The environmental team at Demarest Advogados 'stands out for its technical excellence, strategic service, and deep knowledge of Brazilian environmental legislation’. The practice acts for leading domestic and international clients across the mining, forestry, agribusiness, renewable energy and oil and gas industries. It handles complex matters, including corporate expansions, licensing issues, litigation, and incident and crisis management ‘with care and attention', but 'always with a practical, business-oriented perspective’. The team is co-led by Luiz Fernando Henry Sant’Anna, a seasoned lawyer with experience in administrative, judicial and extrajudicial matters involving waste and crisis management, and the ’outstanding’ Fernanda Stefanelo, noted for her expertise in ESG matters, crisis management, infrastructure projects licensing and climate change. Senior associate Luiza da Camara Chaves, who joined from Mattos Filho in September 2024, advises on both contentious and non-contentious environmental issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Demarest stands out for being a full-service firm and providing us with excellent service in all areas. As a result, they have gained extensive knowledge of our operations, which facilitates and speeds up all of our consultations.’
'Demarest Advogados stands out for its technical excellence, strategic service, and deep knowledge of Brazilian environmental legislation. The environmental team is particularly robust, combining legal mastery with a practical and up-to-date understanding of business needs, especially in complex areas such as reverse logistics, environmental compliance and socio-environmental responsibility. What sets Demarest apart in the national legal market is its ability to combine personalised service with a highly qualified, multidisciplinary structure. The team works collaboratively, integrating across practice areas and actively listening to client needs, resulting in efficient, sustainable legal solutions aligned with best market practices.'
- 'Strong market reputation and high-quality support for foreign clients. High-level events and discussions.'
- 'The firm stands out for the way its environmental team seeks to understand the broader context of client issues, offering solutions tailored to specific needs. There's a consistent effort to address complex topics with care and attention, always with a practical, business-oriented perspective. The quality of service is high, with an approachable team that shows genuine interest in collaborating and providing well-grounded and helpful guidance. What differentiates the firm is its ability to move beyond traditional legal approaches, offering a more strategic outlook on environmental issues.'
- 'The firm is distinguished by its technical excellence, prompt service, and practical solutions tailored to our needs. The team is dedicated, accessible, and highly skilled, with a strong use of technology and a results-oriented approach.'
- 'Fernanda Stefanelo is an outstanding lawyer with unique expertise in environmental law. She closely monitors institutional developments and is always available for consultation.'
Key clients
- Copel Geração e Transmissão S.A.
- Monsanto/Bayer
- Akzo
- Nouryon
- Firmenich
- Pfizer
- 3AM
- Dow Brasil Sudeste Industrial Ltda.
- Agrex
- COFCO
- Bridgestone
- V.tal Rede Neutra de Telecomunicações S.A.
Work highlights
Advising Copel Geração e Transmissão S.A. on an environmental public civil action concerning atmospheric emissions, environmental licensing, soil, and water quality.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Luiz Fernando Sant’Anna; Fernanda Stefanelo
Other key lawyers
Luiza da Camara Chaves; Isabelle Carvalho Gonçalves