Pinheiro Neto Advogados > Rio de Janeiro, Brazil > Firm Profile
Pinheiro Neto Advogados Offices
RUA HUMAITÀ, 275
16° ANDAR
RIO DE JANEIRO, RJ 22261-005
Brazil
Pinheiro Neto Advogados > The Legal 500 Rankings
Brazil > Banking and finance
Rated for its ‘deep technical knowledge of the Brazilian banking market‘, Pinheiro Neto Advogados has established a top notch reputation for its wide range of services to the financial sector. Combining transactional and regulatory expertise, the team has been particularly active on the corporate side, advising on an impressive range of novel transactions in the fintech and crypto space, a notable example being Binance’s acquisition of the Brazilian broker-dealer Sim;Paul Investimentos. Borrowers and lenders continue to turn to the firm for assistance with the full spread of matters, including securitisations, acquisition financings, project finance and debt restructurings. Regulatory partner Bruno Balduccini has developed ‘exceptional‘ credentials for fintech and crypto-related work. Transactional specialist Jose Luiz Homem de Mello brings together a wealth of experience in financings and M&A. Partners Tatiana Mello Guazzelli and Raphael Palmieri Salomão are other names to note for fintech-related work. Yuka Ono is also well regarded.Testimonials
‘Pinheiro Neto has lawyers who are highly specialised in regulatory and banking matters. Certain partners are always at the forefront of discussions with regulators and are able to provide their clients with relevant legal analyses that impact banking business.’
‘Excellent firm with extensive market knowledge and highly qualified professionals.’
‘Bruno Balduccini is exceptional. Always available, immense knowledge of the sector and regulators, and often with solutions ahead of the market.’
‘Deep technical knowledge of the Brazilian banking market, including regulation by the Central Bank of Brazil.’
‘PN has notable banking regulatory knowledge and practical sensitivity, differentiating itself from other teams. It provides agile and objective advice.’
‘Bruno Balduccini’s years of experience are incredible and add a lot of value to the service provided. Bruno knows a lot not only about regulation, but also from an operational and economic point of view. This practical knowledge and economic rationale are very important and make all the difference.’
Key clients
Nubank
Bradesco
BTG Pactual
Binance
JP Morgan
Creditas
Crypto.com
MasterCard
Santander
Safra
Work highlights
- Advising the global crypto exchange Binance on a shares purchase agreement with the current shareholders of the Brazilian broker-dealer Sim;Paul Investimentos.
- Advised Banco Safra on a purchase and sale agreement with Administradora Fortaleza to acquire corporate control of the Conglomerado Financeiro Alfa.
- Advising Creditas Holding Financeira as buyer and Banco Andbank as seller in the negotiation of Banco Andbank’s acquisition by Creditas, a digital platform that acts as a correspondent bank and direct credit company.
Brazil > Capital markets Tier 1
Pinheiro Neto Advogados offers a comprehensive capital markets service with the scale to handle an impressive annual volume of debt and equity deals. In addition to high-profile equity listings, where it represents issuers and underwriters, the group is also active on the debt side, including real estate receivables and agribusiness certificates. A popular choice for investment funds-related advice, the team, which brings together practitioners with strong backgrounds in corporate and M&A, banking and project finance, stands out for its regulatory capabilities. Leading partners such as the highly regarded Henrique Lang, Guilherme Sampaio Monteiro, a key contact for listed companies and their shareholders, Jose Luiz Homem de Mello, and Fernando Zorzo, whose ‘remarkable knowledge and experience‘ in IPOs and follow-on offerings is rated by clients, drive the equity side of the practice. Ricardo Russo, who specialises in public offerings of fixed-income instruments issued by local companies and financial institutions, Tiago A. D. Themudo Lessa , who leads the agribusiness-focused group, and the up-and-coming Rafael Gaspar, whose specialisms include derivatives and agribusiness securitisation structures, are the names to note for DCM transactions. Counsel Marcos Proença leads the capital markets area in the Rio de Janeiro office, focusing on the issuance of bonds and debentures. Recently promoted counsel Camila Misciasci Derisio and senior associate Paula Rodrigues handle both private placements and public offerings of debt and equity securities in Brazil and abroad.Testimonials
‘An excellent team that understands our business, corporate and governance structure. They serve us in various areas (corporate, M&A, debt, regulatory, funds, etc.). They have a sense of urgency and are business-oriented.’
‘Ricardo Russo is our main contact. He is an outstanding professional and makes a difference in our deals. Guilherme Sampaio and Camila Derizo also serve us very well.’
‘Technical quality, knowledge of market trends and practices, and great client services.’
‘Guilherme Monteiro – availability, knowledge of market trends and practices. Tiago Themudo Lessa – impeccable technical knowledge and a reference in the area.’
‘Fernando Zorzo and his team are always available and have a lot of knowledge and experience in complex matters Furthermore, Zorzo is a great listener and extremely loyal and helpful. These are qualities that I value and make me always seek his advice. In addition to his remarkable knowledge and experience, he is also an accessible person and always ready to work together to build solutions and strategies.’
Key clients
Nubank
V.tal
Cielo
Via
Energisa
Aegea
Natura & Co
Mubadala
Azul
Pátria
CPFL
Rumo
Raízen
Cosan
WDC (Livetech)
Jalles Machado
Multilaser
Localiza
SLC Agrícola
Elfa Medicamentos
Work highlights
- Acted as legal counsel to V.Tal – Rede Neutra de Telecomunicações as issuer in a R$5.4bn issuance of debentures.
- Acted as deal counsel to Cielo and the underwriters, Banco Bradesco BBI and UBS, in a R$3bn debenture issue.
- Advised COSAN (the issuer) and Banco Itaú BBA, Banco Bradesco BBI, Banco BTG Pactual, Banco Safra, Banco Santander (Brasil), and UBS Brasil Corretora de Câmbio, Títulos e Valores Mobiliários (the underwriters) on the R$1.5bn issuance of debentures by Cosan.
City focus - Brasilia > Litigation Tier 1
Pinheiro Neto Advogados‘ Brasília-based office is skilled at acting before the superior courts on behalf of domestic and international clients from the industrial, commercial, and service sectors. Much of its civil litigation work takes place at the appellate level, spanning bribery and corruption cases, public interest claims, and electoral investigations before the Superior Electoral Court (TSE). Vicente Coelho Araujo focuses on appellate litigation before the higher courts. Key support is offered by a strong team of associates: civil and commercial litigator Lucas Santos de Sousa; Laís de Oliveira e Silva, who concentrates on consumer, digital, and public law, and commercial disputes; and Isabella Bittencourt Tannús, whose focus is on corporate and commercial litigation.Testimonials
‘The firm is widely known for its quality service provision. Fame matches the work delivered, solutions created and proximity to the client at the time of decision-making. They are always open to debate, hold meetings and present innovative solutions.’
‘Of the professionals I have contact with, I highlight Vicente Coelho Araújo and Laís de Oliveira e Silva. Both are excellent in their areas of expertise, and have excellent communication. This is because matters are often multidisciplinary and depend on the firm’s internal communication, which works very well.’
Key clients
Caixa Econômica Federal
Eternit
Siemens Healthineers and Siemens Energy
Grupo CCR
Foz do Chapecó Energia
Cast Informática
HOB – Hospital Oftalmológico de Brasília
Basf
Work highlights
- Represented Apple in civil actions for compensatory damages and a dispute over the legality of loot boxes.
- Represented Caixa Econômica Federal in various fronts of litigation regarding the bank’s decision to initiate a profound divestiture programme, in which Caixa Seguridade Participações was elected as the first subsidiary to go partially private.
- Assisted Compahia Hidrelética do São Francisco (CHESF) in a 30-year action against Consortium Xingó seeking the declaration of partial nullity of a contractual amendment.
Brazil > Competition and antitrust Tier 1
Pinheiro Neto Advogados counsels clients in a broad range of areas within competition law, including litigation, transactions, and compliance. Drawing on the firm’s market-leading transactional capabilities, the practice is often turned to by a number of domestic and international companies in relation to merger control reviews, investigations before CADE, and antitrust litigation. Praised for her significant experience in merger filings, Cristianne Zarzur also offers advice on compliance programmes and commercial contracts from an antitrust perspective. José Alexandre Buaiz Neto – another key contact for compliance – excels in cartel and abuse of dominance investigations. Renê Medrado and Brasília-based Leonardo Rocha e Silva regularly act in merger control and investigations into anti-competitive practices, while Alessandro Pezzolo Giacaglia is a strong performer in litigation, and also assists in the notification of mergers and acquisitions to the Brazilian antitrust authority.Testimonials
‘Pinheiro Neto provides thorough and complete analyses of each situation. The competition team has my greatest admiration, especially for their extensive knowledge in the area, their competence, organisation and the efficiency.’
‘Cristianne Zarzur and Leonardo Rocha e Silva are recommended.’
‘The service is provided with impeccable quality. Quality is combined with agility in responses, definitions of strategy and guidelines.’
Key clients
Kimberly Clark
HIG Capital
Patria Investimentos
Aker Solutions
Softbank Group
Alpargatas SA
American Express
CCR
hapvida
Lhoist
Red Bull
mapfre
linx
Cobracel
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ)
Notre Dame Intermedica / Hapvida
Prosegur
tetra pack
Becton Dickinson
Credit Suisse
Work highlights
- Assisted both Itaú and Ideal CTVM in obtaining a clearance decision by the Brazilian Antitrust Authority (CADE) for the acquisition of 50.1% of Ideal shares by Itaú for R$650m.
- Advised and represented Compagnie de Saint-Gobain in the notification to CADE of the acquisition of sole control over Starcin Topco S.à.r.l, Starcin Invest S.C.A and Starcin GP Invest S.à.r.l (Chryso), owned by Starcin Luxebourg S.à.r.l and certain individuals.
- Acted for Banco Modal in the notification to CADE of its merger with one of the subsidiaries of XP.
Brazil > Corporate and M&A: High-end Tier 1
The ‘extremely competent, attentive and technical team’ at Pinheiro Neto Advogados attracts instructions from an impressive corporate client base in relation to their largest and most critical domestic and cross-border transactions. M&A involving publicly-traded companies is a key strength for the department, which is skilled at handling both buy and sell-side mandates. A popular destination for investment banks, venture capital firms and private equity funds, the group is present in all of Brazil’s major industries, having recently experienced an uptick in transactional activity in the technology, agribusiness, education, energy and healthcare sectors. With over three decades’ experience in the M&A and private equity spheres, Carlos Alberto Moreira Lima Jr heads up the corporate group. Alexandre Bertoldi, whose notable areas of practice include M&A, and banking and finance, and his successor as managing partner, Fernando Alves Meira, a veteran in multijurisdictional deals, are also core members of the team. Henry Sztutman is counsel of choice for several private equity firms seeking advice on their investments in Brazil, while private equity deals, corporate reorganisations and M&A are among Miguel Tornovsky’s specialisms. Other noteworthy M&A practitioners include: Joao Marcelo Pacheco; the ‘brilliant’ Eduardo Paoliello Jr.; Andre Vertullo Bernini, who excels in distressed acquisitions and PE investments; Joamir Müller Romiti Alves, a key advisor to private and public companies; Roberta Demange; Camila Carvalho Gomes, who shines in cross-border deals; Cauê Rezende Myanaki; and Tiago Eler Silva Marcelo Viveiros de Moura, who specialises in M&A in the oil and gas and telecoms sectors, is a key individual in Rio de Janeiro. At associate level, Rodolfo Schreuders is active in cross-border M&A and private equity investments.Practice head(s):
Carlos Moreira Lima Jr
Testimonials
‘Extremely competent, attentive and technical team, able to carry out any business structure.’
‘Eduardo Paolielo is brilliant, he conducts his work by really putting himself in the clients’ shoes.’
Key clients
Pátria Investimentos
Advent International
Carlyle Group
H.I.G. Capital
Credit Suisse
Raízen Energia
American Tower Corporation
Grupo Simões
Notredame Intermédica
SoftBank Group
Banco Bradesco
Rede D’Or São Luiz
Bank of China
Caixa Econômica Federal
Banco BTG Pactual
Magalu Pagamentos
Hapvida NDI
Alpargatas
Cosan
Brookfield
Work highlights
- Advised Localiza on its R$55bn merger with Companhia de Locações das Américas (Unidas).
- Acted for TIM on its joint acquisition with Telefonica (Vivo) and Claro of the mobile services business operated by Oi Móvel.
- Assisted Globenet (and certain private equity funds managed by BTG Pactual) with the acquisition of 57.9% of the shares in the isolated production unit (UPI) InfraCo, a subsidiary of Oi, which holds the largest fibre-optic network in Brazil.
Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Arbitration Tier 1
Pinheiro Neto Advogados houses a sizeable team of arbitration specialists, who are routinely sought by clients from the worlds of energy, oil and gas, telecoms, insurance and healthcare in relation to complex domestic and international arbitral proceedings. Its broad service offering covers high-stakes corporate governance and M&A disputes, as well as cases involving financing deals, infrastructure investments, construction contracts, and agreements with the public administration. Gilberto Giusti, who has sat on the board of prestigious arbitration institutions, including the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), is a leading figure in the market. Cases involving major construction and infrastructure projects in Brazil and other Latin American countries are among Júlio César Bueno‘s areas of expertise, while Rodrigo Carneiro focuses on corporate, commercial and securities disputes. Rodrigo Persone P. Camargo, Pedro Barradas Barata and Lucas Pinto Simão, who was promoted to partner in January 2022, are active in both litigation and arbitration matters. Renato Stephan Grion is singled out for his wealth of experience in international arbitration. At the associate level, André Rossetto Daudt, Guilherme Piccardi de Andrade Silva and Thiago Del Pozzo Zanelato stand out for their involvement in the practice.Testimonials
‘Gilberto Giusti and Bruno Venosa are both brilliant lawyers. They always look for appropriate legal solutions for clients.’
Key clients
Aliança Geração de Energia
HMI Participações
IMH-DOIS Participações (Ikesaki Group)
LMRC Empreendimentos e Participações Imobiliárias
Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras
Aon Holdings Corretores de Seguros
ADM Administradora de Seguros EIRELI (formerly Aon Affinity Administradora de Benefícios )
VIA
Notre Dame Intermédica Participações
BL Holdings
Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras and Azul Conecta
Rumo
Rumo Malha Sul
Rumo Malha Norte
Rumo Malha Paulista
Omron Healthcare Brasil Indústria e Comércio de Produtos Médicos
Pátria Infraestrutura
Bracell
Paranaíba Transmissora de Energia
RENOVA ENERGIA
Schneider Electric Brasil
Philips Medical Systems
SOMPO SEGUROS
Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Litigation Tier 1
At Pinheiro Neto Advogados, the litigation practice is skilled in handling high-profile commercial and civil cases with national and international significance. The firm, which attracts instructions from domestic and foreign clients operating in a variety of industries, is frequently seen acting in the most sensitive and complex disputes in the market. Celso Cintra Mori – a leading figure in the dispute resolution space – is seasoned in civil, commercial and administrative litigation, which are also notable areas of practice for Gilberto Giusti. Giusti, who is a key contact for corporate, securities and construction disputes, is trusted by many clients operating in highly regulated industries, including energy and telecoms. With over four decades’ experience in corporate, commercial and securities cases, Rodrigo Carneiro is experienced in cross-border mandates. Other notable practitioners include Diogenes Mendes Gonçalves Neto; Brasília-based partner Vicente Coelho Araujo, who excels in appellate litigation before the Brazilian superior courts; civil and commercial litigator Luis Claudio Furtado Faria, who is regularly sought out by energy, shipping and financial services clients; and Eider Avelino Silva, who focuses on both judicial and arbitral proceedings. Senior associate Gianvito Ardito has played a key role in high-profile lawsuits, most notably class actions.Key clients
Codavo Serviços de Administração de Bens e Participações
Dimensa
Trafigura do Brasil Importação, Exportação e Comércio
Gran Coffee Comércio Locação e Serviços
Mimaki Brasil Comércio e Importação
Guindastes Tatuapé
Pangu Fundo de Investimentos Em Direitos Creditórios Multissetorial Não Padronizados
Tulum Administração e Participações (Grupo Keiper)
Gold Energia
Albieri e Associados Consultoria Empresarial
HIG Capital
Work highlights
- Representing Codavo Serviços de Administração de Bens e Participações in three lawsuits against Kalkil and Tritel involving the management of Tel Brasil.
- Acting for the minority shareholders of Delta Energia Investimentos e Participações in several lawsuits involving the clients’ rights as managers and quota holders of the company.
- Represented Campari do Brasil in a lawsuit filed by Distillerie Stock do Brasil, a former distributor of Campari’s products in Brazil, involving the termination of a distribution agreement.
Energy and natural resources > Mining Tier 1
Bringing together over 35 years of experience in the mining sector, Pinheiro Neto Advogados is a popular choice for key industry players seeking advice on high-end deals, and the ever-changing environmental and regulatory scenario. The team is particularly adept in M&A, investments and debt transactions, including alternative methods of financing, but also excels in crisis management, permitting matters and litigation. Mining law and government relations specialist Carlos Vilhena ‘has extensive experience in the mining area, serving both smaller companies and large multinational corporations‘; he maintains a broad practice encompassing mining policy and regulations, contractual matters and corporate transactions. In addition to advising on M&A and financing mandates, senior associate Marina Bertucci Ferreira also assists clients with the development of policies and on the impact of new regulation.Testimonials
‘Pinheiro Neto Advogados produces opinions with added value, as they are always unquestionably in line with the most recent legislation pertinent to the issues raised. In addition, the team produces documents and contracts in compliance with best practices, but always seeking the best interest of the client.’
‘Carlos Vilhena has extensive experience in the mining area, serving both smaller companies and large multinational corporations.’
‘Highly qualified team.’
Key clients
Rio Tinto
Yamana Gold
Kinross Gold Corporation
Franco-Nevada Corporation
Heineken
La Mancha Capital Advisory
China Molybdenum (CMOC)
Energy Fuels
Fortescue Metals Group
Royal Gold
Work highlights
- Acted as Brazilian counsel to Yamana Gold in its acquisition by Goldfields.
- Advised The Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) on the fourth amended and restated credit agreement between borrowers Lundin Mining Corporation and Lundin Mining and the joint lenders.
- Advised Franco-Nevada Corporation and La Mancha Capital Advisory on the project financing for the construction of the Tocantinzinho Gold Project.
Brazil > Environment Tier 1
With over four decades of experience in this space, Pinheiro Neto Advogados has a notable track record in representing market-leading clients from a range of industries in cutting-edge environmental matters, including litigation at the administrative and judicial levels. The firm houses a strong group of environmental law specialists who bring together expertise in issues as diverse as natural resources protection, conservation, biomass regulations, indigenous people’s rights, climate change, biodiversity and, most recently, environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG). With extensive experience in consulting and litigation issues, Werner Grau Neto is regularly engaged in mandates involving energy and mining companies, such as contamination and industrial pollution cases. Alexandre Outeda Jorge is the name to note for critical matters related to employee exposure to asbestos, mercury and cyanide, while Luis Celso Cecilio Leite Ribeiro focuses on multi-party cases and investigations. Environmental licensing and water management are core areas of activity for Andre Vivan de Souza. Paula Susanna Amaral Mello has recently been involved in the drafting of bills related to new sustainability and climate change projects. Senior associate Natalia Azevedo de Carvalho excels in circular economy initiatives and dam safety issues. Antonio José Monteiro left the firm in January 2023.Key clients
Vallourec Group
Chevron Oronite Brasil
Rio Paranapanema Energia (CTG)
EKKO Group
Reservas Votorantim
Usinas Itamarati
Imerys
Eternit and its company SAMA
DVG
Great Panther
Work highlights
- Acting for Vallourec Group in the aftermath of the rupture of the Cachoeirinha pile and overtopping of Lisa dike in Mina do Pau Branco, Brumadinho.
- Assisting Chevron Oronite Brasil in an indemnification case brought by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which claims that companies located in a petrochemical hub in Mauá cause pollutant emissions responsible for a higher occurrence of thyroid diseases.
- Assisting EKKO Group in advisory and litigation matters involving the development of a luxury real estate project in the city of Osasco.
Brazil > International trade Tier 1
Pinheiro Neto Advogados has a solid track record in trade remedies investigations dating back to the early 1990s. This ensures an ‘unparalleled knowledge of the legal framework, process and practice, with a 360 degrees view’. Major exporters and manufacturers rely on the firm for key trade-related matters including sunset reviews, public interest proceedings, and safeguarding investigations. This extends to WTO disputes, as well as customs and international trade litigation in the administrative and judicial courts. Clients, including trade associations, come from a range of industries, such as energy, natural resources, chemicals, manufacturing, automotive, food, and fashion. Mauro Berenholc and Renê Medrado jointly lead the team, which includes an experienced team of counsel and associates.Testimonials
‘Unparalleled knowledge of the legal framework, process and practice, with a 360 degrees view.’
‘Proactive, always ready, pragmatic and extremely knowledgeable and well informed.’
Key clients
BASF
Lonza Group
Primient Products Ingredients Brazil
Cargill Agrícola
Becton Dickinson Group
Tetra Pak
Whirlpool Group
ABRABE – Brazilian Association for Beverages
McDonald’s (Arcos Dourados)
Indemil Ind. E Com.
GRU Airport
Rhodia
Alexion/AstraZeneca
Diageo
General Motors
Arcos Dourados
Vertex
IBÁ – Indústria Brasileira de Árvores
AGA
GKN Automotive
Work highlights
- Assisting the National Citric Acid Industry Association (ABIACID) on the original anti-dumping investigation on the imports into Brazil of citric acid and its salts and esters, originating in Thailand and Colombia.
- Assisting Benton Dickinson in a request for reapplication before the Brazilian Foreign Trade Secretariat to reapply anti-dumping measures on imports into Brazil of disposable syringes originating in China.
- Advising ABRABE, a Brazilian association representing beverage manufacturers and importers in Brazil, in relation to its plea to reduce import tariff rates on glass bottles.
Brazil > Life sciences Tier 1
A pioneer in the life sciences space in Brazil, Pinheiro Neto Advogados remains at the forefront of the market for its distinguished expertise in the sector and multidisciplinary approach. Covering the full spectrum of life sciences work, the group is instructed by a varied client roster comprised of leading companies in the pharmaceutical, medical devices, food, agribusiness and healthcare sectors. In addition to its solid transactional capabilities, the group also provides assistance in administrative litigation before ANVISA, clinical trials, licensing agreements and regulatory matters. The well-regarded Angela Kung is a specialist in transactional and regulatory work, acting for both established and emerging life sciences companies, namely pharmaceutical, medical devices, biotech, animal health and healthcare clients. Camila Martino Parise, who was promoted to partner in January 2023, advises domestic and international corporations on the regulation of medicines, as well as medical, food, agricultural and veterinary products. Senior associate Nicole Aun is heavily involved in healthtech matters, and possesses special expertise in technology transfer projects of strategic pharmaceuticals within the context of public and private partnerships. Associates Lucas Alexandre Hoeppers and Laura Oliveira Barboza assist with regulatory issues.Testimonials
‘Camila has an exceptional understanding of the procedures and complexities of ANVISA that very few others possess.’
‘They are highly skilled in analysis and delivering reports in English.’
Brazil > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1
The multifaceted restructuring and insolvency practice at Pinheiro Neto Advogados advises clients, ranging from major banks to investment funds and corporates, on the full spread of contentious and non-contentious matters. Standing out for its experience in assisting creditors and investors in major judicial and extrajudicial reorganisations, the group excels in distressed deals and DIP financings. Clients benefit from a deep bench of experienced partners: the versatile Giuliano Colombo is noted for his strong connections to the US market; Thiago Braga Junqueira has played a significant role in the restructuring of debtors in the construction, telecoms, media, oil and gas, agribusiness and energy sectors; and André Moraes Marques specialises in corporate reorganisations. Carolina Kiyomi Iwamoto and Fernanda Neves Piva offer key support at the senior associate level. Luiz Fernando Valente de Paiva is no longer at the firm.Testimonials
‘Well-prepared, available and understands the clients’ needs well.’
‘André Moraes Marques understands the client’s needs, is very available and engaged in matters. He is always able to provide quality and high-level advice, taking into account not only the legal aspects but also the client’s business strategy.’
Key clients
EdenRed – Ticket Serviços
BHP Billiton Brasil
Banco BTG Pactual
Amerra Capital Management
CHS Agronegócio – Indústria e Comércio
CBA – Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio
Bayer
Securitas
TIM
Work highlights
- Advised BHP Billiton, as controlling shareholder, on the judicial reorganisation of iron ore producer Samarco.
- Advising CHS Agronegócio – Indústria e Comércio on the judicial reorganisation of Seara Indústria e Comércio de Produtos Agropecuário.
- Advising TIM in the judicial reorganisation proceeding of Atma Participações.
Tax > Customs Tier 1
Tax > Tax advisory Tier 1
Rated for providing a ‘dynamic and efficient service’, Pinheiro Neto Advogados fields a team of ‘excellent professionals‘ ‘who are always up-to-date with tax issues’. A popular destination for major domestic and international clients, the practice sees a strong flow of advisory work, courtesy of the firm’s market-leading corporate finance and M&A group. Luciana Rosanova Galhardo handles complex non-contentious tax matters and litigation (at the judicial and administrative levels) on behalf of clients from the pharmaceutical, automotive, financial, healthcare and cosmetic industries. Giancarlo Chamma Matarazzo specialises in local and international law issues, and Emir Nunes de Oliveira Neto is skilled in transactional matters, tax planning and high-end litigation cases. Customs work is handled by specialists such as Mauro Berenholc, while Cristiane Ianagui Matsumoto and Marcos de Vicq de Cumptich have strong expertise in social security. The litigation arm is also extremely strong: Ana Carolina Fernandes Carpinetti has a particular focus on the technology sector, which is also a notable area of expertise for Luiz Roberto Peroba Barbosa; Tércio Chiavassa is another contact for high-profile disputes before the administrative and judicial courts. Carlos Henrique Tranjan Bechara is ‘an excellent professional, prepared to face complex tax issues’ in the context of litigation, while the recently promoted João Rafael L. Gândara de Carvalho is knowledgeable of direct and indirect tax, social security, and customs.Testimonials
‘Pinheiro Neto is a great firm because it has a lot of technical knowledge, experience and accountability.’
‘Luciana Galhardo and her entire team stand out. They are fast, attentive, available and master the subject.’
‘Dynamic and efficient service, with excellent professionals, who are highly qualified and always up-to-date with tax issues.’
‘Carlos Henrique Bechara is an excellent professional, prepared to face complex tax issues, both in litigation and in the advisory part. He is extremely accessible and quite technical. I highly recommend him.’
‘João Rafael Gandara de Carvalho is also an excellent professional, quick in his answers and always attentive to the latest tax legislation.’
Key clients
Pátria Investimentos
B3 – Brasil, Bolsa, Balcão
Heineken
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB)
Bridgestone do Brasil Indústria e Comércio
Tiger Global Management
Cosan
Hapvida Participações e Investimentos
Alpargatas
Itaú Unibanco Holding
Raízen
Nubank
Softbank
J.P. Morgan
Citibank
Brookfield
Localiza
Mubadala Investment Company PJSC
Advent International
BTG Pactual Economia Real Fundo de Investimento
Work highlights
- Representing Cosan in judicial litigation against a R$1.3bn tax enforcement claim of withholding income tax (WIT) with respect to the capital gain attributable to Exxonmobil in the alleged sale of Esso do Brasil to Cosan.
- Acting as counsel to Construtora Norberto Odebrecht (CNO) in an administrative proceeding against a R$4.8bn infraction notice issued by the Brazilian Federal Revenue Office.
- Represented Vulcabras Azaleia – Ce, Calçadose Artigos Esportivos and Grendene in two lawsuits seeking the exclusion of amounts corresponding to a tax benefit of Tax on Circulation of Goods and Services (ICMS).
Tax > Tax litigation Tier 1
Brazil > TMT: Cybersecurity and data privacy Tier 1
The cybersecurity and data protection-focused practice at Pinheiro Neto Advogados is lauded for its ability to 'navigate complex legal matters with precision and expertise'. The 'highly skilled and experienced team of lawyers' frequently assists clients across the healthcare, insurance, financial services and technology sectors in risk management, data breach remediation actions and judicial litigation, including proceedings before the superior courts. The firm, which has recently opened an office in Tokyo in an effort to grow its client base and workload in the region, is also well versed in the structuring and implementation of LGPD programmes. Noted by a client as 'one of the best lawyers in the legal market', Ciro Torres Freitas is singled out for his 'vast knowledge of technology, internet, and data protection law'. Technology expert Larissa Galimberti regularly assists companies in the implementation of data protection compliance programmes and structuring of new products. André Zonaro Giacchetta and José Mauro Decoussau Machado are names to note for contentious matters.Testimonials
‘Deep expertise in the field in which they operate as well as active client involvement. These all make the firm extremely competent.’
‘Larissa Galimberti is recommended.’
‘One of the most notable strengths of Pinheiro Neto Advogados is its highly skilled and experienced team of lawyers. The ones who work with me are very talented people who have a deep understanding of various practice areas. Whether it’s data privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property, litigation, or any other specialised field, they have many very talented lawyers who can navigate complex legal matters with precision and expertise. In comparison to other firms, Pinheiro Neto Advogados stands out for its exceptional track record of success. The firm has a proven history of achieving favourable outcomes for its clients across a wide range of legal matters.’
‘The individuals from Pinheiro Neto that we work with are very fast and accurate when providing us the information we need or request, whether it’s related to a new or ongoing case, or any other kind of issue that may come up. I can definitely mention and recommend partner Ciro Torres Freitas as someone who stands out. He has a vast knowledge of technology, internet, and data protection law and everything that has to do with cybersecurity and data privacy, which makes us sure that we are in good hands. Ciro has many qualities that make his work exceptional and extremely well done. He is organised, assertive, quick to find solutions and is always up-to-date on laws, policies and necessary procedures. He is surely one of the best lawyers in the legal market.’
Key clients
Amazon
ByteDance
Meta
Yahoo
Shein
Amazon AWS
Amazon Twitch
AirBnb
Pfizer
Work highlights
- Assisted Abastece-Aí Clube Automobilista Payment in a cybersecurity incident.
- Assisted Serasa in the structuring of its new products in view of the Brazilian Data Protection Law and Bank Secrecy Law.
- Assisting Hollister in the structuring and implementation of its LGDP compliance programme.
Brazil > TMT: Tech, innovation and digital business Tier 1
With over three decades’ experience in technology law, Pinheiro Neto Advogados handles the gamut of matters for a strong international and domestic client base active in the IT, financial services, e-commerce and life sciences sectors. Offering a blend of IP, corporate, employment, tax and litigation services, the practice is particularly well regarded for its credentials in regulatory and contentious matters, representing some of the largest multinational tech players in high-stakes administrative and judicial cases; recently the firm has been particularly active in proceedings involving the dissemination of fake news on internet platforms. Transactional work is also at the core of the department, which is often retained by payment services, banking and fintech companies in the structuring of their deals and operations in the country. Raphael de Cunto focuses on matters in the technology and media spaces, while André Zonaro Giacchetta is recommended for IP litigation. José Mauro Decoussau Machado handles transactional and contentious matters in the tech sector, and Larissa Galimberti specialises in the structuring of new products, services and platforms for e-commerce, marketplace, banking, healthtech, fintech, AI, Internet of Things(IoT), media and Software as a Service (SaaS) clients. Technology specialist Ciro Torres Freitas offers advisory and contentious support to internet application providers and other tech-related businesses. Senior associate Augusto Bittencourt Vieira is also noted.Testimonials
‘Pinheiro Neto is a full-service law firm that is able to provide necessary support in different fields of practice. They have been quick to provide advice and are able to anticipate any potential issues and suggest a mitigation plan.’
‘Larissa Galimberti has great knowledge of the market, IT and tech businesses. Rafael De Cunto has great corporate and compliance knowledge.’
‘A full-service firm, very reliable, and hailing from a background of tradition.’
‘André Zonaro Giaccheta is very approachable, attentive and available.’
Key clients
ByteDance
Meta
Yahoo
Shein
AirBnb
Work highlights
- Representing Apple in a public civil action filed by ANCED (National Association of the Children’s Defence Centres) requesting billions in indemnifications.
- Assisting Tencent in navigating the complex Brazilian legal framework related to the provision of cloud services, data centres and telecoms.
- Advising Meta on foreseeable legal impacts, including suggestions of adjustments and building the company position on several ongoing bills pending in the Brazilian National Congress.
Brazil > Venture capital Tier 1
One of the first full-service Brazilian firms to turn its attention to venture capital, Pinheiro Neto Advogados is well versed in acting for emerging companies, investors and venture capital funds in sophisticated local and cross-border investment rounds, from seed to late-stage matters. Rated for the ‘excellent standard of quality‘ at all levels of seniority, the team is comprised of practitioners with vast experience in corporate and financial transactions, fund formation and structuring mandates, and regulatory issues pertaining to the financial and technology sectors. In addition to his impressive track record in cross-border M&A and private equity deals, Alvaro Silas U. Martins dos Santos advises companies and VC funds throughout the entire financing cycle, and is especially active in transactions in the health and technology sectors. Bruno Balduccini and Fernando Mirandez Del Nero Gomes are singled out for their experience in fintech and banking matters. Thiago José da Silva, who was promoted to the partnership in January 2022, regularly advises on fund formation and has ‘in-depth knowledge of M&A‘. Eduardo Comparato Ferreira de Sá is frequently engaged in early and late-stage financings on behalf of companies and investors.Testimonials
‘PNA is a complete outlier in the Brazilian market when it comes to legal advice. The firm’s offering covers absolutely every area we need, and the advice and level of service is impeccable in all. In a volatile and “creative” market, it is extremely important to be able to count on adequate advice, and PNA is sensational.’
‘Alvaro Santos manages to masterfully coordinate work with his colleagues in other areas.’
‘Multidisciplinary service, which helps a lot in M&A transactions. At PNA the entire team has an excellent standard of quality, from the partner to the junior lawyer.’
‘Thiago José da Silva is a lawyer with in-depth knowledge of M&A. He is very pro-business, which helps a lot in handling cases.’
Key clients
Cubo Capital (Itaú)
Blue Ground
Antler
Redpoint eVentures
BASF
Braskem
SoftBank
Tiger Global
Indicator Capital
CapSur Capital
Delivery Hero
D1 Capital Partners
Volpe Capital
Canaan Partners
Experian Ventures (Serasa)
Einstein
QED
B3
K1 Investment Management
Battery Ventures
Work highlights
- Advised Redpoint eVentures on the R$35m Vittude Series A investment round.
- Assisted Indicator Capital in the structuring of its second investment fund that raised R$240m from relevant investors, including BNDES, Qualcomm Ventures, Banco do Brasil and others.
- Advised lead investor QED on all aspects of Brazilian law and the legal due diligence of the target company in relation to its $100m Series C Investment Round in Solfácil, a Brazilian fintech focused on providing financing lines for the purchase of solar panels.
City focus - Brasilia > Public law and regulation Tier 2
Pinheiro Neto Advogados fields a strong offering in concession disputes, administrative improbity cases, and administrative sanctions for clients across the transport, sanitation, healthcare, defence, technology and banking sectors. Dispute resolution also features heavily in the team’s workload, including proceedings before the Supreme Federal Court (STF). Carlos Vilhena is dedicated to mining law and government relations, José Alexandre Buaiz Neto centres his practice on compliance, anti-bribery and antitrust issues, and Daniel Costa Rebello is often called upon in complex private and public corporate investigations. Leonardo Rocha e Silva is highly skilled in negotiations before the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), and Vicente Coelho Araujo focuses on appellate litigation before the superior courts.Key clients
Hypera
SBM Offshore
Produtos Roche Químicos e Farmacêuticos
Banco Modal
BASF
Eternit and Sama Minerações Associadas
Caixa Econômica Federal
Apple
CCR – Concessionária da Rodovia Presidente Dutra (Novadutra)
Siemens
JP Morgan
Merrill Lynch
Amazon/AWS
Work highlights
- Represented Hypera in negotiations with the CGU and the AGU to enter into a leniency agreement and settle a potential bribery case involving several Brazilian politicians.
- Advised SBM Offshore on the semi-annual monitoring of compliance commitments undertaken in the scope of a leniency agreement entered into with the AGU, the CGU and Petrobras.
- Assisted Produtos Roche Químicos e Farmacêuticos in an extraordinary account proceeding launched by the Paraná State Court of Auditors (TCE-PR) regarding an investigation of alleged irregularities in the Ministry of Health’s acquisition of Trastuzumab for use in the Unified Health System.
City focus - Brasilia > Tax Tier 2
Administrative and judicial litigation are core areas of strength for Pinheiro Neto Advogados‘ Brasília tax team, which is also well versed in tax planning, transfer pricing and transactional matters, including M&A and capital markets. Regularly working in collaboration with the São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro offices, the practice, which is proficient in indirect and direct taxes and social security issues, frequently acts in proceedings before CARF. Tax litigator Luiz Paulo Romano stands out for his significant experience in the superior courts. Also recommended, associate André Torres Dos Santos has an impressive track record in cases before the STF and STJ.Practice head(s):
Luiz Paulo Romano
Testimonials
‘Renowned lawyers who are extremely well prepared and up-to-date. In addition to the trust and security that it gives to processes and relationships, they are highly efficient and effective.’
‘Luiz Paulo Romano is helpful, efficient, fast and very prepared.’
Key clients
J&F Mineração
Galois
Ponto On-line Cursos
CMOC Brasil Mineração, Indústria e Participações
Jornal de Brasília
Brasscom
Unilever Brasil Gelados do Nordeste
FenaSaúde
Discovery Networks
UOL – Universo Online
Repsol Sinopec Brasil
ABRABE
EDP São Paulo Distribuição de Energia
CNSeg
Work highlights
- Represented Mineração Corumbaense in an action for refunding ICMS overpayments on iron ore exports, based on the legal benefits set by the Brazilian Federal Constitution.
- Advised Galois on the negotiation of tax debts with the National Treasury regarding an individual federal tax transaction grounded on Law 13,988 – enacted in 2020.
- Represents the Brazilian Association of IT and Communication companies (BRASSCOM) as an amicus curiae at the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court in the context of an extraordinary appeal.
Brazil > Compliance Tier 2
Drawing on the firm’s full-service model, the compliance practice at Pinheiro Neto Advogados often works alongside its market-leading M&A practice in the due diligence of high-value corporate transactions and post-closing integration. The group, which stands out for its strength in the negotiation of leniency agreements with the Brazilian Office of Comptroller General (CGU) and the Attorney-General of the Union (AGU), is also well versed in administrative proceedings and in the design and review of compliance programmes and internal policies. José Alexandre Buaiz Neto combines expertise in antitrust, anti-corruption and litigation, while Ricardo Pagliari Levy specialises in anti-corruption, administrative improbity and compliance matters. Experienced litigator Vicente Coelho Araujo, who is based in Brasília, focuses on appellate litigation. Former Chief of Police for the state of São Paulo Mário Panseri Ferreira is a key contact for criminal matters. Daniel Costa Rebello frequently handles investigations in the healthcare, automotive and banking sectors. Lourival Lofrano Júnior, who acts in corporate criminal cases, and Amanda Athayde are also part of the core team.Key clients
Hypera (former Hypermarcas)
Dimensa
SBM Offshore
Localiza
Bitso SAPI de CV (Nvio Brasil Serviços de Pagamentos)
Philips
Carrefour
Roche
B3
Natura
Work highlights
- Represented Hypera in negotiations with the General-Comptroller’s Office (CGU) and the General-Attorney Office to enter into a leniency agreement.
- Assisted Dimensa in the complete structuring and implementation of its integrity programme.
- Advised SBM Offshore on the semi-annual monitorship of the compliance commitments undertaken by the company.
Energy and natural resources > Electricity (and renewable energy)
Pinheiro Neto Advogados fields an energy team made up of seasoned practitioners in regulatory discussions, M&A, auctions and privatisations in the electricity sector. Drawing on the firm’s strong tax, environmental and real estate offerings, the group acts for a mix of investors and international corporations from the generation, distribution and transmission segments, as well as power trading companies, large consumers and financiers. High-value M&A involving power assets, distributed generation and self-production by equivalence projects feature heavily in the team’s workload, which also includes proceedings before ANEEL. With over two decades of experience in the energy sector, José Roberto Oliva Júnior stands out for his impressive track record in project finance, M&A and regulatory matters in the power sector; his expertise encompasses traditional and renewable sources, and he is regularly mandated by utilities, trading companies, and equity and debt investors. Senior associate José Carlos Altomari Teixeira offers key support in power-related M&A, complex contracts and administrative litigation.Key clients
Banco do Brasil
Banco Bradesco
Banco Santander (Brasil)
Itaú Unibanco
Banco Nacional De DesenvolvimentoEconômico E Social – BNDES
Banco Citibank
Banco Votorantim
Banco Safra
Banco de Investimentos Credit Suisse
Banco Sumitomo Mitsui Brasileiro
Banco ABC Brasil
Banco BOCOM BBM
China Construction Bank Banco Múltiplo
Banco Alfa de Investimento
Bracell SP Celulose and UTE Bracell
CDPQ
Contour Global do Brasil Participações
Work highlights
- Advised all major banks in Brazil on the credit facility known as “Conta-Covid”, a mechanism created by the Federal Government to mitigate the impacts of the economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on the electricity sector.
- Assisting Bracell in a case before ANEEL regarding the regularisation of the connection to the power grid of heavy power consumers of Bracell’s industrial complex.
- Assisted Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec in the direct acquisition of 100% of the capital stock of five power transmission companies, headquartered in Brazil, Peru, and Uruguay, owned by Terna Plus and Terna Chile.
Brazil > Insurance Tier 2
‘Quality, experience, assertiveness and prompt service are points of excellence’ at Pinheiro Neto Advogados, which provides strategic, regulatory, and commercial advice to insurers, reinsurers, and policyholders. The team is especially strong on the non-contentious side, and stands out for its in-depth knowledge of insurtech. Additionally, the firm provides industry clients with market-leading support in M&A transactions, joint ventures, financings, bancassurance structures, and product launches. Key individuals include: Diogenes Mendes Gonçalves Neto , who handles litigation and transactional matters; banking and finance partner Bruno Balduccini; Fernando Mirandez Del Nero Gomes, who acts for financial institutions, insurance and payment services clients in transactions; and Carlos Eduardo Gazineu de Azevedo, who is noted for his ‘unparalleled quality and expertise’, and leads the firm’s insurtech acceleration programme. The team has a deep bench of seasoned associates, including Raíssa Lilavati Barbosa Abbas Campelo, who specialises in regulatory, contractual and litigation work in the insurance sector, and the ‘pragmatic and courteous’ Mariana Magalhães Lobato, a contact for transactional and regulatory insurance work.Testimonials
‘Quality, experience, assertiveness and prompt service are points of excellence for the firm.’
‘Carlos Eduardo Azevedo is a professional of unparalleled quality and expertise. He showed broad knowledge of several areas, including insurance processes. Along with Carlos Eduardo, Mariana Magalhães Lobato was another key lawyer for the discussion of drafts, adjustments and adaptations of solutions. She is as pragmatic and courteous as Carlos Eduardo.’
‘The insurance team at Pinheiro Neto Advogados is extremely qualified to meet all types of demands, from the simplest to the most complex. With in-depth analysis of regulatory issues, the team brings innovative suggestions, seeking to align the regulator’s expectations with the reality of the insurtech. They are collaborative and available.’
‘Carlos Eduardo Azevedo – This professional has the unique ability to express his great knowledge with simplicity, bringing the reality of technology companies closer to the traditional insurance market. His proximity to the regulatory body and to several companies in the market, added to his experience and up-to-date studies, sets him apart.’
‘Mariana Magalhães Lobato stands out for her analytical capacity and understanding of regulatory bodies.’
‘Raíssa Lilavati Barbosa Abbas Campelo stands out for unique experience and in-depth knowledge of the sector.’
Key clients
Fairfax Seguradora
Caixa Seguradora
Axa Seguros
Safra Seguros Gerais
Brasilseg
Porto Seguros
Mapfre Seguros Gerais
Tokio Marine Seguradora
Samsung Eletrônica do Brasil
Nova Transportadora do Sudeste – Grupo Brookfield
Brazil > Labour and employment Tier 2
The employment practice at Pinheiro Neto Advogados balances a busy non-contentious and contentious workload, where restructurings feature alongside negotiations with unions and executive-level compensation matters. The firm’s full-service structure allows the labour practice to work collaboratively with corporate specialists in the context of M&A and capital market transactions. Covering both individual and collective claims, the group is frequently engaged by major companies in administrative and judicial proceedings. Labour litigation is an area of particular focus for Luís Antônio Ferraz Mendes, who often advises on bet-the-company cases and collective bargaining. Multinational companies from the financial and technology sectors regularly seek Mauricio Froes Guidi‘s support in employment matters. Thais Galo maintains a broad practice covering hiring strategies, individual and collective lay-offs and reorganisations. Manuela Mendes Prata coordinates a number of individual suits and class actions, including cases initiated by the Labour Prosecutor’s Office.Testimonials
‘Thais Galo and Manuela Mendes Prata are excellent professionals with high credibility. They always seek to understand and connect with the client. They are close to their clients and understand the urgency of their requests.’
‘I highlight the services of Mauricio Guidi; he is extremely available, and understands our concerns.’
‘The labour area provides a very high quality service.’
Key clients
Samsung
Indaial Papel
Suno United Advisors
MRV Engenharia
São Martinho
Convergint
Kaefer
Cruzeiro do Sul Educacional
Ale Combustíveis
Blablacar
Binance
Peridot
Appnovation
S.A.F. Botafogo
American Tower Corporation
Booking.com
Dimensa
Verde Asset Management
Vee/Swile
Farmer Business Network
Work highlights
- Advising Bradesco Leasing on a class action brought by the Metalworkers Union against Transud.
- Assisted Bristow Group in a public civil action.
- Assisted Frooty Comercio e Industria de Alimentos in an investigation regarding the working conditions related to the Acai industry in Amapa and north of Para.
Brazil > Projects and infrastructure Tier 2
Banks, concessionaires, borrowers and project sponsors turn to Pinheiro Neto Advogados for assistance in all areas of project finance, development and implementation. Drawing on the firm’s strong performance in public law matters and regulated industries, the team brings together practitioners specialised in banking, finance and capital markets, who in addition to handling big-ticket financing deals, are also seasoned in the negotiation of construction contracts, public bids and administrative law matters. Ricardo Russo, an expert in project finance via banking and capital markets instruments, oversees the infrastructure team, which also includes Júlio César Bueno, a name to note for construction and engineering contracts and related dispute resolution. Of counsel Marcos Proença has been particularly active in debt transactions, advising several clients on the issue of infrastructure debentures and bonds. Recently promoted partner Thaís Fernandes Chebatt handles all stages of power, mining and ports projects, while Stephanie Hong primarily focuses on financing and M&A transactions in the infrastructure sector.Practice head(s):
Ricardo Russo
Key clients
Iguá Saneamento
AngloAmerican
VLI Multimodal
Vopak
Fortescue
Citibank
The Bank of New York Mellon – BNY Mellon
Banco de Brasília – BRB
CCR Group
State Grid
Contour Global
Sigma Mineração
BRK Ambiental
Passarelli Engenharia e Construção
RUMO
Inter-American Development Bank
IDB Invest
KIBAG Airfield Construction
KIBAG Brasil
JP Morgan
Acciona
Group EDP
Energisa Group
Work highlights
- Assisted Globenet and private equity funds managed by BTG Pactual in the acquisition of 57.9% of the shares representing the corporate capital of UPI InfraCo – a subsidiary of Oi.
- Advising Citibank, as onshore account bank and collateral agent, on the issuance, in the international market, of 7.500% Series 2022-1 Senior Secured Notes, in the total amount of $600m, with maturity in 2035, by Açu Petróleo Luxembourg.
- Assisted Contour in the sale of its R$1.73bn hydroelectric plants to Patria Investimentos.
Brazil > Real estate Tier 2
Pinheiro Neto Advogados is a popular ‘one-stop service’ for clients who appreciate instructing ‘a very experienced and creative team capable of working with different types of issues’. The firm’s scale guarantees a broad selection of ‘dedicated, [and] experienced professionals’ who can ‘meet the needs of sophisticated clients involved in large transactions’. This includes strong support in overlapping areas such as finance, corporate, regulatory, litigation and capital markets. Luciano Garcia Rossi, ‘a top real estate lawyer‘ who often handles large real estate transactions, including acquisitions, build-to-suit leases, and financings, Fabio Rocha Pinto e Silva (‘a star of Brazilian real estate and financial law, with extensive technical knowledge and experience’), construction law specialist Júlio César Bueno and Franco Musetti Grotti, who boasts a wealth of experience in urban and rural acquisitions are key names to note in the team. Recently promoted counsel Marianna Morselli and senior associate Gustavo Freitas excel in complex real estate transactions.Testimonials
‘We believe PN is one of the best firms in Brazil. They offer a one-stop service.’
‘Gustavo Freitas understands the client’s needs clearly and executes them.’
‘They have a very experienced and creative team capable of working with different types of issues.’
‘Luciano Rossi is a top real estate lawyer, with a great background.’
‘Pinheiro Neto is a complete firm, fully prepared to meet the needs of sophisticated clients involved in large transactions.’
‘Fábio is a star of Brazilian real estate and financial law, with extensive technical knowledge and experience. His support is fundamental for the viability of complex real estate transactions and structures.’
‘Dedicated, experienced professionals available at all times. Always extremely proactive and with relevant suggestions.’
Key clients
Coelho da Fonseca
Nutrien
Fortescue
Mirae Asset (Korea)
Patria
GTIS Partners
Credit Suisse
BTG Pactual
RBR
Bracell
Work highlights
- Advised Marahú on the structuring of a triple-A real estate development in the municipality of Bragança Paulista.
- Advised GTIS Partners on the sale of its 60% interest in the Infinity Building.
- Advised Radar Propriedades Agrícolas on its divestment of the “Bananal” farm, a rural property located in the municipality of Luis Eduardo Magalhães, through a direct sale to two different purchasers, Cia Seeds and Schmidt Agrícola.
Brazil > TMT: Media Tier 2
With experience in all core segments, including digital and social media, advertising, visual arts and sports, Pinheiro Neto Advogados‘ media and entertainment practice manages a balanced workload, where financing and M&A transactions feature alongside IP matters, performance rights, production agreements and marketing contracts. The group is also adept at advising on contentious matters, administrative proceedings and regulatory issues in this space. José Mauro Decoussau Machado possesses extensive experience in IP litigation and transactional work. Raphael de Cunto is a key relationship partner for technology and gaming clients, and André Zonaro Giacchetta is skilled in litigation involving the worlds of advertising and entertainment. At the associate level, Gustavo Gonçalves Ferrer focuses on contentious mandates in the media and entertainment sector. Tally Smitas and recently promoted partner Carlos Strasburg assist with IP-related media matters. Márcio Junqueira Leite maintains a broad practice spanning commercial litigation, IP, technology, media and entertainment law.Key clients
MGM Studios
Amazon
Starz Entertainment
Audible
VMLY&R Propaganda
NBC Universal Studios
HBO
Sony
Teleperformance
Netflix
ByteDance
Banco Bradesco
Work highlights
- Assisting Amazon with several consultations regarding age rating regulation and general procedures.
- Assisting VMLY&R in reviewing their campaign to confirm if it complies with FIFA rules.
- Assisting Facebook with reviewing several documents in relation to its advertising activities and operations in Brazil, in light of CENP regulations.
Brazil > Transport: Aviation Tier 2
With extensive experience in transactional and regulatory matters pertaining to the aviation sector, Pinheiro Neto Advogados offers advice to an impressive client roster comprised of major banks, financial institutions, lessors, carriers, air taxi companies and aircraft manufacturers. The group is particularly well versed in the sale and purchase of aircraft, leasing matters and financing deals, but is also adept in regulatory matters, restructurings and repossession actions. Rated for her ability to advise on cross-border mandates, the ‘excellent‘ Caroline Guazzelli Queiroz Gomes marries in-depth knowledge of regulations with a wealth of experience in financing transactions; her workload is populated by innovative aircraft finance and leasing structures. Corporate lawyer Antonio de Paula Siqueira Filho is also active in this space; he is routinely engaged by financial institutions and corporates in relation to aircraft finance matters.Testimonials
‘A very responsive team who is helpful on transactions.’
‘Caroline Guazzelli Queiroz Gomes is always happy to assist and available when required.’
‘Caroline Guazzelli Queiroz Gomes is an excellent lawyer. She knows the industry well, is responsive, and able to assist in cross-border matters.’
‘PN is always responsive and provides quality and simple-to-understand advice.’
‘Caroline Gomes and Antonio Filho are both very knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
Export-Import Bank of the United States
AMCK Aviation
Mitsubishi UFJ Finance Group
Banco Citibank (Brazil)
Citibank
Lease Corporation International – LCI
Work highlights
- Assisted Ex-Im in connection with the termination of the lease of MSNs 41748 and 41993 Boeing B767 with LATAM Airlines Group and the subsequent sale of such aircraft to Jetran.
- Acted for MUFG and Fuyo General Lease in the termination of the JOLCO aircraft finance structure entered into with LATAM Airlines in 2019.
- Advised AMCK Aviation on the transfer of title of one Boeing 737-800 aircraft currently leased to GOL Linhas Aéreas.
Brazil > Wealth and succession planning Tier 2
Full-service law firm Pinheiro Neto Advogados is trusted by high-net-worth individuals and families in a wide range of private client matters, including estate planning, gifts and donations, offshore investment structuring and asset restructurings. With notable strength in corporate governance and IPOs, the ‘formidable estate and succession planning practice‘ is also popular among family-controlled companies and financial institutions. Tax specialist Giancarlo Chamma Matarazzo handles non-resident taxation issues and succession planning, while Pythagoras Carvalho excels in wealth planning and estate litigation. Also noted is counsel Priscila Stela Mariano da Silva for her strong background in cross-border wealth management matters.Testimonials
‘Technicality and commercial attributes.’
‘Pythagoras Carvalho is excellent.’
‘The duo Pythagoras Carvalho and Priscila Silva have run a formidable estate and succession planning practice. Without a shadow of a doubt, I have seen in this group the most sophisticated planning in implementation and close monitoring of the partners. The group is jovial and happy, a very important factor for working in this area.’
‘Competence, seriousness and business orientation.’
‘Extremely professional, knowledgeable, user friendly, pragmatic and very efficient.’
‘Giancarlo Matarazzo understands a lot about the subject and brings us security in the service provided. Priscilla Mariano da Silva is a great professional, always available and understands what she’s talking about.’
Energy and natural resources > Hydrocarbons Tier 3
Pinheiro Neto Advogados’ versatile practice has a strong reputation for handling complex and high-value transactions involving oil and gas assets. The firm, which is present in all hydrocarbons segments, also attracts instructions from domestic and foreign players in relation to regulatory matters concerning the reorganisation of the Brazilian oil and gas industry in the wake of Petrobras’s divestment plan. Marcelo Viveiros de Moura has worked on several multi-jurisdictional and local transactions on behalf of major IOCs. The ‘brilliant‘ Marcello Lobo is a key point of contact for clients from the hydrocarbons sector, who are engaged in M&A, joint ventures and financing deals with regulatory implications. Other names to note include Francisco Werneck Maranhão, who brings together expertise in regulatory issues, corporate reorganisations and financings, and Raphael Moraes Paciello, another reference in the team for M&A and joint ventures in the oil and gas space.Testimonials
‘Firm of reference in the country for the quality and ethics in the provision of services.’
‘Marcello Lobo is a brilliant lawyer, with creative solutions and a collaborative style.’
Key clients
Trident
Nova Transportadora do Sudeste – NTS
Subsea 7
Macquarie Energy North America Trading
Energisa
ESGás
Engie
Scania
Acelen
Mubadala
Trafigura
Lubrizol
Sistac
Afton Chemical
Goldman Sachs
Citibank
Work highlights
- Acted as external counsel to MENAT in a back-to-back trading transaction in which MENAT purchases diesel from Ipiranga Trading and sells such diesel to Oil Trading Importadora e Exportadora.
- Assisted Bracell in the due diligence and negotiation of the transaction documents regarding the purchase and sale of a gas station belonging to Lwart Soluções Ambientais.
- Structured Lubrizol’s defence and strategy in relation to the administrative proceedings before ANP, regarding the alleged failure of the company in complying with the regulatory obligation to send information to the agency periodically.
Brazil > Intellectual property Tier 3
With over five decades of experience in IP litigation, administrative and contractual matters, Pinheiro Neto Advogados is well positioned to advise on trade marks, patents and industrial designs, domestically and internationally. Its presence in Silicon Valley make it a solid choice for international technology companies with operations in Brazil looking for assistance in the entire spectrum of IP matters, including technology transfer agreements, an increasing area of focus for the practice. Bringing together expertise in IP and technology matters, José Mauro Decoussau Machado handles litigation and transactional work on behalf of domestic and foreign companies. André Zonaro Giacchetta and recently promoted partner Carlos Strasburg are recommended for complex IP disputes, while Larissa Galimberti and Márcio Junqueira Leite are particularly adept in mandates involving the intersection of technology, IP and entertainment law.Key clients
Coca-Cola Femsa
Ipsos
Amazon
Amazon Web Services
Jeunesse
Twitch
ByteDance
NBCUniversal
TotalEnergies
Stanley Black & Decker
Sanchez Cano
Work highlights
- Assisting Amazon with all its trade mark prosecution as well as transactional and litigation IP cases.
- Assisting TotalEnergies with several strategic matters involving the ‘TOTAL’ trade mark.
- Representing Stryker in a lawsuit asking for the annulment of Trautec’s trade mark ‘STRYKER’.
Brazil > Public law Tier 3
Pinheiro Neto Advogados is often engaged in complex and high-profile public law mandates in key industries, most notably life sciences, transport, sanitation and defence. The team is equipped to handle concessions, PPPs, government contracts and privatisations, as well as judicial and administrative disputes. Ricardo Pagliari Levy has a wealth of experience in public procurement matters, anti-corruption issues and administrative misconduct cases. Marcello Bernardes is a key contact for infrastructure projects and related litigation, while counsel Elina Cunha Friedl handles a mix of public biddings, concessions and litigation. At the associate level, Heloisa Figueiredo Ferraz and Samuel Lopes Parmegiani assist with public procurement and government contracts.Key clients
Pfizer
CCR
Amazon/AWS
CPFL
General Dynamics
Public Investment Fund (PIF)
Caixa Econômica Federal
Alelo
Cleary Gottlieb
Work highlights
- Advised Pfizer on the negotiations with the Brazilian government for the supply of Paxlovid, a SARS-CoV2 inhibitor.
- Acted for Concessionária da Rodovia dos Lagos in two actions, seeking the annulment of the 8th and 10th amendments to the concession agreement of Rodovia dos Lagos (RJ-124).
- Represented Concessionária do Rodoanel Oeste in a claim against the state of Pernambuco and ARTESP, the Transportation Agency of São Paulo, seeking the economic rebalance of a concession agreement.
Brazil > Transport: Shipping Tier 3
Drawing on the firm’s first-class capabilities in corporate, litigation, tax and labour law, Pinheiro Neto Advogados is well positioned to act in wet and dry shipping claims at the judicial, administrative and arbitration levels. Standing out for its experience in oil and gas-related maritime matters, the group is also skilled in the negotiation of industry contracts, ranging from shipbuilding and financing agreements to vessel registrations and joint ventures. Luis Claudio Furtado Faria is ‘able to skillfully combine his strong background in dispute resolution (litigation and arbitration) with maritime law and regulatory issues‘.Testimonials
‘The team knows the characteristics of the maritime sector, its trends and market realities. They position themselves as experts in the sector and facilitate contractual and regulatory solutions.’
‘Luis Claudio Faria is highly engaged, always available and presents adequate solutions from a contractual and regulatory point of view, depending on the issue.’
‘One of the few full-service firms with people qualified to act in maritime law and associated regulatory issues, both in terms of consultancy and litigation. Luis Claudio Faria is recommended.’
‘Luis Claudio Faria is able to skillfully combine his strong background in dispute resolution (litigation and arbitration) with maritime law and regulatory issues.’
‘Pinheiro Neto’s maritime team is led by the brilliant lawyer Luís Cláudio. Luís Cláudio’s great differential is his ability to support clients in litigation and consultancy with the highest quality standards.’
‘Luís Cláudio Furtado is a highly credible lawyer with clients and competitors. He manages litigation and advisory cases very well. He is a very technically sound lawyer and contributes a lot to the legal community at large by publishing relevant articles on the industry.’
Key clients
Ferreira International
Saipem do Brasil Serviços de Petróleo
Alcoa World Alumina Brasil
Work highlights
- Assisted Saipem in the agreement to sell the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) Cidade de Vitoria to BW Energy.
- Advising Subsea 7 on contractual and litigation matters involving Petrobras.
- Assists Ferreira International in a lawsuit over a spill against Kingscote Roajy (KRL) and Amtrans Logística e Transportes Internacionais.
Brazil > White-collar crime and investigations Tier 3
Pinheiro Neto Advogados houses a ‘technically impeccable team‘ made up of lawyers specialised in corporate criminal law, who are often engaged by high-profile executives and corporate entities in investigations and prosecutions brought by state and federal authorities throughout Brazil. With extensive experience in the defence of the full array of white-collar crime allegations, from insider trading to corruption, the group also showcases a successful track record in internal investigations. Mário Panseri Ferreira, who has over two decades’ experience in legal counselling and litigation, is a seasoned practitioner in matters involving fraud, anti-corruption issues and compliance. Counsel Lourival Lofrano Júnior focuses on tax, environmental and financial crimes, while Natalia Genina Lugero De Almeida ‘stands out for her analytical and risk assessment capabilities‘ in the context of internal and government investigations.Testimonials
‘A technically impeccable team with the capacity to humanise and personalise services, which is something unique in the Brazilian market. The criminal law team at Pinheiro Neto Advogados is far ahead of its peers in this approach.’
‘Natalia Lugero stands out for her analytical and risk assessment capabilities.’
‘Expertise and technical quality of lawyers, in addition to attention and availability.’
‘I’d highlight Mário Panseri.’
Key clients
TUV SUD
Imerys
Pátria Investimentos
Work highlights
- Assisting Imerys in a case related to a fire incident at a mining plant in Barcarena, Pará, which allegedly affected the surrounding communities.
- Defending TÜV SÜD in a criminal lawsuit and two investigations initiated by the Federal Police involving the Brumadinho dam collapse.
Pinheiro Neto Advogados > Firm Profile
Pinheiro Neto Advogados is a Brazilian, independent, and full-service firm specialising in multi-disciplinary deals, and was the first Brazilian law firm to specialise in corporate clients. For 80 years, the firm translates the Brazilian legal environment for the benefit of local and foreign clients.
With clients in almost 80 countries, the firm has grown organically and developed a distinctive, tight-knit culture, with a low associate-to-partner ratio. Its unique, democratic governance structure promotes transparency and consensus-building among the partners.
Innovation: With a focus on innovation, the firm has kept its competitive edge throughout the years and is widely hailed as a beacon of the Brazilian legal market. Also, Pinheiro Neto is an affiliate of Stanford Law School’s Program in Law, Science & Technology (LST), which supports cutting-edge research, teaching and programme development.
Professionals: To remain as a valued strategic partner for its clients, the firm invests heavily in professional development, not only through strong on-the-job training, but also by means of the highly structured Pinheiro Neto Professional Development Programme, the first of its kind in Brazil. Pinheiro Neto encourages its attorneys to pursue international associate programmes and postgraduate studies (LLM, etc.) abroad. In addition, the firm’s lawyers can tap into the largest and most complete private legal library in Brazil.
Social responsibility: Pinheiro Neto Advogados was the first Brazilian law firm to be certified as carbon neutral; the first Brazilian law firm to join the country’s largest social investors in the Group of Outreach Institutions, Foundations and Companies (GIFE); and the first Brazilian law firm to be recognised by the state of São Paulo diversity accreditation body (Selo Paulista da Diversidade). The firm’s pioneering pro bono programme has compensated professionals for their involvement in social causes since 2009.
Clients: The firm advises and represents both local and international clients in a broad range of sectors, including automotive, banking and financial services, construction and materials, energy and natural resources, environment and waste management, healthcare, oil and gas, real estate and technology.
Geographical reach: The firm has correspondents throughout Brazil, and has developed close and solid working relationships with first-tier law firms around the world.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
institucional@pn.com.br | +55 11 3247 8400 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Mr Marcello Bernardes | Partner. | View Profile | |
Mr Luis Cláudio Furtado Faria | Partner. | View Profile | |
Mr Ricardo Coelho | Partner. | View Profile | |
Ms Elina Cunha Friedl | Counsel. | View Profile | |
Mr João Rafael L. Gândara de Carvalho | Partner. | View Profile | |
Mr Marcello Lobo | Partner. | View Profile | |
Mr Raphael Moraes Paciello | Partner. | View Profile | |
Mr Emir Nunes de Oliveira Neto | Partner. | View Profile | |
Mr Marcos Proença | Counsel. | View Profile | |
Ms Bianca Pumar | Partner. | View Profile | |
Mr Carlos Henrique Tranjan Bechara | Partner. | View Profile | |
Mr Marcelo Viveiros de Moura | Partner. | View Profile | |
Mr Francisco Werneck Maranhão | Partner. | View Profile | |
Mr Marcos de Vicq de Cumptich | Partner. | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Partners : 118 Lawyers : 456 Total staff : 1000Languages
Portuguese Spanish English French German Italian Japanese Mandarin (Chinese)Memberships
IBA (International Bar Association)Comparative Guides
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Brazil: Energy - Oil & Gas
Published: February 2024
Authors: Marcelo V. de MouraRaphael PacielloMauricio Andre AlvesHugo Perez Gesualdo
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Energy - Oil & Gas laws and regulations applicable in Brazil.
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Brazil: Cartels
Published: April 2024
Authors: José Alexandre Buaiz NetoGiovana Vieira Porto
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Cartels laws and regulations applicable in Brazil.
- Banking and finance
- Capital markets
- City focus - Brasilia > Litigation
- Competition and antitrust
- Corporate and M&A: High-end
- Dispute Resolution: Arbitration
- Dispute Resolution: Litigation
- Energy and natural resources > Mining
- Environment
- International trade
- Life sciences
- Restructuring and insolvency
- Tax > Customs
- Tax > Tax advisory
- Tax > Tax litigation
- TMT: Cybersecurity and data privacy
- TMT: Tech, innovation and digital business
- Venture capital
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- City focus - Brasilia > Public law and regulation
- City focus - Brasilia > Tax
- Compliance
- Energy and natural resources > Electricity (and renewable energy)
- Insurance
- Labour and employment
- Projects and infrastructure
- Real estate
- TMT: Media
- Transport: Aviation
- Wealth and succession planning