Norton Rose Fulbright is unique in having a large team of banking and finance specialists based in Sao Paulo. The wider group is spread across Mexico City, New York, Houston and Washington DC, the latter office having a pivotal role in representing DFIs and MLAs. The large department covers a broad variety of transactions, from acquisition finance to aviation finance, project finance, structured trade finance, and restructurings. It is also close to large number of international banks, Latin America-based banks, DFIs and MLAs. In Washington DC, Marissa Leigh Alcala is relationship partner for DFC, which frequently brings her into Latin America financings. New York’s Todd Alexander has a background in Latin America financings, including recent deals in Argentina, Chile and Mexico. Raquel Bierzwinsky splits her time between New York and Mexico City, maintaining a major focus on the Mexican power market. The large Sao Paulo office has a primary focus on banking and finance and restructuring work with Charles Johnson (based there since 2002) having an outstanding reputation; he is backed by a team including Michael McCourt, Daniel Spencer, Silvia Fazio, newly promoted partner José Cobeña and counsel Diego Brandão. All named individuals are based in Sao Paulo unless stated otherwise. Sarah Devine has left the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘NRF's advice on international financing of energy and infrastructure projects is comprehensive and high-quality, and the tax team is part of the comprehensive advice we require from our external lawyers.'
‘Experience in complex transactional matters. The fact that we had transaction precedents that served as a basis for making an informed decision on associated risks and that guided us in conveying that analysis to the commercial level and to internal risk review bodies.'
- 'The firm has provided high level legal services to Banco Votorantim in legal matters in various jurisdictions. The Brazil team worked very close on those matters, providing us with a very high quality service. The firm was able to work in cases with high complexity and also more ordinary transactions, with competitive fees.'
- 'I'd highlight Diego Brandão, Michael McCourt, Cameron Royse.'
- Technical skills, deep knowledge about the product and the practices adopted by Latam clients.'
- 'Deep knowledge and availability.'
Key clients
- KfW IPEX
- CABEI
- Deutsche Bank
- Banco del Estado de Chile
- BCI
- IDB Invest
- FinDev Canada
- Braskem
- Banco Rabobank International Brasil
- BRK Ambiental Participações
- Vale
- Macquarie
Work highlights
Advised Suzano on a $780m sustainability-linked credit facility provided by a syndicate of banks with Credit Agricole as Administrative Agent.
Advised a syndicate of lenders (including JPMorgan, HSBC, CACIB and Standard Chartered), on a $800m loan facility to Banco do Brasil, guaranteed by Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).
Advised BRK Ambiental on a cross-border financing from IDB Invest and Proparco to finance the design, construction and expansion of the water and sanitation facilities and services currently operated by BRK Ambiental – Maranhão, in Maranhão (Brazil).
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.
José Cobeña
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Diego Brandão
Practice head
Charles Johnson; Raquel Bierzwinsky