Tauil & Chequer Advogados offers full-service expertise across all oil and gas segments, blending ‘technical expertise and strategic insight’. Drawing on its association with Mayer Brown, the team is well positioned to advise on cross-border transactions, including sector-related M&A and divestments, and is equally strong in regulatory mandates, and strategic partnerships and agreements. The team also handles disputes, including international arbitration and administrative proceedings before ANP, supported by an interdisciplinary approach that ’proactively foster[s] seamless collaboration among specialists’. Practice head Alexandre Chequer, based between Rio de Janeiro and Houston, is a market veteran in transactions, regulatory matters, project development, and dispute resolution. Bruno Belchior, who is ‘remarkably well-versed in industry-specific matters’, is recognised for his ’impressive command of regulatory aspects’. Tiago Macêdo draws on his experience at ANP to advise on infrastructure projects, M&A, privatisations, and auctions. Associate Bárbara Leite has extensive experience in the upstream and midstream segments, acting in complex cross-border transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team stands out for its distinctive blend of technical expertise and strategic insight, offering highly tailored legal solutions for each project. With extensive knowledge of upstream, midstream, and downstream operations, the team provides comprehensive advisory services, anticipating risks and identifying innovative strategies. Key strengths include their collaborative approach, as the firm emphasises close, transparent client relationships, ensuring flexibility and swift adaptation to project needs.'
- 'The team is always available for meetings and calls, and understands how urgent some projects can be.'
- 'Bruno Belchior consistently demonstrates an impressive command of the legal and regulatory aspects relevant to our projects. Not only is he remarkably well-versed in industry-specific matters, but he also maintains exceptional availability, ensuring all client queries and concerns are promptly addressed. Furthermore, whenever a case requires interdisciplinary insight—such as when processual (litigation) or tax questions arise—he proactively assembles the firm’s best teams, fostering seamless collaboration among specialists.'
- 'Alexandre Chequer and Bruno Belchior are great when it comes to oil and gas deals.'
Key clients
- CNOOC
- QatarEnergy
- 3R Petroleum (now Brava Energia)
- Eletrobras
- Storengy
- Yara Fertilizantes Brasil S.A.
- PRIO
- Karadeniz
- PETRONAS
- TotalEnergies
- Eneva S.A.
- MISC Berhad
- Chevron
- TAG – Transportadora Associada de Gás
- Refinaria Mataripe (the largest private refinery in Brazil, bought by Mudabala/Diatoms)
- PECOM
- Schlumberger (currently SLB)
- Ecopetrol
- CEPSA
- PetroRecôncavo
Work highlights
Advised PRIO on the billion-dollar cross-border acquisition of Sinochem Petroleum Netherlands from SPEP Energy Hong Kong and Sinochem International Oil, which holds a 40% stake in the Peregrino and Pitangola fields in the Campos Basin.
Advised Yara Brasil Fertilizantes on a partnership with Petrobras to re-enter the fertiliser segment, focusing on increasing efficiency and exploring decarbonisation pathways in the local fertiliser and industrial products market.
Advised Eneva on gas sales agreement with Linhares Geração for a 15-year, R$1.2bn deal, marking a significant milestone in the opening of the Brazilian natural gas market.
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.
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.
Bárbara Leite
Practice head
Alexandre R. Chequer
Other key lawyers
Bruno Belchior; Tiago Macêdo; Bárbara Leite