Offering representation in the full array of civil, corporate and administrative disputes, Ferro, Castro Neves, Daltro & Gomide Advogados is consistently engaged by market-leading clients in the most high-profile cases in Brazil. The experienced group of litigators – many of whom possess international backgrounds – is regularly turned to by an impressive roster of international and domestic clients across a range of sectors, including financial services, construction, transport and infrastructure. Showcasing a wealth of experience in civil, corporate and construction litigation, Marcelo Ferro excels in both domestic and cross-border mandates. He oversees the practice with José Roberto de Castro Neves, who regularly advises high-profile clients on contentious matters involving commercial, administrative and contractual issues, as well as inheritance law and consumer rights. Another key practitioner in Rio de Janeiro, Gustavo Birenbaum is well versed in judicial and administrative proceedings. Based in São Paulo, Julia Grabowsky Basto Fleichman maintains a broad litigation and arbitration practice covering contractual, corporate and civil disputes.

Primarily based in São Paulo, Mattos Filho fields a ‘leading litigation team in Brazil’, which receives particular praise for its strength in high-profile corporate and shareholder disputes. Some of the most prominent domestic and foreign companies seek the department’s representation in high-stakes litigation involving environmental, antitrust, public and administrative law and regulatory issues. A key contributor to the firm’s pro bono practice, the team continues to act for several clients in immigration, minority rights and Covid-19-related litigation. The well regarded Eduardo Damião Gonçalves, whose expertise covers litigation and arbitration, is well versed in domestic and cross-border cases. With over 30 years’ experience in dispute resolution, Flavio Pereira Lima is noted for the resolution of conflicts in the banking, telecoms, insurance and energy spaces. Bankruptcy-related disputes, as well as contentious matters involving clients from the financial sector, are among Alex Hatanaka‘s core areas of activity, while Fabio Teixeira Ozi stands out for his understanding of the agribusiness and automotive industries. Clients rate Arthur Gonzalez Cronenberger Parente‘s capabilities in shareholder, corporate and post-M&A disputes. Based in Rio de Janeiro, André Chateaubriand Martins is singled out for his experience before the Superior Court of Justice, while Marici Giannico in Brasília takes the lead in appellate litigation before the Supreme Court. Nicole Moreira De Barros Reis, who focuses on public law and technology-related matters; Thais Arza Monteiro, a name to note for insurance and IP disputes; and Isabela Siqueira, who is recommended for class actions, are other key contacts in São Paulo. Siqueira, João Vicente Pereira de Assis and Stefano Motta were welcomed to the partnership in April 2022. Marina da Cunha Ruggero Lopez stands out at the associate level.

At Pinheiro Neto Advogados, the litigation practice is skilled in handling high-profile commercial and civil cases with national and international significance. The firm, which attracts instructions from domestic and foreign clients operating in a variety of industries, is frequently seen acting in the most sensitive and complex disputes in the market. Celso Cintra Mori – a leading figure in the dispute resolution space – is seasoned in civil, commercial and administrative litigation, which are also notable areas of practice for Gilberto Giusti. Giusti, who is a key contact for corporate, securities and construction disputes, is trusted by many clients operating in highly regulated industries, including energy and telecoms. With over four decades’ experience in corporate, commercial and securities cases, Rodrigo Carneiro is experienced in cross-border mandates. Other notable practitioners include Diogenes Mendes Gonçalves Neto; Brasília-based partner Vicente Coelho Araujo, who excels in appellate litigation before the Brazilian superior courts; civil and commercial litigator Luis Claudio Furtado Faria, who is regularly sought out by energy, shipping and financial services clients; and Eider Avelino Silva, who focuses on both judicial and arbitral proceedings. Senior associate Gianvito Ardito has played a key role in high-profile lawsuits, most notably class actions.

Singled out for the technical quality of its professionals and partner-level involvement in cases, Sergio Bermudes Advogados remains at the forefront of the Brazilian dispute resolution market. The litigation team is ‘prepared to handle a wide variety of matters‘, ranging from proceedings before administrative bodies and regulatory agencies to high-stakes cases before the superior courts. Recognised for its track record in high-profile corporate, commercial and civil disputes, the group is also well positioned to advise on bankruptcy, energy and insurance-related cases. In addition, the practice has been increasingly engaged in Direct Actions of Unconstitutionality regarding federal, state and municipal laws in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis. A reference in the national market, Sergio Bermudes enjoys a strong reputation in this space thanks to his frequent involvement in cutting-edge cases. He jointly heads the practice with Marcio Vieira Souto Costa Ferreira and Fabiano Robalinho Cavalcanti, both of whom stand out for their longstanding experience in corporate litigation. The team, which is primarily based in Rio de Janeiro, also includes Guilherme Valdetaro Mathias, a key contact for insurance, power and real estate clients; Ricardo Loretti Henrici, who is particularly active in judicial restructurings in the energy and natural resources sectors; the highly regarded Caetano Berenguer; Rafaela Fucci, who specialises in insurance disputes; and Fernando Novis. Rodrigo Tannuri is no longer at the firm.

Rated for its experience in complex corporate disputes, BMA Advogados‘s dispute resolution group is a go-to choice for blue-chip companies operating in a variety of industries, including retail, engineering, energy, tech, banking and real estate. Combining experience in civil, commercial and administrative disputes, the practice is able to ‘delve into the issues related to the lawsuits in a multidisciplinary manner‘ thanks to the firm’s full-service offering. In São Paulo, Felipe Evaristo dos Santos Galea is counsel of choice for several investment funds and multinationals from the worlds of entertainment, real estate and agribusiness, while André Abbud is regularly retained by financial, energy and insurance clients in relation to corporate, infrastructure and contractual disputes. Based in Rio de Janeiro, Pedro Costa – a ‘meticulous‘ and ‘competent‘ litigator – and Mario Gelli specialise in cases involving business law and succession issues; these are also core areas of activity for Iara Santos Conrado Costa Ferreira. The ‘very diligent‘ Rafael da Rocha Castilho is another key practitioner in civil and corporate litigation. Associate Matheus Rodrigues Barcelos offers key support in judicial proceedings involving construction and corporate law.

Standing out for its strong track record in bet-the-company cases, Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados is ‘a reference‘ in the litigation market given its notable credentials in complex proceedings at all judicial and administrative levels. Recent highlights have seen the group advising on high-value disputes in the mining, technology, pharmaceutical, banking, aviation and automotive sectors. Diversity and inclusion is at the core of the department, which is under the leadership of duo Eliane Cristina Carvalho and Gláucia Mara Coelho: Carvalho particularly excels in the resolution of civil disputes, and Coelho is proficient in both judicial and administrative litigation, including strategic disputes, class actions, consumer law and product liability cases. Technology and digital law are key specialisms for Eduardo Perazza De Medeiros, while the recently promoted Marcos Costa has in-depth knowledge of the aviation, telecoms, banking and retail sectors. Vinicius Pereira, who recently joined from Campos Mello Advogados in cooperation with DLA Piper, ‘has a great presence in the courts‘, and is skilled in civil, contractual, corporate and construction claims. Associate Débora Chaves Martines Fernandes defends domestic and foreign clients from the banking, chemicals, energy, life sciences and retail segments in an array of disputes.

TozziniFreire Advogados acts for a diverse roster of high-profile clients in a broad spectrum of matters, ranging from proceedings before regulatory bodies to competition, corporate and public law judicial cases. Blue-chip multinationals and domestic entities operating in a range of sectors – from the worlds of energy and technology to construction and agribusiness – routinely seek the team’s assistance in strategic litigation. Leading both the arbitration and litigation groups, Fernando Eduardo Serec is recognised for his vast experience before the main Brazilian courts; he is a key contact for construction, energy, transport and life sciences clients. Fellow practice co-head Luíz Virgílio Pimenta Penteado Manente has notable strength in consumer law cases and commercial disputes in the telecoms space. Claims arising from M&A, distribution and agency agreements are among Mônica Mendonça Costa‘s areas of expertise. Elias Marques de Medeiros Neto‘s wide-ranging workload encompasses litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. Other notable practitioners include Flávia Cristina Moreira de Campos Andrade, who is proficient in judicial reorganisations; Patricia Helena Marta Martins, an expert in technology and consumer law mandates; and Isabela Braga Pompilio, who acts in complex cases before the superior courts and oversees the Brasília office. Co-head of the German desk, Carolina Matthes Dotto is highly engaged in civil and corporate disputes; she was promoted to partner in January 2022.

Standing out for its national footprint, Cescon Barrieu is a popular destination for investment funds, public companies, financial institutions and entrepreneurs seeking guidance and representation in high-profile proceedings. Corporate, post-closing M&A and contractual lawsuits are core areas of strength for the group, which has been increasingly active in cases involving succession law, cartels and anti-competitive practices. Renowned litigator Carlos David Albuquerque Braga in São Paulo often acts in complex corporate disputes. Other practitioners in São Paulo include Mauricio Fabbri, who has handled several strategic claims in the digital law space; class actions and public law litigation specialist Edison Freitas; and senior associate Rafael Bertão, who focuses on corporate disputes. Salvador-based partner Gabriel Seijo Leal de Figueiredo is the name to note for proceedings arising out of contractual agreements and M&A. Luiz Nardy in Belo Horizonte possesses in-depth knowledge of mining and environmental contentious matters, and Cinthia de Lamare is a key contact in the Rio de Janeiro office for judicial reorganisations. The team was reinforced in August 2023 by the addition of dispute resolution specialists Mariana Capela Lombardi Moreto and Paulo Macedo Garcia Neto from MAMG Advogados. Since publication, Helena Abdo has left the firm.

Market-leading corporates turn to the dispute resolution team at Lefosse Advogados for its capabilities in big-ticket litigation, encompassing both domestic and cross-border matters. The group is particularly noted for its ‘extensive expertise‘ in corporate, commercial and contractual disputes, and is also well positioned to advise on major class actions and administrative proceedings. Pedro Maciel is a seasoned litigator, and is routinely instructed by clients from the banking, construction, energy and TMT sectors. Raphael Nehin Corrêa handles a mix of commercial, corporate, civil and financial disputes, and is singled out for his track record in judicial restructurings. The highly recommended Diogo Ciuffo Carneiro has the ‘ability to propose innovative solutions‘ in the context of regulatory and business-critical disputes. Key players from the paper and pulp, energy, construction and retail spaces seek Julio Neves‘ assistance in investment and public law-related cases; Neves joined from TozziniFreire Advogados in March 2022. Other core team members include Bernardo Pires, who was welcomed to the partnership in April 2022, and Deborah Nery. Pedro Salarini left the firm in December 2023.

Mannheimer, Perez E Lyra Advogados ‘provides an excellent service in the area of strategic litigation‘, including in proceedings before the higher courts. The team is well placed to guide international clients through complex litigation matters in Brazil, and to act for domestic entities in an array of claims, ranging from major contractual disputes to M&A, shareholder and other corporate law cases. Co-head Sergio Mannheimer, who combines extensive experience in litigation and arbitration, has played a key role in several big-ticket corporate and insurance disputes in Brazil. He sits in the Rio de Janeiro office and jointly coordinates the dispute resolution team alongside São Paulo-based partner Tomaz Tavares de Lyra, who is recommended for his ‘excellent technical and strategic knowledge‘. Fernanda Aviz, whose experience covers civil and corporate cases in Rio de Janeiro and before the superior courts in Brasília, is another key individual.

The ‘experienced and highly dedicated team‘ at Souto Correa Advogados is noted for providing ‘innovative solutions to complex and multidisciplinary disputes‘. The firm, which is headquartered in Porto Alegre, represents clients from the public and private sectors in mandates concerning consumer law, public concessions, civil liability as well as environmental, construction, corporate and contractual disputes. Class actions are a strong point for the department, which is equipped to act for defendant companies and industry associations as plaintiffs. The team is under the joint leadership of two partners: current CEO Guilherme Amaral in Porto Alegre and civil litigator Ricardo Quass Duarte in São Paulo. Names to note in the Porto Alegre office also include Roberta Feiten and associate Julia Klarmann, both of whom excel in consumer claims; Otávio Augusto Dal Molin Domit; Diogo Squeff Fries, who often acts in public civil actions; and associate Rafael Sirangelo de Abreu, who specialises in administrative litigation in the energy sector. Marcelo Gandelman is no longer at the firm.

Trench Rossi Watanabe houses a ‘top-notch litigation team‘, which is regularly retained by companies, financial institutions and associations in a variety of judicial proceedings. A ‘go-to‘ for complex cases, the group is adept at assisting leading players in corporate, commercial, civil, administrative and regulatory disputes. Rated by clients as ‘one of the best national litigation strategists‘, Marcio Polto maintains a broad practice focused on litigation and arbitration. He oversees the practice out of São Paulo alongside commercial and civil litigator Gledson Marques De Campos, who is singled out for his depth of experience in bankruptcy and insolvency-related matters, and Rio de Janeiro-based partner Andrea Brick, who regularly assists telecoms, mining, and oil and gas companies in environmental class actions, consumer claims and IP litigation. Giuliana Schunck, who works on a range of contentious matters, including judicial recoveries, family law and contractual lawsuits, and Tiago Zapater, whose expertise covers environmental litigation, product liability and class actions, are other notable practitioners in São Paulo.

Covering civil, corporate, commercial and consumer matters, Veirano Advogados‘ dispute resolution team is seen with great regularity acting for longstanding and new clients across the banking, life sciences, energy, logistics and mining industries, among others. Singled out for its technical knowledge and availability, the litigation group is under the joint leadership of Ricardo Gama, a Rio de Janeiro-based practitioner with a wealth of experience in domestic and cross-border proceedings, and Mateus Carreteiro in São Paulo, who has the ‘capacity to act strategically and decisively in disputes of the most varied matters‘. With over 30 years’ experience in this space, Luiz Guilherme Migliora is a senior figure in the Rio de Janeiro office, where Lívia Miné is the name to note for contractual litigation, product liability and environmental claims, and Guilherme D’Aguiar stands out at the associate level. Diego Capistrano joined from BMA Advogados in April 2022, bringing to the team considerable experience in bankruptcy and restructuring cases.

Entirely devoted to dispute resolution, Wald, Antunes, Vita e Blattner Advogados possesses the ‘ability to handle highly complex cases‘ heard before judicial courts and administrative bodies. With strong credentials in prominent superior court proceedings, the team is well versed in advising on civil, commercial, corporate, banking and infrastructure-related lawsuits. Founding partner Arnoldo Wald, Alexandre de Mendonça Wald, who specialises in disputes involving corporate law and concessions, and Arnoldo Wald Filho, who is well regarded for his ‘ability to resolve hurdles and settle disputes‘ in an array of sectors, are some of the main points of contact in the team. Mariana Tavares Antunes ‘stands out for her organisation and execution skills‘. Consumer and competition litigation are among Brasília-based partner Marcus Vinícius Vita Ferreira‘s areas of expertise, while ‘technical lawyer‘ Eduardo Cezar Chad and Bernardo Cavalcanti Freire are proficient in bankruptcy and restructuring cases. Riccardo Giuliano Figueira Torre, Adriana Campos Conrado Zamponi in Rio de Janeiro, and the recently promoted Clarissa Marcondes Macéa are also active in litigation.

Praise by clients for its ‘technical quality‘ and ‘excellence in client service‘, Demarest Advogados routinely represents a plethora of multinational companies operating in a variety of industries, such as pharmaceuticals, commodities, energy, infrastructure and financial services, in high-stakes litigation before judicial and administrative courts. The practice attracts a steady stream of standalone work, including high-end contractual, corporate and civil disputes, and is well positioned to advise on both domestic and multi-jurisdictional proceedings. Amanda Sampaio, who is dual qualified in Brazil and New York, splits her practice between judicial proceedings, arbitration and pre-litigation matters, and Fernanda Leão were promoted to partner in January 2022. The team experienced a major change when former practice heads Celso Xavier, Marcelo Inglez de Souza and Rafael Gagliardi and partner Daniel Kaufman left in May 2023. Post publication, the dispute resolution practice was reinforced by the arrival of Ricardo Aprigliano as partner and the incorporation of Aprigliano Advogados in December 2023.

Focused on strategic disputes, the ‘results-oriented‘ litigation team at Huck, Otranto, Camargo Advogados comprises seasoned lawyers with extensive experience in domestic and cross-border cases at all levels of Brazil's court system. The team is well placed to tackle complex regulatory and contractual disputes, and is also a go-to for class actions and restructuring cases involving an array of sectors, such as insurance, real estate, construction and energy. Rogério Carmona Bianco has advised on several environmental class actions and construction disputes; he spearheads the team with Fábio Floriano Melo Martins. Civil and commercial litigator Rodolfo da Costa Manso Real Amadeo and Luiz Felipe Pereira Gomes Lopes, who is particularly skilled in judicial recovery cases, are also recommended. Corporate, IP, technology, consumer and public law claims are core areas of activity for Henrique Ceolin Bortolo, while Matheus de Mello Adães is noted for his experience in the insurance space.

Noted for its ‘deep knowledge‘ of procedural law, Leite, Tosto e Barros Advogados Associados fields a team of ‘highly qualified professionals‘ who are well placed to assist in all types of litigation, but showcase particular strength in disputes in the infrastructure, energy and construction sectors. Paulo Guilherme Lopes possesses three decades of experience in commercial dispute resolution. Founding partner Ricardo Tosto, a counsel of choice for high-profile corporates and public figures, is another name to note. Covering civil, commercial and banking law, Rodrigo Quadrante‘s notable areas of practice include restructuring and insolvency matters. With strong credentials in proceedings at the state and federal levels, Patricia Rios is one of the main contacts for litigation before the superior courts in Brasília. Daniel Albolea Junior focuses on preventive matters.

At Lobo de Rizzo Advogados, the litigation group is highlighted for its significant experience in managing domestic and international cases on behalf of a diverse corporate client base. Players from the retail, insurance, healthcare, agribusiness and automotive sectors regularly turn to its practitioners for advice on pre-litigation, judicial and administrative proceedings. Luis Fernando Guerrero brings longstanding experience in complex disputes arising from contractual agreements, corporate matters and restructurings. The team was reinforced by the recent arrival of Paula Abi-Chahine from CMT – Carvalho, Machado e Timm Advogados and Christian Garcia Vieira from ASBZ Advogados; both have strong dispute resolution backgrounds focused on corporate, civil, commercial and administrative matters. Associate Tiago Angelo Lima frequently acts for financial institutions and investors in judicial and out-of-court reorganisations. Hugo Tubone Yamashita left the firm in July 2023.

Highly specialised dispute resolution boutique LUC Advogados ‘stands out for the technical knowledge of its professionals‘ and ‘strategic performance‘ in high-stakes disputes. Its focus on commercial, civil, corporate and administrative litigation spans a number of sectors, with recent engagements seeing the team act for key clients from the worlds of oil and gas, energy, agribusiness and mining. Former federal judge Luciano De Souza Godoy oversees the department with Ricardo Zamariola Júnior, who has worked on complex family law disputes, as well as corporate and contractual claims. Associates Patrícia Pellini Ferreira and Flávia Junqueira Soares are other names to note in the team; Ferreira specialises in civil procedure matters, while Soares is often engaged in real estate and family disputes. Leonardo Dib Freire left the firm in July 2023.

Energy, construction and real estate-related disputes are core areas of focus for Stocche Forbes Advogados, which attracts praise for its ‘deep understanding of clients’ businesses‘. Proceedings arising from M&A and involving environmental law are strong points for the department, which is also sought after for its experience in preventive measures. ‘Distinguished professional‘ Rafael Passaro combines substantial experience in civil litigation with in-depth knowledge of administrative cases. Luis Guilherme Aidar Bondioli, who specialises in civil, commercial and corporate disputes, and Guilherme Gaspari Coelho, who balances a busy litigation and arbitration caseload, are also part of the core team. Key partner Wilson Newton de Mello Neto brings more than 25 years of experience in dispute resolution, standing out for his track record in corporate-related claims. Maria Lucia Cetraro regularly acts for domestic and international clients in proceedings concerning tort, consumer law, collective actions and contractual conflicts. Other noteworthy practitioners include Laura Bastos de Lima and Flávia Persiano Galvão.

Singled out for its ‘speed and assertiveness in client service‘, the dispute resolution group at Vella Pugliese Buosi e Guidoni Advogados is well placed to handle a wide range of corporate, commercial, civil and administrative proceedings. In terms of its sector-specific offering, the team benefits from the ever-growing interest of its client base in sectors such as energy, financial services, real estate, consumer goods and infrastructure; disputes arising from capital markets, construction, shareholder and contractual agreements are key areas of growth for the firm. Antonio Celso Pugliese – a ‘distinguished negotiator and strategist‘ – is noted for strategic litigation, most notably involving matters in the construction and financial sectors. Carolina Mansur, a go-to contact for financial institutions and investment funds, is a strong performer in credit recovery and unfair competition proceedings. Nahima Müller and recently promoted partners Erik Sernik and Bruno Sanchez Belo also showcase solid experience in an array of sophisticated disputes.

A popular destination for clients from the financial services, real estate, manufacturing, media and retail sectors, Warde Advogados possesses an ‘extremely responsive and dedicated team‘ focused on strategic litigation. Its strength lies in its ability to provide ‘swift and punctual advice‘ on complex corporate disputes, anti-corruption cases and regulatory matters. Department leader Walfrido Jorge Warde Júnior, whose ‘first-class market and sector knowledge‘ garner praise from clients, has acted for several leading players from the banking, infrastructure, energy and media industries in big-ticket corporate disputes. He steers the litigation group, which also includes Jose Luiz Bayeux Neto, a name to note for bankruptcy cases, the ‘very talented‘ Renato Polillo, who is a strong performer in cross-border and domestic disputes, and constitutional law specialist Georges Abboud. Felipe Emmanuel De Figueiredo and Rodrigo Jesuino Bittencourt, the latter of whom specialises in financial, capital markets and M&A disputes, offer key support at the associate level.

Singled out for its experience before the superior courts in Brazil, BFBM – Barroso Fontelles, Barcellos, Mendonça & Associados is particularly active in litigation involving the banking, telecoms and digital spaces. Its sectoral coverage is not restricted to these fields, as the team is also regularly engaged by leading domestic and international clients operating in the oil and gas, insurance and entertainment industries. The firm recently created a sub-group focused on judicial restructurings, which is under the leadership of Rafael Barroso Fontelles, whose areas of expertise include civil, commercial, consumer and constitutional cases at all levels of the court system in Brazil. Specialised in digital law, Eduardo Mendonça is regularly engaged in matters concerning regulatory issues and freedom of speech. Felipe Monnerat, who oversees the telecoms law team, is skilled in proceedings before the high courts.

Bichara Advogados is well versed in a range of court-based dispute resolution, with environmental, corporate, civil liability and contractual claims all forming a growing part of the group’s workload. Its practitioners have significant experience acting for major domestic and international players in the food and beverages, telecoms, education, transport, construction and chemicals sectors. Adriana Astuto, who is enrolled in the Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Bahia sections of the Brazilian Bar Association, is equipped to handle complex litigation cases across the country. She jointly heads the team with André Gondinho, who routinely advises on commercial, contractual, construction and energy disputes, Pedro Acioli Werner, who excels in environmental claims and cases in the telecoms sector, and Thiago Lins, a key contact for class actions.

Entrusted by a mix of domestic and international heavyweights operating in a range of sectors, including retail, IT, financial services, infrastructure and real estate, Campos Mello Advogados in cooperation with DLA Piper represents clients in a litany of contentious matters. Drawing on its association with the international DLA Piper network, the group is particularly well placed to handle cross-border litigation, especially cases involving the US and UK. São Paulo-based partner Felipe Hermanny, whose strong background in administrative and judicial litigation is noteworthy, stands out for his capabilities in civil liability cases. He oversees the practice with Leandro Rinaldi in Rio de Janeiro, who is particularly skilled in court-supervised restructurings. João Marçal Martins is another key contact for judicial lawsuits in the São Paulo office, which was strengthened by the arrival of Leonardo Ribas from Felsberg Advogados in November 2022; Ribas has a strong following in the energy, construction and healthcare industries.

Led by Jose Augusto Leal, Castro Barros Advogados has a well-established practice handling high-value disputes for significant clients, including major companies from the financial services, construction, retail, telecoms, energy and insurance sectors. The team, which is rated by clients for its ‘technical knowledge‘, boasts strong credentials in commercial disputes, credit recovery lawsuits, as well as cases arising in the banking and shipping segments. Alexandre Catramby specialises in credit recovery, and also acts in civil, commercial and public law-related litigation, while Olympio De Carvalho E Silva and Camilla Werneck demonstrate notable strength in shipping and transport disputes. Rodrigo Gonçalves Lima de Mattos and Carlos Ximenes are other names to note for credit recovery matters. Guilherme Guidi was promoted to partner in January 2023.

Turned to for its capabilities in civil procedure and commercial litigation, KLA Advogados is a key port of call for clients operating in the real estate, energy, automotive, insurance, media and pharmaceutical sectors. The ‘well-prepared and always available‘ group is under the leadership of Tiago Cortez, who specialises in complex litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution; he ‘stands out for his strategic vision of cases and argumentative skills‘. Taisa Oliveira is noted for her capabilities in real estate and contractual litigation, as well as court-supervised reorganisations, while construction litigation is a core specialism for Flávia Alterio.

At L.O. Baptista Advogados, the ‘extremely qualified team of litigators‘ is regularly sought out by a mix of multinational and domestic companies from the worlds of technology, retail, energy and natural resources. Showcasing notable strength in disputes involving the construction, infrastructure and energy sectors, the team is chaired by André Camerlingo Alves, who possesses sound experience in corporate and commercial lawsuits heard before the main courts in the country. Fashion, technology and automotive clients regularly turn to André Mendes Espírito Santo for assistance in business and consumer litigation. Ulisses Simões da Silva, Silvia Rodrigues Pachikoski, Tonico Monteiro da Silva and Fabrício Bertini Pasquot Polido are also part of the dispute resolution group.

Siqueira Castro – Advogados‘ disputes practice advises on a broad spectrum of commercial, contractual and civil litigation, focusing principally on clients operating in the agribusiness, oil and gas, construction and infrastructure sectors. Proceedings heard before state and federal courts are key areas of activity for Carlos Roberto Siqueira Castro, who spearheads the practice alongside Daniela Soares Domingues, a seasoned practitioner in succession, real estate, contractual and bankruptcy-related cases. Both practice heads are based in Rio de Janeiro, where Alexandre Wider is also recommended for his capabilities in strategic litigation. Andre Frossard Albuquerque and Yasmin Cotait e Silva are key practitioners in São Paulo, while Marina De Araújo Lopes, who is well versed in matters before the superior courts, coordinates the Brasília office.

With extensive experience in state and federal proceedings, Tauil & Chequer Advogados has been engaged in a growing number of strategic disputes, most notably cases arising in the oil and gas, energy, construction and telecoms sectors. Other areas of particular focus include administrative enforcement proceedings brought by the Federal Court of Accounts and various regulatory agencies. The practice is jointly chaired by Rio de Janeiro-based partner Gustavo Fernandes de Andrade, who focuses on corporate and commercial disputes; Fabio Peixinho Gomes Correa in São Paulo, who is noted for his expertise in dispute resolution in the energy, construction, corporate, banking and real estate segments; and high court litigation veterans Mauro Pedroso Gonçalves and Luis Inácio Lucena Adams, both of whom are based in the Brasília office. João Cople is a name to note in Rio for administrative, tax and insurance litigation. Other key members include associates Maria Rita Dutra and Núbia Bufarah in São Paulo, and the Brasília-based Louise Dias; all maintain diverse practices in litigation and arbitration. Counsel Juliana Barbosa Pechincha joined from Baker Botts L.L.P. (New York office) in July 2022.

Sought out by a diverse range of Brazilian and international entities, Wongtschowski Kleiman Advogados is particularly well versed in litigation involving the construction and real estate sectors, but also excels in class actions, corporate cases and shareholder disputes. The ‘very competent and cohesive team‘ is ‘brilliantly‘ led by founder Vânia Wongtschowski Kleiman, who is regularly retained by clients from the construction and retail industries. Marília Canto Gusso handles a mix of judicial and arbitral proceedings, while Juliana Brotto De Barros Milaré is a specialist in real estate cases and court-supervised reorganisations. With over four decades’ experience in litigation, Domingos Fernando Refinetti is best known for his capabilities in debt restructuring and insolvency. Patrícia Paoliello Lamaneres Binnie left the firm in April 2022.

With offices in key business hubs across Brazil, Azevedo Sette Advogados is equipped to represent clients before the main courts, administrative authorities and regulatory agencies in the country. The group is regularly instructed on mining and environmental claims, and also acts in contractual, shareholder, tax and consumer claims, among others. Head of the dispute resolution practices in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Paulo A. Ciari de Almeida Filho is trusted by clients from the insurance, retail, technology and telecoms sectors. Also in São Paulo, Danielle Chipranski Cavalcante focuses on civil litigation and lawsuits in the TMT space. In Belo Horizonte, João Capanema, Marcos Augusto Leonardo Ribeiro and Leonardo Farinha Goulart handle an array of contentious matters, ranging from mining and real estate disputes to IP, competition and environmental claims.

Under the joint leadership of Eduardo Secchi Munhoz and João Vicente Lapa de Carvalho, E. Munhoz Advogados excels in disputes arising from shareholder and corporate structures, contractual agreements and business transactions. Besides its strength in corporate litigation, the team is also well positioned to represent foreign and domestic clients in judicial and out-of-court reorganisations. Associate Gabriela Matta Ristow concentrates on litigation and restructurings, while Carlos Manoel Holanda Costa regularly acts alongside practice heads Munhoz and Carvalho in complex corporate disputes.

‘Formed by lawyers, who are technical, committed and focused on the client’, Franco Leutewiler Henriques Advogados (FLH Advogados) is regularly engaged by companies in the infrastructure, construction, energy and financial sectors for its proficiency in strategic litigation, including domestic and multi-jurisdictional cases. Agribusiness clients regularly seek Nancy Gombossy de Melo Franco‘s representation in sector-specific disputes. This is also a particular area of focus for Thiago Soares Gerbasi, who is noted for his vast experience in proceedings concerning the purchase and sale of commodities, rural leasing and logistics. Aline Dias, whose specialisms also include arbitration and mediation, is another name to note for litigation. With strong credentials in civil, commercial and administrative claims, Guilherme Moura was promoted to the partnership in January 2023.

Singled out for its ‘great partner-level involvement‘, Inglez, Werneck, Ramos, Cury e Françolin Advogados (IWRCF) fields an ‘excellent‘ litigation group, which brings together experience in pre-litigation and proceedings before administrative and judicial courts. The group attracts instructions from a varied client base operating in the healthcare, food and beverage, life sciences and infrastructure sectors. Rated for his ‘great strategic vision‘, co-head Renato José Cury is a highly experienced class action and civil litigation practitioner. Fellow co-leader Andréa Pitthan Françolin ‘acts in highly complex cases‘ involving civil and consumer law. Associates Juan Gómez, Caroline Lerner Castro and Martin Isquierdo Allgayer are also active in dispute resolution.

The ‘very technical professionals‘ at boutique MAMG Advogados provide ‘specialised services‘ in the field of dispute resolution. On the litigation front, the team acts for clients in the infrastructure, banking, media and energy sectors in cases unfolding before the main courts in the country; administrative proceedings and preventive matters are other areas of activity for the firm. Ligia Espolaor Veronese splits her time between arbitration, strategic litigation and mediation. Rafael Francisco Alves is another partner to note in the team. Associate Beatriz Mantovani Bergamo shines in mandates in the technology, entertainment, health and construction industries, and Lucas Morelli focuses on domestic and cross-border cases. Mariana Capela Lombardi Moreto and Paulo Macedo Garcia Neto are no longer at the firm.

Steered by joint practice heads Ubiratan Mattos and Fernando Medici Júnior, Mattos Engelberg Echenique Advogados‘ disputes practice handles litigation matters spanning commercial, corporate, civil and consumer law. Disputes arising from M&A, antitrust issues, product liability and cases concerning telecoms, real estate and banking clients are notable areas of practice for the department. Co-leader Medici Júnior joined the firm in November 2022 from Marcelo Tostes Advogados with a group of lawyers, including partner Antonio H. Monteiro, a key contact for commercial and civil litigation in the energy, infrastructure and construction spaces, and associate Hueverton Teixeira de Morais, who focuses on sensitive claims involving civil and business law.

Clients praise Monteiro de Castro e Setoguti Advogados‘ ‘substantial legal knowledge‘ and ‘skills to develop a good line of defence‘ in the context of complex corporate and commercial litigation. The group is especially well placed to advise clients on shareholder disputes and post-M&A cases, and its busy caseload also features proceedings arising in the construction, real estate, public law and IP segments. The ‘highly qualified‘ Guilherme Setoguti, whose ‘great strategic ability‘ is noteworthy, specialises in corporate, banking and civil litigation. He receives key support from associate Cláudia Gruppi Costa, who is recommended for her ‘deep technical knowledge‘ of judicial cases. Other active associates include Débora Carrara, who works in corporate disputes and debt restructurings, and Barbara Spohr Gonçalves, who focuses on commercial, corporate and real estate contentious matters.

Widely known for its expertise in highly regulated sectors, Rolim Goulart Cardoso Advogados is routinely retained by automotive, energy, mining and steel industry clients in disputes concerning regulatory and commercial issues. Led by the ‘excellent‘ Helvécio Franco Maia Júnior, the Belo Horizonte-based team is a popular choice for judicial litigation involving vehicle distribution agreements. This is an area of particular focus for the highly regarded Patrícia Pilo Bittencourt Redig, while Luís Felipe Bernardes Sá Teles is a strong performer in power and consumer law litigation. Cases in the telecoms and energy sectors, as well as proceedings involving antitrust and distribution agreements are areas of activity for Felipe Renault Coelho Da Silva Pereira.

A solid performer in construction and corporate litigation, Silveiro Advogados handles a varied dispute resolution workload on behalf of a multitude of corporate clients. Telecoms is a core sectoral focus for the firm, which is based between São Paulo and Porto Alegre. The ‘team of highly qualified lawyers‘ is jointly led by managing partner Ricardo Ranzolin and Ricardo Leal De Moraes, the latter of whom specialises in public law and antitrust litigation. Ricardo Fortes often acts for banks and companies in judicial reorganisations, while the ‘very dedicated‘ Igor Bimkowski Rossoni stands out for his work in telecoms and post-privatisation cases. Guilherme Queirolo Feijó concentrates on litigation, arbitration and bankruptcy proceedings.

At Thomaz Bastos, Waisberg and Kurzweil Advogados, the ‘very well prepared‘ litigation team handles a mix of commercial, corporate, civil and antitrust disputes for a varied client roster active in the construction, agribusiness, energy, banking and retail sectors. With over 20 years’ experience in judicial disputes involving IP rights, consumer and electoral law, Joel Luís Thomaz Bastos coordinates the group with three other practitioners: Ivo Waisberg, who acts for companies and banks in dispute resolution; Ricardo Pomeranc Matsumoto, a contact for administrative cases involving the Brazilian Central Bank; and recently promoted partner Bárbara Pessoa Ramos, who specialises in judicial reorganisation and bankruptcy matters. Carlos Teixeira Leite Filho, who has a strong background as a judge, is another name to note.

Primarily based in Rio de Janeiro, Vieira, Rezende, Barbosa e Guerreiro Advogados, which regularly acts for corporate and private clients across the country, is proficient in judicial proceedings arising from civil, commercial, corporate and contractual disputes. Paulo Albert Weyland Vieira, who has a strong background as a corporate lawyer, is one of the main points of contact for complex corporate and commercial disputes. Claudio Roberto Pieruccetti Marques is recommended for strategic disputes, with a special emphasis on cases concerning concessions, projects and public law. Pension and investment funds regularly engage Lucas Hermeto in litigation. Antonio Augusto Tiburcio is also noted for his work before judicial courts. Based in São Paulo, Marcos Serra Netto Fioravanti acts in both litigation and arbitration.

Lawsuits arising from corporate, environmental, real estate, unfair competition, insurance and consumer law matters are notable fields of practice for Almeida Advogados, which particularly shines in complex shareholder disputes. Based in São Paulo, Andrea Seco is frequently instructed by clients from the shipping, aviation, retail, energy and construction sectors in a varied range of litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Henrique Carmona Do Amaral is a contact in Belo Horizonte for corporate and public law disputes, the latter of which is also an area of expertise for Rafael Zinato Moreira in Rio de Janeiro. Associate João Ricardo Ferreira Fortini Pimentel acts in civil procedural law and litigation matters.

Leveraging a considerable national footprint, Andrade Maia Advogados maintains an active litigation practice, which is seasoned in the gamut of matters, from cases in the energy and infrastructure sectors, to proceedings involving healthcare, telecoms and insurance clients. Manager partner Julio Cesar Goulart Lanes handles a large volume of contentious matters, with key support offered by litigation specialists Otávio Luiz Verdi Motta and Fabrício Costa Pozatti.

ASBZ Advogados houses an ‘extremely qualified‘ team of litigators with ‘high technical knowledge‘ of cases before state and appellate courts. Energy, financial, retail, technology, construction, sports and entertainment companies make up its varied client portfolio. The group is jointly led by Alfredo Zucca Neto, a civil and commercial litigation specialist, and Aitan Canuto Cosenza Portela, who is regularly instructed by energy clients and financial institutions. The highly recommended Samuel Bueno possesses a strong track record in disputes concerning the financial services, retail, tech and entertainment segments. Christian Vieira is no longer at the firm.

Primarily based in Rio de Janeiro, Bocater, Camargo, Costa e Silva, Rodrigues Advogados has a solid track record in acting for funds and financial services clients – including banks and brokerage firms – in litigation at the state and federal levels. Administrative proceedings before the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM), the Central Bank of Brazil and the National Superintendence for Pension Funds (PREVIC) are strong points for the department, which is led by a trio of partners: Bruno Carriello and Maria Isabel do Prado Bocater, both of whom focus on corporate disputes, and Flávio Martins Rodrigues, the main contact for pension funds. Maria Carolina Melo and associate Felipe Varela Mello are also part of the core team.

Judicial and administrative proceedings are at the core of Cascione Pulino Boulos Advogados‘ litigation department, which is adept at handling a variety of contentious matters, most notably civil, commercial, consumer and public law-related disputes. Renato Moraes has substantial experience in administrative, commercial and construction cases; he oversees the ‘technical and practical‘ department with associate Tatiana Kauffmann, whose practice encompasses litigation, arbitration and mediation, and Luiz Cláudio Gonçalves Freire, who is based in the Rio de Janeiro office.

CMT – Carvalho, Machado e Timm Advogados, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2022, is a popular choice for domestic companies in pre-litigation, judicial and administrative cases. Split between São Paulo and Porto Alegre, the team is trusted by a varied clientele with operations in the retail, technology, financial and agribusiness sectors. Luciano Benetti Timm heads up the national department, which is particularly active in contractual disputes. Tiago Faganello coordinates the litigation group in Rio Grande do Sul, while Danilo Brum De Magalhães oversees the São Paulo-based team.

Demonstrating extensive experience in the construction, energy, life sciences, insurance and banking sectors, Dias Carneiro Advogados advises on the prevention and resolution of claims in the corporate and commercial spheres. Practice co-head Laura Mendes Bumachar also leads on restructuring and insolvency mandates. Fellow co-leaders Antonio Nachif and Álvaro Brito Arantes, both of whom are skilled in commercial litigation and credit recovery, are the other points of contact in the team.

Led by Daniel Gustavo Magnane Sanfins, Duarte Garcia, Serra Netto e Terra Advogados handles a varied caseload featuring civil litigation, pre-trial negotiations and enforcement proceedings, and is particularly recognised for its strength in disputes in the real estate sector. Practice head Sanfins specialises in civil proceedings and digital law. Other notable attorneys include Wilson de Toledo Silva Junior, who is recommended for civil, contractual and real estate cases; Antonio Carlos Petto Junior, a trusted advisor to the agribusiness and healthcare sectors; and associate Lucas Tavella Michelan.

With a strong presence in Mato Grosso do Sul, Ernesto Borges Advogados offers representation to a plethora of clients in a range of contentious matters, from class actions to corporate, commercial and contractual disputes. Bernardo Rodrigues De Oliveira Castro handles a large volume of mandates in the banking and financial services sector, while power, energy and consumer lawsuits are core areas of activity for Walberto Laurindo De Oliveira Filho. Daniel Feitosa Naruto is another name to note in the practice, which also includes Eva Beatriz Blasco Xavier, a specialist in consumer litigation, Camila Henrique Leite, who is regularly engaged in banking and real estate-related cases, and Ana Carolina Cunha de Figueiredo.

Felsberg Advogados acts for private and publicly-owned companies from the food and beverage, infrastructure, shipping, aviation, construction and energy sectors in a broad range of litigation matters. Its caseload, which features both domestic and cross-border cases, is populated by proceedings arising from M&A, commercial, corporate and financial disputes, as well as torts and insolvencies. The practice is under the joint leadership of Marcus Alexandre Matteucci Gomes and Eduardo Périllier, who brings together expertise in bankruptcy, judicial restructurings and corporate disputes.

With strong credentials in judicial and administrative proceedings, the litigation team at Galdino & Coelho, Pimenta, Takemi, Ayoub Advogados is equipped to act in corporate and contractual disputes in the banking, energy, oil and gas, construction, real estate and retail spaces. Cross-border corporate cases and credit recovery are among Rafael Pimenta‘s specialisms; he oversees the practice with civil litigator André Furquim Werneck and Pedro Murgel, a litigation and arbitration specialist. Diogo Rezende de Almeida has a strong track record in financial litigation, while Thiago Gonzalez Queiroz focuses on corporate disputes, and Yasmin Paiva is proficient in court-supervised restructurings and bankruptcies.

Jointly headed up by founding partner Pedro Paulo Wendel Gasparini and litigator Maysa Abrahao Tavares Verzola, Gasparini, Nogueira de Lima e Barbosa Advogados‘ litigation practice is active across the automotive, construction, infrastructure, education, energy, and food and beverage sectors. The group is noted for its in-depth knowledge of public law cases, contractual disputes and credit recovery claims, and is also well versed in IP, insurance and tort litigation. Co-leader Verzola is counsel of choice for financial institutions, concessionaires and investment funds, while Renata Mangueira de Souza is regularly sought out for her expertise in consumer litigation and cases concerning family and succession law.

Noted for its public law capabilities, Justen, Pereira, Oliveira & Talamini Advogados boasts expertise in litigation arising from public procurement, concessions and government contracts. The team, which has been particularly active in the transport, infrastructure and energy sectors, is jointly managed by Eduardo Talamini, who acts for government entities and private companies in judicial, administrative and arbitral proceedings, and Andre Guskow Cardoso, whose expertise extends to M&A, construction and anti-corruption claims. Associate Felipe Scripes Wladeck focuses on civil procedural law and arbitration.

Madrona Fialho Advogados – the result of the 2023 merger between Fialho Salles Advogados and Madrona Advogados – has a strong track record in public law cases, but its litigation experience also encompasses shareholder, construction and IP disputes. The department is jointly led by three partners in Belo Horizonte: Érico Andrade, a key contact for cases involving public procurement, PPPs and concessions; Leonardo Canabrava, who focuses on corporate law; and mediation, litigation and arbitration specialist Leonardo de Abreu Birchal; and three practitioners in São Paulo: João Carlos Toledo; Fábio Alem; and Luciano Velasque Rocha, the lattermost of whom has a wealth of experience in civil and commercial litigation.

Focused on competition law and litigation, boutique firm Marchini Botelho Caselta Advogados is well placed to act in lawsuits challenging government and regulatory agencies, as well as corporate disputes, environmental claims and antitrust litigation. Showcasing expertise in proceedings before state and federal courts, Aurélio Marchini Santos oversees the practice with competition and dispute resolution expert Daniel Costa Caselta and Martim Della Valle, who splits his time between contentious matters and compliance. Associates Victor Adame and Cecilia Lerario are key individuals to note for corporate disputes.

Entirely devoted to dispute resolution, Muriel Advogados is a ‘go-to for any complex judicial or arbitral proceeding‘, particularly excelling in disputes in the infrastructure, construction, energy, healthcare and corporate spaces. The ‘technical, analytical and very experienced‘ team is under the joint leadership of Marcelo Muriel, whose experience in high-profile domestic and cross-border litigation spans three decades, and Danilo Orenga, noted for commercial, corporate and contractual conflicts. Associate Yasmim Fortes ‘deserves praise for her quality and potential‘.

Noted for its ‘technical capacity and commitment to the client‘, Schmidt, Lourenço & Kingston Advogados has a well-established presence in the Rio de Janeiro market, and is singled out for its ‘strong performance in litigation matters arising from infrastructure disputes and public law in general‘. Founding partner Gustavo da Rocha Schmidt acts for private and publicly-held companies in high-profile cases. The ‘attentive‘ Alexandre Kingston is another name to note in the team, along with Eliana da Costa Lourenço and Eliane Zoghbi. Public law-related disputes, especially matters in the oil and gas, infrastructure and construction sectors, are a core area of focus for Michel Grumach.

At Siqueira, Bottrel, Almeida e Silva Advogados, the litigation group ‘manages to combine technical capacity with strategy‘, providing advice to a varied client base on disputes that cover administrative, corporate and civil law. Core areas of strength for the team include judicial proceedings in the public law and energy segments. Co-head Antonio Cesar Siqueira ‘stands out for his experience and knowledge of dispute resolution methods‘; civil and corporate disputes as well as court-supervised reorganisations are among his specialisms. Luisa Bottrel, who has previously served as a first instance judge and a justice for the Rio de Janeiro State Court of Appeals, and Mariana Siqueira, who splits her time between litigation and mediation matters, are other key contacts.

With a strong following from the banking and energy sectors, Ulhôa Canto, Rezende e Guerra Advogados continues to be engaged in complex contentious matters in highly regulated industries involving civil, commercial and corporate law. Telecoms, real estate and infrastructure clients also recurrently turn to the team, which is overseen by Marcelo Beltrao Da Fonseca. At the associate level, Thais Schiavoni Guarnieri Silva Reynol specialises in judicial and arbitral proceedings concerning the power sector, consumer rights and corporate issues, while Danilo Romera Luqueze focuses on credit recovery and court-supervised reorganisations.