Veirano Advogados > Sao Paulo, Brazil > Firm Profile

Veirano Advogados > The Legal 500 Rankings

City focus - Brasilia > Tax Tier 1

Working in close collaboration with the firm’s offices in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre, the Brasília tax team at Veirano Advogados is well positioned to handle complex tax cases of national relevance on behalf of domestic and international companies. Although the group is well versed in both tax consulting and litigation, the practice is particularly known for its strong expertise in the latter, frequently acting for clients in tax disputes before the superior courts and the Brazilian Federal Administrative Tax Court. Practice head Marcelo Reinecken is often sought to represent clients from the telecoms, tobacco, IT and agribusiness industries in administrative and judicial tax proceedings. He is supported by senior associates Rafael De Paula Gomes, whose expertise spans corporate tax, social contributions and services taxes, and tax litigator Renata Joner.

Energy and natural resources > Electricity (and renewable energy)

Combining deep sector strength with a multidisciplinary offering covering financing, M&A and project development, the electricity practice at Veirano Advogados is well positioned to advise clients throughout the life cycle of a power project. The team - which showcases particular strength in the transmission space - also assists clients from all sub-segments in regulatory matters, litigation before administrative and judicial courts, and tax-related issues. The practice has witnessed an uptick in deal activity on the renewables side, notably in wind and solar power project M&A, and has been sought after by clients engaged in LNG-to-power projects in ports, offshore wind power plants and hydrogen mandates. Though primarily focused on M&A transactions involving electric assets, Tiago Figueiró is also proficient in project development and administrative proceedings in this space. He manages the team with Daniel Engel, a key contact for renewable generation projects, and Ana Carolina Barretto, a name to note for project financing. Luísa Tortolano Barreto, who has been particularly active in M&A and regulatory matters, and Paola Oliveira, who focuses on contracts and public law issues, stand out at the associate level. Recent hire Mariella Rocha brings a wealth of experience in renewables, energy transition matters and policies.

Energy and natural resources > Mining Tier 1

Praised by clients for its ‘knowledge of the mining market in several jurisdictions', Veirano Advogados enjoys a strong reputation in this space as a result of more than four decades of experience acting for mining companies in their most relevant projects and transactions in Brazil and abroad. On the transactional front, the practice is particularly active in high-value deals involving the acquisition of mining assets and mineral rights, and project financing. The team’s service offering goes beyond capital markets, debt transactions and M&A, and also includes administrative proceedings before mining authorities, and litigation concerning access to mining sites and protection against illegal actions by local communities. Given the firm’s full-service capabilities, the mining team often interacts with other departments - including environmental, real estate and tax - and works in close collaboration with the IP practice providing specialised assistance in patent registration and the protection of equipment and procedures related to the mining sector. Pedro Garcia oversees the group out of the Rio de Janeiro office; he brings together experience in cross-border transactions, commercial agreements and environmental issues for mining ventures. Also based in Rio, Antonio Albani Siqueira assists clients with the structuring, implementation and operation of mining projects.

Brazil > Labour and employment Tier 1

The labour team at Veirano Advogados is highlighted for achieving ‘exceptional results’ in strategic cases. Its lawyers receive praise for being ‘versatile professionals who adapt, without leaving technique and excellence aside’, complemented by their ability to ‘talk to a production operator and a vice president with equal ease and accessibility’. The firm has notable credentials for contentious and non-contentious matters, including individual labour claims and collective disputes involving public civil or class actions. The consulting side of the practice handles a broad range of issues, including M&A support and advice on investigations, compliance and compensation schemes. Flávia Azevedo and Luiz Antonio dos Santos Junior jointly lead the team, with other key partners including Jose Carlos Wahle and, in Porto Alegre, Luiz Afrânio Araujo. Senior associate André Rodrigues Schioser joined from Gasparini, Nogueira de Lima e Barbosa Advogados in August 2022. Since publication, Bruno Leandro Palhares Perez was welcomed to the partnership, effective as of January 2023.

Brazil > Real estate Tier 1

‘Quality in delivery, strategic structuring, creative solutions‘ are all hallmarks of Veirano Advogados‘ highly rated real estate team, which provides ‘fast service and knowledge of the market‘. The firm has a good track record representing private and public sector clients, including advice to the Federal Government on the privatisation of public assets. Investment funds and corporates regularly instruct the practice on investments into, most recently, logistics, office and retail assets. Hospitality, healthcare and residential property mandates also feature heavily in the firm’s contentious and non-contentious workload. The practice is jointly led by Rodrigo de Castro (highlighted by a client as ‘one of the best real estate lawyers in the country‘) and Raphael Moreira Espírito Santo, who ‘deserves compliments for his creativity and agility in resolving conflicts‘. Counsel Bruno Aronne has also established a good reputation.

Tax > Customs Tier 1

Brazil > Banking and finance Tier 2

Veirano Advogados offers considerable expertise across a wide variety of domestic and cross-border financings. The firm has particularly notable experience in major transport, energy and infrastructure-related deals, where it represents major banks and multilateral lenders on ship and project finance. Structured products, debt capital markets and acquisition finance mandates also feature prominently in the firm’s workload. Rio de Janeiro-based partner Marcelo Mattos leads the team, with strong support from projects head Ana Carolina Barretto in São Paulo. Other key partners include Rogério Campos for ship finance, and Lior Pinsky for capital markets.

City focus - Brasilia > Public law and regulation Tier 2

Large domestic and international companies operating in the energy, infrastructure, logistics and natural resources sectors turn to Veirano Advogados for assistance with complex, high-value privatisations, PPPs, concessions and acquisitions. The group is particularly known for its capabilities in public law-related dispute resolution, often representing clients in judicial and administrative disputes as well as arbitration proceedings. Practice co-head Marcelo Reinecken is especially sought after to represent telecoms, manufacturing and mining clients in proceedings before the superior courts and the Brazilian Federal Administrative Tax Court (CARF). Fellow co-head Mauro Hiane de Moura has extensive experience in matters related to public law and administrative proceedings. Also noted is Marcus Ludwig, an expert in public law and governance issues in the energy and infrastructure industries.

City focus - Porto Alegre > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2

Veirano Advogados‘ Porto Alegre-based team handles complex M&A transactions in the tech, agribusiness, renewable energy, construction and retail sectors, where it frequently acts on both buy and sell-side mandates. In addition to its track record in cross-border matters and complex commercial negotiations, the team is equipped to assist with domestic and international contracts related to the sale and purchase of commodities, debt facilities and bridge loans, and equipment supply. Fernando Verzoni, who is dual qualified in Brazil and New York and is especially sought after to advise on acquisitions and joint ventures, leads the practice. Another key name is Diego Fraga Lerner, who is experienced in M&A transactions in the plastics, logistics and telecoms segments. Fernanda Fossati is no longer at the firm.

City focus - Porto Alegre > Dispute resolution Tier 2

The dispute resolution team at Veirano Advogados possesses a strong track record in complex litigation and arbitration, with a particular focus on disputes arising from M&A transactions and commercial contracts. The team is also seasoned in regulatory matters, often representing clients from the energy, mining, oil and gas, and logistics segments in administrative disputes involving concessions and public law contracts. Product liability and consumer law claims also feature on the caseload. Department head Filipe Scherer Oliveira has a strong background in sensitive litigation cases. Another key practitioner in the team is Mauro Hiane de Mouro, who focuses on administrative, regulatory and compliance law.

City focus - Porto Alegre > Tax Tier 2

The tax team at Veirano Advogados frequently handles complex litigation cases at the federal and state levels on behalf of companies from the IT, tech, oil and gas, manufacturing and construction sectors. The group is also sought after to advise on tax investigations and incentives, tax planning and fiscal matters related to the Manaus Free Trade Zone. Leading the practice is Fabio Barichello, who often represents clients operating in the telecom and petrochemicals sectors in administrate and judicial tax disputes.

Brazil > Corporate and M&A Tier 2

Praised for its ‘differentiated business acumen‘, Veirano Advogados has cemented a strong reputation for M&A in the Brazilian market. With practitioners based in São Paulo, Porto Alegre and in the newly opened Rio de Janeiro headquarters, the practice is well suited to handle high-value M&A deals involving listed companies, mid-market and smaller transactions concerning family-owned businesses, and strategic cross-border investments. Private equity transactions are a notable field of activity for the team, which is also well placed to assist in the venture capital, technology and start-ups spaces. The firm has been developing its diversity and inclusion programme, InclusiVA, for the past six years with a particular focus on five aspects: age, gender, race, sexual orientation and social background. Its commitment to increase female participation and representation in the firm was reflected by the recent appointment of Paula Surerus, the first woman to hold the role in the firm’s 50-year history. Augusto Cesar Barbosa De Souza, who has handled M&A deals in the pharmaceutical, IT, retail and petrochemical segments, manages the corporate group alongside Fernando Verzoni, Lior Pinsky, who is highlighted for his knowledge of public M&A, private equity and capital markets, and managing partner Surerus. Alberto Bragança has a strong transactional record in regulated sectors, while Vitor Rozenthal boasts far-reaching experience in buy and sell-side M&A deals, corporate restructurings and private equity. Vanessa Felício and Daniel Augusto Malatesta, the latter of whom is well regarded for his performance in domestic and cross-border M&A, joint ventures and venture capital, were promoted to partner in early 2022. Since publication, Diego Yago Rodrigues and Maria Cecilia Vieira were welcomed to the partnership, effective as of January 2023.

Brazil > International trade Tier 2

Veirano Advogados has an experienced and focused trade team that provides ‘great support‘ and ‘excellent service‘ to domestic and international importers and exporters, as well as trade associations. The ‘knowledgeable‘ lawyers have a deep understanding of several key industries that have undergone investigations or required representation, including auto parts, chemicals, animal protein and health, paper, rubber tires, and electronics. This includes support on WTO negotiations and disputes, anti-dumping investigations and reviews, trade remedy proceedings and public consultations. Practice head Ana Teresa Caetano has a strong reputation for contentious and non-contentious issues. Experienced associate Marina Martes is another standout individual.

Brazil > Projects and infrastructure Tier 2

Veirano Advogados is able to assist clients from the inception to the operational stage of a project across an array of segments, including energy, oil and gas, ports, roads and logistics. The team - which demonstrates particular strength in the financing and construction phases - brings together expertise in corporate, regulatory, administrative and real estate matters. Ana Carolina Barretto has taken a lead role in some of largest projects in the Brazilian market, and is also experienced in the development and financing of groundbreaking projects in other Latin American jurisdictions. She oversees the practice with Marcos Ludwig, who is often instructed by domestic and foreign clients in the transport and energy sectors on matters involving corporate governance, contracts and regulatory issues. Daniel Engel maintains a broad practice, covering project finance, public contracts and M&A involving infrastructure and energy assets. Tiago Figueiró focuses on power projects and transactions, while Ali El Hage Filho is a key contact for oil and gas clients. Mariella Rocha, whose experience in renewable energy projects and project finance spans two decades, joined in July 2022.

Brazil > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 2

Veirano Advogados has a ‘well diversified, qualified and structured’ restructuring team, which allows for ‘agility and precision in the face of the most complex and innovative types of demand in the field of insolvency’. The cross-practice group is especially known for its advice to creditors, as well as distressed investors and controlling shareholders of distressed companies. Clients also note that the firm has ‘a lot of experience in cross-border insolvency‘ matters. Key partners include Paulo Fernando Campana Filho for transactional and strategic advice, and Ricardo Gama for disputes. Recently promoted partner Julia Tamer Langen is considered ‘an exceptional professional‘.

Tax > Tax advisory Tier 2

‘Excellence’ is a cornerstone of the highly regarded tax team at Veirano Advogados, which solves challenges with ‘speed, depth and accuracy‘, and in a ‘simple, practical and direct way‘. Clients acknowledge the firm’s close partnership on contentious and non-contentious issues, with the lawyers ‘always visualising and seeking the best results, as an extension of the company‘. The multi-faceted team covers the full range of direct and indirect tax matters, and is particularly strong on customs and related advice to the oil and gas industry, where the ‘always very cordial‘ Andre Carvalho and Flávio Paranhos, highlighted for his ‘technical knowledge, availability and excellent communication‘, are active. Marco Monteiro co-heads the team with Filipe Richter, who alongside Ian Muniz ‘look after the company’s interests and offer precise solutions to challenges‘. Customs and social security expert Fabiana Macedo is ‘technically excellent‘.

Brazil > Wealth and succession planning Tier 2

Veirano Advogados' wealth, estate planning and family group offers ‘impeccable quality of services’ via its multidisciplinary team, capitalising on the firm’s full-service structure and combining its knowledge in tax, family, corporate, real estate and probate. Wealthy families and individuals trust the team to advise them on estate planning, restructuring domestic and offshore assets, family corporate governance and complex sensitive family disputes. In addition, the team has forged strong relationships with major banks and accounting firms. The team is co-led by Pedro Boueri Affonso De Almeida and Andre Carvalho, both highly praised by clients for their extensive expertise in succession planning. Bruno Aronne and Fabiana Macedo are also key members of the team, with Macedo focusing on tax-related issues related to estate planning.

Brazil > Capital markets Tier 3

The well-regarded capital markets team at Veirano Advogados is ‘extremely skilled in proposing new solutions and alternatives'. The firm has notable credentials for debt capital markets work, where it represents a mix of issuers and underwriters. The team is also well versed in cross-border bond issues and asset-backed receivables in the real estate and agribusiness sectors. Lior Pinsky leads the team, which includes the highly rated Luiz Rafael de Vargas Maluf, praised for his ‘extensive knowledge and vast experience'. Daniela Anversa left the firm to take up an in-house counsel role at Natura & Co.

City focus - Porto Alegre > Labour Tier 3

The labour and immigration team at Veirano Advogados is well versed in HR management, risk assessments, compensation plans and employment contracts. Strategic litigation is another pillar of the practice, which handles administrative and judicial disputes, public civil acitons, and collective and class claims. Luiz Afrânio Araujo , a name to note for contentious and non-contentious employment matters, leads the group alongside São Paulo-based Luiz Antonio Dos Santos, who is specialised in collective bargaining agreements and union relations.

Brazil > Competition and antitrust Tier 3

Veirano Advogados‘ competition department is highlighted for its ‘ability to provide pragmatic and robust guidance based on in-depth knowledge of relevant legal practice in Brazil‘. The group has broad experience in both merger control and antitrust investigations before CADE, with 2021 and 2022 seeing the firm handling a large number of merger review proceedings. In this space, it is also equipped to assist companies as third parties in challenges to merger transactions. Leonardo Maniglia Duarte, who has over 18 years of experience, leads the team from Brasília; Alberto Monteiro, who was promoted to partner in January 2022, is a name to note in São Paulo.

Brazil > Compliance Tier 3

A ‘sophisticated team with an international profile‘, Veirano Advogados is highlighted for its ‘ability to address sensitive matters appropriately‘. The compliance team works in close collaboration with the firm’s white-collar criminal defence and antitrust departments, and is regularly sought out by large Brazilian and multinational companies operating in the banking, technology, energy and chemicals sectors. The group has seen an uptick in work relating to digital fraud, and has also been actively representing clients in internal investigations concerning tax fraud, corruption and money laundering. The highly regarded Rafael Gimenes has over 20 years of experience in the market, including in compliance consultancy and investigations; he leads the team, which includes criminal law specialist Marta Saad, corporate law, governance and integrity partner Pedro Freitas, Alberto Monteiro, who works on antitrust and anti-corruption mandates, and senior associates Lívia Gândara and Vitor Jorge.

Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Litigation Tier 3

Veirano Advogados is trusted by major clients across the banking, life sciences, oil and gas, energy, logistics and mining industries, and is highly regarded for its performance in complex litigation involving civil, corporate, commercial and consumer issues. Recent highlights have included sensitive class actions involving millions of dollars of potential liability, and contentious matters arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. Leading the practice, Rio de Janeiro-based partner Ricardo Gama showcases extensive experience in domestic and cross-border disputes, including public civil actions, and Mateus Carreteiro in São Paulo stands out for his track record in arbitration and litigation involving technology, energy, mining and construction-sector clients. In addition to handling insurance and reinsurance matters, Felipe Bastos in Porto Alegre undertakes work in the areas of commercial and corporate litigation. Guilherme D’Aguiar is a go-to associate in Rio for court litigation and arbitration. The team was recently strengthened by the arrival of Diego Capistrano, whose experience covers litigation, arbitration, bankruptcy and restructuring matters.

Brazil > Environment Tier 3

Solid waste and wastewater management, protected areas, contaminated sites, air pollution and ESG are all areas of expertise for the environmental team at Veirano Advogados, which is also proficient in administrative proceedings, judicial disputes and in the allocation of environmental risks in the context of M&A. The department was consolidated with the arrival of new practice head Maria Christina Motta Gueorguiev from Pinheiro Neto Advogados in August 2021, and the integration of the firm’s dispute resolution team specialised in environmental disputes. Gueorguiev, who has a background in environmental litigation, brings two decades of experience in environmental, climate change and ESG issues in the context of infrastructure projects. Lívia Miné focuses on dispute resolution, including environmental class actions and individual claims. Luís Felipe Aguiar de Andrade is a key contact for agribusiness clients, while Juliana Marcussi is a name to note for ESG, climate change and licensing proceedings.

Brazil > Insurance Tier 3

Veirano Advogados has traditionally represented policyholders on contentious and non-contentious insurance issues. This now extends to a model that includes advice to brokers, agents, reinsurers and other organisations that come into direct contact with insurers. Its clients come from across several high-risk industries, including oil and gas, manufacturing, infrastructure and financial services. The firm is particularly active on the litigation side, with a focus on high-value claims and loss adjustment processes. Disputes partner Felipe Bastos leads the team, with key support from senior associate Andrea Piccolo Brandao  .

Brazil > Public law Tier 3

Veirano Advogados' public law practice assists in a combination of consultancy and contentious matters, boasting an impressive track record in complex transactions that have significant administrative law and regulatory components. Energy, infrastructure and natural resources are core sector strengths for the group, whose service offering includes advice on public tenders, concessions, privatisations and public law-related dispute resolution. Proceedings before audit courts, constitutional litigation and disputes in regulated industries are all areas where the team has seen a recent uptick in demand. Porto Alegre-based partner Mauro Hiane de Moura oversees the national public law team, which also features Marcos Ludwig in Rio de Janeiro and Daniel Engel in São Paulo. Ludwig maintains a broad practice in project development, transactions, regulatory issues and public law, while Engel devotes his time to assisting public entities and mixed capital companies engaged in infrastructure projects.

Tax > Tax litigation Tier 3

Brazil > TMT: Media Tier 3

Veirano Advogados’ media practice offers legal support in the advertising, marketing, music, gaming, and audiovisual sectors. Valdir De Oliveira Rocha Filho and Fábio Pereira co-lead the practice. Since publication, Elinor Cotait, Ana Claudia Beppu, Enrico Spini Romanielo and Beatriz Faustino França joined from Mundie e Advogados – effective as of January 2023.

Brazil > Transport: Aviation Tier 3

Veirano Advogados has a ‘very dedicated, responsive' aviation team, which handles a broad range of cross-border transactional and regulatory matters. Practice head João Paulo Servera has strong credentials in aircraft and engine financing and leasing negotiations, and also has a notable track record for contentious issues, including repossessions and insolvency procedures. Tax advice and regulatory challenges before the Aviation Authority also feature prominently in the department's workload. Clients include major domestic and international manufacturers, lessors and banks.

Brazil > Transport: Shipping Tier 3

Veirano Advogados has a keen focus on the offshore industry, where it represents a mix of banks and shipowners. Major ship and FPSO financings feature heavily in the firm’s workload, as do refinancings, M&A and project finance deals. The team is also well versed in negotiating charter and transportation agreements. Practice co-head Marcelo Mattos is one of the main contacts for ship financings, while fellow co-head Rogério Campos also advises on maritime regulatory issues and charter agreements.

Brazil > White-collar crime and investigations Tier 3

Veirano Advogados has become ‘an established name as a result of serious and dedicated work' and its strong reputation explains in part how it continues to attract instructions from new clients in the consumer, financial services, healthcare and natural resources sectors, among others. The department has seen an increase in instructions relating to digital fraud cases, fuelled largely by pandemic-induced remote working, and remains active in high-profile investigations and criminal proceedings. The highly regarded Marta Saad stands out for her ‘unquestionable experience and technical knowledge'; she also works alongside compliance specialist Rafael Gimenes at the firm to provide a comprehensive service to clients.

Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Arbitration Tier 4

The arbitration team at Veirano Advogados is well placed to advise foreign clients and handle international proceedings across an array of sectors, including construction, private equity, technology, mining and energy, among others. Besides their in-depth knowledge of the Brazilian market, all partners who make up the team specialise in at least one other jurisdiction, making them a popular choice for commercial and investment-related arbitration. Ricardo Gama oversees domestic and international arbitration work from Rio de Janeiro, while Mateus Carreteiro in São Paulo is routinely sought out by clients in energy, mining, telecoms and construction-related cases. Diego Capistrano, who has an extensive track record encompassing litigation and arbitration, as well as bankruptcy and restructuring, joined the team in April 2022.

Energy and natural resources > Hydrocarbons Tier 4

Veirano Advogados ‘has an excellent oil and gas practice in Rio and São Paulo‘, which attracts instructions from clients operating throughout the entire value chain, including distribution companies, refineries, service providers, shipping and E&P players. The group has seen recent growth, with several new clients in the hydrocarbons sector seeking legal support in regulatory and transactional matters involving natural gas and oilfield services. In this regard, Ali El Hage Filho has been particularly active providing regulatory advice when it comes to the development and operation of natural gas infrastructure and the negotiation of commercial agreements for the importation of LNG. He receives praise from clients, who highlight his negotiation skills and ‘extensive industry experience‘. Fellow co-head Rogério Campos has a strong background in high-value contracts for the construction, acquisition and operation of oil and gas production units. Also noted is Tito Rosa, a key contact for bidding rounds before ANP and administrative proceedings.

Brazil > TMT: Tech, innovation and digital business Tier 4

Fábio Pereira is a key contact at Veirano Advogados, which has experience advising clients in the e-commerce, technology and payments sectors, among others.

Brazil > TMT: Telecoms