Corporate and M&A Tier 1

Having successfully established a strong M&A practice, Demarest Advogados has a loyal following of household name companies in the financial services, consumer goods and life sciences sectors, among others, and also continues to attract new clients. Its recent workload includes complex and high-value M&A (including transactions that exceed the R$1bn mark) in the banking, agribusiness, technology, education and healthcare sectors. Corporate reorganisations and distressed M&A are other areas of specialism. In diversity and inclusion, the firm has a number of internal affinity groups, through which around 12% of employees volunteer as allies, including D Mais, its LGBTIQA+ affinity group, D Raízes for racial and ethnic equality (including its involvement with Incluir Direito and Aliança Jurídica pela Equidade Racial), and D Mulheres for gender equality. Luciana Cossermelli Tornovsky has vast experience in corporate and M&A and corporate governance, and also leads the firm's corporate social responsibility area. José Diaz and Paulo Coelho da Rocha also each draw on over 25 years of experience; they are names to note in the practice, along with Ana Carolina Botto Audi, who acts for major funds and blue-chip companies, Joyl Gondim, who specialises in mid-market and life sciences deals, and infrastructure, transport and logistics specialist Gabriel Kuznietz. Bruna Toledo Pacheco and Daniel Caramaschi, partners since January 2021, are also key contacts. In July 2021, the firm announced its Disrupt initiative, which focuses on start-ups.

Environment Tier 1

Working in close collaboration with firm-wide litigators and criminal law experts, the environmental team at Demarest Advogados is equipped to handle high-stakes lawsuits across the country. Contentious matters involving reverse logistics and solid waste management are areas of strength for the department, as is land contamination, environmental licensing of industrial activities and climate change. Furthermore, the group, which is led by renowned environmental lawyer Luiz Sant’Anna, is often retained by clients across the energy, mining, agribusiness, forestry and pharmaceutical industries engaged in M&A and capital markets transactions. Bringing together expertise in environmental disciplines including air, water, natural resources and biodiversity, the team is well-positioned to advise on administrative, regulatory and policy-making mandates. Other key individuals include Fernanda Vianna Stefanelo and Marina Montes Bastos, both of whom possess specialist knowledge of climate change issues, solid waste matters and environmental licensing.

Insurance Tier 1

Demarest Advogados has a multi-faceted insurance practice with a good grounding in contentious and non-contentious insurance matters. Insurance and reinsurance clients benefit from the firm's strong corporate practice, which has a notable track record in M&A as well as partnership agreements (often with banks) for the distribution of insurance products. Partner Andre Alarcon leads this side of the practice, which was further boosted by the arrival of Luciana Prado from Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados, who has significant expertise in commercial contracts, health insurance and private pensions. Overall practice head and 'leading insurance lawyer in Brazil' Marcia Cicarelli Barbosa de Oliveira has established an excellent reputation for insurance-related litigation and regulatory advice. The firm's relationship with DAC Beachcroft LLP adds extra weight on cross-border matters. Senior associate Camila Prado also has an excellent reputation.

International trade Tier 1

The dedicated and highly specialised international trade team at Demarest Advogados is 'very business-oriented and client-focused'. The team specialises in trade remedies, WTO cases and free trade negotiations, and has acted on behalf of the footwear, clothing, steel, food and chemicals industries. The team has also assisted Brazilian companies in trade remedies cases in the US, including those targeting the export of steel rubber and silicon metals. Practice head José Diaz has over 20 years in the market and an established track record in anti-dumping and related disputes. Other key individuals include Oswaldo De Moraes, who has advised on tax, international trade and customs matters for over 45 years, Camila Biral, Victor Lopes and highly experienced senior associate Fernando Bueno.

Banking and finance Tier 2

Demarest Advogados' well-regarded banking and finance team is led by 'excellent attorney' Fabio de Almeida Braga, who is especially experienced in regulatory matters, often advising on fintech and the development of digital platforms. The team as a whole offers a wide range of expertise, with particular areas of strength including trade and project finance, and financings in key industries such as agribusiness and automotive. Senior associate Marcelo Simon Ikeziri is also an active member of the team, with good experience in project finance, debt restructurings and syndicated loans. Helen Naves left the firm in July 2021.

Capital markets Tier 2

Clients appreciate Demarest Advogados' ability to 'give quick answers to complex problems'. The firm particularly stands out on the debt side, where it represents a diverse mix of issuers and underwriters. The team's good track record for structured products ensures a strong flow of work in asset-backed agribusiness and real estate securitisations, as well as project bonds. Thiago Giantomassi leads the well-regarded team and has established strong relationships with investment banks and private equity firms. João Paulo Minetto has also developed a specialised practice, and has good experience on the equity capital markets front. Helen Naves left the firm in July 2021.

Competition and antitrust Tier 2

The highly regarded competition department at Demarest Advogados 'secures great results for clients'. The team continues to grow its already well-established practice, generating its own clients and attracting instructions in sophisticated merger filings even where the firm's M&A department was not involved. Outside of its large market share in merger clearance, the team also maintains a busy and buoyant behavioural practice, regularly representing clients in investigations initiated by CADE concerning cartels and anti-competitive conduct and related litigation. Paola Pugliese is regularly sought out for her extensive antitrust knowledge by Brazilian and multinational companies that are leaders in their industries; Bruno Drago stands out for his expertise in abuse of dominance and follow-on damages cases; Milena Fernandes Mundim 'knows the CADE process inside out and always delivers for clients'; and Daniel Oliveira Andreoli also balances a broad practice, and is noted for his ability to handle leniency negotiations. Senior associates Fabianna Morselli and Brasília-based Marco Antônio Fonseca are also noted.

Compliance Tier 2

The 'highly specialised' compliance team at Demarest Advogados receives praise for its 'very strong focus on solving the problems of clients'. The firm's investment in the compliance area through the hire of Eloy Rizzo ('one of the most complete professionals in the compliance market') and a team in 2019 has proved a success; the team continues to attract new clients - including household name Brazilian and international companies - and is regularly involved in sensitive and complex investigations. Beyond internal investigations, the team is also equipped to advise on day-to-day compliance matters, training, and the compliance aspects of M&A transactions. Carlo Verona, who has experience in international investigations involving the FCPA, UK Bribery Act and international enforcement, and associate Victoria Arcos also receive praise. Senior associate André Luis Leme is another key member of the team.

Customs Tier 2

Demarest Advogados

Dispute Resolution: Arbitration Tier 2

The highly regarded team at Demarest Advogados handles a diverse caseload, which features complex cases before various arbitration centres in Brazil and abroad. The firm's client roster is made up of large players from several economic sectors, including energy, infrastructure, automotive and life sciences. The department excels in corporate disputes involving M&A transactions, capital markets and corporate control issues, but is also adept at handling cases pertaining to energy, infrastructure and construction contracts. The practice is under the joint leadership of Celso Xavier, Rafael Gagliardi and Marcelo Inglez de Souza. Carlo Verona is predominantly engaged in international arbitration and cross-border disputes.

Dispute Resolution: Litigation Tier 2

With a strong network of offices in Brazil, 'renowned law firm' Demarest Advogados has the ability to act for clients from several segments, including energy, pharmaceutical, infrastructure and steel production, in litigation, arbitration and mediation. Corporate disputes, cases involving capital markets, contractual liability and public law issues are key areas of activity for the practice, which is under the joint leadership of Celso Xavier, Marcelo Inglez de Souza and Rafael Gagliardi. Xavier excels in litigation involving securities, competition law and contractual agreements, while Souza combines a strong dispute resolution and intellectual property practice. Regulatory matters, most notably those involving the energy and infrastructure sectors, are among Gagliardi's areas of expertise.

Labour and employment Tier 2

'Excellent law firm' Demarest Advogados offers a combination of contentious and non-contentious employment advice to clients from across a broad range of sectors. Cássia Fernanda Pizzotti and Renato Canizares are the main contacts on the advisory side of the team, regularly handling collective negotiations and compliance investigation procedures. The team also has a good track record in providing support on M&A and corporate transactions, such as the sale of certain Nike assets to SBF, as well as assisting with the full range of Covid-19 related employment issues. Maurício Levy and Mónica Cristina Matarazzo are two of the main partners for employment litigation. Former partner Marcello Della Monica Silva left the firm.

Projects and infrastructure Tier 2

Demarest Advogados is adept at handling a variety of matters involving greenfield and brownfield projects across a multitude of industries, namely energy, transport, sanitation and healthcare. Its recent work showcases its strength in advising clients on PPPs and bid processes. The team is also sought by clients for assistance with financing, M&A and concessions, including in matters pertaining to urban mobility, energy and waste management. Leading the practice is Bruno Aurélio, who draws on his comprehensive knowledge of public law issues to assist with the structuring of complex infrastructure projects. Renan Sona Silva is also noted for his expertise in project development and bidding procedures.

Public law Tier 2

Demarest Advogados excels across a broad range of public law matters, but is perhaps best known for its strength in the development of PPP projects, public procurement and litigation arising from agreements with state and federal entities. On the contentious front, the practice acts for private sector clients operating in a variety of industries, including transport, energy, sanitation and waste management, in administrative, judicial and arbitration proceedings involving disputes with the public administration. Bruno Aurélio is a name to note for the structuring of infrastructure projects, privatisations and PPPs. He oversees the department, which also includes key associate Renan Sona Silva, who assists with a variety of public procurement, concessions and PPP issues.

Real estate Tier 2

Demarest Advogados has a diverse offering and is equally adept advising on development agreements and corporate and funds transactions. The team counts investors, landowners and joint venture companies among its clients, which seek advice on logistics and industrial facilities, office buildings, residential developments, forestry and agribusiness matters. The firm has also been active in the capital markets arena, assisting with the IPOs of several new funds and proptech companies, including Loft and QuintoAndar. The team is jointly led by Lucas Tavares Bueno and Marc Stalder, who both have active transactional practices. Thiago Giantomassi is the main contact for real estate finance and capital markets.

Restructuring and insolvency Tier 2

Demarest Advogados' debtor and creditor clients benefit from the firm's strong multidisciplinary offering, which includes good support in related litigation, M&A, tax and finance. The firm can often be found advising on some of the more high-profile bankruptcy proceedings to hit the market, a notable recent example being its role as lead Brazilian counsel on LATAM Airlines' Chapter 11 bankruptcy filed in New York. Another area of strength is the firm's advice to investors in distressed debt, and to creditors in agribusiness-related restructurings. Celso Xavier and insolvency litigator Guilherme Fontes Bechara jointly lead the well-regarded team.

Tax advisory Tier 2

Demarest Advogados covers all areas of tax, particularly on the advisory side, where Douglas Mota and his team have built up a strong profile for direct and indirect tax advice. This includes providing support in structuring major M&A deals, restructurings and financings. The litigation side of the team, led by Marcelo Salles Annunziata, is also popular with clients, fielding a dedicated team of disputes experts including Catarina Rosa Rodrigues, Rodrigo Campos, Carlos Eduardo Orsolon and Priscila Faricelli. In Rio de Janeiro, Rodrigo Damázio has a good reputation for assisting clients in the oil and gas industry on contentious and non-contentious issues. The firm also has a notable customs practice, where Victor Lopes is the lead partner. In significant developments, the firm hired former CARF judge Gisele Bossa in July 2021, and Maurício Barros in September 2021.

Intellectual property Tier 3

Demarest Advogados' 'highly respected' IP department undertakes trade mark and patent filing, infringement and portfolio management work on behalf of a variety of multinational clients. IP due diligence services related to corporate transactions are also provided by the department, which is under the leadership of well-regarded IP expert Tatiana Campello. She receives support from a specialised team of senior associates who are fully dedicated to intellectual property law: Camila Garcindo Dayrell Garrote advises on matters involving the IT, media, sports, entertainment and life sciences sectors; and Julia Davet Pazos handles patent prosecution and transactions.

Life sciences Tier 3

The life sciences department at Demarest Advogados is 'highly qualified, updated and always on hand, even in times of crisis'. It balances a broad practice in the life sciences field, with expertise covering medicine, biotechnology, healthcare, cosmetics, animal health, e-cigarettes and nutrition. Camila Biral is well versed in both contentious and non-contentious matters; Claudio Mattos and Marina Zago are other key practitioners in the team. The firm is also gaining recognition for its diversity and inclusion initiatives, with one client commenting that 'the office is very innovative and in terms of diversity leads several initiatives that inspire and serve as an example for everyone'.

TMT: Cybersecurity and data privacy Tier 3

Demarest Advogados 'provides great quality services related to LGPD and digital law'. The firm covers all aspects of privacy issues, cybersecurity and data processing matters. Led by the 'excellent' Tatiana Campello, the group has been particularly busy advising multinational clients whose businesses depend on the processing and analysis of large volumes of data on the new LGPD. Data privacy due diligence in the context of M&A is another area of focus for the team, which was recently strengthened by the arrival of co-head Eduardo Magrani, who specialises in digital law and AI. Cecília Cunha, who dedicates her practice to technology and data protection, joined from Tocantins & Pacheco Advogados - CTA in November 2020.

Transport: Aviation Tier 3

Demarest Advogados represents a wide cross-section of the aviation industry, including airlines, aircraft manufacturers, airports, catering suppliers and governmental bodies. The multidisciplinary team handles a range of matters, from corporate and financing deals through to regulatory and environmental advice. The disputes side of the practice covers liability claims as well as related insurance and accident defence disputes. Key team members include corporate partner Gabriel Ricardo Kuznietz. Luciana Goulart Penteado left the firm in September 2021.

White-collar crime and investigations Tier 3

Under the leadership of the highly regarded Fabyola En Rodrigues, Demarest Advogados' white-collar crime team has vast experience in investigations and criminal lawsuits involving allegations of financial, environmental and cybercrime offences. The team is also able to collaborate with the firm's experienced compliance team in investigations, and to provide assistance on criminal law and compliance risks involved in corporate transactions. The practice has a good track record acting for national and international clients in the engineering, chemicals, education and technology sectors, among others, with recent highlights including its representation of a client in an insider trading case, a rarity in Brazil. Other names to note include tax specialist Douglas Mota and associate Thais Karine Tereciano.

Electricity (and renewable energy) Tier 4

The energy team at Demarest Advogados focuses on litigation and regulatory matters, providing assistance to an array of clients within the power sector. The group is knowledgeable in all key industry-related issues, and is predominantly retained by large consumers, power trading and generation clients. Contentious specialist Rafael Gagliardi is experienced in high-profile cases involving major players in the electricity market; he stands out for his track record in regulatory disputes, court litigation and arbitration in the segment. Raphael Gomes and Bruno Crispim left the firm (as of December 2020), which in turn hired (energy and natural resources) regulatory and contractual specialist, Rosi Costa Barros, as practice head, from Neiva Barros & Figueiró, Sociedade de Advogados in May 2021; she is particularly focused on the electricity segment.

Hydrocarbons Tier 4

The oil and gas department at Demarest Advogados focuses on work pertaining to transactions and regulatory issues, and often assists international clients in bidding rounds. It regularly acts in close collaboration with other firm-wide practices, including tax, competition, environment and litigation, to advise oil and gas players facing an array of legal challenges. Transactions related to onshore exploration and production and fuel distribution matters are other key areas of activity for the Rio de Janeiro-based team, which is led by ‘outstanding lawyer‘ João Luis Almeida. The practice head has substantial experience in M&A and financing transactions in the sector, and Roberta Batalha is noted for regulatory and transactional work. Since publication, the firm was given a major boost by the arrival of David Meiler and Bárbara Bittencourt from Campos Mello Advogados, in October 2021.

Tax litigation Tier 4

Demarest Advogados