Sacha Calmon e Misabel Derzi Consultores e Advogados is ‘highly regarded and respected within its market’ and ’provides services of the highest technical standard’ in tax planning and litigation. The latter is a core strength for the firm, which excels in both judicial and administrative proceedings and is noted for its strong track record before CARF and the superior courts in Brasília. The group is retained by major players in the telecoms, mining, steel, food and beverage, construction, automotive, and healthcare sectors, and is also recognised for its expertise in indirect taxation. Valter De Souza Lobato has a wealth of experience in administrative and judicial proceedings, advising across the full range of Brazilian taxes. Lobato heads up the practice with André Mendes Moreira, whose experience spans all Brazilian states and encompasses both direct and indirect taxes. Misabel Abreu Machado Derzi has a strong presence before CARF and the superior courts; Tiago Conde is another name to note for tax litigation. Fernando Moura is recommended for his expertise in direct taxation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Fernando Moura and his team have renowned expertise on the subject.'
- 'In the tax area, Sacha Calmon stands out mainly for participating in and contributing to public discussions on the subject, including but not limited to, for example, the recent tax reform. It is noteworthy for a law firm and for us, its clients, to be jointly involved in determining and planning the tax aspects of our company.'
- 'SCMD is undoubtedly recognised for the specialisation and high technical capacity of its lawyers and partners. Furthermore, it is clear that the firm is concerned with understanding its clients' businesses, offering personalised solutions.'
- 'Without a doubt, Valter de Souza Lobato stands out for his high level of technical knowledge and concern for his clients' business. At the same time, it is worth highlighting the work of partner Rafael Caldeira, who serves us with great promptness and attention and also demonstrates a very high level of technical knowledge, in line with the Company's strategic objectives.'
- 'The firm provides services of the highest technical standard and is highly regarded and respected within its market. It demonstrates excellence in customer service in terms of both the quality of its deliverables and the availability and speed of communication. In addition, it is always attentive to relevant and current issues in the legislative arena and proposes innovative alternatives and solutions to the tax and legal problems faced by the Company. All of this is provided within an excellent cost/benefit scenario.'
- 'Valter Lobato and Rafael Caldeira are individuals who deserve special mention within the team for offering exceptional customer service and always being available to listen to the sensitivities and needs of each client, providing services of excellent technical quality that are nationally recognised in the market.'
Key clients
- Postalis Instituto de Previdência Complementar
- Associação dos Terminais Portuários e Estações de Transbordo de Cargas da Bacia Amazônica
- Empresa de Tecnologia e Informações da Previdência Social - Dataprev
- Bunge Alimentos S/A
- Banco Cooperativo SICOOB S/A
- Siderúrgica Norte Brasil S/A
- Mineração Maracá Industria e Comércio S/A
Work highlights
Advising Cargill on several different lawsuits that discuss the inadmissibility of tax infraction notices grounded on non-compliance with the drawback tax regime for exports.
Advising Dataprev on a lawsuit filed seeking the guarantee of tax immunity—constitutional rule that exempts taxpayers—for a public company that works with information and communication technology services.
Representing RIO in an appeal filed as a result of an infraction notice issued for the constitution of alleged Corporate Income Tax (IRPJ) and Social Contribution on Profits (CSLL) debts.
Practice head
Valter de Souza Lobato; André Mendes Moreira
Other key lawyers
Misabel Abreu Machado Derzi; Tiago Conde; Fernando Moura; Rafael Caldeira