An instrumental player in the Petrobras divestment process in recent years, Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados continues to be at the vanguard of the opening of the onshore E&P, gas and refinery markets, holding favour with traditional oil and gas giants as well as emerging E&P independents. M&A, greenfield projects, and debt-related transactions are common fare for the practice, which is also poised to assist large consumers with projects seeking to lower cost with gas as input. The team is led by Daniel Szyfman, whose ample experience is valued by both new investors contemplating entrance into the industry and established players considering expansion of core businesses into new markets such as biomethane. Maria Fernanda Soares finds her niche in natural and renewable gases, and has developed expertise in biomethane projects and the hydrogen industry, while Fernando Xavier is firmly entrenched in the E&P and downstream domain, advising on E&P asset negotiations, administrative litigation, complex regulatory matters, and greenfield biofuels projects. The senior associate ranks are filled out by Raphael Barboza Correia, an E&P, natural gas, and downstream specialist who advises on M&A transactions and regulatory advice, and Mariana Campos, who, having joined the firm in August 2023 from Souto Correa Advogados, brings with her acknowledged expertise in midstream and downstream regulatory matters. Mariele Milhorance focuses on natural gas, LNG, and the energy transition.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They are exceptional. Machado Meyer's oil and gas team always serves us quickly, objectively and effectively, regardless of the time, deadline or complexity of the demand. Their level of knowledge and experience is unparalleled.’
‘They have access to a very broad industry database and, for any issue, Fernando Xavier presents us with several useful precedents of cases they have been involved in and a list of possible solutions. They facilitate our operations and present effective solutions to any problem.’
‘Fernando Xavier is always available and has impressive knowledge. His ability to coordinate several work fronts at the same time efficiently is appreciated.’
‘The support of associate Raphael Barboza Correia has been essential in routine operational issues and administrative defences.’
‘Machado Meyer has an experienced and up-to-date team in regulated areas, especially in oil and gas, whose lawyers demonstrate in-depth technical knowledge of varied and business-oriented topics to support complex and strategic topics.’
‘Mariana Campos has technical excellence and demonstrates in-depth knowledge in public and regulatory law. In addition to practical and business-oriented approaches, she is available and organised.’
‘Daniel Szyfman and Fernado Xavier provide exceptional service. Super knowledgeable of the sector and regulations.’
‘Maria Fernanda Soares is an extremely competent professional, with a background in the internal legal field of large companies, which sets her apart from her peers, as she can understand the concerns of executives and deliver work with robust content that is also easy to read and understand for non-lawyers.’
Key clients
- Petrobras
- BP
- Equinor
- Exxon
- Repsol Sinopec
- TotalEnergies
- NTS
- Origem Energia
- Vibra
- PlusPetrol
Work highlights
- Advises NTS on a day-to-day basis in relation to all regulatory matters pertaining to natural gas transportation and regulated contracts of the industry.
- Advised Petrobras on the sale of the pre-salt ultradeep water Uruguá and Tambaú mature fields to Enauta.
- Advised Equinor on several regulatory fronts that resulted in the submission to ANP of the declarations of commerciality that led to the creation of the natural gas fields Raia Manta and Raia Pintada.
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.
Maria Fernanda Soares
Fernando Xavier
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Mariele Milhorance
Practice head
Daniel Szyfman
Other key lawyers
Maria Fernanda Soares; Fernando Xavier; Raphael Barboza Correia; Mariana Campos; Mariele Milhorance