TozziniFreire Advogados > Sao Paulo, Brazil > Firm Profile

TozziniFreire Advogados > The Legal 500 Rankings

City focus - Porto Alegre > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

Active in a wide range of sectors, such as transport, chemicals, food and beverage, healthcare, and banking, the corporate team at TozziniFreire Advogados works in an integrated basis with the firm’s national network of offices to assist clients in complex cross-border mandates, M&A transactions and corporate restructurings. Venture capital deals and matters related to start-ups are other areas of particular strength for the group. The practice’s leadership is split between Luis Renato Ferreira da Silva, a specialist in contract law, litigation and arbitration, and Maria Bofill, who is qualified in both Brazil and California and has extensive experience in M&A, private equity and foreign investments. At the associate level, Daniel Born Roman and Bruna Braga Luz De Oliveira are noted for their expertise in contractual matters. In August 2022, the team was strengthened by the arrival of Fernanda Fossati from Veirano Advogados, who joins as a partner.

City focus - Porto Alegre > Tax Tier 1

TozziniFreire Advogados is a go-to choice for companies operating across an array of industries, including real estate, manufacturing, mining, infrastructure and energy. The tax department is singled out for its wide-ranging expertise, which covers tax planning, PIS and COFINS issues, corporate income tax (IRPJ/CSLL), sales tax (ICMS) and tax on manufactured goods (IPI) matters. The practice also demonstrates strength in administrative and judicial litigation, handling cases at all levels of the judiciary. Gustavo Nygaard, who specialises in corporate taxation matters, co-heads the department with litigator Rafael Mallmann, who is praised for his ‘excellent technical knowledge’.

Brazil > Competition and antitrust Tier 1

TozziniFreire Advogados ‘remains one of the great references in Brazil when it comes to high-end corporate law firms‘. In competition and antitrust, the firm has established an impressive track record in the negotiation of leniency agreements with CADE, an area in which it maintains a large market share. The practice can also be seen representing companies in cartel and unilateral conduct investigations, and merger filings. Other distinguishing features include the team’s experience at CADE, with several of its lawyers having previously worked at the authority. Beyond the core competition group, the firm is also able to deploy cross-practice teams to cover the interconnected antitrust, compliance and white-collar criminal law aspects of complex cases. Tatiana Lins Cruz and Patricia Bandouk Carvalho are highlighted for their ability ‘to engage and dialogue with relevant authorities in this area at a high level‘. The well-regarded Marcelo Calliari leads the ‘highly qualified‘ team, which also includes Vivian Fraga, who is also a member of the firm’s Asia desk and as such acts for a number of Chinese, Korean and Japanese clients; Guilherme Ribas; and Marcel Medon Santos.

Brazil > Compliance Tier 1

A pioneer in the field of compliance, TozziniFreire Advogados stands out for its longevity in the market, and is noted for its ‘unique knowledge of the Brazilian compliance ecosystem‘. The firm has been particularly focused on crisis management, where it deploys multidisciplinary teams to assist clients in the context of environmental disasters, cyberattacks and other investigations. It also stands out for its active practice in internal investigations, in which it is frequently sought by well-known companies in a range of industries in sensitive matters. Co-founder of the Latin American Compliance & Investigation League (LACIL) and board member of The Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE), Shin Jae Kim leads the team, which includes internal investigations expert and ‘excellent professional‘ Karla Lini Maeji; Giovanni Paolo Falcetta, who has taken a lead role on numerous fraud and corruption internal investigations recently; and Renata Muzzi Gomes de Almeida, whose track record includes insider trading and corruption cases. The already sizeable team grew further in June 2021 with the hire of Marcelo Zenkner, a former prosecutor in the state of Espírito Santo. Associate Brunna Ortega de Almeida also receives praise; senior associate Fábio Heilberg is another key contact.

Brazil > Labour and employment Tier 1

TozziniFreire Advogados has a ‘very deep and broad team, experienced in collective labour and litigation as well as everyday advice’. The top-tier practice acts for major domestic and international clients in established industries, in addition to nascent sectors such as fintech and cryptocurrencies. Lead roles on highly sensitive matters, such as advising Ford on the closure of its Brazilian manufacturing operations, are testament to the team’s impressive market reputation. Clients also note that the firm has ‘a robust legal and paralegal team and great aptitude for managing volume labour litigation’. The practice is led by Alexandre de Almeida Cardoso, who is ‘always bringing innovative ideas that solve the client’s problems’. Mihoko Sirley Kimura and Gabriela Lima are also highlighted by clients, and Fernanda Bianco Pimentel is a name to note on the social security side. Since publication, Marcelo Pereira Gômara  has retired.

Brazil > Banking and finance Tier 2

TozziniFreire Advogados has a versatile banking group, which is noted for its ‘customised solutions‘. The firm is especially strong in regulatory matters, where it represents a mix of fintech companies, payments providers and banks on a range of related issues, including licensing and partnership agreements. The firm’s transactional practice was also boosted by the arrival of Ricardo Stuber from KLA Advogados; he is particularly experienced in Real Estate Receivables certificates. The team has also been involved in several novel social impact-related financings. The practice is led by the ‘extremely attentive, proactive and agile‘ Alexei Bonamin, with recently promoted partner Marcus Fonseca  especially active on the fintech front. Pedro Eroles, whose practice focuses on fintech, payment regulation and cryptocurrency matters, joined from Mattos Filho in August 2022.

Brazil > Capital markets Tier 2

TozziniFreire Advogados is regularly involved in domestic and cross-border debt and equity listings. Recently, the firm has developed a good name for advising on ESG-linked products, including green bonds for manufacturing, renewables and infrastructure projects. The firm has established relationships with many of Brazil’s leading financial institutions and has a notable track record acting as counsel to underwriters. Practice head Alexei Bonamin handles a broad range of transactional and regulatory matters and also advises investment funds on related issues. The real estate receivables side of the practice was boosted by the recruitment of partner Ricardo Stuber from KLA Advogados. Gustavo Rabello and Fabíola Augusta Cavalcanti are also active on the debt side.

City focus - Brasilia > Government relations Tier 2

At TozziniFreire Advogados, the government relations team benefits from its ability to leverage the firm’s full-service capabilities in areas such as tax, labour, life sciences and banking, among others. The group is often retained by national and international clients to assist with parliamentary inquiries, public hearings and legislative proposals. Practice head Cláudio Timm is a key contact for clients seeking representation before government bodies and public authorities. With vast sectorial experience in life sciences, he often handles regulatory matters and enforcement proceedings before the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply and the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). Since publication, Cláudio Timm has left the firm.

City focus - Porto Alegre > Dispute resolution Tier 2

Major domestic and international companies turn to TozziniFreire Advogados for assistance in litigation before all levels of the judiciary, and arbitration cases involving the energy, transport, banking, infrastructure and telecoms sectors. In addition to its track record in disputes against regulatory agencies and public authorities, the group excels in contentious matters concerning commercial contracts, consumer law and civil liability. Civil and post-M&A arbitration proceedings are among Guilherme Carneiro Monteiro Nitschke‘s areas of expertise. Eduardo Mariotti is a key name for banking, financial and consumer disputes, while Luis Renato Ferreira da Silva focuses on contractual issues. Vinícius de Oliveira Berni is specialised in administrative and regulatory law. Gabriela Vitiello Wink is well versed in civil litigation. Senior associate Filipe Nasi is noted for his expertise in judicial and administrative disputes.

Brazil > Corporate and M&A Tier 2

TozziniFreire Advogados' team is regularly instructed by a sizeable roster of prestigious corporate clients in an array of high-end and mid-market M&A transactions, private equity investments and divestitures, both domestic and cross-border in nature. Under the joint leadership of Marcela Waksman Ejnisman and João Busin, the practice has been notably active in high-profile deals in the technology and software fields, including fintech, as well as healthcare, logistics and infrastructure, among other sectors. Highlighted for its focus in innovation and strength in venture capital matters, the team has been ‘fostering the growth of new companies and entrepreneurship through Think Future‘, a programme whose focal point is on agile methodologies, visual law and legal initiatives that bring lawyers closer to the technical and operational areas of the law firm. On the topic of innovation, the firm has long utilised automated due diligence and AI sytems aiming at reducing costs and enhancing efficiency in the provision of legal services. Its D&I initiative (TFInclusão), which comprises affinity groups focusing on gender, LGBTIQA+, race, people with disabilities, refugees and sustainability, is also of note. The firm’s well-established pro bono programme goes from strength to strength; the firm reported an increase of almost 400% hours per year since 2017. Names to note in the M&A team include Maria Elisa Gualandi Verri, who acts for public and privately held companies in deals across the infrastructure, logistics and energy sectors, and Francisco Eumene Machado de Oliveira Neto, whose experience covers M&A, private equity, spinoffs and restructuring. Silvia Martins De Castro Cunha Zono marries M&A experience with in-depth knowledge of wealth and estate planning, while Fernando Silveira Carvalho is recommended for venture capital and foreign investments. Victor Frias Françoso ‘is an excellent professional and super available'. Juliana Soares Zaidan Maluf and Beatriz Seixas recently joined from Pinheiro Neto Advogados, while João Ribeiro da Costa  and Oswaldo Dalla Torre arrived from Landi, Rodrigues, Nakano e Giovannetti Advogados.

Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Arbitration Tier 2

At TozziniFreire Advogados, the ‘excellent arbitration practice' offers ‘well-thought-out and practical advice' in proceedings conducted under all sets of institutional rules. Arbitration arising from M&A, distribution agreements, shareholder disputes, construction contracts and conflicts involving the public administration are all core areas of focus for the department, which is often retained by clients operating in an array of industries, including real estate, energy, agribusiness and transport, among others. Fernando Eduardo Serec, who is a ‘go-to lawyer in difficult M&A disputes and any complex business litigation or arbitration’, oversees the practice, which also includes Guilherme Carneiro Monteiro Nitschke, who specialises in commercial and investment-related arbitrations, Lucas Britto Mejias, who undertakes both litigation and arbitration work, and Antonio Marzagão Barbuto Neto, a name to note for international arbitration. Luis Renato Ferreira da Silva is a key contact in Porto Alegre. Senior associate Maria Isabel De SÁ Dias Machado stands out for her involvement in domestic arbitrations concerning commercial, corporate and administrative law.

Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Litigation Tier 2

Standing out for its strong capabilities across all types of litigation, TozziniFreire Advogados ‘provides an excellent service in civil litigation‘ and has a strong track record in bet-the-company cases. The team, which acts at all judicial levels, is particularly noted for its strength in commercial disputes, and litigation involving the automotive and technology industries. Its sectoral coverage is not restricted to these segments, as the team is also regularly engaged by leading domestic and international clients operating in the construction, financial services, chemicals and pulp and paper industries. The nationwide practice is further bolstered by the firm’s strong presence in Porto Alegre. Singled out for his track record in construction-related cases, Fernando Eduardo Serec jointly manages the team with Luíz Virgílio Pimenta Penteado Manente, the latter of whom is counsel of choice for major telecoms companies in a host of commercial litigation matters. Disputes arising from M&A, distribution and agency agreements are among Mônica Mendonça Costa‘s legal specialisms. Elias Marques de Medeiros Neto, who possesses a strong background in strategic litigation and alternative dispute resolution as in-house counsel, joined from Cosan in February 2021.

Brazil > Environment Tier 2

Praised for its ‘availability, speed of response and good technical knowledge’, the environmental law practice at TozziniFreire Advogados offers legal support to clients operating in a variety of sectors, including forestry, agribusiness, real estate, transport, energy and social infrastructure, on a multitude of projects, business transactions, regulatory matters and in litigation at the judicial and administrative levels. The team, which often works together with other practice groups in multidisciplinary matters, is also proficient in ESG, environmental compliance, sustainable finance and criminal law matters. Adriana Baptista is recognised for her work in relation to business-critical environmental mandates; she is a popular choice for clients involved in environmental disputes and projects with significant environmental implications. She jointly heads the department with Bianca Bilton Signorini Antacli, whose experience includes M&A transactions, brownfields, and projects related to the Convention on Biological Diversity and Nagoya Protocol. Noted for ‘his excellent technical capacity and good communication with the client‘, senior associate Danilo Lambert Vieira de Sousa handles administrative proceedings, environmental licensing and the environmental risks of energy and infrastructure projects. Vladimir Miranda Abreu chairs the climate change and carbon market practice group.

Brazil > Public law Tier 2

Cláudio Timm The government projects and contracts team at TozziniFreire Advogados demonstrates strong capabilities in designing PPP structures, negotiating public contracts and assisting clients in public procurement. The department offers legal support to a varied client roster, helping companies navigate the complexities surrounding interactions with governmental entities, public bodies and regulatory agencies. José Augusto Dias De Castro, who focuses on public procurement and compliance issues involving public-private sector interactions, and Marcelo Zenkner, who recently joined from Petrobras to oversee mandates involving administrative improbity, anti-corruption and compliance, jointly head up the team. The team was strengthened by the arrival of Caio de Souza Loureiro from Cascione Pulino Boulos Advogados in March 2022; he focuses his practice on the interaction between the public and private sectors. Since publication, former co-head Cláudio Timm has left the firm.

Tax > Customs Tier 2

Brazil > TMT: Cybersecurity and data privacy Tier 2

The cybersecurity and data privacy practice at TozziniFreire Advogados covers contentious and non-contentious data protection issues related to LGPD compliance, data breaches, and administrative and judicial proceedings. The litigation side of the practice regularly handles emblematic issues within the LGDP and internet law space, such as artificial intelligence, and intermediary liability for personal data in instances of illegality online. Marcela Waksman Ejnisman focuses her practice on contracts and advisory work related to data compliance programmes and training. Patricia Helena Marta Martins is a key contact within the team for litigation and administrative proceedings before the courts and regulators. Carla Do Couto Hellu Battilana is also a technology expert, regularly advising on data sharing agreements, data licensing and internal policies for clients. Luiza Sato joined the team from ASBZ Advogados in July 2022, bringing with her expertise across IP, technology and digital law.

Brazil > TMT: Tech, innovation and digital business Tier 2

Technology-related litigation is a core strength for TozziniFreire Advogados‘ technology and digital business practice, which is trusted by major international social media and networking companies in complex mandates. The team regularly advises on both regulatory and transactional matters, including technology transfer agreements, software licensing and venture capital funding. In addition, the team represents clients in civil and electoral disputes. The department is co-led by Marcela Waksman Ejnisman and Patricia Helena Marta Martins, with Ejnisman a key contact for contractual and advisory work and Martins focusing on civil litigation matters concerning data protection and AI. Carla Do Couto Hellu Battilana and Bruna Borghi Tomé are also of note, both advising on data protection issues.

City focus - Brasilia > Public law and regulation Tier 3

TozziniFreire Advogados is retained to handle PPPs, public contracts and compliance matters as well as judicial and administrative disputes. The group is noted for its strength in the infrastructure sector, where it provides strategic advice on administrative law and concessions for airports, roads, ports and public transportation. The practice is also a popular choice in public procurement matters such as the negotiation of supply agreements and actions with state-owned companies and the Brazilian government. Leading the department is Cláudio Timm, who draws on extensive experience in regulatory and enforcement proceedings before various public bodies such as the Federal Court of Accounts, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture. Since publication, Cláudio Timm has left the firm.

City focus - Porto Alegre > Labour Tier 3

With notable strength in the energy, telecoms, tech, manufacturing and pharmaceutical segments, TozziniFreire Advogados undertakes contentious and non-contentious work. The team is often engaged in complex collective negotiations with trade unions, employment matters related to M&A transactions and individual and collective claims. Litigator Maurício De Carvalho Góes oversees the practice.

Energy and natural resources > Electricity (and renewable energy)

Praised by clients for its ‘ability to combine corporate know-how with regulatory experience', TozziniFreire Advogados is recognised for its strength in M&A transactions and project financing in the power sector. Its varied client roster comprises numerous energy generators, transmission and trading companies, distributors, as well as national and foreign institutional investors seeking assistance with critical corporate and regulatory aspects arising in the purchase and sale of energy companies and assets. The practice is also active in advising corporate consumers of electricity on offtake agreements, and non-energy companies looking to develop energy generation projects. Leading the department is Leonardo Miranda, who possesses ‘great knowledge of the M&A market' and project contracts. He receives key support from Ana Carolina Katlauskas Calil, whose experience covers project development, corporate transactions and regulatory issues across all power sub-segments.

Brazil > Insurance Tier 3

TozziniFreire Advogados advises on a broad spread of insurance and reinsurance matters including corporate, regulatory and litigation. Clients include major insurers, reinsurers and brokers, which regularly instruct the firm on high-profile coverage claims as well as M&A, insurance policies and joint ventures. The team is also increasingly involved in growth sectors such as insurtech and related online and data protection matters. The practice is jointly led by the versatile Bárbara Bassani De Souza, who handles a range of litigation and regulatory issues, and New York-based partner Marcio Mello Silva Baptista.

Brazil > International trade Tier 3

TozziniFreire Advogados has a ‘highly specialised‘ international trade team that offers clients ‘360° knowledge of each theme and the impacts and benefits‘. The ‘attentive, competent, objective, ethical and strategic‘ practice head Vera Kanas brings over 20 years’ market experience, including time spent working on WTO disputes for Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The lawyers regularly advise domestic and international clients on trade remedies and compliance issues, including anti-dumping investigations and sunset reviews. There is close co-ordination with the tax practice on related customs and tariff issues, an area where partner Lisandra Pacheco is particularly experienced.

Brazil > Life sciences Tier 3

Praised for its ‘excellent service’ and ability to offer clients ‘comprehensive advice covering all relevant legal areas and commercial aspects’, TozziniFreire Advogados’ life sciences offering is multidisciplinary in nature, with strong regulatory expertise. Recent highlights include advising on vaccine manufacture, ventilator regulation and medical device refurbishment during the Covid-19 pandemic. The ‘client focused’ Marco Aurélio Torronteguy heads up the practice and is a go-to partner in the firm for all manner of regulatory matters. Senior associate Victor Hugo Callejon Avallone is also of note within the team, particularly for advice on clinical trials, administrative proceedings and health-sector M&A. Pro bono work continues to be a standout area for the firm, particularly in providing legal assistance to NGOs and similar entities.

Brazil > Projects and infrastructure Tier 3

The multidisciplinary infrastructure group at TozziniFreire Advogados provides ‘excellent advisory services' in the fields of project finance, project structuring and regulatory matters. Its diverse client roster is made up of sponsors, multilateral agencies, and domestic and foreign investors seeking advice on public bids, projects and M&A transactions in the energy, water, waste management, mobility and logistics sectors. José Augusto Dias De Castro is regularly involved in governmental, regulatory and compliance matters related to the implementation of infrastructure projects, with a special emphasis on ports and terminals. Leonardo Miranda ‘has in-depth knowledge of energy regulatory matters and is well versed in related topics'. Jun Makuta is a key contact for Japanese investors, and Karin Yamauti Hatanaka, who recently joined from Cescon Barrieu, is noted for her extensive experience in project finance. Ana Carolina Katlauskas Calil stands out for her comprehensive knowledge of the power sector, including regulatory and transactional issues. Caio de Souza Loureiro, who is seasoned in infrastructure projects and administrative contracts, joined from Cascione Pulino Boulos Advogados in March 2022.

Brazil > Real estate Tier 3

TozziniFreire Advogados provides an ‘excellent and extremely personalised service‘ at a ‘high technical level‘. The ‘highly qualified lawyers‘ are noted for their ‘excellent communication, both with their client and with their client’s clients‘. The multidisciplinary team regularly assists in major hotel and multi-use developments, and has recently been involved in projects in the student housing and airport sectors. This is backed by a strong and expanding finance arm. Vladimir Miranda Abreu leads the team and is particularly experienced in rural and agribusiness related issues. Pablo Meira Queiroz has ‘extensive experience in real estate transactions of significant financial value and in structured real estate transactions‘.

Tax > Tax advisory Tier 3

TozziniFreire Advogados is praised for the ‘personalised service and excellence‘ of its tax team, which assists clients from across a wide range of industries. The firm’s sizeable department allows for a strong degree of specialisation in key areas such as direct tax, indirect tax and customs law, from both a contentious and non-contentious perspective. The team continues to expand following the recruitment of highly rated Brasília-based federal tax litigator Alberto Medeiros from Stocche Forbes Advogados, and the promotion of litigation partner Bruno Teixeira, who is praised for his ‘great efficiency‘. Other key partners include practice co-heads Gustavo Nygaard, for corporate tax, and Renata Emery, for advisory and contentious matters. Lisandra Pacheco and Thiago Rulfalco Medaglia are lead contacts for customs-related issues. Vinícius Jucá is no longer at the firm.

Tax > Tax litigation Tier 3

Brazil > TMT: Media Tier 3

Particularly adept in matters involving the intersection of entertainment and technology, TozziniFreire Advogados draws on its corporate, regulatory, and IP expertise to advise clients in both non-contentious and contentious issues. Free speech regulations, copyright, licensing, image rights, and trade marks are core areas of activity for the team, which is particularly sought by clients in the social media and computer games industries. Marcela Waksman Ejnisman leads the practice and has a broad base of expertise across the sector, with strength in copyright and trade mark issues relating to financing, broadcasting, distribution, and content governance. Carla Do Couto Hellu Battilana is a key contact for social media clients, and is particularly seasoned in matters involving e-sports competition, free speech and censorship in Brazil.

Brazil > TMT: Telecoms Tier 3

TozziniFreire Advogados is routinely retained by domestic and foreign clients, particularly from the US, operating or looking to enter the Brazilian telecoms market. The practice is spearheaded by Marcela Waksman Ejnisman, who is an expert in regulatory and commercial matters pertaining to the telecoms and tech sectors, and often advises on transactions and commercial agreements. Luíz Virgílio Pimenta Penteado Manente is the go-to lawyer for consumer law issues. Senior associate Mariana Del Nero Cornibert Da Barrosa is adept in corporate and partnership agreements within the sector.

Brazil > Intellectual property Tier 4

TozziniFreire Advogados‘ IP practice is well known for its strength in internet, domain name and digital technology-related IP matters. Technology agreements, negotiations, transfers and licensing agreements are regularly undertaken by practitioners in the firm for high-profile domestic and international companies. M&A deals in which IP assets are a key consideration are also within the purview of the team, conducting due diligence and assessing potential liabilities across the spectrum of intangible properties, including copyright, trade marks and patents. The team also has a strong media and entertainment industry focus, advising on image usage rights, subsidiary rights and ambush marketing. The ‘exemplary’ team is co-led by transactional IP experts Marcela Waksman Ejnisman and Carla Do Couto Hellu Battilana. Stephanie Consonni De Schryver is also noted.

Brazil > White-collar crime and investigations Tier 5

‘Very focused and prepared', TozziniFreire Advogados regularly assists major companies in criminal matters. Its white-collar criminal law practice is independent from others in the firm, although the team benefits from collaboration with colleagues in -primarily- the compliance, competition, environment and tax areas. Highlighted for her ‘excellent professionalism', Isadora Fingermann is ‘very technical, strategic and has a remarkable understanding of corporate dynamics'. A former executive director of the Institute for Defence of the Right to Defence (IDDD), Fingermann is also involved in pro bono projects at the firm, often working alongside litigation partners.