Bermudes Advogados has a Brasília-based litigation practice focused on high-stakes matters before Brazil’s superior courts, including the STF and STJ. The team handles disputes across areas including constitutional, administrative, civil, and energy law for clients in the banking, finance, insurance, and infrastructure sectors. The practice is co-led by Guiomar Feitosa Mendes and Guilherme Coelho. Mendes brings over 40 years of experience, representing large companies in public law disputes and drawing on prior experience in senior roles at the Federal Supreme Court, while Coelho focuses on litigation involving public law, energy, insurance, and environmental issues before regulatory agencies and superior courts. Flávio Jardim departed the firm in March 2024, while former co-head André Silveira left in September 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'One of the most renowned litigation firms in Brasilia, with a significant presence in the Superior Courts, representing clients in some of the most complex cases before the Brazilian Judiciary.'
- 'Guiomar Mendes is the leading name at the helm of the firm, responsible for handling its most difficult and politically sensitive cases.'
- 'They are extremely qualified and up-to-date professionals. The team possesses in-depth legal knowledge and is readily available. Having Bermudes as your counsel in any proceeding or consultation provides the peace of mind that comes from knowing the work will always be impeccable.'
- 'A unique partner with unique knowledge which assists us in special matters.'
- 'Guilherme Valdetaro has extensive knowledge of insurance and its areas of operation, as well as the best solutions.'
- 'I would recommend all the Bermudes lawyers I've ever worked with, but I'd like to highlight Fernando Novis. He's a dedicated, highly qualified professional who understands corporate needs and knows how to align legal interests with them.'
Key clients
- São Miguel Incorporações e Participações S.A
- Instituto Brasileiro de Petróleo e Gás
- CNC – Confederação Nacional do Comércio
- Leste Litigation Finance
- Jus Capital
- Confederação Nacional Das Santas Casas
- DPSP / Drogaria Pacheco-Drogaria São Paulo
- Vale
- SENASEG
- Vibra Energia
- White Martins
- Claro
- Bradesco Seguros
- Banco Safra
- AMB – Associação da Magistratura Brasileira
- NTU – Associação das Empresas de Ônibus Urbanos
- Cassi – Caixa de Assist. dos Funcionários do Banco do Brasil
- Fieam – Federação das Indústrias do Estado do Amazonas
- AMB – Associação da Magistratura Brasileira
- Fenasaúde - Federação Nacional de Saúde Suplementar
Work highlights
Advised Vale on securing injunctions to resume operations at Onça Puma and Sossego.
Acted for Abradee and 35 power distributors in disputes with Santo Antonio Energia over R$1.3bn in losses from project delays.
Acted for Claro in a millionaire regulatory dispute over telecoms service contracts.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Guiomar Feitosa Mendes; Guilherme Coelho
Other key lawyers
Leandro Porto; Robson Lapoente