Legal and corporate compliance director for Latin America | Volvo Brazil
Legal director and company secretary | Vivo (Telefônica Brasil)
Global legal and compliance senior managing counsel executive, M&A and financial services | Accenture
Executive legal director and organizational culture PMO | Minerva Foods
Vice president, legal and institutional affairs | CPFL Energia
Legal director, compliance officer and data protection officer | Equatorial Energia
Executive general counsel, Latin America | GE Aerospace
Legal vice president, Brazil and Andean region | Visa
Senior legal and licensing manager | American Tower Company
Legal, compliance and government affairs director, Latin America | Air Liquide
General counsel | LOG Commercial Properties
Managing partner, legal and regulatoru | Brookfield
Legal corporate senior director, Latin America | Mercado Livre
Chief legal and institutional relations officer | Localiza Rent a Car
Senior director, government and legal affairs, Latin America | Hasbro
Regional general counsel for Latin America | Zurich Latin America Serviços BrasilÂ
Executive director, head of legal and commercial | Trident Energy
General counsel and chief compliance officer, Brazil | New Fortress Energy
Vice-president, legal, government affairs and sustainability | Siemens
Vice president, legal, Brazil | Kinross Brasil Mineração
Deputy general counsel for South America | Valeo
General counsel and head of fleet | Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras
It is with great pleasure that we present the GC Powerlist: Brazil 2025, continuing Legal 500’s longstanding commitment to celebrating the outstanding achievements of in-house counsel around the world. Once again, we are delighted to return the GC Powerlist series to the vibrant and forward-thinking Brazilian legal community. Building on the enthusiastic response to our recent editions in the country, this year’s list shines a spotlight, once again, on the most exceptional legal professionals driving innovation and shaping the future of corporate law in Brazil.Â
In a complex and fast-evolving business landscape, Brazil’s general counsel and senior legal leaders are playing an increasingly strategic role. Whether guiding digital transformation, enhancing corporate governance, embedding ESG values, or promoting diversity and inclusion, these professionals are redefining what it means to be not just legal advisors, but essential partners in executive decision-making. This publication seeks to honour not only their legal expertise, but also their vision, leadership, and growing influence across industries.
Within these pages, readers will find exclusive interviews, first-hand insights, and practical reflections from some of Brazil’s most respected in-house lawyers. These contributions provide a candid look into their priorities, challenges, and approaches, offering valuable perspectives on how legal departments are navigating uncertainty, influencing corporate direction, and preparing for the future.
At its heart, the GC Powerlist is a celebration of those whose work may take place behind the scenes, but whose impact is fundamental to business success. We are proud to recognise these individuals, whose stories highlight the transformation of the in-house legal function from a supporting role to a cornerstone of strategic leadership.Â
On behalf of the entire Legal 500 team, I extend our sincere thanks to all the in-house lawyers who contributed to this edition. Your insights continue to inform, inspire, and reinforce the critical role of the in-house legal community within the broader legal and business ecosystem.Â
We invite you to explore this year’s list and discover the remarkable individuals who are shaping the future of corporate law in Brazil.
Â
Francisco Faria e Castro, Research Editor, GC Portfolio seriesÂ
On July 1st, Legal 500 unveiled the fourth edition of the GC Powerlist: Portugal 2026, in partnership with PLMJ. Hosted once again on the rooftop terrace of the firm’s Lisbon office under a blazing summer sun, the event brought together many of Portugal’s most accomplished in-house lawyers to celebrate this distinguished community of legal leaders.
Returning to its individual-focused format, this year’s edition marked the reintroduction of the Rising Stars category, recognising some of the country’s most promising emerging in-house counsel. It also saw the world debut of the Transnational Leaders category, highlighting general counsel whose leadership and influence extend beyond national borders and whose responsibilities span multiple jurisdictions.
The evening commenced with a welcome address from Legal 500’s editorial lead Francisco Castro, who emphasised the importance of continuously evolving the publication to reflect the realities of Portugal’s in-house legal market. He highlighted the rigorous research and selection process behind the GC Powerlist series and congratulated the honourees for their outstanding contributions to the profession and the organisations they serve.
Following this introduction, Bruno Ferreira, Managing Partner of PLMJ, took to the stage to congratulate those recognised in this year’s edition. In his remarks, he underscored the increasingly strategic role of in-house counsel in supporting business growth, navigating complexity, and driving legal excellence. He also reflected on the transformative impact that AI is having on the legal function and the opportunities it presents for corporate legal teams.
Concluding the formal proceedings, Alexandra Reis, Senior Counsel at Tabaqueira and a recipient in the inaugural Transnational Leaders category, shared a few reflections on the significance of recognising in-house lawyers and the value of fostering a strong, connected legal community. Drawing on her own experiences, she spoke about the importance of networking, knowledge-sharing and celebrating a profession whose contributions often take place behind the scenes.
The launch of the GC Powerlist: Portugal 2026 proved to be a fitting celebration of the country’s leading in-house legal talent. The evening showcased the depth, expertise, and influence of Portugal’s corporate counsel community while reaffirming Legal 500’s commitment to recognising and championing its achievements. We extend our sincere thanks to all those who participated in this year’s research process, and to PLMJ for once again partnering with Legal 500 to provide a platform that honours these exceptional legal professionals.