With a strong reputation both in Minas Gerais and across Brazil, tax boutique Sacha Calmon e Misabel Derzi Consultores e Advogados is a key point of reference in Belo Horizonte for legal support in tax planning, indirect taxation, and tax litigation at both the administrative and judicial levels, including cases before CARF and the higher courts. The team attracts regular instructions from domestic and multinational clients across the telecoms, mining, steel, food and beverage, services, construction, automotive and healthcare sectors. André Mendes Moreira, a key contact for cases before the administrative and superior courts, and Valter Lobato, who is also noted for his expertise in tax litigation, jointly oversee the team. Direct tax specialist Fernando Moura excels in international taxation and restructuring matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The Sacha Calmon firm, through the figure and representation of Fernando Moura, brought us legal clarity regarding the sector in which we operate, which allowed us to adapt our organisation to a correct tax/fiscal structure.'
- 'The firm provides a service of the highest technical standard, enjoying great renown and respect within its field of practice. It demonstrates excellence in client service, both in terms of the quality of its deliverables and the availability and speed of its communication. Moreover, it is always attentive to relevant and current legal issues and proposes innovative alternatives and solutions for the problems faced by the company.'
- 'Valter Lobato and Rafael Caldeira deserve special recognition within the team, for offering exceptional client care and always being available to listen to each individual’s sensitivities and needs.'
- 'Fernando Moura demonstrates deep knowledge of the subject that led us to hire the firm. His ability to explain such a confusing topic in our country truly brings clarity and aids in decision-making.'
- 'André Mendes Moreira needs no introduction. He is the great maestro of the firm and, unlike most partners of his stature, is directly and deeply involved in clients’ matters. Fernando Moura is a tireless researcher of solutions for the client.'
- 'What makes the firm unique is its commitment to achieving the result expected by the client. They don’t stop at the basics; they delve deeper and seek solutions that their peers do not present.'
Key clients
- Rodovias Integradas do Oeste S/A
- ABERT – Associação Brasileira de Emissoras de Rádio e TV
- ABTA – Associação Brasileira de Televisão por Assinatura
- Algar Telecom S.A.
- Aliança Agrícola do Cerrado S.A.
- Ambev S.A.
- Atento Brasi S.A.l
- Bradesco Saúde S.A.
- CBMM – Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração
- Claro S.A.
- CPFL – Companhia Paulista de Força e Luz
- Conexis Brasil
Work highlights
Assisted Rodovias Integradas do Oeste with two tax infraction notices issued by the IRS, disallowing the deduction of expenses incurred as part of a leveraged buyout operation.
Defending Ambev in a tax enforcement challenging the validity and application of the “trigger” mechanism of the State Tax on Goods and Services under the Tax Swap regime (ICMS-ST).
Defending Claro in a tax dispute concerning the State Tax on Goods and Services (ICMS) when conditional discounts are granted and related tax ancillary obligations.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Fernando Moura
Practice head
André Mendes Moreira; Valter Lobato
Other key lawyers
Fernando Moura; Rafael Caldeira