Labour and employment Tier 1

The employment team at Veirano Advogados continues to impress the market with its handling of contentious and non-contentious employment issues. It regularly handles complex, strategic matters, including judicial and administrative lawsuits, collective negotiations, company restructurings, compensation plans and advice related to M&A transactions. Recently, the firm has been involved in several significant work-related accident and illness claims, and cases related to confidentiality breaches and discrimination. Key partners include Jose Carlos Wahle, Luiz Antonio dos Santos Junior and Sílvia Araújo in São Paulo, and Luiz Guilherme Migliora, Maria Luisa Soter and Flávia Azevedo in Rio de Janeiro.

Mining Tier 1

Demonstrating in-depth knowledge of the mining industry, Veirano Advogados has extensive experience advising a range of clients on large-scale mining projects in Brazil. The team is adept in acquisitions of mining assets, financing issues, mineral rights as well as administrative proceedings before mining authorities. Other typical matters involve acting in sector-related litigation, including disputes for access to mining sites and over the implementation of mining projects. Cross-border deals and regulatory matters also feature in the department's portfolio. With over two decades' experience in the field, Pedro Garcia leads the practice, which also includes Carlos Americo Castro and former managing partner Pedro Freitas.

Real estate Tier 1

Veirano Advogados attracts high praise from clients, which come from all corners of the market, including major investment funds, corporate owners and leaseholders, hotel chains, logistics companies and banks. The team has an especially strong presence in the hospitality sector and is also noted for its good expertise in real estate development projects generally. Shopping and logistics centre deals have featured high on the agenda, and the team has also been involved in some of the largest real estate disputes to hit the market. Raphael Moreira Espírito Santo and the highly rated Rodrigo de Castro lead the team, which includes several well-regarded associates, including Bruno Aronne.

Tax Tier 1

Highlighted for its 'good communication, tranquillity, professionalism and accessibility', Veirano Advogados has impressive tax litigation capabilities in Brasília. Its clients include significant domestic and international companies in the agribusiness and food and beverage sectors, among others. Practice head and managing partner of the Brasília office Marcelo Reinecken is well versed in tax and customs consultancy and litigation, with experience before the Supreme Federal Court, Superior Court of Justice and Administrative Council of Tax Appeals (CARF). Associate Renata Joner is 'a diligent and well-prepared lawyer'. Associate Rafael de Paula Gomes also receives praise.

Banking and finance Tier 2

Veirano Advogados has experienced banking and finance teams working out of its Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo offices. The firm's versatile practice acts for a mix of banks, multilateral lenders, debt funds and other financial services companies, while on the borrower side it represents clients from across a range of industries, including mining, logistics, shipping, telecoms and infrastructure. Advice covers the full range of products, including syndicated loans, project finance, shipping finance and pre-export finance agreements. Rio de Janeiro-based banking head Marcelo Mattos is backed by a strong team of lawyers, including fellow Rio-based partner Rogério Campos. The highly rated São Paulo team is led by Ana Carolina Barretto, who handles corporate and project finance, and also includes capital markets expert Daniela Anversa and Lior Pinsky.

Capital markets Tier 2

Veirano Advogados is popular with issuers, underwriters and investment funds and has good expertise in debt and equity transactions. The firm is particularly strong in offerings in the energy sector. Lior Pinsky and Daniela Anversa in São Paulo and Carlos Alexandre Lobo and Alberto Bragança in Rio de Janeiro are some of the firm's key partners in this area.

Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2

Veirano Advogados' Porto Alegre office has a solid corporate and M&A practice, with a particularly strong track record in buyer-side mandates. Clients operate in a wide range of industries, including agribusiness, financial services, renewable energy and education. Corporate restructuring, joint venture agreements and international commercial contracts are other areas of expertise for the practice, which is under the leadership of Fernando Verzoni, who brings broad experience in cross-border transactions and foreign investment. Diego Fraga Lerner is well versed in real estate and commercial agreements. Fernanda Fossati is another name to note.

Competition and antitrust Tier 2

Noted for its 'good communication, tranquility, professionalism and accessibility', Veirano Advogados is well versed in merger control and cartel investigations and also provides consulting services in competition law. On the merger side, its experience extends to advising third parties in challenging transactions, as well as merging parties themselves. The team's client roster includes Brazilian and multinational companies operating in the energy, infrastructure, life sciences and media and entertainment sectors, among others. Mariana Villela and Leonardo Maniglia Duarte head the team, which is based across São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasília.

Corporate and M&A Tier 2

Veirano Advogados is noted for its 'good communication, tranquility, professionalism and accessibility'. With a significant presence in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre, the team has the size and resources to handle a large volume of transactions, including high-value M&A. In one highlight, a Rio-based team worked alongside an international firm to advise Canadian base metals company Lundin Mining Corporation on the acquisition of Mineração Maracá, Yamana Gold’s Brazilian copper and gold mining subsidiary. Augusto Cesar Barbosa de Souza and Carlos Alexandre Lobo lead the team, which includes corporate, banking and M&A expert Lior Pinsky; Paula Surerus, who leads on domestic and cross-border M&A transactions; and the 'very hands-on' Alberto Bragança. Diego Lerner was promoted to partner in January 2020, and Vitor Rozenthal made partner in January 2021. Since publication, Sergio Bronstein and Guilherme Potenza left the firm in April 2021.

Dispute resolution Tier 2

Veirano Advogados is sought after by regional and international companies on strategic commercial litigation and arbitration, especially matters involving disputes arising from M&A and corporate contracts. In addition, the team has extensive expertise in product liability and consumer claims, and also provides support to clients in regulatory, constitutional and administrative law matters. Filipe Scherer Oliveira, who focuses on civil litigation and arbitration, is a key point of contact in the team. Mauro Hiane de Moura is another noteworthy practitioner, who is active in administrative and regulatory matters.

Electricity Tier 2

The broad service offering at Veirano Advogados covers both transactional and regulatory advice. The team is adept at assisting with regulatory issues arising from project development, as well as financing matters, M&A and power purchase agreements. Other areas of activity include litigation involving the power sector before arbitral, administrative and judicial courts. Renewable energy is a key area of focus, spanning biomass, wind and solar power. Tiago Figueiró focuses on regulatory matters and asset transactions in the electricity sector. Ana Carolina Barretto leads on project-related work, while Pedro Freitas is experienced in M&A and infrastructure.

Environment Tier 2

Veirano Advogados‘ environment practice provides advice on strategic licensing in relation to high-value projects, and offers representation to clients in administrative proceedings and judicial litigation, including class actions arising from environmental issues. Particular areas of expertise include protected areas, post-consumption liability, contamination, air pollution, water resources and solid waste management, and the team regularly assists with the environmental aspects of investments. Since publication, the department has seen significant changes, with the departure of former practice head Ana Luci Grizzi and the arrival of Maria Christina Motta Gueorguiev, from Pinheiro Neto Advogados, to head the practice.

International trade and customs Tier 2

Clients of Veirano Advogados benefit from a highly experienced, full-service international trade practice. The team, which is led by the highly respected Ana Caetano, regularly advises major companies and trade associations on WTO-related consultation and litigation work. Recently, the firm has been involved in several key matters in the food, agribusiness and IT sectors. It also represents Brazilian interests in foreign trade remedy proceedings, and is noted for its strong expertise in anti-dumping and customs proceedings.

Projects and infrastructure Tier 2

Veirano Advogados advises clients on all phases of project development, with a special emphasis on financing and construction issues. The practice is well-versed in international and Brazilian projects involving a variety of industries, such as energy, ports, roads, logistics and oil and gas. Its client portfolio features a number of construction and power sector players, as well as companies operating in the pulp and paper industry. The team is coordinated by four partners: Ana Carolina Barretto is particularly active in power projects; Pedro Freitas and Ricardo Veirano stand out in project finance matters; and Robson Barreto excels in projects pertaining to the telecoms sector. Daniel Engel, who has significant expertise in M&A transactions involving energy and infrastructure assets, and João Paulo Servera, whose focus is on cross-border matters, recently joined the firm from Cascione Pulino Boulos Advogados.

Restructuring and insolvency Tier 2

Veirano Advogados' highly regarded team has undergone some personnel changes. While former partner Cássio Cavalli left to establish his own firm, the arrival of the highly experienced Paulo Fernando Camana Filho from Cascione Pulino Boulos Advogados was a very positive move for the firm. He joins a team that represents creditors on the full range of contentious and non-contentious restructuring proceedings. Among the key members, Sergio Bronstein and Gustavo Moraes Stolagli are especially strong on the transactional front, while Rio-based partner Ricardo Gama is the main litigation contact. The team also has good experience advising judicial administrators.

Tax Tier 2

The tax and customs department at Veirano Advogados has a wealth of experience in tax litigation, acting not only in administrative claims, but also in judicial proceedings at the federal level. Other areas of expertise include tax incentives, tax planning and due diligence in the context of M&A and corporate restructurings. Marcelo Reinecken oversees the group from Brasília, while Fabio Barichello, who stands out in administrative tax litigation, and Ari Job Junior, who is skilled in federal, state and municipal taxes, are key practitioners in the Porto Alegre office.

Tax Tier 2

Veirano Advogados elicits a huge amount of support from clients, who are quick to praise the firm for its advisory and litigation capabilities. Marcelo Reinecken leads the team from the Brasília office, from where the firm handles a broad range of federal tax disputes. The team also handles direct and indirect tax claims at the state and municipal levels. Corporate finance tax support is also high on the agenda, particularly in M&A, capital markets and private equity deals. Key members include Abel Amaro for indirect tax and customs advice, Ian Muniz, Marco Monteiro for direct tax issues, and well-regarded litigator Filipe Richter. Andre Carvalho in Rio is also noted for his advice to companies in the oil and gas sector. Since publication the firm has further strengthened the practice hiring former Pinheiro Neto Advogados senior associate, Leonardo Battilana, as a partner in January 2021.

TMT: Tech, innovation and digital business Tier 2

The information technology and internet practice group at Veirano Advogados advises on the negotiation of agreements for software development, IT outsourcing and cloud computing services. The team benefits from a strong collaboration with other departments at the firm, including IP, tax, regulatory and compliance, which strengthens its ability to assist clients on all aspects of their activities. The firm has an extensive track record in the field of venture capital, and often acts for start-ups in the fintech, agritech and energy sectors in the context of M&A transactions and investments; Guilherme Potenza leads on this type of work. Complex technology transactions and cloud computing services are among Fábio Pereira's legal specialisms. Valdir Rocha is another name to note.

Wealth and succession planning Tier 2

The private wealth law department at Veirano Advogados combines knowledge of tax, estate planning and litigation and strikes a 'good balance between technical expertise based on experience and the ability to keep and maintain relationships'. The team is regularly sought by Brazilian and foreign families, entrepreneurs and family offices for advice on complex family, probate and succession matters. Andre Carvalho and Pedro Boueri Affonso de Almeida are the key partners.

Compliance Tier 3

Veirano Advogados' 'dedicated team' has a strong orientation towards investigations, where it acts for clients in the healthcare, construction and financial services sectors, among others. The team is led by Mariana Villela in Rio de Janeiro and Rafael Gimenes in São Paulo and also advises clients on internal policies and compliance due diligence.

Hydrocarbons Tier 3

Veirano Advogados has been particularly busy advising oil and gas companies on a broad range of issues, ranging from regulatory advice and high-value M&A transactions to the development of greenfield projects, including those related to energy transition, refining, gas-to-power, pre-salt and LNG. The practice also advises on the purchase of interest in onshore and offshore blocks, as well as financing structures. Ali El Hage Filho is familiar with all aspects of the oil and gas industry, namely natural gas distribution and the entire life-cycle of upstream businesses. Rogério Campos is often retained to advise clients on the revision of Petrobras bid documents, while Andre Carvalho focuses on tax consulting.

Insurance Tier 3

Veirano Advogados is equipped to represent policyholders in major litigation; as demonstrated by its role on the disastrous Fundão dam collapse case, it has been trusted on some of the most high-profile insurance claims to hit the market. The firm also has strong relationships with several major insurers and reinsurers, including IRB Brasil. Highly rated litigation head Felipe Bastos jointly leads the team with Rio-based partner Fábio Figueira, who is the main contact for corporate and commercial matters.

Intellectual property Tier 3

Offering advice to local and international companies, Veirano Advogados undertakes IP work pertaining to trade marks, domain names, patents and industrial designs. The team also advises clients on unfair competition, franchise agreements and technology matters. Key practitioners include Valdir de Oliveira Rocha Filho and Fábio Pereira.

Public law and regulation Tier 3

Veirano Advogados operates from multiple offices in Brazil, with Marcelo Reinecken a key figure in the Brasília office. The team has significant regulatory expertise and acts for clients in highly regulated sectors, including infrastructure, utilities and transport. Its practice encompasses consultancy work as well as administrative and judicial litigation; constitutional litigation is a particular area of growth.

White-collar crime and investigations Tier 3

Full service heavyweight Veirano Advogados absorbed criminal law boutique Saad Gimenes Advogados in October 2019, bringing 'one of a kind' lawyer Marta Saad, and fellow specialists Luciana Zanella Louzado and André Mendes to the firm, where Rafael Gimenes is another key contact. The team has notable experience representing parties in major police operations in Brazil and in the negotiation of plea bargains.

Dispute resolution: Litigation Tier 4

The dispute resolution team at Veirano Advogados offers representation to a diverse range of clients operating in a range of industries, including banking, logistics, energy, oil and gas, entertainment and mining. The department is well equipped to advise on cases arising from civil, commercial and corporate disputes, as well as consumer claims. Felipe Bastos, whose experience covers litigation and mediation, oversees the department. Ricardo Gama is often retained by domestic and international clients in a variety of strategic disputes. Rosangela Delgado handles contractual, commercial and regulatory disputes, and Luiz Guilherme Migliora is noted for his extensive track record in complex litigation.

Public law Tier 4

Veirano Advogados' key strength lies on the advice it offers in relation to transactions involving complex administrative and regulatory challenges in a range of regulated sectors, namely energy and infrastructure. Public law-related dispute resolution and prevention features on the team's workload, as do privatisations, public procurement, PPPs and government concessions. The government and regulatory group is under the leadership of Mauro Hiane de Moura. Marcos Ludwig is skilled in both transactional and project development work, as well as public law, regulatory and contractual issues. Recently promoted Filipe Scherer Oliveira excels in energy law and handles regulatory and administrative matters.

TMT: Telecoms and media Tier 4

Veirano Advogados' media and entertainment practice group handles matters on behalf of advertising agencies, TV networks and publishing companies, among others. Advising on audiovisual production agreements and licensing rights, and representing clients before regulatory agencies, are core areas of activity for the team. Valdir Rocha is a key point of contact in the department.

Dispute resolution: arbitration Tier 5

Veirano Advogados excels in international commercial and investment arbitration, offering representation to a diverse client base operating in the private equity and venture capital, construction, energy, telecoms, insurance and entertainment sectors, among others. The group is led by two practitioners: Ricardo Gama has a solid background in domestic and international arbitration; and Mateus Carreteiro assists in technology, mining and construction-related disputes. Since publication, Fabio Alem left the firm in August 2021.

Transport and shipping

Veirano Advogados has established a strong presence in the ship finance and maritime market, drawing on the expertise of Marcelo Mattos and senior associate Rebeca Arruda Gomes. As well as vessel transactions, the firm also advises clients on service contracts with the oil and gas industry. The recruitment of João Paulo Servera from Cascione Pulino Boulos Advogados has also added significant weight on the aviation and aircraft financing front.