Banking and finance Tier 1

Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados offers a strong balance of regulatory and transactional advice to borrowers and financial institutions. The firm recently provided support on the launch of several new financial products and structures, and partners including Larissa Arruy  are very active on regulatory matters. On the transactional side, the team covers all product types, including major project and acquisition financings, debt capital markets, structured debt and export finance. Pablo Sorj in Rio de Janeiro is a key contact for energy and infrastructure-related financings. Marina Anselmo Schneider, Bruno Mastriani Simões Tuca and Frederico Kerr Bullamah are all highly experienced. The department was further boosted by the promotion of asset management and investment funds expert Flávio Barbosa Lugão to partner, and the arrival of financial institutions and fintech specialist Pedro Eroles. Since publication, Arruy has left the firm - effective as of June 2021.

Capital markets Tier 1

Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados has a truly deep offering both on the debt and equity capital markets front. As well as advising issuers and underwriters on the full range of transactional matters, the firm is also noted for its strong expertise in investment funds and securities regulation. On the debt side, partners including Bruno Mastriani Simões Tuca, Marina Anselmo Schneider and Frederico Kerr Bullamah are all leading players, and also have a broad range of related banking and structured finance expertise. Names to note on the corporate and equity front include Jean Marcel Arakawa and Vanessa Fiusa. Flavia Magliozzi was promoted to partner in 2020. Since publication, Caio Cossermelli joined the firm, effective as of April 2021.

Competition and antitrust Tier 1

The ‘well-trained and diverse‘ competition team at Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados is regularly involved in merger review cases before CADE, including complex domestic and multi-jurisdictional transactions, and has recently obtained unconditional clearance for several clients. The practice group also has a strong track record in anti-competitive conduct cases. Marcio Dias Soares is a key specialist in the team, often taking a lead role on the department’s most complex cases, and receives praise. Renata Fonseca Zuccolo Gianella and Lauro Celidonio Gomes dos Reis Neto are ‘very knowledgeable in legal and commercial matters‘. New York-based Amadeu Ribeiro and Michelle Marques Machado are also names to note. The firm received a further boost in August 2021 with the arrival of Eduardo Frade to the firm's Brasília office.

Corporate and M&A Tier 1

Noted for its ‘very solid experience in M&A‘, Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados has secured its position in the top echelons of the Brazilian legal market through its involvement in numerous high-profile corporate transactions over several years. Its private equity expertise is also of note, with clients including leading private equity and venture capital funds. Clients of the corporate department also benefit from the full-service firm’s strengths in antitrust, capital markets and tax, among other areas. A team led by Maria Fernanda de Almeida Prado e Silva and Moacir Zilbovicius acted as Brazilian counsel to Avon on its all-share merger with Natura Cosméticos, advising on the corporate and tax structuring of the transaction, as well as the competition aspects. The firm stands out for its international reach, with corporate lawyers based in London and New York in addition to Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and, since July 2020, its new office in Campinas. Key names in the sizeable team include João Ricardo de Azevedo Ribeiro, Paula Vieira de Oliveira and Claudio Oksenberg. 2019 saw the promotions of Guilherme Woo Terra, Rodrigo Arthur Carvalho and Victor Gelli Cavalcanti to partner. Associate Rosane Carmona is recommended. Since publication, Tomás Neiva joined the firm.

Energy and natural resources: Hydrocarbons Tier 1

Fielding one of the biggest integrated teams focused on the energy and natural resources industry, Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados advises domestic and international clients on the gamut of matters pertaining to hydrocarbons. Covering regulatory issues and transactional work, the practice is retained by leading exploration and production (E&P) companies, natural gas distributors, service providers, private equity houses and banks. With particular strength in the acquisition of E&P assets, typical mandates also include assisting with stock purchases, acquisition and project financing, project development and litigation. Giovani Loss stands out for his strong track record in M&A transactions and regulatory issues involving the oil and gas industry. Felipe Feres is qualified to practice in Brazil and New York, Danielle Ludwig devotes her time to oil and gas matters, while Bruno Chedid is active in M&A, contractual issues and financing. Nilton Mattos is also recommended.

Insurance Tier 1

Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados fields a first-class, multi-disciplinary insurance team that is equally comfortable handling market-defining corporate deals as high-profile litigation and regulatory matters. The firm works with a broad range of brokers, insurers, reinsurers and pension providers, regularly handling regulatory authorisations, joint ventures and product launches. On the contentious side, the team has a good track record in related litigations and arbitrations, including claims adjustment and settlement procedures. Marcelo Mansur Haddad has established a strong reputation in the market and is supported by highly qualified partners, including Thomaz Kastrup, Camila Leal Calais, Cassio Gama Amaral and Thais Arza Monteiro. The firm also has several impressive senior associates coming through the ranks, including rising star Roberto Panucci.

Labour and employment Tier 1

Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados has a top reputation with clients and peers alike, and is strongly recommended both for labour litigation and advisory work. The team includes a stellar roster of talent, including Vilma Kutomi, Dario Abrahão Rabay, Sólon Cunha, who is especially strong on union-related matters, Cleber Venditti and Rio-based Domingos Antonio Fortunato Netto, who is well known in Brazil's oil and gas sector. As well as high-profile contentious matters, the firm has a strong focus on litigation prevention strategies and negotiations with the labour unions. The team has recently handled significant cases related to the gig economy.

Litigation Tier 1

Litigation is a core focus for the Brasília team at Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados. It stands out for its experience in cases before the Supreme Federal Court and Superior Court of Justice, and is equipped to represent companies across a multitude of industries, including infrastructure, electricity, technology and insurance. In a recent case, the team acted for the Brazilian Association of Infrastructure and Base Industries (ABDIB) as amicus curiae in a direct unconstitutionality action concerning sensitive issues in the infrastructure sector filed by the Attorney General's Office. Practice head Maricí Giannico is an expert in civil and commercial litigation and has ancillary expertise in judicial restructuring. Marselhe Cristina de Mattos and André Tavares Accioly de Oliveira are active associates in the team and are often involved in the department's cases at both the trial and appellate levels.

Projects and infrastructure Tier 1

Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados is equipped to assist clients throughout all phases of a project, and showcases an indisputable position in the market. The practice possesses strength in sophisticated project finance transactions, providing advice to leading Brazilian and international banks and sponsors. Other areas of activity include assisting with PPPs, project development and construction issues, as well as M&A and capital markets transactions pertaining to the infrastructure sector. The department often plays a key role in advancing new regulations and policies in relation to projects in the power, oil and gas, roads, ports, railways and healthcare sectors. M&A transactions and regulatory issues are among Giovani Loss's specialisms. Pablo Sorj focuses on infrastructure transactions, as well as project finance and development, which are also areas of focus for Thiago Fernandes Moreira. The team was recently strengthened by the arrival of André Luiz Freire from Demarest Advogados, who excels in PPPs, public bids and administrative law. In other team developments, Bernardo Môcho and Nilton Mattos were promoted to partner in 2019, Alexandre Arlota made partner in July 2020, and Brasília-based mining expert Adriano Drummond Trindade joined in December 2020.

Real estate Tier 1

Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados has an extremely active practice, which sits at the cross section between real estate, corporate and capital markets work. Rossana Fernandes Duarte has over 30 years of experience in the market, and the firm has a team of high-quality partners coming through the ranks, all of whom receive praise from clients, including Mariana Spoto Cobra, Fernando Amendola and the recently promoted Janaína de Cássia Gomes Vargas. The fact that major funds like Brookfield regularly use the firm is testament to its track record advising clients investing in retail, logistics, industrial, residential, office and hospitality properties.

Tax Tier 1

Nationally, Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados' tax department is among Brazil's best, and its Brasília office is similarly strong. The team has broad experience in administrative and judicial tax litigation and is often involved in complex cases before the Superior Court of Justice. A recent example was Ariane Costa Guimarães' representation of Magazine Luiza before the Superior Court of Justice to obtain recognition of the inapplicability of Article 166 of the National Tax Code regarding tax on sales. In an illustration of the firm's ongoing investment in the Brasília office, Samantha Maria Peloso Reis Queiroga transferred from São Paulo to Brasília in 2019. Associate Leandro Bettini Lins de Castro Monteiro is another key contact.

Tax Tier 1

Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados is one of the market's top destinations when it comes to cutting-edge tax advice. The firm has a broad range of specialists focusing on direct and indirect taxes, both on a contentious and non-contentious basis. The consulting side includes the structuring of M&A and capital markets deals, company reorganisations and real estate and infrastructure projects. Key contacts here include Andrea Bazzo Lauletta, Flavio Mifano and Isabel Bueno, who also advises on executive compensation and share-based plans. On the litigation side, Roberto Quiroga Mosquera has established an excellent reputation, and clients also rate Glaucia Maria Lauletta Frascino, Ana Paula Schincariol Lui Barreto and Gabriela Silva de Lemos. Ariane Costa Guimarães was promoted to partner.

Tax litigation Tier 1

Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados

TMT: Cybersecurity and data privacy Tier 1

Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados provides advice across the entire spectrum of cybersecurity and data privacy; mandates range from advising on domestic and foreign data protection regulations to assisting in the preparation of corporate policies for the treatment of personal data. In addition, the team is proficient in big data, with the ability to advise on cybersecurity issues and data leaks. Brasília-based Thiago Luís Sombra is a name to note for data breach investigations. Paulo Brancher, who sits in the São Paulo office, is another key point of contact in the team, focusing on technology, telecoms and data protection.

TMT: Tech, innovation and digital business Tier 1

Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados provides comprehensive services in the field of technology law, covering advice on AI, cloud computing, digital platforms, e-commerce, Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain and cryptocurrency. The group brings together multi-disciplinary expertise in a range of areas, from litigation to compliance to corporate law, to assist technology companies, including start-ups operating in the areas of fintech, healthtech and govtech. Fabio Ferreira Kujawski is a name to note for technology law, demonstrating particular expertise in transactional work. Paulo Brancher routinely assists leading domestic and foreign companies, while Thiago Luís Sombra stands out for regulatory issues. Tax expert Lisa Worcman, who recently joined the team, excels in matters involving the technology sector.

Compliance Tier 2

Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados is noted for its 'highly-qualified professionals' and 'sophisticated view and practical approach'. Multinational companies, many of which are leaders in their respective fields, turn to the team for advice and representation on internal investigations, leniency negotiations and compliance due diligence. Key names in the sizeable team include Thiago Jabor Pinheiro, Thiago Luís Sombra, Renato Tastardi Portella, Kevin Michael Altit and associate Luiza Mussoi Cattley.

Dispute Resolution: Arbitration Tier 2

Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados attracts instructions from domestic and international companies, investors, financial institutions and government authorities in high-value arbitration proceedings. The practice is active in corporate, M&A, infrastructure and insurance-related disputes, and also provides consulting services in matters involving arbitration. Eduardo Damião Gonçalves demonstrates strength in disputes held under the rules of arbitration institutions in Brazil and abroad. Flávio Spaccaquerche Barbosa is recommended for his expertise in arbitration proceedings involving the oil and gas, construction, insurance and banking sectors, while Arthur Gonzalez Cronenberger Parente excels in arbitration involving corporate law, governance and M&A deals. Bruno Barreto de Azevedo Teixeira is another name to note for domestic and international arbitration.

Dispute Resolution: Litigation Tier 2

Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados has a notable track record in assisting heavyweights from a variety of industries in disputes involving administrative, corporate and regulatory issues. The department is often retained to handle sensitive political, social and economic matters, including disputes involving national elections, consumer rights, sale of public assets and significant corporate and M&A. Eduardo Damião Gonçalves is a seasoned litigator, acting for both leading Brazilian and foreign clients. Flavio Pereira Lima specialises in civil and environmental litigation, while Alex Hatanaka is noted for commercial and bankruptcy-related disputes. Ricardo Junqueira is active in contentious work pertaining to corporate and infrastructure issues. André Chateaubriand recently joined from Sergio Bermudes Advogados, bringing a wealth of experience in civil litigation before the Superior Court of Justice and cross-border disputes.

Electricity (and renewable energy) Tier 2

Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados receives instructions from the full range of participants in the electricity sector, ranging from power producers, distribution and transmission companies to service providers, private equity funds and banks. The energy department is well equipped to provide assistance in project development and finance, as well as stock and asset purchases, litigation and regulatory matters. With over fifteen years of experience in the field, Fabiano Ricardo Luz de Brito is a key practitioner, whose experience encompasses transactional matters and regulatory issues pertaining to the electricity sector. Sofia Barbosa joined in September 2020.

Environment Tier 2

Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados' environmental group is sought after for assistance in administrative and judicial litigation, as well as in the assessment of environmental risk in the context of M&A transactions. The team demonstrates extensive experience in issues pertaining to brownfield and contaminated site management, take-back waste product agreements, agroforestry matters and environmental licensing. Climate change and biodiversity are other areas of expertise for the department, which is under the leadership of highly experienced partner Lina Pimentel Garcia, and saw recent growth at the partner level with the promotions of Antonio Augusto Reis and Rômulo Sampaio to the partnership in 2020.

Life sciences Tier 2

The ‘outstanding team‘ at Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados acts for leading life sciences and healthcare companies, covering all sub-sectors, from medical devices to food to digital health. Thanks to the firm’s full-service offering, the department also benefits from the input of specialists in M&A, litigation and insurance. Corporate and M&A specialist Maria Fernanda de Almeida Prado e Silva assists life sciences and healthcare companies in corporate transactions, while Ana Cândida Sammarco focuses her practice in public law, administrative, corporate and regulatory matters. Senior associate Renata Rothbarth ‘demonstrates unique knowledge of the life sciences and healthcare markets‘. Since publication, Gustavo Swenson joined the firm, in September 2021.

Public law and regulation Tier 2

In public law, Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados' Brasília team handles a more or less even balance of contentious and non-contentious matters. It is well versed in administrative proceedings before the TCU: a case in point was Thiago Luís Sombra and associate Igor Moreira Novais Teixeira assisting IBM before the TCU concerning an administrative contract for the supply of software solutions, obtaining a preliminary decision favourable to the client.

Restructuring and insolvency Tier 2

In restructuring and insolvency, Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados has a strong multi-disciplinary offering, drawing from a deep bench of lawyers across its banking, capital markets, corporate and litigation departments. Advice to creditors and investors remains the core area of focus, with lawyers regularly involved in highly complex debt restructurings, DIP financings and groundbreaking judicial reorganisations. Key figures in the team include corporate finance partners Marcelo Sampaio Góes Ricupero and Flavio Mifano; banking and capital markets specialists Frederico Kerr Bullamah, Marina Anselmo Schneider and Bruno Mastriani Simões Tuca; and litigation expert Alex Hatanaka.

TMT: Telecoms and media Tier 2

Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados possesses in-depth knowledge of the telecoms legal framework in Brazil, and advises clients on corporate and M&A transactions, commercial agreements, public bids and concessions as well as administrative litigation and regulatory issues. International clients which are looking to establish a presence in the country and companies wanting to expand their activities towards the offering of telecom-related services often seek the team's legal assistance. Fabio Ferreira Kujawski has extensive experience assisting clients in the telecoms and entertainment sectors. Other practitioners to note include Paulo Brancher and Thays Castaldi Gentil, who is currently based in the firm's New York office and is skilled in telecoms regulations.

White-collar crime and investigations Tier 2

Full-service leviathan Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados took the step of establishing a white-collar practice with the hire of Rogério Fernando Taffarello from a boutique firm in 2017. Taffarello has broad expertise in white-collar criminal defence and stands out in particular for his experience in negotiating plea agreements on behalf of his clients. The department saw further growth in 2020 with the arrival of Paula Moreira Indalecio; previously a name partner at a boutique firm, she has over 20 years' experience in this field. Associate Flávia Guimarães Leardini is another key member of the team.

Public law Tier 3

Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados has longstanding experience managing interactions between private companies and public entities. It regularly assists domestic and international clients navigating legal intricacies in public tenders, PPPs, concessions and administrative proceedings. Part of the team is based in Brasília, enabling the lawyers to assist clients with negotiations with public authorities and regulatory agencies. The team has recently been active in matters relating to logistics and public lighting projects, as well as airport concessions. The public law group was boosted following the arrival of André Luiz Freire, who demonstrates solid experience in public procurement matters and bidding procedures. Thiago Luís Sombra's areas of interest include litigation and privatisation matters. Bruno Werneck recently departed for Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown.

Wealth and succession planning Tier 3

The highly regarded private wealth practice at Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados advises HNWIs and families on domestic and international estate planning, family governance, relocation and corporate restructuring. Nicole Najjar and Alessandro Amadeu da Fonseca are the names to note.

Transport and shipping

Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados offers strong aviation and shipping expertise. The aviation side is handled by well-regarded partner Adriana Simões out of the firm's São Paulo office. This includes a mix of leasing, financing and regulatory work, as well as advice on airport concession agreements. The shipping side is led out of Rio de Janeiro by the highly rated Nilton Mattos, who is especially strong in dry shipping matters, including charterparty agreements and offshore supply contracts.