Lefosse Advogados is a popular destination for major corporate clients – including multinationals – seeking advice on the full array of tax mandates, covering direct, indirect and international taxation issues, as well as customs. On the advisory front, the group is particularly skilled at advising on the tax aspects of high-value M&A and capital markets transactions, but also provides assistance on a regular basis in relation to the tax impact of new businesses, changes to tax litigation, and transfer pricing matters. In tax litigation, the group is proficient in defending clients against tax assessments issued by federal and state tax authorities. Gustavo Lian Haddad, who is experienced in tax consulting, litigation and wealth planning matters, and Ricardo Bolan, whose ‘extensive technical and accounting knowledge’ is praised by clients, jointly oversee the team. Ana Carolina Utimati shines in judicial and administrative tax litigation, with a focus on the technology, cosmetics, agribusiness and entertainment industries, while Emmanuel Abrantes is well-versed in transactional tax matters, showcasing particular expertise in the technology and payments markets.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Lefosse is the firm I trust the most, because their opinions are transparent. They don't necessarily respond with what I want to hear, but rather with what they really understand about the interpretation of the law. In my view, this is always better for the company in the long run.'
- 'Our trusted adviser is Vinicius Jucá, who is one of the country's leading experts on indirect taxes, has been a professor at FGV on this subject for many years, and is also one of Brazil's leading litigation experts. Other excellent lawyers on the team are João Cavinnato and Rafaela Canito, both great indirect tax lawyers, and Ricardo Bolan, who is our go-to direct tax expert at Lefosse. Bolan deserves special mention, as he has extensive technical and accounting knowledge and is also very didactic and easy to work with.'
- 'Lefosse's tax litigation team is complete. They have the ability to interpret complex scenarios, are up to date on legislative changes, have high technical quality, and communicate effectively with clients.'
- 'Ana Carolina Utimati - tax litigation partner - is a unique professional with high technical quality, multidisciplinary knowledge, always available and attentive to the client's interests.'
- 'The Lefosse team is definitely one of the best in Brazil. A firm that truly engages with your case, with your problem. I think character is difficult to measure, but if I had to, I would say that this firm would get top marks.'
- 'The firm stands out for its competence, excellence, quality and technical depth in its deliverables and opinions, diligence in meeting deadlines, providing the necessary support for decision-making on strategic issues for the company.'
- 'Lefosse's tax team has a deep understanding of our structure and particularities, being able to provide differentiated services in the most diverse dimensions of our issues. Their assertiveness and timeliness are also differentiators. Vinicius Jucá's leadership daily makes a big difference.'
- 'The tax team is highly qualified, knowledgeable about the issues and very assertive in its statements.'
- 'I strongly recommend Lefosse for its remarkable balance between agility in delivery and technical depth. In every interaction, they have demonstrated a strong ability to quickly interpret complex scenarios and connect legal and tax solutions directly.'
- 'Highly skilled team, with experienced and client-focused lawyers.'
Key clients
- Shell Brasil Petróleo Ltda.
- Macquarie Brasil Participações Ltda.
- Saint-Gobain
- Eneva S.A.
- Equinor
- ASA Bank
- Kaiser
- Diageo Brasil
- Brookfield
- Ultragaz Energia
- HALeon
- ADM do Brasil
- Ambev
- Amcor
- Britvic
- CBA – Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio
- Cogna Educação
- Comgas
- Disney
- Hasbro
Work highlights
Advising Construtora Norberto Odebrecht on tax assessment issued by the Federal Tax Authority, charging allegedly unpaid Corporate Income Tax (IRPJ) differences under the Brazilian controlled foreign corporation (CFC) rules.
Advised Ocean Wilson on the transaction structuring of the acquisition of the controlling stake of Wilson Sons S.A. by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
Assisting Cervejarias Kaiser with taxlitigation against the State Tax Authority of Goiás regarding the swap payment for collection of the State Taxon Goods and Services (ICMS-ST) due to the sale of goods to the client’s distributors in the State.
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
Gustavo Lian Haddad; Ricardo Bolan
Other key lawyers
Ana Carolina Utimati; Gustavo Paes; Emmanuel Abrantes; Vinicius Jucá; João Cavinatto; Rafaela Canito