Factoring in a strong aptitude in regulatory issues and judicial and administrative litigation, Trench Rossi Watanabe is a reliable choice for domestic and international oil and gas clients in all manner of M&A, cross-border investments, project development, and ESG compliance. Strategic cooperation with Baker McKenzie allows the team to pool resources especially in the context of hydrogen projects, biogas M&A, and the regulatory framework for carbon capture and usage. The ‘innovative, creative’ Danielle Valois leads the team, with longstanding credentials in cross-border transactions. Gabriela Bezerra Fischer, who was promoted to partner in July 2024, is an administrative and regulatory law expert who also supports on bidding rounds promoted by ANP. Associates André Sarian and Silvia Costa are well versed in the regulatory, corporate, and contractual law elements of oil and gas mandates.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘André Sarian is an excellent lawyer with in-depth knowledge of the gas transportation sector.’
‘Trench Rossi Watanabe is a distinguished firm in the oil and gas sector in Rio de Janeiro due to the quality of its professionals and the high technical level of its professionals.’
‘Danielle Valois stands out as a professional who combines legal competence with high ethical standards of acting as a lawyer, whether in the area of litigation or in the area of consultancy on legal topics (opinions).’
‘Wide spectrum of specialties and representation in different countries.’
‘Danielle Valois has a good understanding of the topics that concern companies in the energy sector today, such as decarbonisation and ESG.’
‘In addition to being extremely competent and available, Danielle Valois is, without a shadow of a doubt, a reference when it comes to issues related to the gas and energy sector in general. Innovative, creative, top-notch professional. Highly requested by the market.’
‘The Trench Rossi Watanabe team provides an excellent service and maintains an excellent professional/commercial relationship.’
‘Gabriela Bezerra Fischer and Danielle Valois are exceptional lawyers who serve the clients very well.’
Key clients
- Petronas
- ExxonMobil
- Karoon
- TotalEnergies
- Associação de Empresas de Transporte de Gás Natural por Gasoduto – ATGÁS
- Shell Brasil Petróleo
- BP Energy do Brasil
- Diamond Offshore Drilling
- Enauta
- Eneva
Work highlights
- Advised Petrobras, Shell Brasil Petroleo and Petrogal Brasil on the regulatory and public law strategy for the arbitration concerning how the largest oilfields in Brazil, Tupi and Cernambi, shall be defined.
- Represented ATGÁS in public consultation proceedings on the potential agreement proposed by ANP in connection with the Subida da Serra pipeline.
- Advised Vibra Energia on the acquisition of 50% of the voting shares of ZEG Biogás e Energia.
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.
Practice head
Danielle Valois
Other key lawyers
Gabriela Bezerra Fischer; André Sarian; Silvia Costa