Tauil & Chequer Advogados > Brasilia, Brazil > Firm Profile

Tauil & Chequer Advogados > The Legal 500 Rankings

Energy and natural resources > Hydrocarbons Tier 1

A premier choice for oil and gas clients engaged in sophisticated transactions and complex regulatory matters, Tauil & Chequer Advogados fields a sizeable team of specialists whose expertise spans the upstream, midstream and downstream segments. The group, which is a popular choice for E&P companies, banks, private equity clients and funds, manages a busy workload where high-value M&A, financings and project development feature alongside regulatory and litigation matters. A reference in the national market, Alexandre Chequer has advised on the largest oil and gas projects in Brazil; he splits his time between Rio de Janeiro and Houston, where he offers assistance to clients in transactions, regulatory issues and project development. Corporate and M&A specialist Bruno Belchior is often retained by leading industry players – including floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) operators, drilling companies and oilfield service providers – in deals across the hydrocarbons value chain. M&A and project development are core areas of focus for Victor Galante, while Tiago Macêdo stands out for his regulatory expertise. Recently promoted partner Luciana Sodré handles contractual and transactional matters in the oil and gas sector. Senior associate Henrique Rojas is proficient in cross-border asset acquisitions and projects, and associate Leandro Duarte Alves regularly assists hydrocarbons companies in Brazil and Africa. Juliana Pizzolato Furtado Senna joined the Rio de Janeiro office from Kincaid | Mendes Vianna Advogados in September 2023.

Tax > Customs Tier 1

Brazil > Capital markets Tier 2

Carlos Motta leads the practice at Tauil & Chequer Advogados, which offers clients a broad range of domestic and international capabilities, powered by the firm’s association with Mayer Brown. Singled out for its ‘technical knowledge‘ and ‘familiarity with capital markets transactions‘, the team handles listings in the equity and debt capital markets in a multitude of sectors, including infrastructure, energy, financial services, and food. A recent highlight for the team included advising the Brazilian development bank BNDES as shareholder on the milestone Eletrobras IPO and privatisation. Rodolfo Constantino De Tella is a trusted adviser to companies, shareholders, financial institutions and institutional investors in equity and debt securities offerings. Banking partner Eduardo Lima, and Luis Montes, who is particularly experienced in the infrastructure sector. Bruno Cerqueira is knowledgeable of asset-backed securities within the real estate and agribusiness sectors.

Brazil > Competition and antitrust Tier 2

Rated for its ‘deep understanding of antitrust regulations‘, Tauil & Chequer Advogados is a popular destination for clients ‘seeking top-notch legal representation in antitrust matters‘. Drawing on its association with Mayer Brown, the firm possesses a ‘wealth of knowledge and experience‘ in multijurisdictional cases. Francisco Todorov maintains a broad competition practice covering merger control, cartel investigations and abuse of dominance cases. He jointly leads the practice with Adriana Giannini, who has over twenty years’ experience in competition matters, standing out for her knowledge of the antitrust implications of public bids, and Lorena Nisiyama, who focuses on abuse of dominance matters and negotiations of leniency and settlement agreements. Associate Isabella Giorgi excels in merger control work for technology and agribusiness clients.

Brazil > Compliance Tier 2

Tauil & Chequer Advogados ‘is a top choice for any compliance and investigations matter in Brazil’.  Some of the country’s largest companies and several international household names in the technology, infrastructure and energy sectors, among others, turn to the firm for assistance in internal investigations, administrative liability proceedings and in the review and enhancement of their compliance programmes. Former Attorney-General of Brazil Luis Inácio Lucena Adams, who is based in Brasília, heads the practice alongside Michel Sancovski in São Paulo, ‘a seasoned expert who can easily handle the most complex and sophisticated cases‘, including cross-border investigations which require cooperation with Brazilian and US authorities. Key support is offered by a strong team of associates: Maria Eugenia Kanazawa has extensive experience in anti-corruption and tax-related compliance matters; Marcelo Ramos Leite is singled out for his track record in internal investigations; and Rio de Janeiro-based Luiz Santiago focuses on enforcement actions, investigations and due diligence. All practitioners sit in the São Paulo office, unless stated otherwise.

Energy and natural resources > Electricity (and renewable energy)

A top choice for guidance throughout the life cycle of a power project, Tauil & Chequer Advogados acts for a wide range of clients active in all segments of the industry, including generation, transmission and distribution companies, traders, large consumers and service providers. With solid credentials in both transactional and contentious matters, the firm has had a prominent role in the structuring of the privatisation of Eletrobras, Latin America’s biggest power utility company, through its engagement by the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES). The group has recently expanded its presence in the M&A space, where it has increasingly advised on deals involving renewable and conventional power generation and transmission assets. Self-production projects are another area of growth for the team, which has been retained by developers and large consumers alike. Domestic and international clients turn to Rio de Janeiro-based partner Débora Yanasse for her ‘deep knowledge of the sector‘ and strong track record in projects, M&A, auctions and regulatory issues. Bruno Salzano, whose cross-border M&A expertise is noteworthy, and Bruno Werneck are key individuals in São Paulo. In the same office, associate Julia Braga handles both transactional work and administrative proceedings, while Bruno Ribeiro in Rio focuses on infrastructure and energy projects.

Brazil > Environment Tier 2

The ‘highly qualified and experienced‘ team at Tauil & Chequer Advogados handles critical environmental matters for clients operating in a variety of industries, most notably power, chemicals, agribusiness, oil and gas, and mining. Its impressive portfolio features transactional, contentious and regulatory mandates, touching on issues as diverse as waste management, water resources, contaminated sites and protected areas. A strong performer in climate change matters, the team is a popular destination for large corporations seeking advice on greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets and net zero strategies; carbon credit project developers also recurrently turn to the group for assistance in risk management. Practice head Luiz Gustavo Bezerra, a specialist in international and EU environmental law based in Rio de Janeiro, often acts for clients in negotiations with governmental authorities, public prosecutors and other stakeholders. In the same office, recently promoted counsel Gedham Gomes is often retained by energy, infrastructure and agribusiness players in environmental compliance, risk assessment and carbon credit projects. Associate Victor Trevizan, who is based in São Paulo, focuses on pre-litigation and preventive consulting matters.

Brazil > Public law Tier 2

Tauil & Chequer Advogados assists private sector clients in public procurement matters at the federal, state and local levels. In addition to its extensive experience in concessions, privatisations, PPPs and competitive bids, the team excels in litigation involving administrative improbity, public contracts and regulatory matters. Led by Bruno Werneck, the department is frequently engaged in major projects in the sanitation, mining, energy, transport and logistics segments. Senior associate Juliana Deguirmendjian is noted for her broad practice, which encompasses administrative proceedings, government contracts, PPPs and concessions, while associate Julio Barboza is recommended for project development matters.

Brazil > Real estate Tier 2

The real estate practice at Tauil & Chequer Advogados is commended for its ‘impeccable legal technique’ and the ‘seniority, vast experience and availability’ of its lawyers. The well-regarded group is adept at handling a wide range of development projects and transactional matters, including sales and acquisitions, built-to-suit agreements and sale and leasebacks. The team’s experience covers all asset classes, from agribusiness and forestry to mixed-use developments, urban retail, industrial, and hospitality. The ‘extremely available’ José Paulo Marzagão acts for a broad range of domestic and international companies and investment funds in the structuring and development of large-scale real estate ventures and transactions. He oversees the team that also features Ludmila Braga, a key contact for institutional investors in relation to real estate joint ventures, funds and financing, and counsel Jessica Queiroz, who marries in-depth knowledge of banking and finance law with extensive experience in the real estate sector. International investors seeking integrated support in cross-border matters also benefit from the firm’s association with Mayer Brown.

Tax > Tax advisory Tier 2

The ‘outstandingly responsive’ team at Tauil & Chequer Advogados is popular with clients for its ‘excellent level of technical knowledge’ in tax, its ‘extensive experience in procedural strategy, and focus on results’. The firm handles the full range of domestic and international tax matters, with the cross-border element strengthened by its association with Mayer Brown. The team is regularly instructed by major oil and gas clients, and its litigation expertise covers the administrative and judicial courts. Non-contentious work extends to direct and indirect tax issues, as well as customs law. On the consulting side, Guido Vinci, who is often instructed by domestic and international clients from the consumer goods, energy, pharmaceutical, infrastructure, TMT and financial sectors, and Flavia Cavalcanti demonstrate ‘great technical knowledge’. Clients also rate founding partner Ivan Tauil and customs and foreign trade specialist Carolina Bottino, who have a wealth of experience acting for oil and gas clients, and the ‘responsive, timely, communicative, and extremely technically thoughtful’ disputes partner Eduardo Maccari Telles.

Brazil > Banking and finance Tier 3

With a solid track record in cross-border financing transactions, Tauil & Chequer Advogados provides regular support to major financial institutions, Brazilian and multinational companies, and institutional investors. Showcasing extensive experience in borrower and lender-side mandates, the firm is well positioned to advise on syndicated loans, securitisations, project finance, and debt restructuring. In addition to its solid transactional capabilities, the group also assists financial institutions in the analysis, revision and restructuring of compliance policies. Clients benefit from the firm’s association with Mayer Brown and the team’s ‘excellent international relations’. Practice head Eduardo Lima handles a mix of regulatory and transactional matters, including project finance, asset-based loans and structure trade finance. Luis Montes, a ‘skilled negotiator‘, stands out for his experience in the financing of energy and infrastructure projects. Priscilla Santos is also well regarded, especially for her work for investment funds and fintech companies.

City focus - Brasilia > Litigation Tier 3

Tauil & Chequer Advogados has a strong track record in public law appellate litigation, representing clients from the construction, energy, telecoms, and banking sectors before the superior courts. Regulatory disputes against state governments, administrative improbity cases, and proceedings before the TCU and the CGU are all core areas of activity for the firm. Cross-border matters are further facilitated by the firm’s association with Mayer Brown. Luis Inácio Lucena Adams boasts substantial tax law experience; he jointly oversees the practice with Mauro Pedroso Gonçalves, who is well versed in administrative proceedings at the federal level.

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

Infrastructure and energy companies are at the core of Tauil & Chequer Advogados’ client base, which retains the ‘highly qualified team’ on a host of transactions, ranging from mergers to corporate restructurings and spin-offs. Boasting an extensive, cross-border M&A platform through its association with Mayer Brown, the firm is also well placed to act for boards of directors, private equity funds, investment banks and pension funds on all aspects of corporate law and M&A deals. The department is under the joint leadership of a capable trio: Carlos Motta, who assists publicly-held companies, financial advisors and multinationals with M&A, private equity and compliance matters; Victor Galante, in the Rio de Janeiro office, is a name to note for oil and gas, mining and infrastructure clients; and Alexandre Chequer, who is especially active in energy-related deals. The ‘excellent’ Daniel Gunzburger focuses on domestic and cross-border M&A involving players from the infrastructure, chemicals, and agribusiness sectors, while Bruno Salzano is noted for his knowledge of the power sector. Guilherme Tranquillini, whose ‘excellent argumentation capacity’ is rated by clients, is a seasoned public M&A practitioner. The group was boosted by the arrival of Christian Roschmann from Lefosse Advogados in April 2022; he brings a wealth of experience in cross-border M&A and private equity deals. Luciana Sodrée was raised to the partnership in Jan 2023.

Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Arbitration Tier 3

At Tauil & Chequer Advogados, the ‘attentive, experienced and qualified team‘ devoted to arbitration offers representation to individuals and companies in high-end disputes across a variety of industries, including mining, energy, construction, oil and gas, and financial services. Its broad experience also encompasses high-stakes cases involving shareholder issues and share purchase agreements. Besides acting as lead counsel in several high-value arbitration proceedings, Gustavo Fernandes de Andrade in Rio de Janeiro is also proficient in arbitration-related litigation, including the enforcement of foreign arbitral awards. With over twenty years of experience in both litigation and arbitration proceedings, São Paulo-based partner Fabio Peixinho Gomes Correa is skilled at handling cases before domestic and international arbitral bodies. In the same office, Gustavo Scheffer Da Silveira, who has previously worked for the Secretariat of the International Court of Arbitration as deputy counsel in the Latin American team, is particularly seasoned in cross-border cases. Disputes involving the construction, energy and mining sectors are notable areas of practice for associate Maria Rita Dutra.

Brazil > Projects and infrastructure Tier 3

Showcasing experience in the structuring, financing, construction and operation of large-scale projects in Brazil, Tauil & Chequer Advogados is seen with great regularity advising on matters in the power, renewable energy, oil and gas, and transport sectors. Besides its strong credentials in local projects, the team is also often engaged in cross-border mandates, drawing on its association with international firm Mayer Brown. Clients from the energy, oil and gas, and heavy industries routinely turn to Alexandre Chequer for assistance in asset deals, project development and regulatory issues. In addition to a strong track record in M&A, concessions and privatisations, Bruno Werneck is a seasoned project finance and development practitioner. Banking and finance partner Eduardo Lima advises financial institutions, multilateral organisations, sponsors and corporate clients on the financing of energy and infrastructure projects, while Luis Montes specialises in project finance and construction law. Juliana Deguirmendjian, who has been particularly active in water and sewage concession projects, and Julio Barboza are names to note at the associate level.

Tax > Tax litigation Tier 3

Brazil > Labour and employment Tier 4

Tauil & Chequer Advogados possesses ‘impeccable legal technique’ and ‘a deep knowledge of labour legislation‘. The labour department offers advice on the entire spectrum of contentious and advisory matters, ranging from claims filed by the Public Labour Prosecutor’s Office, labour unions, and senior executives, to the implementation of stock option and profit-sharing plans and the review of compensation schemes. Practice head Aline Fidelis is a ‘fantastic lawyer’ whose skills in labour disputes, non-contentious work and union-related matters are rated by clients. She receives support from a team of ‘exceptional associates’, Isabela do Val and Thiago Garcia, who handle a mix of judicial lawsuits, administrative proceedings, due diligence and risk assessments.

Brazil > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 4

Tauil & Chequer Advogados has an experienced team that ‘excels in insolvency and debt recovery matters’. The practice is home to lawyers who have the ability to ‘navigate complex financial challenges with precision’ and handle a broad range of matters, including debt restructurings, distressed M&A, and in-court and out-of-court judicial reorganisations. The firm’s association with Mayer Brown also makes it a go-to choice for cross-border matters. Practice head Liv Machado Fallet and associate Ananda Vicentini are commended for their ‘personalised attention and proactive guidance’ and their ‘outstanding’ debt recovery negotiation skills. Banking partner Eduardo Lima, a key contact for financial institutions and corporate clients, also has a strong focus in out-of-court restructurings.

Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Litigation Tier 5

With extensive experience in state and federal proceedings, Tauil & Chequer Advogados has been engaged in a growing number of strategic disputes, most notably cases arising in the oil and gas, energy, construction and telecoms sectors. Other areas of particular focus include administrative enforcement proceedings brought by the Federal Court of Accounts and various regulatory agencies. The practice is jointly chaired by Rio de Janeiro-based partner Gustavo Fernandes de Andrade, who focuses on corporate and commercial disputes; Fabio Peixinho Gomes Correa in São Paulo, who is noted for his expertise in dispute resolution in the energy, construction, corporate, banking and real estate segments; and high court litigation veterans Mauro Pedroso Gonçalves and Luis Inácio Lucena Adams, both of whom are based in the Brasília office. João Cople is a name to note in Rio for administrative, tax and insurance litigation. Other key members include associates Maria Rita Dutra and Núbia Bufarah in São Paulo, and the Brasília-based Louise Dias; all maintain diverse practices in litigation and arbitration. Counsel Juliana Barbosa Pechincha joined from Baker Botts L.L.P. (New York office) in July 2022.