Demarest Advogados’ client portfolio draws from the breadth of the oil and gas value chain, relying on the team for major corporate reorganisations, asset acquisitions, financing transactions, and E&P regulatory compliance. The practice is jointly steered by David Meiler, who assists large and independent oil companies and service providers with entry into and operation in the Brazilian market, and João Almeida, whose expertise in farm-outs, M&A, and financing provides comprehensive solutions especially for players in the upstream segment. São Paulo-based Marina Aidar, who joined the firm in September 2023 from Vieira Rezende, is particularly sought after by banks and financial services entities for advice on project finance. At the associate level, Roberta Batalha handles both regulatory and transactional matters, also from São Paulo.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘In addition to being an excellent professional, the long relationship with David Meiler greatly facilitates the development of matters of interest to our company.’
‘Demarest is a reference in the oil and gas market. The professionals are accessible, deeply understand the company’s business and adopt a proactive stance, with very agile service. With a highly qualified team, it offers personalised legal solutions that precisely meet the needs of the client.’
‘Technical excellence is a trademark of the firm, ensuring reliability and security in the guidelines and strategies provided.’
‘João Almeida and Roberta Batalha are highly qualified and available professionals. Accessible, proactive, agile and practical, they deeply understand the market, the group's business, and provide the best legal solutions. It is a pleasure and peace of mind to work with this team.’
'Our relationship with Demarest Advogados is mainly in the oil and gas area. Occasionally, we also have contact with other areas of the firm, usually in conjunction with the oil and gas area. In general, we are very satisfied with the services provided.'
Key clients
- QatarEnergy
- 3R Petroleum Óleo E Gas
- Murphy Oil Corporation
- Vibra Energia
- World Fuel (Terrana)
- Petrom Produção De Petroleo E Gas
- Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS)
- Royal Fic
- Comgas
- National Oilwell Varco
Work highlights
Advised QatarEnergy Brasil on the sale of its 23% participating interest in the offshore fields of Parque das Conchas for the value of $150m.
Advised Maha Energy Finance (Luxembourg) and Maha Energy 1 (Brazil) on the sale of its participating interest in the capital stock of Maha Energy Brasil.
Assisted 3R Petroleum with the transition phase and closing of the sale and purchase agreement executed with Petrobras for the acquisition of the Potiguar Cluster.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
David Meiler; João Almeida
Other key lawyers
Marina Aidar; Roberta Batalha