Led by indirect tax specialist Douglas Mota, Demarest Advogados‘ tax practice covers the full spectrum of Brazilian taxes – including indirect and direct taxation, payroll tax, and customs – and advises on both advisory and contentious matters. The team boasts a strong track record in high-stakes disputes, having recently contributed to landmark decisions before the higher courts, as well as in large-scale negotiations with tax authorities at the state and federal levels. Noted for his expertise in tax planning related to cross-border M&A and restructurings, Carlos Eduardo Orsolon also advises on proceedings before CARF, tax credit recovery, and transfer pricing. Roberto Pinatti Casarini focuses on transactional tax matters, while Thiago Abiatar Lopes Amaral handles both indirect taxes and disputes stemming from changes to sector-specific tax benefit regimes. Priscila Faricelli excels in tax litigation before the higher courts, and Victor Bovarotti Lopes specialises in international trade and customs. The team was significantly strengthened by the arrival of former TozziniFreire partner Jerry Levers de Abreu in June 2024, and of Fabio Florentino and Luiza Lacerda from BMA Advogados in February 2024 and June 2025, respectively.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Since our first dealing with Demarest, they have been nothing but professional. Their attention to detail and thoroughness are second to none. Response time is some of the best I have seen. Billing is timely and fair. No surprises with this firm other than the exceedingly high quality of service and output.'
- 'The individuals are highly qualified and highly capable. No ask is too much, no task too difficult. I have presented many problems to each Demarest member I deal with, and each has provided a technically sound and commercially viable solution. I would like to make special mention of Roberto Casarini and Dora Pimentel.'
- 'Service provided with excellent quality, technical knowledge and assertiveness.'
- 'I would recommend the following: Douglas Mota, Marcelo Annunziata and Carlos Eduardo Orsolon. They are people with excellent technical skills, helpful, punctual, efficient, polite, and different from the rest of the market.'
- 'What caught my attention most about this firm was the exceptional quality of the reports presented, which stand out for their clarity, objectivity and technical depth. The way in which demands are organised and communicated demonstrates not only a precise understanding of the client's needs, but also a high level of legal and strategic knowledge on the part of the team.'
- 'The firm stands out in the national legal market for its ability to translate complex issues into accessible and well-founded analyses, facilitating decision-making. This care with communication and the structuring of deliverables reflects a genuine commitment to excellence and the client experience.'
Key clients
- Citibank
- Diebold Nixdorf (Procomp)
- Mondelez
- IMCD
- Adidas
- Syngenta Protecao De Cultivos Ltda
- Chevron Oronite
- Volkswagen do Brasil
- Liberty Seguros S/A
- Monsanto do Brasil
- Byd Do Brasil
- Hughes Telecomunicacoes do Brasil
Work highlights
Advised Flutter on the acquisition of a majority stake in the Brazilian arm of UK entertainment company NSX for R$1.9bn.
Advising Marilan on the restructuring of its operational network through the analysis of the best fiscal structuring of the operations of its factories, distribution centres and points of sale in Brazil.
Representing Sky’s interests following an unfavourable appellate decision, as the client was dissatisfied with the previous legal counsel’s strategies and case management.
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
Douglas Mota
Other key lawyers
Carlos Eduardo Orsolon; Marcelo Annunziata; Priscila Faricelli; Victor Bovarotti Lopes; Thiago Abiatar Lopes Amaral; André Novaski; Roberto Casarini; Jerry Levers de Abreu; Fabio Florentino; Luiza Lacerda; Dora Pimentel