Expert services in the management of critical contaminated areas, structuring of take-back schemes, and increasingly, ESG and climate change matters, distinguish Trench Rossi Watanabe as a practice closely ‘aligned with the most recent trends’ in environmental law. Multinational and large domestic clients look to the firm for counsel on sensitive issues relating to class actions, infraction notices, licensing, forestry, solid waste, biodiversity, protected areas and human rights. Based in São Paulo, the team operates under the leadership of Renata Amaral, a ’hands-on’, core resource for nature-based solution projects, carbon credit transactions, decarbonisation strategies, and carbon-related advocacy and regulatory advice, and the ‘assertive’ Giovani Tomasoni, who supports corporations in the internalisation of sustainability, ESG, circular economy, and environmental compliance practices. At the senior associate level, Alexandre Jabra carries a wealth of experience in contamination, pollution, solid waste management, protected areas and minorities; Manuela Demarche Mello Neira directs her attention to environmental liability, licensing proceedings, M&A transactions, and cross-border disputes; and Livia Ribeiro Lupinacci lends her expertise to take-back schemes, ESG, and biodiversity matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘We count on support from the firm for regulatory matters that require in-depth technical knowledge on a variety of topics, such as the carbon market and water reuse for industrial purposes. The firm’s regulatory expertise results in complete and assertive work with a team of excellent lawyers specialising in the topics.’
‘Giovani Tomasoni is always available and assertive in his statements, understands the context of the demands to provide support in the most complete way possible.’
‘Manuela Demarche Mello Neira is a reference in matters involving the carbon market. Always available and open to dialogue for complex discussions on regulatory matters.’
‘The team stands out for its ready availability to serve clients, always bringing technical knowledge and aligned with the most recent trends in terms of best environmental management practices and understanding of the judiciary. Ease of communication, clarity and objectivity, which when dealing with issues makes all the difference to the development of work.’
‘Alexandre Jabra is always serving us with great agility and precision in his statements and opinions. Alexandre is a super partner.’
‘Manuela Demarche Mello Neira is always anticipating possible challenges in environmental law, in addition to having in-depth knowledge of our projects and business, which makes her a key partner in overcoming the different problems that arise. She is attentive, proactive and technically excellent, which can be seen in all interactions. It is an honour to work with professionals like Manuela.’
‘The work of Renata Amaral and Manuela Demarche Mello Neira is worth highlighting. Renata is a hands-on partner who is present. She has a unique ability to delegate, but without being absent. Manuela is a sensational lawyer, attentive to details, pragmatic and with a great balance between technical ability and interpersonal skills.’
‘Giovani Tomasoni has extensive knowledge of environmental law as well as technical knowledge. He is always available and proposes effective solutions for the business.’
Key clients
- ABIHPEC
- Biomas
- Braskem
- Bunge
- CEBDS
- Grupo Votorantim
- Hidrovias
- Kenvue
- McKinsey
- Mercado Livre
Work highlights
- Advised ABIHPEC on addressing potential risks and implications to national and foreign companies related to the Biodiversity Law, Nagoya Protocol, and benefit sharing.
- Advised various clients connected to collective contamination around Brazil on matters involving several parties, including the District Attorney’s Office, the local and state environmental agencies, and the municipalities.
- Assisted Bunge with environmental matters including irregularities in solid waste disposal, effluents discharge, air emissions, soil contamination, and biodiversity.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Alexandre Jabra
Practice head
Renata Amaral; Giovani Tomasoni
Other key lawyers
Alexandre Jabra; Manuela Demarche Mello Neira; Livia Ribeiro Lupinacci