Firm Profile > Trench Rossi Watanabe > Sao Paulo , Brazil

Trench Rossi Watanabe
RUA ARQ. OLAVO REDIG DE CAMPOS, 105 – 31ST FLR
ED. EZ TOWERS BLDG, TOWER A
04711-904, SÃO PAULO, SP
Brazil

Email firm Visit website 55 11 3048 6800

Tax Tier 1

The 'strategic experts' at Trench Rossi Watanabe are 'technically well prepared' and 'always look for the newest strategy'. The firm stands out for its ability to handle cross-border matters for a multinational client base; here, its expertise in international taxation combined with its global office network is a major draw. A team utilised this international tax experience to advise Natura on the tax structuring of its high-profile acquisition of The Body Shop; Simone Dias Musa and Reinaldo Ravelli led the advice. On the contentious side, Marcos Vinicius Neder de Lima defended Braskem in a case involving collection of corporate income tax and contributions on profits. The department has seen some departures, including Priscila Faricelli, who joined Demarest Advogados in 2019, and Ana Carolina Utimati, who left for Lefosse Advogados in 2018. However, the firm made several partner promotions in 2018, including Roberta de Lima Romano and Rafael Gregorin from the tax department, and more recently, in November 2019, hired Maria Rita Ferragut as a partner; she had formerly been at her own firm. Clarissa Giannetti Machado is also highly recommended.  

Competition and antitrust Tier 2

Trench Rossi Watanabe fields a highly experienced team of antitrust lawyers, who are instructed by leading companies, many of which have been clients of the firm for over a decade. The firm's full-service offering is of benefit, as is its association with international firm Baker McKenzie, although the standalone antitrust department generates much of its own work. Brasília-based practice head Francisco Todorov and a team advised General Electric on the sale of its transportation business to Wabtec, which was approved by CADE in 2019. Adriana Giannini draws on over 18 years' experience in competition law, including cartel, abuse of dominance and other antitrust investigations. The department has seen some movement at the senior associate level, including the arrival of Ursula Pereira Pinto Bassoukou from Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados and the departure of Paula Farani de Azevedo to join CADE. Lorena Leite Nisiyama is another key senior associate. Further developments since publication have seen the departure of Todorov to Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown and his replacement as practice head by Paulo Casagrande, formerly at Stocche Forbes Advogados.

Rising stars

Lorena Leite Nisiyama - Trench Rossi Watanabe

Corporate and M&A Tier 2

'Widely known law firm' Trench Rossi Watanabe 'provides exceptional services in various legal specialties, providing safe harbour to clients with very sensitive deals'. It regularly advises domestic and international companies on their global expansion, where the Brazil-based team is able to work with colleagues across its worldwide platform. The corporate practice has seen an uptick in work in the healthcare, retail and restaurant sectors, and is also active in the oil-and-gas, agribusiness and tech industries. Highlights on the buy side included representing Yara Brasil Fertilizantes in the purchase of a nitrogen and phosphate industrial complex in Cubatão, where Nazir Takieddine led the advice. Alberto Mori worked as part of a cross-office team to advise a Chinese company on a joint venture with a Brazilian group. In a significant move, Daniel Facó joined the firm from Cescon, Barrieu, Flesch & Barreto Advogados to head the transactional practice. Anna Tavares de Mello is based in Rio de Janeiro and has substantial experience in M&A, private equity and insurance. Monica Castro Pereira Cavalcanti and Mauricio Pacheco receive praise.

Rising stars

Paula Alonso - Trench Rossi Watanabe

Environment Tier 2

At Trench Rossi Watanabe, 12 lawyers in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre handle environmental work. Walter Hellmeister Junior, the ‘professional’ Renata Amaral and senior associate Giovani Tomasoni stand out. The team is particularly strong assisting with issues concerning contaminated sites, while solid waste, forestry and crisis management are further pillars of the practice. Highlights include advising Shell on the licensing of oil platforms, and defending Plastivida against a public civil action concerning a take-back scheme for packaging.

Rising stars

Giovani Tomasoni - Trench Rossi Watanabe

Intellectual property Tier 2

Trench Rossi Watanabe handles the full range of IP work, including portfolio management, technology transfer and licensing transactions as well as contentious cases. The impressive client portfolio includes numerous multinationals. For example, the group handles franchise work for Radisson; advised Unilever and Sony on trade mark matters; and defended Hasbro in a patent infringement complaint filed by Kidsword concerning alleged utility model and design infringements. Marcela Trigo de Souza, Flavia Vasconcelos and Flavia Rebello are recommended practitioners.

Labour and employment Tier 2

Recommended firm Trench Rossi Watanabe covers investigations, class actions, collective bargaining agreements, compensation structures, global mobility, and health and safety, among other areas. Clients include General Electric, Facebook and American Airlines. Tricia Maria Sá de Oliveira and Letícia Ribeiro Crissiuma de Figueiredo are key contacts in the São Paulo office.

Compliance Tier 3

Heloísa Barroso Uelze leads the compliance practice at Trench Rossi Watanabe, which is equipped to handle large and sensitive investigations. Much of its work is cross-border in nature; in one highlight, the team acted for a company in a multi-jurisdictional investigation into potential violations of anti-corruption laws; it continues to assist the client with demands from Brazilian and international enforcement authorities.

Dispute resolution (including White-collar crime) Tier 3

Trench Rossi Watanabe is 'well versed in a wide range of industries and counts on very sophisticated and energetic lawyers'. In addition, clients note that it 'can think strategically' and 'present outstanding petitions'. Its arbitration department in particular is noted for its 'brilliant professionals', including 'standout' lawyer Joaquim de Paiva Muniz. Andrea Brick's 'commitment to her clients combined with her strategic mind contributes to how she successfully handles litigation', and department head Marcio de Souza Polto is considered 'one of the best lawyers in the country'; his 'deep experience in the field inspires trust'. João Augusto Gameiro leads the criminal law practice. However, both Ricardo Quass Duarte and Mauro Pedroso Gonçalves left the firm in early 2019, moving to Souto Correa Cesa Lummertz & Amaral Advogados and Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown, respectively.

Leading individuals

Marcio de Souza Polto - Trench Rossi Watanabe

Electricity Tier 3

Trench Rossi Watanabe strikes the right note with its ‘strong knowledge of the market’ and ‘practical experience on big energy projects’. Led by the ‘hands-on and knowledgeable’ José Roberto Martins, the team has robust expertise in all the key segments of the power sector, including thermal, hydro, solar and wind. Recent highlights included advising Canadian Solar on its successful participation in ANEEL’s 2018 auction, which saw the company awarded three utility-scale solar photovoltaic projects. Casa dos Ventos, Brookfield Renewable and Zhejiang Energy International are also on the department’s books.

Hydrocarbons Tier 3

Trench Rossi Watanabe’s oil-and-gas practice brings to bear specialist skill sets across a wide scope of oil-and-gas issues, including constitutional and public law matters, corporate finance transactions, energy regulation and dispute resolution. On the transactional front, the group advised RWE Supply & Trading on its investment into DBO Energy - José Roberto Martins and Danielle Valois led that work. Anna Tavares de Mello is another key contact in a group that also counts BP, Petrobras and Shell Brasil among its clients.

Leading individuals

Anna Tavares de Mello - Trench Rossi Watanabe

Insurance Tier 3

Multinational and domestic companies, including major insurers, turn to Trench Rossi Watanabe for legal and regulatory advice. In recent work, the team assisted SCOR Brasil Resseguros on its reorganisation and in regulatory proceedings before the Brazilian Superintendence of Private Insurance (SUSEP). The firm's international office network and experience make it well placed to handle multi-jurisdictional matters. Anna Tavares de Mello heads the practice from Rio de Janeiro. Carolina Secches and associate Victor Luis Sigaud Ferraz are key contacts in the São Paulo office.

Projects and infrastructure Tier 3

Trench Rossi Watanabe combines M&A, oil and gas, energy and public law expertise to advise international clients on a regular basis. Since winning Canadian Solar as a client, the group has assisted the company with various power auctions and transactions. Anna Tavares de Mello and José Roberto Martins stand out.

Public law Tier 3

Trench Rossi Watanabe's public law department 'has the right balance of very senior and seasoned professionals, and young and energetic stars with an astonishing work capacity'. The firm is particularly active in the oil-and-gas sector, and also acts for clients in the tech, telecoms and healthcare sectors, among others. Henrique Frizzo is 'very consistent and reliable' and has 'very good technical skills'. Heloísa Barroso Uelze specialises in investigations and disputes involving public entities and regulatory agencies. Environmental lawyer Renata Amaral is also recommended.

Capital markets Tier 4

‘Highly knowledgeable and dedicated’, Trench Rossi Watanabe stands out for its ‘strong senior involvement at all points of transactions’. In particular, Helen Naves is noted for her ‘professional, responsive and detail-oriented’ approach. Naves recently advised seasoned issuer Natura Cosméticos on its R$1.4bn offering of debentures to finance its acquisition of The Body Shop. In a high-profile lateral hire, the team was recently boosted by the arrival of Daniel Facó from Cescon, Barrieu, Flesch & Barreto Advogados.

Leading individuals

Daniel Facó - Trench Rossi Watanabe

International trade and customs Tier 4

Alessandra Machado is a key partner at Trench Rossi Watanabe; she handles a range of trade and international customs matters. Tax and customs specialist Paulo Rogério Sehn is another contact.

Real estate Tier 4

The 'very experienced and diverse team of lawyers' at Trench Rossi Watanabe is 'fully committed to meeting their clients' needs'. Former practice head Lúcia Veloso Aragão left in 2018, and the practice now comprises a multidisciplinary group of lawyers who handle real estate litigation and acquisitions. Marcia Calafate is a name to note.

Banking and finance Tier 5

In a major coup, in 2019 Trench Rossi Watanabe bolstered its banking and finance practice with the hire of corporate finance partner Daniel Facó from Cescon, Barrieu, Flesch & Barreto Advogados. He joins a broad group, which routinely advises local and international banks, as well as corporate borrowers and issuers, on transactional and regulatory matters — key clients include Banco Bradesco, Banco do Brasil and BRK Ambiental. The firm had a busy year on the debt capital markets side, which included Helen Naves advising seasoned issuer Natura Cosméticos on its R$1.4bn public offering of debentures. Naves also paired up with Luís Ambrósio to advise Votorantim on its R$550m debenture offering. Other key partners include Carolina Secches and José Augusto Martins.

TMT

Trench Rossi Watanabe is experienced assisting with IT, ecommerce and outsourcing matters. Practice head Flavia Rebello frequently acts on IP-related issues. WhatsApp is a client.

Trench Rossi Watanabe offers clients access to a global perspective through its strategic co-operation agreement with the firm Baker McKenzie – one of the most extensive and solid networks of the legal market. This co-operation gives the firm the opportunity to develop projects collaboratively, with lawyers with extensive knowledge in various jurisdictions, providing the service that clients need, wherever they may be.

Considered one of the largest law firms in Brazil, Trench Rossi Watanabe has a comprehensive and cutting-edge operation, with expertise in all areas of law. Founded in 1959, the firm provides legal services to national and international clients across several markets, helping them to manage their business in an ethical and efficient way.

The firm has extensive experience in complex and pioneering aspects of transactions and has developed skills that transcend borders, but always maintaining the accuracy in relation to technical quality, ethics and efficiency. With over 250 lawyers in S?o Paulo, Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre, the firm offers the knowledge and confidence needed to deal with the Brazilian law and unique business practices.

Trench Rossi Watanabe emphasizes the professional development of its lawyers, constantly investing in their professional improvement through specialized courses and the most diverse and innovative forms of training in Brazil and abroad. In addition to solid legal experience, the firm’s professionals accumulate fluency in several languages and knowledge of various cultures and legal systems in an effort to ensure service of the highest quality is provided to its international clients.

Trench Rossi Watanabe has a dynamic corporate organization, dedicated to monitoring the changes in the legal field and anticipating solutions for its clients. The firm has an integrated administrative and technological infrastructure, in order to provide adequate support for its services. The firm is committed to responsive, efficient and reliable service, seeking to develop strong and lasting relationships with its clients.

Corporate social responsibility

Pro bono: Due to its cooperation agreement with Baker McKenzie, the firm applies its legal knowledge and passion to advance fundamental rights and opportunities for persons in need throughout the world. Trench Rossi does this in collaboration with its clients and non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting justice and compassion in its global community. The firm’s lawyers around the world provide pro bono support on a wide variety of issues, from helping rebuild nations after periods of civil conflict, promoting the rule of law and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable children to supporting disaster relief efforts, combatting human trafficking, representing asylum seekers and promoting access to healthcare.

Diversity and inclusion: the firm’s origins are rooted in the respect for and appreciation of different cultures. Diversity and inclusion are in its DNA — since its inception, the differences of its people have helped the firm to work fluently across borders, cultures and practices. It understands that organizations work best when people with different backgrounds and multiple points of view are brought together.

The firm’s own diversity mirrors its commitment to exploring multiple perspectives to develop the best possible solutions for its clients and to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion.

Trench Rossi Watanabe promotes five working areas: gender, LGBT, ethnic, religion and disabilities.

Sustainability: the firm recognizes the importance of environmental sustainability to its people, its clients and to the communities in which its staff live and work. The firm contributes to sustainability not only through the practice of law in its environmental and climate change practices, but also through its efforts to monitor and mitigate the environmental impact and risk of its operations. Trench Rossi seeks to reduce, reuse and recycle the energy and natural resources necessary for its business.

Department	Name	Email	Telephone
Agribusiness
Antitrust
Arbitration
Automotive
International trade
Commercial contracts
Public
Real estate
Life sciences
Compliance
Consumer
Dispute resolution
Banking, finance, project finance and capital markets
Aviation/aircraft finance
Mergers and acquisitions
Media and entertainment
Energy, mining, oil and gas and infrastructure
Environmental, consumer, social responsibility and climate change
Corporate criminal
Intellectual property
Insurance
Information technology
Labor and employment
Tax
Israeli desk

Photo	Name	Position	Profile
	Ms Renata Amaral		View Profile
	Mr Luís Ambrósio		View Profile
	Mr Luis Borghi		View Profile
	Ms Marcia Calafate		View Profile
	Mr Felipe Calil		View Profile
	Mr Gledson Campos		View Profile
	Mr Ricardo Duarte		View Profile
	Mr Bruno Duarte		View Profile
	Ms Patricia Vidal Frederighi		View Profile
	Mr Henrique Frizzo		View Profile
	Ms Adriana Giannini		View Profile
	Ms Caroline Visentini Ferreira Gonçalves		View Profile
	Mr Jorge Gutiérrez		View Profile
	Mr Walter Hellmeister Junior		View Profile
	Mr Priscila Novis Kirchhoff		View Profile
	Ms Clarissa Lehmen		View Profile
	Mr José Roberto Martins		View Profile
	Mr José Augusto Martins		View Profile
	Mr Carlos Morais		View Profile
	Mr Alberto Mori		View Profile
	Mrs Simone Musa		View Profile
	Ms Helen Naves		View Profile
	Ms Regina Neves		View Profile
	Mrs Tricia Oliveira		View Profile
	Mr Maurício Pacheco		View Profile
	Ms Gabriela Paiva		View Profile
	Mr Victor Paula		View Profile
	Mr Marcio Polto		View Profile
	Mrs Flavia Rebello		View Profile
	Mrs Leticia Ribeiro		View Profile
	Ms Lidia Rossi		View Profile
	Ms Giuliana Schunck		View Profile
	Mrs Lara Schwartzmann		View Profile
	Mrs Carolina Secches		View Profile
	Mr Paulo Sehn		View Profile
	Mr Nazir Takieddine		View Profile
	Ms Thaisa Thamm		View Profile
	Mr Giovani Tomasoni		View Profile
	Ms Heloisa Uelze		View Profile