TozziniFreire Advogados > Brasilia, Brazil > Firm Profile

TozziniFreire Advogados > The Legal 500 Rankings

Brazil > Banking and finance

Under the leadership of capital markets, banking and finance specialist Alexei Bonamin, TozziniFreire Advogados‘ department offers regular assistance to domestic and international clients – including banks and financial intermediaries – with corporate and project finance, syndicated facilities, debt restructuring, banking and financial licences. The group excels in complex regulatory matters, often advising digital banks and payment companies on the structuring and review of their business models and matters before the Central Bank. Practice head Bonamin is the key point of contact for multinational banks in relation to cross-border lending mandates. Pedro Eroles and Marcus Fonseca are no longer at the firm, while Daniel Laudisio joined from Cescon Barrieu in May 2025.

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

With extensive experience handling cross-border deals, TozziniFreire Advogados is capable of leading on complex transactional matters for clients - including venture capital funds and start-ups - from a wide range of industries. The commercial, corporate, and M&A practice has particular expertise in corporate restructuring and M&A deals, though it also offers advice on joint venture agreements, venture capital investments, and wealth planning. Maria Bofill heads up the practice and is recognised for her prowess in M&A, corporate restructuring, and private equity, as well as foreign investments. Another notable name in the team is Fernanda Fossati, who is well regarded for her experience in M&A negotiations, wealth planning issues and commercial agreements. Associates Daniel Born Roman and Bruna Braga Luz De Oliveira are both highly active in the group and concentrate on M&A, corporate restructuring, and commercial contracts.

City focus - Porto Alegre > Tax Tier 1

TozziniFreire Advogados is a powerhouse in the Porto Alegre market, recognised for its expertise in tax law. The tax practice specialises in judicial and administrative proceedings, and offers consultancy and tax planning services. Routinely instructed by impressive clients from a variety of industry sectors, including energy, mining, transport, and infrastructure, the group is capable of handling high-value matters regarding PIS/COFINS disputes, tax assessments, federal tax enforcements, and tax exemptions, to name a few. Corporate tax specialist Gustavo Nygaard leads the practice and is an authority in both tax litigation and non-contentious work. The department also benefits from the expertise of Rafael Mallmann, who is noted for his experience in litigation concerning corporate tax. Associates Bernardo Mascarenhas Mardini and Claudia Rocha De Morais are among other notable names in the team; Mardini focuses on administrative proceedings and judicial tax proceedings, while Morais has in-depth knowledge of tax collection, tariffs, and contribution disputes, alongside non-contentious matters.

Brazil > Competition and antitrust Tier 1

TozziniFreire Advogados houses a leading antitrust practice, which is made up of ‘well-trained and technical professionals, with great professionalism, agility and proximity‘. Drawing on their previous experience at CADE, several team members are skilled at representing clients in merger filings and review proceedings, cartel and unilateral cases, damages claims before the courts, and, most notably, leniency and settlement agreements. A key destination for multijurisdictional mandates, including merger control and conduct work, the practice is under the leadership of Marcelo Calliari, who has a wealth of experience in leniency agreements and merger clearance. These are also among Guilherme Ribas‘s legal specialisms. Vivian Fraga is a strong performer in complex domestic and cross-border merger reviews and antitrust litigation. Patricia Bandouk Carvalho is another noteworthy practitioner focused on leniency negotiations, investigations and cartel cases.

Brazil > Compliance Tier 1

The ‘deep expertise in local and cross-border investigations‘ of TozziniFreire Advogados‘ compliance and investigations practice sees it regularly involved in large corporate investigations related to fraud and bribery. ‘A longstanding market leader in compliance‘, the firm boasts strong credentials in crisis management, administrative proceedings, leniency agreements and due diligence in the context of corporate transactions. At the helm of the practice is Shin Jae Kim, who is highly regarded in the compliance space and has significant experience advising on large cross-border settlements and investigations involving multiple authorities. Giovanni Paolo Falcetta is regularly seen acting in investigations relating to fraud, corruption, bid rigging and cartel activity. Renata Muzzi Gomes de Almeida is a key name for the negotiation of leniency agreements, as well as internal investigations regarding confidential leaks, the purchase of classified information and accounting fraud. Karla Lini Maeji is noted for her experience in the negotiation of non-trial resolutions in corruption and fraud investigations. Marcelo Zenkner is no longer at the firm.

Brazil > Labour and employment Tier 1

Highlighted for its ‘broad range of expertise‘, TozziniFreire Advogados maintains a strong footing in the contentious and non-contentious sides of labour law, assisting domestic and multinational companies from a variety of sectors. Its litigation work encompasses lawsuits filed by former employees, trade unions and the Labour Prosecutor’s Office. Collective bargaining is a key area of strength for the team, which also advises on outsourcing, HR policies, internal labour audits and compliance training on the consultancy front. Practice head Alexandre de Almeida Cardoso has extensive experience in preventive matters and labour litigation, having advised on several precedent-setting cases in recent years. Gabriela Lima is the go-to for advice regarding compensation structures, incentive plans, benefits and the termination of contracts. Mihoko Sirley Kimura is a key name for hiring and compensation-related work, and Fernanda Bianco Pimentel regularly represents clients in inspections by the labour authorities. André Fittipaldi is no longer at the firm.

Brazil > TMT: Tech, innovation and digital business Tier 1

With a strong focus on technology, TozziniFreire Advogados assists start-ups, major social media platforms and tech companies with internet and digital law issues. The all-female practice handles both consultancy and litigation matters for tech giants, with Marcela Waksman Ejnisman taking the lead on non-contentious matters – such as technology transfer agreements, M&A, and new product and service launches – and Patricia Helena Marta Martins overseeing the contentious work, which covers the administrative and judicial spheres. Ejnisman assists companies with their innovation programmes, contracts and complex due diligence, while digital law specialist Martins is skilled in civil litigation before the high courts, and matters concerning digital electoral law and fake news. Another name to note for non-contentious issues, Carla do Couto Hellu Battilana excels in technology and data protection matters. Bruna Borghi Tomé and Sofia Gavião Kilmar offer key support in litigation involving the tech sector.

City focus - Campinas > Leading firms Tier 1

Specialising in business law, TozziniFreire Advogados‘ Campinas office manages a varied workload, which features dispute resolution, corporate and M&A, and labour matters, among other. With a wide scope of expertise, the team is equipped to handle high-value and complex matters, often involving multinational companies and international jurisdictions. The group’s expanding client base consists of businesses from a range of sectors, such as agribusiness, automotive, and cosmetics. Aloisio Carneiro da Cunha Menegazzo, who co-leads the branch, concentrates on corporate law and M&A, often advising on contract negotiations, joint ventures, and corporate restructuring. Alongside Menegazzo, André Barabino co-heads the team and is an expert in contentious matters, including cases heard before the regional, state, and superior courts. On the labour front, office co-head Leonardo Augusto Padilha Bertanha focuses on collective bargaining negotiations, internal investigations, audits, and due diligence. Associate Marina Silva Caramuru stands out for her experience in judicial and administrative litigation.

City focus - Porto Alegre > Dispute resolution Tier 2

The arbitration and litigation team at TozziniFreire Advogados has extensive experience handling class actions, commercial, contractual and shareholder disputes, and consumer lawsuits for clients from the energy, transport, and infrastructure industries. The breadth of the practice has attracted an impressive client roster, which continues to expand. The practice is under the joint leadership of five practitioners: Eduardo Mariotti is skilled in arbitration and litigation matters involving consumer, banking, contractual and real estate-related issues; Luis Renato Ferreira da Silva specialises in corporate and contract law, and predominantly represents clients in arbitration cases; Vinícius de Oliveira Berni is adept in proceedings before the regional and superior courts, as well as regulatory litigation on behalf of clients from the energy, infrastructure, and telecoms sectors; Guilherme Carneiro Monteiro Nitschke concentrates on commercial arbitrations; and Gabriela Vitiello Wink focuses on litigation pertaining to civil, banking, and corporate law.

City focus - Porto Alegre > Labour Tier 2

TozziniFreire Advogados’ labour practice is regularly instructed by clients from the automotive, energy, and technology sectors in both contentious and non-contentious matters. On the contentious front, the group has expertise in compensation claims, collective actions, and union lawsuits, while on the non-contentious side, it is adept in collective negotiations with labour unions, compliance issues, and employment matters arising from corporate transactions. Litigation and preventative counselling specialist Maurício De Carvalho Góes leads the team and is noted for handling individual and collective labour claims.

Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Arbitration Tier 2

TozziniFreire Advogados‘ arbitration department stands out for its ‘technical capacity and quality to work on several fronts in parallel’, evident in the diversity of mandates it handles, including post-M&A, shareholder, infrastructure, and public law disputes. The team is led by São Paulo-based Fernando Eduardo Serec, who has a wealth of experience in international arbitration, including  financial, post-M&A and contractual lawsuit. The practice also features Luis Renato Ferreira da Silva in Porto Alegre, who often acts as counsel in energy-related cases. Lucas Britto Mejias handles domestic and international arbitrations arising from corporate, commercial, real estate, banking and administrative law disputes, while Guilherme Carneiro Monteiro Nitschke possesses ‘extensive experience’ acting as counsel and arbitrator in complex arbitral proceedings. Senior associate Maria Isabel de Sá Dias Machado is often engaged in domestic arbitrations involving corporate, commercial, administrative, insurance and contractual disputes.

Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Litigation Tier 2

TozziniFreire Advogados‘ dispute resolution team is highly proficient in complex litigation mandates requiring expertise in civil, corporate and commercial claims. Active in a wide range of industries, including energy, construction, technology and agribusiness, the team acts for a variety of domestic and international clients, showcasing particular strength in prominent cases in the oil and gas space. Fernando Eduardo Serec and Luíz Virgílio Pimenta Penteado Manente, both of whom possess a strong track record in proceedings before the superior courts, oversee the litigation department. Mônica Mendonça Costa is highlighted for her ‘excellent performance in complex cases’, especially in commercial disputes deriving from M&A, distribution and agency agreements. Elias Marques de Medeiros Neto often acts for energy, natural resources and agribusiness clients in strategic litigation. Carolina Matthes Dotto heads up the firm’s German desk, and is active in several international disputes, while Lucas Britto Mejias is routinely engaged in litigation arising from construction, corporate, commercial and real estate disputes.

Brazil > Environment Tier 2

With a targeted focus on climate change, carbon markets, and the forestry sector, ‘in-depth and up-to-date technical knowledge of environmental legislation’ is part and parcel of TozziniFreire Advogados’ environmental offering, which confronts the topical questions of sustainable use of biodiversity and access to genetic resources and benefit sharing. Project support is a keystone of the group’s work; it is well placed to assist across the whole life cycle from pre-acquisition compliance and due diligence, to licensing, financing, management of contaminated areas, and administrative and judicial proceedings. A veteran practitioner commended for her ‘incredible technical knowledge’, Adriana Mathias Baptista is retained by regulated industry clients engaged in environmentally sensitive projects, and leads the São Paulo team alongside the ‘efficient, intelligent’ Bianca Bilton Signorini Antacli, who is thoroughly experienced in managing contaminated sites, greenfield and brownfields, and forestry projects. Vladimir Miranda Abreu directs the climate change and carbon market action group, and fields experience in real estate transactions, and agribusiness and timberland investments. Danilo Lambert Vieira de Sousa is engaged in risk management, licensing processes, and administrative proceedings and environmental litigation, while Bruno Pisani Della Barba provides detailed technical insights into matters concerning wild animals, demarcation of indigenous lands, traditional communities, air emissions, flora, and environmentally sensitive areas.

Brazil > Public law Tier 2

With extensive experience in PPPs, public procurement, public contracts, and related disputes, TozziniFreire Advogados is well positioned to advise clients on their interactions with governmental entities and regulatory bodies. The group is active in the concession of projects in the transport, water and sewage, solid waste and public lighting sectors. José Augusto Dias de Castro, who focuses on public procurement and compliance-related matters involving public contracts, jointly heads the team with public law specialist Caio de Souza Loureiro – a key contact for private companies, government agencies and multilateral entities. Former co-head Marcelo Zenkner is no longer at the firm.

Tax > Customs Tier 2

Tax > Tax advisory Tier 2

With a sizeable tax team based across São Paulo, Porto Alegre, Brasília and Campinas, TozziniFreire Advogados is proficient in disputes with the tax authorities involving direct and indirect taxes and proceedings before the superior courts. In addition to its strong performance in judicial and administrative tax litigation, the team is also sought out by clients operating in a range of industries – from oil and gas to mining, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals – for its expertise in non-contentious and transactional tax matters. São Paulo-based Renata Emery, who maintains a versatile practice focused on both advisory work and tax disputes, excels in international taxation issues and oversees the practice with Gustavo Nygaard in Porto Alegre. Thiago Medaglia stands out for his considerable experience in corporate reorganisations, international taxation, transfer pricing and tax planning. Christiane Alves Alvarenga and Jerry Levers de Abreu are no longer at the firm.

Tax > Tax litigation Tier 2

Brazil > TMT: Cybersecurity and data privacy Tier 2

TozziniFreire Advogados‘ cybersecurity and data privacy practice is led by industry specialists Marcela Waksman Ejnisman and Patricia Helena Marta Martins, who regularly assist with data protection compliance programmes, impact assessments and data breaches. Other key individuals include Carla do Couto Hellu Battilana, who often reviews and analyses terms of use and privacy policies, and advises on data licensing and data sharing agreements, and Luzia Sato, a name to note for LGPD compliance projects. Martins leads the litigation team, assisted by Bruna Borghi Tomé, who is well versed in contentious matters in the tech sector and involving information security breaches, and Sofia Gavião Kilmar, who has handled cases concerning data protection, innovation and digital electoral law.

Brazil > Capital markets Tier 3

Rated for its ‘deep knowledge’ of capital markets transactions and local law, TozziniFreire Advogados manages a mix of transactional and regulatory mandates. The team is regularly engaged by financial institutions, Brazilian issuers and securitising agents, and stands out for its presence in the securitisation market, where it advises on the structuring of asset-backed real estate (CRIs) and agribusiness (CRAs) securities. Boasting over two decades’ experience in capital markets mandates, practice head Alexei Bonamin has recently advised on the public offering of CRIs, debentures issuances and investment fund-related matters. Ricardo Stuber is no longer at the firm, while Daniel Laudisio joined from Cescon Barrieu in May 2025.

Energy and natural resources > Electricity (and renewable energy)

Exhibiting robust capabilities in the transmission and power generation spaces, TozziniFreire Advogados often advises on transactions involving power companies and assets, as well as the structuring and development of conventional and renewable power projects. Distributed generation and self-production in particular are key areas of interest, with the team employing ‘technical knowledge and expertise’ to assist clients with new regulatory frameworks and the development of new projects. Head of the São Paulo practice Leonardo Miranda has a wealth of experience in M&A and financing transactions, PPAs, EPCs, and greenfield projects. Ana Carolina Katlauskas Calil and Karin Yamauti Hatanaka are no longer at the firm.

Brazil > Insurance Tier 3

In addition to its strong background in complex disputes, the insurance team at TozziniFreire Advogados has substantial experience in non-contentious mandates, such as sector-related regulatory issues and transactions. With extensive experience in insurance claims and loss adjustment cases for insurers, reinsurers and brokers, the team often handles matters pertaining to the financial and technology industries. The team is led by Bárbara Bassani De Souza, highlighted for regularly achieving ‘excellent results’ for clients in regulatory matters concerning SUSEP (Superintendence of Private Insurance), loss adjustment, and strategic litigation, and Marcio Mello Silva Baptista, whose areas of activity include M&A, joint ventures, reinsurance and bancassurance transactions.

Brazil > Life sciences Tier 3

TozziniFreire Advogados is led by life sciences expert Marco Aurélio Torronteguy, who is praised for his knowledge of regulatory and contractual issues. He routinely assists clients with administrative proceedings before health regulation authorities, and offers support in new product launches, import and export, and licensing issues. The team draws on the firm's strong transactional credentials to advise life sciences and healthcare players on M&A deals, and is singled out for its expertise in tech transfer agreements and industry-related data protection matters. More recently, the practice has seen notable activity in drug pricing cases, product recalls, and advertising mandates. Senior associate Victor Hugo Callejon Avallone works closely with practice head Torronteguy in key cases, and is well versed in health legislation and M&A in the healthcare sector.

Brazil > Real estate Tier 3

Praised for being ‘very agile and creative in proposing alternatives to make business viable or overcome impasses in negotiations‘, the real estate team at TozziniFreire Advogados acts for an impressive client roster of investors, asset managers, developers and corporate occupiers in transactions involving rural and urban land. The group is also proficient in matters concerning commercial leases, licensing issues, construction contracts and property regularisation. Practice head Vladimir Miranda Abreu, who also coordinates the agribusiness team, is active in structured real estate financing transactions as well as the sale, purchase and development of real estate assets. Pablo Meira Queiroz is no longer at the practice

Brazil > TMT: Media Tier 3

With a strong reputation in the technology sector, TozziniFreire Advogados combines corporate, regulatory and IP knowledge to advise on media and entertainment matters, including contentious and non-contentious issues. On the contentious side, it has notably been representing Facebook in a civil action related to the the Fake News Bill, a major case for the media industry. On the consulting front, the team regularly advises video gaming companies and chip developers on image rights, unsuitable content, and regulatory issues surrounding competitions and sweepstakes. Team leader Marcela Waksman Ejnisman is adept at advising social media clients on regulations and gaming companies on esports matters. Carla do Couto Hellu Battilana also assists gaming and gambling sector clients on their entrance into the Brazilian market. Stephanie Consonni de Schryver focuses on media-related IP matters.

Brazil > TMT: Telecoms Tier 3

TozziniFreire Advogados is retained by an increasing number of telecoms companies seeking advice on corporate and commercial matters, M&A, administrative proceedings before ANATEL and litigation. Marcela Waksman Ejnisman, whose expertise covers all segments of TMT, leads the information technology and telecoms practice. Litigator Luíz Virgílio Pimenta Penteado Manente is regularly engaged in telecoms disputes, which is also an area of focus for Luciana Bazan Martins Bisetti.

Brazil > Corporate and M&A: High-end Tier 4

TozziniFreire Advogados is routinely sought out by a litany of Brazilian and international clients across the energy, infrastructure, technology, financial services, life sciences, and food and beverage sectors. The team is well placed to advise on public and private M&A deals, but has been particularly active in private equity-driven transactions. With in-depth knowledge of M&A and joint ventures, practice head Marcela Waksman Ejnisman is singled out for her experience in the TMT space. Other noteworthy practitioners include Oswaldo Dalla Torre, who focuses on corporate governance, contracts and M&A in an array of industries, including technology, mining, energy and agribusiness, and Silvia Castro Cunha Zono, who is especially active in the agribusiness sector. Victor Frias Françoso stands out at the associate level for his involvement in the practice. Former co-head João Busin is no longer at the firm. Carlos Mello joined from Lefosse Advogados in April 2025.

Brazil > Intellectual property Tier 4

The 'extremely dedicated, efficient' and 'qualified' team at TozziniFreire Advogados mainly advises international and multinational clients on IP matters. The team manages a number of trade mark portfolios, and is also skilled at assisting with the IP aspects of transactions and potential liabilities of IP assets. Technology and copyright agreements are other core areas of activity for the team, which is jointly overseen by Marcela Waksman Ejnisman, a go-to for international companies seeking assistance with complex IP transactions, and Carla do Couto Hellu Battilana, a technology and data privacy specialist who handles trade mark registration and technology transfer mandates.

Brazil > Projects and infrastructure Tier 4

The infrastructure group at TozziniFreire Advogados adopts a multidisciplinary approach to assist sponsors, multilateral agencies, and investors with the development and financing of projects – including associated bidding procedures – in the energy, sanitation, logistics, urban mobility, oil and gas, and social infrastructure segments. The team is under the joint leadership of Leonardo Miranda and Jun Makuta, both of whom have combined experience in the structuring and financing of projects, and in corporate deals involving regulated assets. Other key individuals to note include Karin Yamauti Hatanaka, who is active in project finance transactions with a particular focus on the energy sector, and Erica Makiyama, who specialises in M&A involving infrastructure assets. Ana Carolina Katlauskas Calil is no longer at the firm.

Brazil > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 5

TozziniFreire Advogados‘ insolvency and restructuring team has grown following the return of insolvency specialist Gabriela Martines, who joined from Itaú BBA, bringing a wealth of experience in the implementation of debt renegotiation structures of banking products in local and foreign currency. The group acts for a variety of clients, including creditors, investors and suppliers, in a broad spectrum of industries, such as advertising, telecoms, technology and retail. The team has demonstrable experience in handling judicial reorganisation matters, particularly in areas concerned with the status of credit. Martines leads the practice with Flávia Cristina Moreira de Campos Andrade, who is experienced in restructuring matters requiring transactional and financial expertise.

Brazil > White-collar crime and investigations Tier 5

‘Focused on structuring solutions to complex criminal problems, often involving several countries‘, the practice at TozziniFreire Advogados has considerable expertise in handling parliamentary investigations and criminal cases, most notably those involving tax crimes and sports betting fraud. Department leader Isadora Fingermann has wide-ranging experience in economic, financial, antitrust, tax, and environmental crimes as well as money laundering matters.  Rodrigo de Grandis is no longer at the firm.

City focus - Brasilia > Tax

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Brasilia, Brazil