbound investments, Trench Rossi Watanabe is particularly well placed to assist with multijurisdictional transactions, drawing on its association with Baker McKenzie LLP. Buyers and sellers, including public listed and private companies, from an array of sectors – most notably energy, life sciences, agribusiness, education, technology and insurance – regularly turn to the team for advice on M&A, private equity and venture capital deals. The team is jointly led by a capable trio: Rio-based Anna Mello is a go-to adviser for energy and infrastructure clients; Daniel Facó brings together expertise in corporate transactions and capital markets; and Mauricio Pacheco stands out for his strong track record in private equity deals. The team was strengthened in August 2024 with the additions of Cristina de Freitas Bueno and Vitor Stern from Cescon Barrieu.

Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Arbitration Tier 3

Noted for its ‘unparalleled international focus’, Trench Rossi Watanabe‘s arbitration practice routinely represents foreign and domestic clients in high-profile disputes. The team has a strong track record in proceedings before several arbitral venues - including CAM-CCBC - and showcases particular strength in cases pertaining to the oil and gas, energy and technology industries. With extensive experience in commercial and corporate disputes, including arbitration arising from regulatory, shareholder, and post-M&A conflicts, as well as contractual, compensation and performance claims. The team is led by Joaquim De Paiva Muniz, who is highly active in corporate and contractual disputes. Focused on contentious matters concerning commercial contracts, bankruptcy and corporate conflicts, Luis Borghi is another key contact in the group. Associate Bruna Silveira is commended by clients for her ‘proximity to the business and availability’, and is often engaged in cross-border mandates.

Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Litigation Tier 3

Trench Rossi Watanabe‘s dispute resolution department is noted for providing ‘high-quality technical service’ in representing clients in numerous sectors, especially the entertainment, pharmaceutical and construction industries. The team is proficient in both civil and commercial litigation, demonstrating strong credentials in lawsuits pertaining to insurance, banking, real estate, consumer, environmental law and judicial reorganisations. The national team is led by Marcio Polto, who handles civil and commercial disputes in the consumer products, life sciences, chemicals and IT sectors. Gledson Marques De Campos oversees bankruptcy and insolvency-related matters, while Andrea Brick – head of the Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre dispute resolution practices – often represents mining and energy clients in corporate disputes. Giuliana Schunck is active in debt recovery and contractual lawsuits, while Tiago Zapater is a key port of call for class actions, product liability and environmental claims. Noted for being an ‘excellent professional and very competent’, Luis Borghi focuses on disputes resolved via litigation and arbitration.

Energy and natural resources > Hydrocarbons Tier 3

Factoring in a strong aptitude in regulatory issues and judicial and administrative litigation, Trench Rossi Watanabe is a reliable choice for domestic and international oil and gas clients in all manner of M&A, cross-border investments, project development, and ESG compliance. Strategic cooperation with Baker McKenzie allows the team to pool resources especially in the context of hydrogen projects, biogas M&A, and the regulatory framework for carbon capture and usage. The ‘innovative, creative’ Danielle Valois leads the team, with longstanding credentials in cross-border transactions. Gabriela Bezerra Fischer, who was promoted to partner in July 2024, is an administrative and regulatory law expert who also supports on bidding rounds promoted by ANP. Associates André Sarian and Silvia Costa are well versed in the regulatory, corporate, and contractual law elements of oil and gas mandates.

Brazil > International trade Tier 3

Trench Rossi Watanabe is well placed to advise on a host of trade and customs mandates, from WTO law to cases involving anti-dumping, subsidies, safeguards and public interest analysis proceedings. The department also fields a sub-group dedicated to supply chain arrangements, commercial contracts compliance and other contractual issues. The practice is under the joint leadership of six practitioners: Francisco Niclós Negrão is sought after for his experience in anti-dumping investigations; Rafael Gregorin and Horácio Veiga de Almeida Neto bring tax and customs knowledge to the table; Paulo Casagrande focuses on antitrust matters; Alessandra Machado brings expertise in the technology sector; while Marcia Calafate specialises in supply chain matters.

Brazil > Life sciences Tier 3

Trench Rossi Watanabe has a notable life sciences practice, which shines in corporate transactions, technology transfer agreements, IP-related issues, and regulatory matters. The team is regularly sought out by major international clients from the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and cosmetics sectors. Team lead and public law expert Henrique Frizzo is especially active in the healthcare sector, advising on healthcare regulations and proceedings before regulatory authorities, most notably ANVISA. Co-head Marcela Trigo frequently represents companies in patent litigation, and advises on trade secrets, and compulsory licensing. An integral part of the team, Felipe Zaltman is noted for his patent litigation expertise related to pharmaceuticals.

Brazil > Public law Tier 3

Trench Rossi Watanabe is proficient in matters involving the public administration and governmental entities, often advising on procurement, bidding procedures and contentious matters before judicial and administrative courts. Co-head Heloisa Uelze specialises in litigation in the public sector, including cases related to regulated sectors, and heard before public agencies and the superior courts. Fellow co-lead Henrique Frizzo is noted for his expertise in the public law and life sciences spaces. Frizzo and Bruno Duarte are commended by clients for their 'in-depth knowledge of the area of ​​contracts and administrative law litigation'.

Brazil > Venture capital Tier 3

Trench Rossi Watanabe, ‘a truly full-service firm where clients can count on multidisciplinary teams with knowledge and experience for the most diverse matters‘, is well placed to handle transactions, from early stage funding to investments and acquisitions, on behalf of start-ups, PE firms, VC funds, and investment banks. Comprised of experts from multiple practice areas, including corporate, M&A, tax and regulatory, the team is overseen by Monica Castro Pereira Cavalcanti, whose ‘extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the industry‘ is noted by clients. M&A specialist Bruno Dreifus often advises on investments and acquisitions in this space. The team was strengthened in August 2024 by the addition of Cristina de Freitas Bueno, who was previously at Cescon Barrieu.

Brazil > Wealth and succession planning Tier 3

The succession planning team at Trench Rossi Watanabe takes full advantage of the firm’s full-service structure by combining expertise in tax, corporate, compliance and family law to deliver multidisciplinary advice to its clients. Sitting at the helm of the practice are internal tax planning and wealth management expert Clarissa Giannetti Machado; Giuliana Bonanno Schunck and senior associate Fernanda Haddad, both of whom focus on dispute resolution. Flávia Gerola is no longer at the firm.

Brazil > Projects and infrastructure Tier 4

With a strong presence in the ports, energy, infrastructure and defence sectors, the projects group at Trench Rossi Watanabe is adept in transactions concerning regulated assets. Administrative law matters, regulatory issues and litigation involving infrastructure projects are other core areas of activity for the department. Co-head José Roberto Martins is a name to note for power projects, while fellow co-leader Danielle Valois leads on mandates concerning the oil and gas sector.

Brazil > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 4

Focused on credit restructuring, reorganisations and insolvency proceedings, the group at Trench Rossi Watanabe is a key port of call for investors and creditors present in an array of industries, most notably consumer goods. The team is experienced in litigation in the context of court-supervised restructurings, but has also worked on extrajudicial reorganisations, including those requiring multijurisdictional knowledge. The team is jointly led by Gledson Camposand Giuliana Schunck, both of whom have a strong track record in lawsuits involving judicial recovery, bankruptcy and insolvency. Additionally, the 'proactive and responsive’ Mariana Conrado handles both litigation matters in this space as well as transactions involving the acquisition of distressed assets.

Brazil > TMT: Cybersecurity and data privacy Tier 4

Trench Rossi Watanabe is skilled at assisting with data regulation compliance issues, including the implementation and review of LGPD compliance programmes, personal data transfers, cybersecurity incidents, and related litigation. Co-head Flávia Amaral has assisted a large number of clients with incident responses to cyberattacks, while Flavia Rebello focuses on proceedings before ANPD and compliance risks associated with new technologies.

Brazil > Banking and finance Tier 5

Active in both lender and borrower-side mandates, Trench Rossi Watanabe fields a specialist banking and finance team that is proficient in project finance, debt restructuring agreements, and export financings, among other mandates. 'Able to offer innovative and personalised solutions', the team attracts regular instructions from domestic, European and US banks, which turn to the group for advice on transactional and regulatory issues. Standing out 'for his in-depth knowledge of debt, whether in banking, debt capital markets or restructuring', Luis Alberto Ambrósio is the key point of contact in the practice.

Brazil > White-collar crime and investigations Tier 5

The white-collar crime practice at Trench Rossi Watanabe has extensive experience handling investigations concerning tax crimes, IP criminal violations with tax repercussions, public procurement and health market matters. Led by João Augusto Gameiro, the group has represented large multinationals in police investigations, administrative procedures and congressional investigations on tax evasion. At associate level, Tiago Caruso focuses his practice on matters involving crimes against the financial system, public administration, public health, as well as corporate fraud and money laundering cases.