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.
- '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 technical knowledge of the professionals at Demarest is excellent, such as Douglas Mota and the entire team.'
Key clients
- Citibank
- Diebold Nixdorf (Procomp)
Work highlights
Advised Flutter on the acquisition of a majority stake in the Brazilian arm of UK entertainment company NSX for R$1.9bn.
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