Mattos Filho > Rio de Janeiro, Brazil > Firm Profile

Mattos Filho > The Legal 500 Rankings

Brazil > Banking and finance Tier 1

Mattos Filho has an ‘extremely approachable and cordial‘ banking and finance team with experience across the full range of transactional, regulatory and contentious matters. The firm acts for an impressive mix of domestic and international banks, and has been involved in several high-profile borrower-led financings for international clients, such as Norsk Hydro and Apollo Global Management. The ‘very technical‘ group, which is commended for its ‘solid practical knowledge of matters related to the debt market and infrastructure‘, recently handled several large-cap financings in the energy sector. With a wealth of experience in all types of lending transactions, from structured finance to syndicated loans, Frederico Kerr Bullamah is widely recommended by clients for his ‘great technical competence and availability’. Other key partners include Bruno Tuca, a reference for debt transactions, special situations and securitisations, and structured finance specialist Marina Anselmo Schneider. Pablo Sorj and Bernardo Môcho are noted on the project finance side, while Flavia Magliozzi handles deals in the financial and capital markets. Paulo Brancher and Marina Procknor are noted for their in-depth knowledge of banking regulatory matters.

Brazil > Capital markets Tier 1

Mattos Filho is home to a highly specialised capital markets team that is regularly involved in Brazil’s largest offerings. The firm is especially strong on the underwriter side; its recent advice to a syndicate of Brazilian banks on the R$33.7bn Eletrobras IPO is testament to its standing in the market and reputation as a go-to destination for major equity listings. Debt work also features prominently on its workload, as does investment funds-related matters and regulatory issues concerning securities. The firm fields a strong selection of debt and equity specialists who are noted for their ‘quick responses’ and ‘proactiveness’. Key debt partners include: Frederico Kerr Bullamah, ‘a lawyer with in-depth technical knowledge‘ of financing and capital markets transactions; Bruno Tuca, who leads on the majority of DCM transactions for major Brazilian corporations; Marina Anselmo Schneider, who is especially active in the infrastructure sector; and Flavia Magliozzi. On the equity front, Caio Cossermelli has extensive experience in IPOs and follow-ons, Jean Marcel Arakawa is a reference for corporations, financial institutions and institutional investors seeking assistance in ECM matters, and Vanessa Fiusa handles both transactional, regulatory and corporate governance work. Recently promoted partner Henrique Antunes Ferreira is also developing a good reputation in the ECM space.

City focus - Brasilia > Litigation Tier 1

Following an expansion into new premises in 2022, Mattos Filho‘s litigation and arbitration team in Brasília offers a comprehensive service across the energy, education, telecoms, technology, life sciences and mining sectors. In addition to its noteworthy representation of BHP Billiton in the R$155bn Mariana dam disaster action, the team is also heavily engaged in electoral investigations of abuse of political power, cross-border arbitration, and civil disputes before the STJ. Maricí Giannico focuses on administrative and regulatory appellate litigation, while the addition of Diego Herrera de Moraes from HD Advogados in July 2022 strengthened the team on the regulatory and corporate disputes front. At the associate level, Marselhe Cristina de Mattos and Flávia Marangoni, the latter of whom joined from the Federal Council of the Brazilian Bar Association in June 2022, have a wealth of experience in civil litigation before the superior courts. Marina De Mello Cerqueira Zarur and Frederico Bastos Pinheiro Martins are no longer at the firm.

City focus - Brasilia > Tax Tier 1

Mattos Filho‘s Brasília-based tax team is known for its performance in contentious matters, whether in constitutional cases involving the profit participation contribution (PIS) and the social security financing contribution (COFINS), or in administrative proceedings before tax revenue agencies. Household names across a range of industries rely on the team for assistance with high-profile mandates, including as amicus curiae in actions for declarations of unconstitutionality. The ‘immensely respected‘ Ariane Guimarães, a reference for tax litigation before the superior courts, spearheads the practice and is supported by associate Alberto Frederico Teixeira Soares Carbonar, who focuses on tax mandates involving the automotive, energy, financial, technology and telecoms sectors. Associate Leandro Bettini left the firm in January 2023.

Brazil > Competition and antitrust Tier 1

A ‘first choice in Brazil‘ for many multinational companies, Mattos Filho‘s antitrust practice is commended for its capabilities in ‘guiding clients through complex mergers‘. Besides its strength in merger control matters, including non-fast-track merger review cases and the negotiation of remedies, the firm is also well positioned to represent clients in antitrust litigation and challenges to CADE’s decisions. Advising on all areas of antitrust law, team members Lauro Celidonio Neto and Renata Fonseca Zuccolo Gianella are described as ‘hands-on partners, with a great deal of knowledge and excellent experience before antitrust bodies’. Marcio Soares regularly acts for domestic and foreign clients from various economic sectors in merger approvals before CADE. Showcasing experience in competition, corporate investigations and digital markets, Michelle Machado is active in antitrust investigations and compliance mandates. Eduardo Frade leverages his previous experience in public management agencies and CADE to advise on a wide range of competition and regulatory issues, including cartels, leniency and abuse of dominant position. Paula Camara Baptista De Oliveira is a name to watch for her expertise in representing domestic and international clients in connection with antitrust related matters. Former New York office head Amadeu Ribeiro, who was noted for his competition law experience, left the firm in September 2023.

Brazil > Compliance Tier 1

Rated for its ‘technical vision‘ and ‘great understanding of management and business‘, the compliance and corporate ethics practice at Mattos Filho is a popular choice for companies seeking assistance in crisis management, corporate governance and investigations. Working in close collaboration with the firm’s M&A and capital markets practices, the team is particularly active in anti-corruption due diligence and risk management on large-cap transactions. A diverse client roster, featuring major domestic and international companies from the worlds of technology, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and energy, among others, regularly instruct the group in internal investigations, administrative enforcement proceedings, leniency negotiations and in the review and implementation of compliance programmes. Marcel Ribas, dual qualified in both Brazil and New York, and Brasília-based Thiago Jabor Pinheiro are names to note for internal investigations, while Kevin Altit in Rio de Janeiro focuses on transactional work, including cross-border M&A and take-over defences. Renato Portella often acts in administrative inquiries and disciplinary procedures. Former state attorney Thiago Luís Sombra, who sits in the Brasília office, brings a unique perspective to public anti-corruption investigations. Senior associates Luiza Mussoi Cattley (Rio de Jarneiro) and Laura Carneiro de Mello Senra (Brasília) possess significant experience in anti-corruption compliance matters. All practitioners are based in São Paulo, unless stated otherwise.

Brazil > Corporate and M&A: High-end Tier 1

With offices in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, New York and London, Mattos Filho’s first-class M&A practice continues to represent blue-chip clients in landmark transactions across a broad range of sectors, most notably technology, financial services, healthcare, construction and energy. Covering the full spectrum of corporate and transactional matters, the sizeable team is frequently engaged in big-ticket public and private M&A, and is a go-to choice for private equity funds, large investors and venture capital firms. Daniel Calhman de Miranda, who has a well-established reputation in the market, ‘makes the difference at a negotiating table or in a meeting where critical decisions are made’. In addition to his expertise in corporate restructurings, joint ventures and foreign investments, João Ricardo de Azevedo Ribeiro is also skilled in corporate governance issues, where he acts for corporations and shareholders alike. Drawing on his previous experience at the Brazilian Securities Commission (CVM), Moacir Zilbovicius possesses notable credentials in M&A involving publicly-held companies. Marcelo Ricupero specialises in distressed transactions, while Paula Vieira de Oliveira , Pedro Whitaker De Souza Dias and Rodrigo Figueiredo Nascimento are all trusted advisers to private equity clients. Rodrigo Ferreira Figueiredo – currently resident partner in the firm’s London office – advises European and Asian players on cross-border corporate deals with ties to Brazil. Transactions involving energy companies and assets are core areas of activity for Victor Gelli, who is also experienced in corporate regulatory matters. Corporate governance, self-regulation for publicly traded companies and reorganisations are areas of expertise for Guilherme Bouzan, while Luciana Pietro Lorenzo (a key contact for the education sector), and Maria Fernanda de Almeida Prado e Silva (who is often retained by life sciences clients), are other practitioners to note for public M&A. Since research concluded, Vieira de Oliveira has been announced as the new head of the firm’s New York office – effective as of October 2023.

Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Arbitration Tier 1

A recognised market leader, Mattos Filho houses an ‘extremely specialised‘ team, which ‘offers excellent services‘ to a stellar roster of clients operating in a variety of industries, such as infrastructure, energy, telecoms, and oil and gas. High-stakes arbitration arising from M&A, corporate and shareholder disputes as well construction contracts and concession agreements are core strengths for the group, which is adept in cases seated in Brazil and abroad, most notably in the US, Germany and France. Rated for his ‘deep knowledge of arbitration‘, the well-regarded Eduardo Damião Gonçalves manages a high-profile caseload, where post-M&A and corporate conflicts feature alongside disputes in the IT, construction and infrastructure spaces. Flávio Spaccaquerche Barbosa is a name to note for proceedings involving the oil and gas, and construction sectors, while Arthur Gonzalez Cronenberger Parente is routinely turned to by shareholders, boards of directors and executives in relation to corporate governance disputes. André Chateaubriand Martins; João Vicente Pereira de Assis, who stands out for his experience in cross-border cases; and senior associate Mirelle Bittencourt Lotufo are other noteworthy practitioners.

Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Litigation Tier 1

Primarily based in São Paulo, Mattos Filho fields a ‘leading litigation team in Brazil’, which receives particular praise for its strength in high-profile corporate and shareholder disputes. Some of the most prominent domestic and foreign companies seek the department’s representation in high-stakes litigation involving environmental, antitrust, public and administrative law and regulatory issues. A key contributor to the firm’s pro bono practice, the team continues to act for several clients in immigration, minority rights and Covid-19-related litigation. The well regarded Eduardo Damião Gonçalves, whose expertise covers litigation and arbitration, is well versed in domestic and cross-border cases. With over 30 years’ experience in dispute resolution, Flavio Pereira Lima is noted for the resolution of conflicts in the banking, telecoms, insurance and energy spaces. Bankruptcy-related disputes, as well as contentious matters involving clients from the financial sector, are among Alex Hatanaka‘s core areas of activity, while Fabio Teixeira Ozi stands out for his understanding of the agribusiness and automotive industries. Clients rate Arthur Gonzalez Cronenberger Parente‘s capabilities in shareholder, corporate and post-M&A disputes. Based in Rio de Janeiro, André Chateaubriand Martins is singled out for his experience before the Superior Court of Justice, while Marici Giannico in Brasília takes the lead in appellate litigation before the Supreme Court. Nicole Moreira De Barros Reis, who focuses on public law and technology-related matters; Thais Arza Monteiro, a name to note for insurance and IP disputes; and Isabela Siqueira, who is recommended for class actions, are other key contacts in São Paulo. Siqueira, João Vicente Pereira de Assis and Stefano Motta were welcomed to the partnership in April 2022. Marina da Cunha Ruggero Lopez stands out at the associate level.

Energy and natural resources > Electricity (and renewable energy)

Mattos Filho maintains a dominant position in the electricity market, having handled some of the largest projects and transactions in Brazil in recent years. In addition to the team’s unrivalled M&A capabilities, its practitioners are also seasoned in financing and capital markets deals, privatisations, regulatory matters and litigation. A go-to destination for power producers, distribution and transmission companies, traders, service providers and financiers, the department has recently experienced an uptick in mandates concerning US dollar-indexed power purchase agreements (PPAs), self-production and renewable energy projects. The group also offers representation in administrative proceedings before the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the main regulatory agencies in the country, including ANEEL. Fabiano Ricardo Luz de Brito is a prolific advisor in regulatory and transactional matters in the power sector, where he acts for clients across the entire value chain. Sofia Barbosa, who is highly recommended by clients, balances a broad practice in this space, handling matters across the generation, transmission, distribution and trading segments. Associate Bárbara Mendes Carnevalli excels in regulatory issues pertaining to the power industry.

Energy and natural resources > Hydrocarbons Tier 1

Full-service powerhouse firm Mattos Filho possesses market-leading capabilities across the full scope of matters pertaining to the oil and gas sector. With a strong presence in ‘the most complex issues and leading cases‘ in this space, the practice is singled out for its skills in high-end transactions, spanning stock and asset purchases, financings, issuance of debentures, and project implementation. Covering the entire value chain, the group is the first port of call for several exploration and production (E&P) and downstream clients and companies from the natural gas segment, as well as banks and private equity firms. The highly regarded Giovani Loss, a treble-qualified partner (in Brazil, England and Wales, and New York), has a wealth of experience in M&A, financing deals and regulatory issues in the hydrocarbons sector. Felipe Rodrigues Caldas Feres regularly works in M&A transactions and projects in the natural gas, biofuels and petroleum industries, and is also sought out for his contractual and regulatory expertise; these are also areas of activity for Bruno Chedid. Key practitioners also include senior associate Danielle Ludwig, whose international background is noteworthy, and Nilton Mattos.

Brazil > Labour and employment Tier 1

The ‘exceptional‘ labour and employment team at Mattos Filho is seen with great regularity handling high-profile contentious work, including public civil actions filed by the Labour Prosecution Office, collective actions brought by unions, and proceedings before the Superior Labour Court. On the consultancy front, it boasts particular expertise in collective negotiations and dismissals, and specialist knowledge of investigations and compensation matters. The ‘excellent‘ Cleber Venditti da Silva is noted for his ‘great negotiation skills‘ in executive-level mandates. Domingos Antonio Fortunato Netto showcases particular strength in individual and collective lawsuits, while Sólon Cunha specialises in non-contentious and preventative matters. Rafael de Filippis handles both advisory and litigation issues and Rafael Caetano stands out for his track record before the superior courts. Vilma Kutomi retired in May 2023.

Brazil > Projects and infrastructure Tier 1

Rated for its ‘technical excellence and unique ability to build creative structures to resolve deadlocks in negotiations‘, Mattos Filho houses one of the largest teams in the market focused on projects and infrastructure. Standing out for its strong track record in M&A involving regulated industries and capital markets transactions in the infrastructure space, the team is also well versed in project finance and development, construction, regulatory and PPP matters, covering sectors as diverse as telecoms, logistics, oil and gas, mining and power. On the financing front, the team is often sought out by Brazilian development banks, but it is also adept in acting for owners and contractors in construction, supply and operational contracts. Policy-making matters in the road, port, railway, urban mobility and public sanitation segments also feature in the team’s impressive workload. Devoted to project development, finance and transactions involving the infrastructure sector, Rio de Janeiro-based partner Pablo Sorj has led on the most innovative energy, port, road and mining deals. Thiago Fernandes Moreira is a key contact in the same office for development and construction matters. In São Paulo, Marina Anselmo Schneider often acts in domestic and cross-border capital markets and project finance transactions on behalf of financial institutions, sponsors and development agencies. Alexandre Arlota, whose wide-ranging experience covers infrastructure matters in emerging markets, including Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, and Bernardo Môcho, who concentrates his practice on project finance and development, are also part of the São Paulo-based team.

Brazil > Real estate Tier 1

Mattos Filho fields a ‘multidisciplinary and integrated team’ of lawyers with ‘enormous experience‘ in the real estate sector. Praised for its ‘pro-business attitude’, the firm is regularly involved in some of the most novel transactions and development projects to hit the country’s commercial real estate market. This includes providing support to major investment funds, corporate investors, sovereign funds and developers in high-end urban and rural real estate deals. Portfolio transactions with a heavy corporate element also feature prominently on the workload. Standing out for her in-depth knowledge of real estate financing transactions, Rossana Fernandes Duarte is well versed in the gamut of real estate matters, including leasing agreements, land use, real estate investment funds and build-to-suit transactions. In addition to being a key adviser to investment funds, developers and institutional investors, Janaína Vargas is also the name to note for the forestry and agribusiness segments. M&A involving real estate assets is a core area of activity for Fernando Amendola, while Mariana Spoto Cobra has recently advised on data centre projects, construction agreements, financings, and acquisitions.

Tax > Customs Tier 1

Tax > Tax advisory Tier 1

Mattos Filho fields an ‘exceptional’ tax team that is praised for being ‘technically prepared' to advise on complex contentious and non-contentious matters involving local and cross-border tax issues. Drawing on its strong ‘tax, financial and, to some extent, accounting knowledge', the team provides critical support to the firm’s market-leading corporate and transactional departments. Andrea Bazzo Lauletta regularly handles the tax aspects of capital markets transactions, M&A, debt deals, project finance and investment funds structures. Focused on direct taxes, Gil F. Mendes is especially active in corporate reorganisations and inbound and outbound investments. Also noted for his transactional capabilities, Flavio Mifano often assists financial institutions, insurance companies, private equity funds and Brazilian corporations with the tax implications of their deals. The firm possesses several strong customs experts, including Renata Correia Cubas and Gabriela Silva de Lemos. On the litigation front, Glaucia Lauletta Frascino has a strong track record of representing clients before the superior courts in Brazil, while Ana Paula Schincariol Lui Barreto is the key contact for Federal Administrative Court (CARF) proceedings. Other noteworthy practitioners include managing partner Roberto Quiroga Mosquera and Alessandra Gomensoro, who heads up the tax litigation group in Rio de Janeiro. Isabel Bueno is singled out for her expertise in pensions and executive compensation matters.

Tax > Tax litigation Tier 1

Brazil > TMT: Cybersecurity and data privacy Tier 1

Regarded by clients as ‘one of the best firms nationally‘ for data protection matters, Mattos Filho advises on the entire spectrum of privacy and cybersecurity issues. The firm has established itself as an authority in this field through its work in the development and implementation of sophisticated data compliance programmes and extensive experience in data incidents. A go-to choice for clients from the IT sector, the practice also acts for companies from the worlds of healthcare, insurance, financial services, retail and telecoms (among others) in negotiations with public authorities, risk assessments and litigation. The ‘highly technical and qualified‘ Fabio Ferreira Kujawski focuses on transactional, regulatory and contractual matters in the tech space, while Paulo Brancher ‘stands out for his extensive experience in IP‘, tech and telecoms. Thiago Luís Sombra is particularly skilled in anti-corruption, data protection and digital platform investigations, and often represents clients in contentious matters before the courts. Luiz Felipe Di Sessa, who joined in March 2022 from Cescon Barrieu, brought a wealth of experience in personal data protection and data processing compliance. Isabela Fernandes stands out at the associate level.

Brazil > TMT: Tech, innovation and digital business Tier 1

Full-service powerhouse Mattos Filho is home to a market-leading technology, innovation and digital business team, which provides ‘assertive and efficient solutions‘ across the full spectrum of sector-related matters, notably cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), digital platforms, and online marketplaces. Singled out for its regulatory expertise, the group attracts instructions from an impressive client roster, featuring tech giants, emerging growth companies, banks, and streaming platforms. Drawing on the firm’s multidisciplinary capabilities, the practice is well placed to handle tax and corporate-related matters, including M&A, financings and IT public procurement. Fabio Ferreira Kujawski and Paulo Brancher have a well-established reputation in this space, and are key points of contact for technology companies. Brasília-based Thiago Luís Sombra is singled out for his experience in litigation, technology, public law and compliance mandates, while Luiz Felipe Di Sessa works with start-ups and corporations on a range of IP, technology and privacy matters. Tax specialist Lisa Worcman oversees Attix, an innovation programme launched by the firm at the end of 2022 aiming to connect start-ups to established companies, and generate business opportunities and innovative partnerships.

Brazil > Wealth and succession planning Tier 1

Mattos Filho houses a 'top-notch' multidisciplinary team of private client lawyers that leverage the firm’s full-service offering and expertise in tax, corporate and family law. Ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families turn to the group for advice on a wide range of matters, most notably succession and tax planning, family governance, wealth protection, probate and inheritance disputes. The group seamlessly collaborates with international partner firms to assist clients with cross-border asset reorganisations and estate planning. Highly regarded by clients and peers alike, Alessandro Amadeu da Fonseca is a key contact for family disputes and offshore asset structuring, while Nicole Najjar covers corporate governance and succession planning, and demonstrates 'a deep knowledge of Brazilian and international inheritance law'. At the associate level, Pedro Falcone is well versed in domestic and international asset reorganisations and Beatriz Borges e Silva focuses on complex family litigation.

Brazil > White-collar crime and investigations Tier 1

Bringing together strong litigation capabilities, international experience and a multidisciplinary approach, Mattos Filho provides legal support to major companies and high-profile individuals in the full array of white-collar crime and investigations matters. Besides its strength in federal investigations, the ‘extremely competent, dedicated and available‘ group is also skilled in cases involving environmental crimes, tax evasion, bankruptcy and securities fraud, including appeals and proceedings before the higher courts. Flávia Leardini, a ‘go-to‘ for corporate and economic crime, is proficient in non-contentious issues and litigation involving tax evasion, corruption and money laundering. The highly regarded Paula Moreira Indalecio has over 20 years’ experience in criminal law, with a special emphasis on the technology and security spaces. Rogério Taffarello is often engaged by individuals and corporations in criminal investigations and litigation involving corporate crimes. Senior associate Philippe Nascimento joined from Dias Carvalho Filho E Furrier Advogados in May 2022.

City focus - Brasilia > Government relations Tier 2

Benefitting from the firm's full-service structure, Mattos Filho is equipped to act for a diverse client base, including non-profit organisations and major corporations, in a variety of legislative processes and negotiations with public bodies. In addition to its recent engagement in discussions involving the tax reforms under debate in the National Congress, the team is also frequently instructed in matters concerning tax benefits for charities, income and consumption taxation, and telemedicine regulations. The group is led by Flavio Pereira Lima in São Paulo, who focuses on civil litigation and commercial arbitration, and Ariane Guimarães in Brasília, a tax litigation expert. Associate Alberto Frederico Teixeira Soares Carbonar assists with institutional and government affairs matters.

City focus - Brasilia > Public law and regulation Tier 2

Mattos Filho fields a specialised public law team in Brasília which is retained by household names in a range of matters, ranging from public procurement to proceedings before the TCU. A popular choice for technology clients seeking assistance with PPPs, public tenders and administrative law issues, the team is also instructed by state-owned companies engaged in divestment processes and contractual matters. Thiago Luís Sombra is highly regarded for his practice focused on public law, anti-corruption and technology, and extensive experience before the superior courts.

Energy and natural resources > Mining Tier 2

At Mattos Filho, the mining practice provides comprehensive advice to its corporate client roster, but is perhaps best known for its transactional capabilities, which see it act for major mining companies in M&A, corporate restructurings, project finance, capital markets deals as well as royalty and streaming deals. Regulatory and ESG-related mandates also feature in the team’s workload, which is further populated by policy-making and legislative matters. The highly recommended Adriano Drummond Cançado Trindade has a wealth of experience in the mining industry, advising on regulatory issues, contracts, projects and transactions. He is based in the Brasília office, and receives key support from São Paulo-based associate Eugênia Pedroso, who focuses on mining and energy transactional matters, including cross-border deals.

Brazil > Environment Tier 2

Bringing together strong capabilities in administrative and judicial litigation with in-depth knowledge of environmental regulations, Mattos Filho is well positioned to provide the full range of environmental advice to clients across the country. Showcasing extensive experience in issues ranging from climate change and solid waste to green bonds, brownfields and contaminated sites, the department is regularly seen acting for clients in M&A transactions with sensitive environmental implications. Typical instructions also include environmental permitting, agribusiness and forestry matters, and crisis management. The practice is jointly led by two partners: Antonio Augusto Reis, who frequently advises on the environmental aspects of projects, business and financing transactions; and Rômulo Sampaio, an ESG specialist who often assists with carbon markets, waste management and water resources-related mandates. At the associate level, Igor Lyra specialises in dispute resolution involving historical heritage and preservation, while Tábata Boccanera Guerra de Oliveira focuses on climate change issues, licensing processes and contaminated sites. Since publication, former practice head Lina Pimentel Garcia  has left the firm, effective as of January 2024.

Brazil > Insurance Tier 2

Mattos Filho has a ‘highly qualified‘ insurance team of ‘top-notch lawyers‘. Practitioners regularly ‘deal with complex issues, and deliver smart and strategic solutions‘, particularly on the non-contentious side, where the team has a good track record on related M&A and strategic partnership agreements. The firm has been particularly active in supporting insurers in setting up digital distribution channels. Key partners include Marcelo Mansur Haddad ‘one of the most respected lawyers in the Brazilian insurance and reinsurance market‘, and Camila Leal Calais, who is active in transactional and regulatory matters, and singled out for her understanding of insurtechs. Following the December 2022 departure of Cassio Gama Amaral and Thomaz Kastrup , Thais Arza Monteiro is now the lead contact for contentious matters.

Brazil > Life sciences Tier 2

Noted for its 'prompt service, technical capacity and negotiation skills', Mattos Filho handles regulatory, contractual and litigation matters for a diverse group of life sciences and healthcare players. Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthtech, food and beverages, and medical device companies regularly turn to the team for advice on the gamut of industry-related matters, including corporate transactions, clinical trials, product development and pricing. Practice head Ana Cândida Sammarco is singled out for her experience in life sciences regulatory issues; she regularly advises on the structuring of healthcare plan agreements, implementation of new technologies, and drafting and negotiating supply and distribution agreements. Fellow co-leader Gustavo Swenson Caetano utilises his IP and food law expertise to handle contractual, commercial and transactional work in the life sciences sector.

Brazil > Public law Tier 2

Praised for its ‘outstanding legal capacity‘, Mattos Filho‘s public law department is best known for its strong regulatory and transactional expertise. The team acts for a wide range of foreign and domestic clients, including contractors, construction companies, insurance firms, private equity funds and financial institutions in the full array of public law matters. Typical mandates include public tenders, PPPs, administrative and punitive proceedings, concessions, and M&A involving companies subject to government regulations. Administrative law expert André Luiz Freire is a key contact for public auctions and proceedings before regulatory agencies. Thiago Luís Sombra handles matters related to public law, anticorruption and technology, including investigations and government contracts. Recently promoted partner Henrique Lago da Silveira is building a strong practice in matters related to state-owned companies and concessions for transport and sanitation projects. In March 2023, associate Victor Jacuru left the firm.

Brazil > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 2

Mattos Filho has a ‘very proactive’ and ‘strong multidisciplinary team’ that is praised for its ‘excellent technical quality and work capacity’. Clients, including major creditors and investors, acknowledge the team’s ‘knowledge and experience in multijurisdictional and complex transactions‘. Working in close collaboration with the firm’s finance, capital markets, corporate, disputes, tax and white-collar crime specialists, the group offers a multifaceted service in the restructuring and insolvency field, which covers both litigation and non-contentious mandates. Banking partner Frederico Kerr Bullamah has significant experience in debt restructurings, while corporate law expert Marcelo Ricupero is skilled in deals involving distressed assets. Disputes partners André Chateaubriand and Alex Hatanaka are also very active in this space. Stefano Motta is another name to note for bankruptcy matters, in and out-of-court reorganisations, and credit recovery. Associate Giovanna Campedelli Macedo is entirely dedicated to restructuring and insolvency matters.

Brazil > TMT: Media Tier 2

Drawing on its full-service structure and multidisciplinary expertise, Mattos Filho is well equipped to assist in all manner of media and entertainment matters, including tax, contracts, regulatory issues and litigation. With strong credentials in sports-related mandates, the team demonstrates proficiency in negotiating, drafting, and finalising sponsorship, trade mark, and licensing agreements for sporting events. An array of notable Brazilian and international media players - including TV broadcasters - also turn to the group for advice on advertising, copyrights and sponsorships. Lisa Worcman handles regulatory and tax-related issues pertaining to the media and entertainment sectors. Luiz Felipe Di Sessa, who joined from Cescon Barrieu in March 2022, specialises in non-contentious technology and IP mandates, regularly assisting clients in the drafting of IP agreements. Fabio Ferreira Kujawski, who brings over two decades' experience in technology, IP, media and entertainment matters, focuses on transactions, regulatory compliance, and contractual issues.

Brazil > TMT: Telecoms Tier 2

Mattos Filho continues to be a strong player in the telecoms field, regularly assisting domestic and foreign clients in high-profile transactional and regulatory matters. With extensive experience in the mobile, satellite and submarine cable segments, the firm is typically engaged in commercial agreements, concessions, public bids and contractual issues, and is also skilled at assisting international companies looking to establish a presence in the country. These are all core areas of activity for Fabio Ferreira Kujawski, who possesses a strong profile in the telecoms and technology sectors. Thays Castaldi Gentil left the firm in April 2023.

Brazil > Transport: Shipping Tier 2

Covering both dry and wet shipping matters, Mattos Filho fields a ‘team specialised in maritime law‘ which is particularly noted for its strength in non-contentious work. The group attracts instructions from a variety of international shipping clients in relation to complex contractual arrangements for the construction, financing, purchase and sale of vessels, and is also adept in regulatory issues involving charterparty, services, crew management and operational agreements. Singled out for his commercial skills and ‘deep knowledge of the shipping industry‘, Nilton Mattos acts for shipowners, energy companies, port operators and offshore drillers in an array of shipping matters. He receives support from a strong team of associates: Gabriel Acciarito, who focuses on dry shipping; Ana Clara Nascimento, a name to note for wet mandates, most notably marine casualties, cargo claims and charter party disputes; and Duane Sarlo, who brings together expertise in maritime incidents, contracts and transactional matters.

Brazil > Venture capital Tier 2

Rated for its ‘strong knowledge of the venture capital ecosystem‘, Mattos Filho established a standalone practice in May 2022 dedicated to providing assistance to investors, start-ups and entrepreneurs. Benefitting from the firm’s full-service structure and strength in complementary areas, the group is well placed to advise on a litany of matters, ranging from strategic partnerships and joint ventures to investment rounds, exit strategies, fund formation and corporate venture strategies. The highly regarded Tomás Neiva joined from NBFA in cooperation with Garrigues in 2021 to support the firm in the creation and development of the recently launched VC practice, given his solid background in this space and strong transactional capabilities. Marina Procknor has a wealth of experience in assisting asset managers, sovereign funds and institutional investors in the formation and capitalisation of investment funds and related transactions, including venture capital. Camilla Martes, who is praised for her ‘excellent negotiation skills‘, focuses on tech-related M&A, deals involving VC-backed companies and investment rounds.

Brazil > Transport: Aviation Tier 3

Standing out for its strong transactional track record, Mattos Filho assists domestic and international airlines, air taxi companies, manufacturers, airport concessionaires and operators, as well as lessors, and banks in a host of aviation mandates. Deals involving the purchase and sale of aircraft is a key area of strength for the department, which is also engaged in lease and financing agreements, and debt restructuring. Drawing on its active interactions with regulators, including the Brazilian National Aviation Agency, the Department of Airspace Control and the Aeronautics Command, the group is also proficient in regulatory issues, compliance and administrative proceedings. Associates Marcelle Fazzato Lopes and Felipe Kotait handle aircraft finance deals, lease agreements and regulatory matters. Adriana Simões left the firm in June 2023.