Veirano Advogados > Rio de Janeiro, Brazil > Firm Profile

Veirano Advogados > The Legal 500 Rankings

City focus - Brasilia > Tax Tier 1

The Brasília-based tax team at Veirano Advogados showcases notable strength in contentious matters, particularly cases before the Supreme Federal Court (STF) and administrative proceedings before the Administrative Council of Tax Appeals (CARF). The group, which often collaborates with the São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre offices, is also engaged by domestic and international companies in tax consultancy mandates. Marcelo Reinecken is counsel of choice for several clients from the telecoms, tobacco, pharmaceutical, IT and agribusiness sectors. Associates Rafael De Paula Gomes and Renata Joner focus on tax and customs litigation before judicial and administrative courts.

Energy and natural resources > Electricity (and renewable energy)

With extensive experience in the generation, transmission, distribution and commercialisation of power, Veirano Advogados advises industry players on project development and finance, contracts, M&A, tax, regulatory issues and litigation. It particularly stands out for its presence in the renewable energy space, where it assists clients in M&A transactions, distributed generation and in the negotiation of supply, construction, operation and maintenance agreements for solar and wind projects. Daniel Engel maintains a broad practice, but is especially active in renewable generation projects. He jointly leads the team with Ana Carolina Barretto, a key contact for financings, and Alberto Büll, who joined as a partner from 2W Energia in November 2022 and brings a wealth of experience in administrative proceedings and power sector auctions. Associate Paola Oliveira has notable expertise in contracts, public and regulatory law, with a particular emphasis on power generation, while Luísa Tortolano Barreto is singled out for her experience in sector-related M&A and regulatory matters. The team was strengthened by the arrival of energy specialists Fabio Di Lallo, Livia Amorim and Juliana Melcop from Souto Correa Advogados in October 2023.

Energy and natural resources > Mining Tier 1

Based in Rio de Janeiro, Veirano Advogados‘ mining team has the breadth of expertise to handle a tremendous range and volume of transactional, regulatory, projects and contentious work for a variety of industry players. The firm – a first choice for high-end mining assets transactions, project financing, and administrative proceedings – stands out for its capabilities in cross-border mining deals, often working in collaboration with market-leading firms in Canada, the US, Latin America, Europe and Australia. Practice head Pedro Garcia, whose experience covers commercial agreements and environmental issues, is a name to note for multi-jurisdictional deals; he oversees the mining group, which benefits from a close relationship with the firm’s real estate, tax, environmental and IP departments. Associate Antonio Albani Siqueira routinely advises on the structuring, implementation and operation of mining projects throughout the country.

Brazil > Labour and employment Tier 1

Veirano Advogados fields a market-leading labour practice praised for its 'excellent legal knowledge' of contentious and non-contentious employment law matters. With a strong profile in individual and collective labour claims, the practice is also well positioned to advise on collective bargaining agreements, M&A transactions and the restructuring of compensation schemes. Compliance and investigations are other regular engagements for the group, which often works in close collaboration with the firm's corporate and tax experts. National practice leader Luiz Antonio dos Santos Junior is noted for his ‘proactive and strategic approach to dealing with legal challenges’ faced by domestic and international clients; his areas of expertise cover consulting and litigation matters. Cristian Divan Baldani frequently handles individual and collective labour claims, investigations and public civil actions. Jose Carlos Wahle brings over 20 years of experience in litigation, employee transfers, compensation and benefits policies, while senior partner Luiz Guilherme Migliora excels in complex contentious matters. Flavia Azevedo is a key contact for oil and gas clients. Recently promoted partner Bruno Leandro Palhares Perez focuses on lawsuits brought by executives and class actions.

Brazil > Real estate Tier 1

With ‘in-depth technical knowledge’ across a wide range of urban and rural asset classes, Veirano Advogados  is ‘undoubtedly one of the best law firms in the country for real estate projects’. The ‘approachable and extremely attentive’ lawyers regularly assist both private and public sector clients, including investment funds and companies, in an array of contentious and non-contentious mandates involving the commercial, offices, logistics, hospitality, healthcare, and residential segments. Practice co-head Rodrigo de Castro, whose ‘ability to resolve legal issues‘ is praised by clients, handles a variety of transactional, development and contentious matters. The ‘very pro-business’ Raphael Moreira Espírito Santo is skilled at advising on construction contracts, build-to-suit agreements and litigation. Gisela Miranda is experienced in development projects, while the ‘extremely technical and attentive’ counsel Bruno Aronne is recommended for litigation, lease agreements and land use issues. Erika Marinho is noted for her ‘great knowledge of municipal laws’.

Tax > Customs Tier 1

Brazil > TMT: Telecoms Tier 1

A group of telecoms specialists from Mundie e Advogados moved to Veirano Advogados in January 2023, bringing a wealth of experience in the full spectrum of telecoms matters, and an impressive client roster comprised of major telecoms companies and clients active in the satellite, mobile, multimedia, financial services and network infrastructure segments. The 'highly experienced team' provides 'top-notch' advice on complex regulatory issues, including proceedings before the National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL), litigation and transactions, benefitting from strong links to the firm's corporate practice. Elinor Cotait, a reference in the market for regulatory issues pertaining to the telecoms sector, and Ana Claudia Beppu, who possesses over two decades' experience in telecoms, media and technology mandates, joined in early 2023, and now jointly oversee the department with Robson Barreto, Alberto Bragança, a key name for transactional work, and Fábio Pereira. Beatriz Faustino França, who stands out for her experience in the satellite segment, and Francisco Sampaio, a practitioner to note for deals and regulatory issues involving the telecoms infrastructure industry, also joined the firm in 2023.

Brazil > Banking and finance Tier 2

Covering both domestic and cross-border matters, Veirano Advogados is a popular choice for major banks and multilateral lenders in asset and project finance transactions in the energy, infrastructure and transport sectors. Rated for its ‘excellent ability to work with other international firms‘, the firm is highly active in structured products, debt capital markets, and acquisition finance, and well placed to handle deals with a multijurisdictional dimension. Leading the team is  projects head Ana Carolina Barretto, who works out of the São Paulo office. Other noteworthy practitioners include Lior Pinsky, who focuses on capital markets, and the ‘competent and available’ counsel Elisa Rezende, who regularly acts for financial institutions, multilateral agencies and international financial institutions. Former co-head Marcelo Mattos and partner Rogério Campos left the firm in September and July 2023, respectively.

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

Clients in the education, agribusiness, renewable energy, and financial services sectors routinely turn to Veirano Advogados' Porto Alegre office for advice on complex M&A transactions, with a particular emphasis on buy-side instructions. The practice also offers assistance to clients in the negotiation of commercial agreements and the drafting of domestic and international commercial contracts. Corporate and transactional specialist Fernando Verzoni, who is dual qualified in Brazil and New York, is the regional head of the corporate and M&A practice in Southern Brazil. Verzoni is supported by the 'calm, competent, and always supportive' Diego Fraga Lerner, whose areas of expertise cover M&A, infrastructure projects, commercial contracts, and real estate transactions.

City focus - Porto Alegre > Dispute resolution Tier 2

Noted for being ‘extremely committed and dedicated to its cases‘, Veirano Advogados‘ Porto Alegre-based group is active in a range of commercial litigation and arbitration proceedings, most notably disputes arising out of M&A agreements and business contracts. International and Brazilian clients also turn to the practice for advice on product liability and consumer lawsuits, regulatory matters involving the energy, mining, and oil and gas industries, and administrative cases concerning concessions and public tenders. The ‘fantastic’ department head Filipe Scherer Oliveira is active in strategic cases. He is supported by public law expert Mauro Hiane de Moura. Luiz Afrânio Araújo departed in October 2022.

Brazil > Competition and antitrust Tier 2

With experience in both domestic and cross-border competition matters, Veirano Advogados assists in merger reviews, cartel investigations, antitrust compliance and general counselling matters. In December 2022, the firm’s capabilities in merger control and investigations into anti-competitive practices were reinforced by the arrival of Mundie e Advogados‘ former antitrust and regulation team, including co-head Enrico Spini Romanielo and 15 other practitioners. Romanielo, who offers support to clients from regulated industries, such as telecoms, payment services, and technology, is now at the forefront of the team alongside Leonardo Maniglia Duarte, a key contact in Brasília for merger control and conduct cases, including the negotiation of leniency agreements and settlements with CADE. With a strong track record in international cartel investigations, Alberto Monteiro is proficient in compliance issues. Associates Fernando Stival and Ana Luiza Arruda also joined from Mundie e Advogados in late 2022.

Brazil > International trade Tier 2

Veirano Advogados has an ‘extremely proactive, organised’ team that is ‘always delivering information clearly and objectively’. The firm stands out for its ‘skill in dealing with technical issues’ on behalf of domestic and international importers, exporters, and trade associations. The team covers anti-dumping investigations and reviews, trade remedy proceedings, public consultations and WTO negotiations and disputes, where it represents clients operating in the automotive, chemicals, animal protein and health, paper products, and electronics industries. The ‘very technical and committed’ practice head Ana Caetano ‘stands out for her ability’ in both contentious and non-contentious matters. The well-regarded team of associates includes Lucas Biasetton, the ‘very proactive’ Maria Carolina Pereira, and the ‘extremely competent’ Mariana Boralli. Marina Martes left the firm in July 2021.

Brazil > Projects and infrastructure Tier 2

Praised by clients for its ‘ability to respond to complex problems‘, Veirano Advogados combines finance and development expertise with comprehensive energy and infrastructure sector knowledge. Recent work showcases its strength in development matters and privatisations in the electricity, oil and gas, road, port and logistics segments. With over two decades of experience in this space, Ana Carolina Barretto acts for sponsors, lenders, contractors and equipment suppliers in the financing, development, construction, acquisition and disposal of infrastructure and natural resources projects. She jointly heads the group with Marcos Ludwig, whose track record in the port and wider transport sector is noteworthy. Daniel Engel brings in-depth knowledge of project contracts with extensive experience in financings, M&A and regulatory matters. Paola Oliveira stands out at the associate level for her involvement in the power generation and construction industries. The practice was strengthened by the arrival of Alberto Büll, who has a wealth of experience in the electricity sector, from 2W Energia in November 2022.

Brazil > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 2

Singled out for its experience in cross-border matters, the insolvency and restructuring practice at Veirano Advogados is adept at handling ‘highly complex cases’ for a broad range of domestic and international debtors and creditors. Practice co-head Julia Tamer Langen handles in judicial and out-of-court proceedings, and is an ‘exceptional lawyer’ who ‘reconciles deep technical legal knowledge with a practical vision’. Fellow co-leader Ricardo Gama specialises in dispute resolution. Former partner Paulo Fernando Campana Filho left to establish his own firm in December 2022.

Tax > Tax advisory Tier 2

Veirano Advogados is praised for its ‘impeccable work partnership’ and ability to explain tax matters in ‘a simple and easy way’. The firm is considered ‘a great partner in tax litigation’ where it ‘takes an innovative stance’. On the contentious front, co-head Filipe Richter excels in administrative and judicial litigation, which is also an area of expertise for Raphael Roberto Caropreso, whose practice covers indirect and direct tax. With extensive experience in M&A, corporate reorganisations and transfer pricing, fellow co-leader Marco Monteiro is skilled in tax planning matters and administrative proceedings. Clients also rate Andre Carvalho, who is especially known for his oil and gas expertise. Bruno Habib Negreiros Barbosa is another lead name for tax consulting and planning. Since publication, Matheus Bertholo Piconez has joined the firm from BMA Advogados.

Brazil > Wealth and succession planning Tier 2

Veirano Advogados acts for a varied client roster of high-net-worth families and individuals, entrepreneurs, family offices and banks. Drawing on the firm’s full-service capabilities, the practice is well positioned to handle family disputes, cross-border estate and succession planning, divorce cases, corporate matters and offshore investment vehicles. With a wealth of experience in tax, co-practice head Andre Carvalho advises on wealth and estate planning. Fellow co-leader Pedro Boueri Affonso De Almeida handles a mix of family disputes and offshore asset restructurings on behalf of both domestic and foreign clients. Also recommended, Fabiana Macedo assists family businesses with tax-efficient structures. Former associate Guilherme Fonseca De Oliveira left the firm in March 2023.

Brazil > Capital markets Tier 3

Veirano Advogados is noted for its ‘great experience in capital markets’, both in domestic and cross-border deals. With a strong following of issuers and underwriters, the group often advises on high-value debt issuances. Asset-backed securities issuances linked to  the real estate and agribusiness industries are core areas of activity for the practice, which is under the leadership of Lior Pinsky, who brings together experience in capital markets, corporate and M&A, and private equity. Luiz Rafael de Vargas Maluf left the firm in June 2023, while Ingrid Hessling joined from Souto Correa Advogados in October 2023.

City focus - Brasilia > Public law and regulation Tier 3

Veirano Advogados' Brasília office boasts notable regulatory expertise, representing both domestic and foreign clients in public law-related dispute prevention and resolution. Regulated sectors such as energy, infrastructure and natural resources provide the bulk of the team’s work. Practice head Marcelo Reinecken is often engaged by telecoms, manufacturing and mining clients in proceedings before the superior courts. The addition of Elinor Cotait from Mundie e Advogados in January 2023 as the national public law and regulation lead reinforced the firm’s capabilities in regulated sectors.

City focus - Porto Alegre > Tax Tier 3

With notable strength in contentious matters, Veirano Advogados demonstrates expertise in administrative proceedings and legal claims at the federal levels. On the advisory side, the practice is adept at advising companies on the application and usage of tax incentives, in particular those related to the Manaus Free Trade Zone; restructurings, tax planning, and due diligence of M&A transactions are other core areas of activity for the department. Associate Fabio Barichello, who advises clients from the IT, oil and gas, manufacturing and construction industries on administrative and judicial tax litigation, leads the practice that also includes associate Renan de Vargas Barreto.

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

Boasting an extensive geographical footprint in Brazil, Veirano Advogados attracts instructions from clients operating in a variety of industries (including energy, technology, telecoms, mining, life sciences and agribusiness), who turn to the team for its ‘excellent support in corporate matters and M&A deals’. With an impressive track record in sophisticated M&A involving publicly-held companies, the group is also well versed in private equity and venture capital investments, asset deals and consolidations. Demonstrating extensive experience in all types of M&A transactions, including buy and sell-side mandates, Augusto Cesar Barbosa De Souza steers the São Paulo-based team in domestic and cross-border share and asset acquisitions and divestments. In the same office, Lior Pinsky acts for funds, companies and state-owned enterprises in corporate and financing deals. Daniel Augusto Malatesta is a name to note for emerging growth companies and investors, while Vanessa Felício is a popular choice for clients from the life sciences, consumer products, IT, and oil and gas sectors. Other noteworthy practitioners in São Paulo include Vitor Rozenthal, who focuses on public M&A and private equity, and Diego Yago Rodrigues. Splitting her time between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, managing partner Paula Surerus specialises in matters involving regulated sectors. Also located in Rio, Robson Barreto and Maria Cecilia Vieira are singled out for their deep expertise in the telecoms sector, while Fernando Verzoni heads up the corporate and M&A group in Porto Alegre, where Diego Lerner is also based. The group was strengthened by the arrival of Mauricio Negri Paschoal, Clarissa Yokomizo and Giedre Brajato from Souto Correa Advogados in October 2023.

Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Litigation Tier 3

Covering civil, corporate, commercial and consumer matters, Veirano Advogados‘ dispute resolution team is seen with great regularity acting for longstanding and new clients across the banking, life sciences, energy, logistics and mining industries, among others. Singled out for its technical knowledge and availability, the litigation group is under the joint leadership of Ricardo Gama, a Rio de Janeiro-based practitioner with a wealth of experience in domestic and cross-border proceedings, and Mateus Carreteiro in São Paulo, who has the ‘capacity to act strategically and decisively in disputes of the most varied matters‘. With over 30 years’ experience in this space, Luiz Guilherme Migliora is a senior figure in the Rio de Janeiro office, where Lívia Miné is the name to note for contractual litigation, product liability and environmental claims, and Guilherme D’Aguiar stands out at the associate level. Diego Capistrano joined from BMA Advogados in April 2022, bringing to the team considerable experience in bankruptcy and restructuring cases.

Brazil > Environment Tier 3

Veirano Advogados‘ environmental team attracts instructions from domestic and international companies operating in a range of environmentally sensitive industries, including chemicals, electronics, infrastructure, mining, pharmaceuticals and energy. With a strong presence in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre, the group not only advises on the environmental risks of high-value M&A deals and projects, it is also well placed to assist in administrative and judicial proceedings involving solid waste, protected areas, pollution and contaminated sites. The group, which has increasingly been engaged in climate change and carbon markets matters, is jointly managed by Lívia Miné, who focuses on tort and environmental cases and is based in the Rio de Janeiro office, and São Paulo-based partners Maria Christina Motta Gueorguiev, who regularly advises investors and financial institutions on sustainability and climate change issues, and Luís Felipe Aguiar de Andrade, who acts for agribusiness clients in matters involving forestry, pesticides, fertilisers and biotechnology regulations. Senior associate Juliana Marcussi handles ESG, carbon markets, circular economy and sustainable finance matters. Since publication, Beatriz Paulo De Frontin has joined from BMA Advogados, effective as of December 2023.

Brazil > Public law Tier 3

Split between Brasília and São Paulo, the public law team at Veirano Advogados is uniquely positioned to handle administrative and judicial proceedings before federal courts and regulatory agencies. Standing out for its strength in the energy, infrastructure and natural resources segments, the group offers assistance to domestic and international clients in concessions, PPPs, and public tenders. The practice was recently boosted by the arrival of former Mundie e Advogados‘ practitioners Elinor Cotait, who now leads the team, and Ana Claudia Beppu, who brings a wealth of experience in administrative and regulatory matters. Another key addition includes counsel Ana Beatriz Robalinho, who excels in constitutional litigation. Marcelo Reinecken and Mauro Hiane de Moura are other key names for cases before the Brazilian Supreme Court, the Superior Court of Justice and the Administrative Council of Tax Appeals (CARF).

Tax > Tax litigation Tier 3

Brazil > TMT: Cybersecurity and data privacy Tier 3

The data privacy and cybersecurity team at Veirano Advogados acts for a mix of domestic and international companies, with a particular focus on the IT, e-commerce and electronic payments sectors, in LGPD compliance matters, risk assessments, and security incidents. The team is led by Fábio Pereira, whose ‘deep knowledge of all data privacy related matters‘ is rated by clients. Ana Claudia Beppu joined the team in January 2023 from Mundie e Advogados, and is proficient in privacy mandates within the telecoms, media and technology segments. Associate Denise Louzano is adept at conducting a range of data assessments and reviewing policies in light of updates to data privacy regulations, while senior associate Isabel Hering is noted for her experience in consulting matters, data breaches and cyberattacks.

Brazil > TMT: Media Tier 3

Veirano Advogados is adept at advising on four main fronts: advertising and marketing matters; privacy, image rights and data protection; copyright and internet-related issues; and entertainment law. Market-leading companies from the music, TV, film, gaming and sports segments seek regular assistance with contracts, licensing agreements, transactions, tax incentives, regulatory issues and litigation. IP and advertising law specialist Valdir De Oliveira Rocha Filho frequently handles the clearance of commercials, advertising campaigns, sweepstakes and promotions; he leads the practice with Fábio Pereira, an expert in licensing, IP and tech-related matters. Senior associate Denise Louzano acts for a number of audiovisual, music, advertising and digital media clients in commercial negotiations and IP issues. The practice was further reinforced by the arrival of Ana Claudia Beppu and Elinor Cotait from Mundie e Advogados in January 2023.

Brazil > Transport: Aviation Tier 3

Veirano Advogados is often called upon by an array of domestic and international clients, most notably banks, financial institutions and lessors, looking for guidance in all steps of aircraft financing and leasing. Praised for its ‘great industry knowledge‘ and proficiency in cross-border transactions, the group also boasts strong regulatory credentials. The ‘extremely efficient‘ João Paulo Servera, who is a seasoned practitioner in asset finance deals and aviation-related commercial litigation, including repossession claims. He leads the Rio de Janeiro-based practice, where associates Maria Eduarda Mendonça and Reginaldo Sorrenti are other names to note for asset finance.

Brazil > Venture capital Tier 3

At Veirano Advogados, the venture capital department offers support to major corporate venture capitalists, funds and start-ups in their fundraising efforts, investment rounds and exits. M&A transactions involving tech companies also feature in the team’s portfolio. Guilherme Ohanian Monteiro, who has a strong transactional background, is counsel of choice for founders, VC and CVC funds, corporations and banks seeking advice on investment rounds in Brazil and involving offshore structures; he is also proficient in fund formation and tech-related M&A. He co-leads the department with Daniel Augusto Malatesta, who was promoted to the partnership in 2022, and is a name to note for start-ups, investors and established tech companies. Lior Pinsky, who oversees the private equity group, has recently advised on VC financings as well as venture-backed M&A. Associates Pâmela Pinheiro and Fernão Castro are also active in the venture capital space.

Brazil > Compliance Tier 4

Clients regularly choose the ‘very technical and knowledgeable‘ team at Veirano Advogados to assist with their compliance-related issues, including corporate investigations and enforcement proceedings before the Brazilian authorities. Noted for his international experience, Alberto Monteiro assists in high-profile internal investigations and is the key contact for anti-money laundering matters for clients from the retail, luxury goods and financial sectors. Vitor Jorge, whose areas of expertise include investigations, enforcement actions and prosecutions by domestic and foreign authorities, and Livia Gandara, a strong performer in investigations into corruption, fraud and corporate misconduct, stand out at the senior associate level. Former practice head Rafael Gimenes and Marta Saad left the firm in April 2023. Criminal law specialist Pedro Simões joined from Duarte Garcia, Serra Netto e Terra Advogados in May 2023.

Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Arbitration Tier 4

Praised for its ‘extensive experience, knowledge and availability‘, Veirano Advogados fields a standalone practice, which is fully dedicated to assisting major corporate clients from the worlds of banking, construction, TMT, mining, insurance and energy, among others, in complex arbitration matters. The team manages a varied caseload, which features proceedings arising from construction contracts, M&A transactions, and commercial and shareholder agreements. Ricardo Gama, who often serves as counsel and co-arbitrator, offers representation to domestic and international clients in the context of major corporate, M&A, real estate and investment-related cases. He leads the practice from Rio de Janeiro alongside Mateus Carreteiro in São Paulo, who is regularly engaged in matters involving the technology, entertainment, energy, telecoms and construction segments. Senior associate Priscilla Villa Nova de Oliveira is well versed in domestic and international arbitral proceedings.

Energy and natural resources > Hydrocarbons Tier 4

At Veirano Advogados, the oil, gas and biofuels team acts for a varied client roster, ranging from refineries and distribution companies to midstream players, E&P clients and service providers. Though prepared to assist in the full array of matters relating to the hydrocarbons sector, the team is particularly adept in transactional and regulatory mandates. Ali El Hage Filho, a ‘partner in the oil and gas area with extensive in-house experience‘, manages a diverse workload where regulatory advice features alongside deals and commercial agreements. Associate Tito Rosa is another name to note for contractual matters, administrative proceedings and regulatory issues. The team was reinforced by the addition of Livia Amorim and Fabio Di Lallo from Souto Correa Advogados in October 2023. Former practice head Rogerio Campos left the firm in July 2023.

Brazil > Life sciences Tier 4

Noted for its 'thorough knowledge of the industry', the life sciences and healthcare practice at Veirano Advogados is a popular choice for Brazilian clients seeking assistance in administrative proceedings and matters related to ANVISA. Corporate, transactional and regulatory matters, including clinical trials and commercial arrangements, are other areas of expertise for the group. The 'brilliant and outstanding' Renata Fialho de Oliveira 'is an expert in the life sciences and healthcare sector', and a key contact for pharmaceutical and medical devices companies. She oversees the team with Lior Pinsky.

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

Local and international clients from the IT sector turn to Veirano Advogados for advice on software agreements, IT outsourcing, and cloud computing. Drawing on the firm's full-service structure, the group is well placed to assist with new business opportunities, commercial relations, IP, financings and product launches. Department head Fábio Pereira has in-depth knowledge of cloud computing services, outsourcing, data protection and tech transactions. The firm's overall TMT offering was strengthened in December 2022 by the arrival of the former technology team from Mundie e Advogados; new joiners included Elinor Cotait, Ana Claudia Beppu, Beatriz Faustino França, Enrico Spini Romanielo, and Francisco Sampaio.

Brazil > Intellectual property