Cescon Barrieu maintains a strong position in the competition market, handling merger filings – both fast-track and complex cases – alongside unilateral conduct investigations, preliminary inquiries and contentious reviews of CADE decisions. With recent work in digital platforms, regulated sectors and vertical issues, the team is well-versed in administrative proceedings across a range of anticompetitive practices, from cartels to the exchange of competitively sensitive information. Joyce Midori Honda, who has extensive experience across a wide range of competition law mandates, leads the practice alongside Ricardo Lara Gaillard, who covers merger notifications, cartel conduct investigations and leniency agreement negotiations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Ricardo Gaillard is one of the team's standout performers. I interact with him quite frequently, and he undoubtedly combines technical expertise with a very practical business perspective. He has a very accurate understanding of CADE (Brazil's antitrust authority) and can anticipate risks objectively, without unnecessary complications. What most distinguishes Ricardo, in my view, is his ability to be clear and direct, even on complex topics.
- The Competition Law team at Cescon Barrieu is, in practice, one of the best I've ever worked with. They have strong technical expertise, but what really makes the difference is how they operate: they are fast, accessible, and very solution-oriented. The key differentiator, in my view, is the combination of close client relationships and strategic vision. It's not an isolated approach; they manage to work in an integrated way with other areas of the firm and with the internal team, which results in much greater fluidity and quality in their deliverables.
- Knowledge and good connections in the field in which they work.
- Ricardo Gaillard Focus: Approval of highly complex mergers and acquisitions and negotiation of strategic agreements (TCCs and Leniency Agreements) at CADE. Differentiator: Strong leadership and institutional experience, in addition to in-depth knowledge of the technology, automotive, and financial market sectors, among others. Joyce Honda Focus: Predictive analysis of CADE's behavior and work at the current frontiers of competition law (e.g., digital markets, artificial intelligence, and energy). Differentiator: Impeccable technical rigour combined with the ability to deliver practical and agile legal solutions under extreme pressure.
- This team stands out in the national market for a rare combination: profound technical rigour coupled with a highly pragmatic business vision. Beyond identifying legal risks, the lawyers find viable and secure solutions for complex transactions, working in strategic partnership. The service is impeccable, marked by high availability, quick responses, and high precision in anticipating regulatory scenarios. The team's versatility is one of its greatest assets. They demonstrate excellence both in controlling structures—leading challenging mergers before CADE (Brazil's antitrust authority)—and in defending sensitive investigations of anti-competitive conduct, such as cartels. The firm has also taken a leading role in competition litigation. This strength, combined with the active and direct leadership of the senior partners, differentiates Cescon Barrieu from its competitors.
- I would highlight Joyce Honda, who provides exceptional service, possesses solid legal knowledge, and conveys great assertiveness and confidence.
Key clients
- BNP Paribas
- Hypera S.A.
- Bradesco Saúde
- Empresa Folha da Manhã
- Goodyear
- Grupo Águia Branca
- Copa Energia
- Gerdau
- Rappi
- BP
- Neoenergia
- Brasil Tecpar Serviços de Telecomunicações S.A.
Work highlights
Advised Hypera S.A. on an antitrust proceeding before CADE arising from EMS’s acquisition of a minority stake.
Acted for Rappi Brasil as a third interested party in a preliminary investigation initiated by Keeta Delivery against 99Food before CADE, concerning alleged exclusionary practices in the online food delivery platform.
Represented Cooper (Vale do Itajaí Production and Supply Cooperative) in a gun-jumping investigation before CADE.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Joyce Midori Honda; Ricardo Lara Gaillard
Other key lawyers
Thales Lemos; Rafaella Schwartz Jaroslavsky