Legal director, Brazil | Rappi

Michele Volpe
Legal director, Brazil | Rappi
What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?
Over the past year, I have been closely involved in a number of strategic initiatives that were critical to advancing the company’s business priorities. This included structuring and negotiating complex commercial agreements with key partners, where I contributed to developing solutions that balanced robust risk management with the flexibility required to support long-term growth.
Alongside this, I have been actively engaged in projects related to digital transformation and the adoption of new technologies. In this context, I worked as a strategic enabler, helping to establish frameworks that support innovation while maintaining strong standards of compliance, particularly in areas involving data and emerging technologies. Another important area of focus has been the handling of sensitive disputes and pre-litigation matters. Through a pragmatic and forward-looking approach, I have supported the early resolution of issues, reducing potential exposure and preserving valuable business relationships. Across these initiatives, my role has been to connect legal insight with business objectives, contributing to decisions that are both commercially sound and legally robust.
What new pressures are you facing from the business as expectations for legal to act as a strategic partner continue to grow?
As expectations evolve, I increasingly see the legal function being called upon to contribute beyond traditional risk management, with a clear focus on enabling business outcomes. There is a growing demand for faster, more pragmatic guidance that is closely aligned with commercial priorities, often in highly dynamic and complex scenarios. In this context, my approach has been to stay closely connected to the business, participating early in discussions and helping shape strategies from the outset. This proximity allows me to deliver more targeted, solution-oriented advice, ensuring that legal considerations actively support value creation rather than acting as a constraint.
What strategies has your legal team adopted to manage disputes and mitigate risks in Brazil’s dynamic business environment?
Operating in Brazil requires a highly strategic and forward-looking approach to risk management. Our legal team has focused on prevention as a key pillar, investing in stronger contract frameworks, clearer governance, and closer alignment with business stakeholders. We have also adopted a more data-driven approach to disputes, using insights from past cases to refine our strategies and anticipate potential risks. Early engagement with the business has been critical in identifying issues before they escalate, allowing for swift and effective action. When disputes do arise, we prioritise efficient and pragmatic resolutions, always balancing legal, financial, and reputational considerations. This approach has enabled us to reduce exposure, control costs, and protect the company’s interests, while maintaining strong relationships with partners and stakeholders.
Legal director, Brazil | Rappi