Despite its relatively recent history, Davi Tangerino Advogados has already become one of the main forces in the Brazilian white-collar crime and investigations legal market. Founded in 2018 by renowned criminal law experts, the outfit, which experienced a rebranding in February 2022 when former partner Salo De Carvalho left to establish his own firm, continues to attract new instructions from a strong corporate client base operating in a range of industries, including energy, technology, banking, infrastructure and life sciences. Singled out for its capabilities in acting for defendants and victims of crime, the firm has recently expanded its services on the litigation front with the opening of its office in Brasília, which strengthened its profile in proceedings before the superior courts. Founding partner Davi Tangerino combines ‘strategic thinking and technical knowledge in criminal law‘; he leads the team, which also includes the ‘excellent‘ André Filibe Kend Tanabe, and senior associate Patrícia Dannebrock Águedo. Lucas Albuquerque Aguiar, who previously worked as a law clerk to the president of the Brazilian Supreme Court and as chief of staff at the Ministry of Justice, is the name to note in Brasília.

The ‘highly trained and qualified team‘ at white-collar crime boutique Iokoi Advogados offers representation and advice to clients across the entire spectrum of matters, including corporate and economic crime, and mandates involving fraud, bribery, embezzlement, tax evasion and money laundering. Combining ‘objective and precise legal solutions in the face of complex matters typical of highly regulated markets’, such as finance and energy, the team is especially well placed to handle criminal investigations, but is also frequently seen acting in internal fraud investigations, and complex cases, including appeals in the higher courts. Department head Pedro Ivo Gricoli Iokoi, whose ‘strong understanding of the corporate environment and business needs‘ is highlighted by clients, is seasoned in anti-fraud work and in the defence of C-suite executives and politicians. Other key individuals include Bruno Lambert de Almeida, Caio Cesar Tomioto Mendes and Ricardo Capelli, the latter of whom oversees the telecoms and payment methods team. Associate Maria Luiza Maluf Novaes, who regularly assists companies from the education, retail and services sectors, was recently promoted to coordinator of the team.

Bringing together strong litigation capabilities, international experience and a multidisciplinary approach, Mattos Filho provides legal support to major companies and high-profile individuals in the full array of white-collar crime and investigations matters. Besides its strength in federal investigations, the ‘extremely competent, dedicated and available‘ group is also skilled in cases involving environmental crimes, tax evasion, bankruptcy and securities fraud, including appeals and proceedings before the higher courts. Flávia Leardini, a ‘go-to‘ for corporate and economic crime, is proficient in non-contentious issues and litigation involving tax evasion, corruption and money laundering. The highly regarded Paula Moreira Indalecio has over 20 years’ experience in criminal law, with a special emphasis on the technology and security spaces. Rogério Taffarello is often engaged by individuals and corporations in criminal investigations and litigation involving corporate crimes. Senior associate Philippe Nascimento joined from Dias Carvalho Filho E Furrier Advogados in May 2022.

Rated by clients as ‘one of the best criminal law firms in the country‘, Cavalcanti Sion Advogados acts for domestic and foreign players – including financial institutions, individuals and corporates from the construction, infrastructure, healthcare, technology, oil and gas, services and agribusiness sectors – in complex investigations and litigation, including proceedings before the superior courts. Dora Cavalcanti, whose experience in this space spans over two decades, is regularly retained to act in white-collar crime and money laundering cases, corruption scandals and cross-border investigations. She jointly heads up the team with the ‘diligent, competent, quick and efficient‘ Paula Sion, who is counsel of choice for major companies in a variety of criminal matters, ranging from corporate and bankruptcy crime to internal investigations. Luiza Moreira Peregrino Ferreira, who has previously worked as a judge at the state court of Santa Catarina, excels in appeals before the higher courts. Gabriel Holtz and Raquel Lima Scalcon, who joined from Scalcon Novaes Advogados in 2022, stand out at the associate level.

Claudio Figueiredo Costa Advocacia Criminal possesses ‘in-depth legal knowledge‘ of criminal law and a ‘great ability to understand the cases and situations that arise‘ in the context of complex white-collar crime cases and investigations. Companies from an array of industries, including energy, financial services and construction, as well as high-profile individuals turn to the team for advice on matters involving corruption, money laundering, embezzlement and bid rigging; environmental crime is another area of activity for the group, which is based in Rio de Janeiro. At the helm of the practice, Cláudio Figueiredo Costa has led on several emblematic criminal cases, acting on behalf of heavyweights from the oil and gas, infrastructure, logistics and services sectors. Raphael Gaudio offers key support in high-stakes criminal cases.

A ‘reference‘ in the white-collar crime market in Brazil, Mudrovitsch Advogados ‘uniquely combines risk analysis with business viability‘ to assist corporate and private clients on risk assessment, preventive measures and criminal proceedings. Financial and tax crimes feature heavily in the diverse caseload managed by the group, which is also active in cases involving money laundering, bribery and corruption, with a particular focus on the construction, energy and agribusiness segments. Showcasing a strong geographical footprint across the country, the firm has offices in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, and also has a solid presence in Brasília, Mato Grosso and Rondônia. Rodrigo De Bittencourt Mudrovitsch stands out for his track record in litigation before the superior courts. The ‘extremely competent‘ Felipe Fernandes De Carvalho is one of the main points of contact for criminal law trials and appeals at the higher courts, while Ivan Candido Da Silva De Franco is highlighted for his ‘high technical knowledge‘ of environmental and tax crimes. Gustavo Teixeira Gonet Branco coordinates the Rio de Janeiro-based team.

Boutique criminal law firm Tofic Simantob, Perez, José e Ortiz Advogados is well positioned to advise household companies and individuals – including public officials, high-profile executives and businessmen – across the gamut of cases relating to white-collar and economic crime, including litigation and federal investigations. Offences relating to finance, tax, bid rigging, bankruptcy, antitrust, corruption and money laundering are core areas of focus for the team, which is also proficient in environmental crimes. The ‘distinguished‘ Fábio Tofic Simantob jointly leads the practice with Débora Perez Dias, a key contact for large companies, banks and associations; the ‘incredible and highly qualified‘ Mariana Tranchesi Ortiz; and João Henrique Imperia Martini, who has significant experience at the Public Defender’s Office of the State of São Paulo.

David Rechulski, Advogados enjoys a ‘great reputation‘ in corporate crime matters, acting for domestic and international companies operating in a variety of industries, such as mining, telecoms, banking, insurance, construction, energy and infrastructure, among others. The team has notable strength in defending high-ranking executives in criminal investigations and litigation involving allegations of corporate fraud, corruption, bid rigging, cartels, and environmental and financial crimes. Leading the practice, David Rechulski, a specialist in criminal law and corporate crisis management, has assisted household names in highly sensitive criminal matters. Senior partner Ricardo Küpper Pagés, Valeska Pinto, whose notable areas of practice include criminal matters and compliance, and senior associate Juliana Makiyama are also part of the core team.

One of the first full-service firms to create a dedicated white-collar crime group, Demarest Advogados has a wealth of experience in acting in the defence of companies and individuals in criminal investigations and sensitive cases, including financial, tax, cyber and environmental crimes, as well as matters involving corruption, bid rigging and money laundering. The highly recommended Fabyola En Rodrigues is retained by major companies and high-ranking executives seeking representation in criminal law cases, government investigations and enforcement proceedings. She leads the practice, which also includes Larissa Borges Guimarães, who specialises in anti-corruption, anti-bribery and compliance matters, and Aline de Oliveira Silva.

Anti-corruption, money laundering, tax evasion, cyber, antitrust and environmental crimes are all areas of focus for the ‘highly qualified’ white-collar practice at KLA Advogados, which combines expertise in criminal matters with strong corporate law capabilities. Corporate clients from the construction, infrastructure, education, TMT and pharmaceuticals sectors regularly seek the team’s advice on highly sensitive matters, including instances before the superior courts. Senior associate Juliane Mendonça is a name to note in the team. Former practice head Filipe Magliarelli left the firm in January 2024.

Pinheiro Neto Advogados houses a ‘technically impeccable team‘ made up of lawyers specialised in corporate criminal law, who are often engaged by high-profile executives and corporate entities in investigations and prosecutions brought by state and federal authorities throughout Brazil. With extensive experience in the defence of the full array of white-collar crime allegations, from insider trading to corruption, the group also showcases a successful track record in internal investigations. Mário Panseri Ferreira, who has over two decades’ experience in legal counselling and litigation, is a seasoned practitioner in matters involving fraud, anti-corruption issues and compliance. Counsel Lourival Lofrano Júnior focuses on tax, environmental and financial crimes, while Natalia Genina Lugero De Almeida ‘stands out for her analytical and risk assessment capabilities‘ in the context of internal and government investigations.

With extensive experience in litigation and consulting, Ráo & Lago Advogados provides a ‘high-quality service‘ to banks, brokerage houses, securities distributors and companies from a variety of industries, including construction, real estate and infrastructure, in relation to corporate crime matters. High-profile individuals also routinely turn to the practice for advice on cases that go beyond criminal investigations at the federal and state levels. Sônia Cochrane Ráo ‘possesses a long and distinguished career in criminal law‘, advising clients on corruption, money laundering, tax evasion, environmental and financial crimes. Natasha do Lago ‘stands out for her knowledge of the financial and capital markets‘, while Marina Chaves Alves particularly excels in cases involving financial, tax and money laundering offences. Tarsila Fonseca Tojal and Giovanna Silveira Tavolaro are noted at the associate level for their involvement in sensitive cases.

Covering both consulting matters and complex corporate criminal litigation, Siqueira Castro – Advogados is well positioned to defend the interests of companies, senior executives and employees in sensitive proceedings at the administrative and judicial levels, including before the superior courts. Standing out for its broad geographical footprint across the country, the team provides support in the context of tax, financial and economic crimes, allegations of money laundering, big rigging and fraud, as well as environmental offences. The group is led by João Daniel Rassi, who specialises in mandates involving crimes against the financial, capital markets and tax systems. Victor Labate, Pedro Luis de Almeida Camargo, who often acts in litigation, including appeals and cases before the higher courts, and Beatriz Massetto Trevisan stand out at the associate level. Former practice co-head Renata Cestari Ferreira left the firm in August 2023.

Founded in 2019, the compliance, white-collar and investigations group at Cescon Barrieu, which works closely with other firm-wide practices, regularly assists corporate clients in the identification of criminal risks and structuring of strategies in the context of capital markets, tax and environmental infractions. Typical instructions for the group also include defending clients in allegations of white-collar crimes before state and federal courts. Since publication, former practice head Yuri Sahione has left the firm, while compliance, white-collar crime and investigations specialist Filipe Magliarelli joined from KLA Advogados, effective as of January 2024.

Focused on economic and white-collar crimes, criminal law boutique Correa Gontijo Advogados acts for companies, executives and individuals – including public officials – in sensitive matters, including federal and state police investigations. Administrative and judicial litigation are key areas of activity for the firm, which has a strong track record before the superior courts. Founding partner Conrado Almeida Correa Gontijo, ‘one of the leading exponents of Brazilian criminal law’, oversees the department, where Bruna Nunes is another name to note for corporate crime matters.

Specialised white-collar and investigations boutique David Teixeira de Azevedo Advogados offers non-contentious and litigation advice to multinational companies operating in a broad range of industries, such as mining, banking, telecoms and pharmaceuticals, among others. Notable areas of practice include criminal issues involving tax evasion, fraud, money laundering, insider trading, corruption and environmental offences; the group is also singled out for its strong credentials in internal investigations. David Teixeira de Azevedo has a wealth of experience in high-stakes criminal cases spanning four decades. He jointly leads the practice with managing partner André Dias de Azevedo, Sandro Lívio Segnini and Reinaldo Staliano.

With extensive experience in acting for high-profile individuals and companies from the worlds of banking, pharmaceuticals, construction, infrastructure, technology and retail, Donati Buzanelli Advogados is a solid performer in criminal investigations and litigation. Proceedings involving crimes against the environment, the public administration and the financial system are core focuses for the Brasília-based firm, which is also adept in investigations into alleged bid rigging and corruption. Conrado Donati, who brings together expertise in corporate crime and compliance, and Paulo Victor Buzanelli, who often defends domestic and international companies in criminal allegations, oversee the team. Also recommended, Barbara Lima specialises in criminal law.

Rated for its ‘high level of legal expertise in the area of corporate criminal law and investigations‘, Brasília-based firm Figueiredo & Velloso Advogados provides advisory and litigation services to a diverse client roster comprised of Brazilian listed companies, multinationals, investments funds, fund managers and foreign investors. The ‘highly skilled‘ group, whose areas of expertise include matters involving corruption, fraud and bid rigging, is jointly led by a capable duo, Ticiano Figueiredo and Pedro Ivo Velloso, both of whom specialise in criminal law.

Praised for its ‘technical quality, availability and commitment‘, Florêncio Filho & Camargo Aranha Advogados is adept at handling contentious and consulting matters concerning corporate and economic crime, fraud, bribery, tax evasion and money laundering. Individuals and companies from a variety of industries, most notably banking and education, seek the team’s guidance in the context of criminal investigations and claims, including proceedings and appeals before the higher courts. Criminal law expert Marco Aurélio Florêncio Filho, who acts on both the victim and defence sides, jointly leads the group with the ‘very knowledgeable‘ Rodrigo Aranha and João Paulo Orsini Martinelli, a key contact for corporate and private clients.

Höfling Sociedade de Advogados, which acts exclusively in criminal law matters and white-collar crime cases, offers support to clients – including multinational companies and high-ranking individuals – across Brazil. Covering advice on criminal litigation and investigations, the group is active in matters involving money laundering, as well as crimes against the environment, the financial system and the consumer. Rated for its ‘high technical capacity‘, the department is co-led by founding partner Clarissa de Faro Teixeira Höfling, who has over 20 years’ experience in this space, and the ‘outstanding‘ Pedro Beretta, a key contact for both corporate and private clients. Associate Gustavo Nascimento Gomes, who specialises in criminal law and procedure, is also noted.

Lefosse Advogados fields a specialised compliance, investigations and white-collar crime practice, launched in 2019, with ‘extensive experience in complex cases‘ and investigations concerning allegations of fraud, money laundering, tax evasion and environmental crime. The group demonstrates particularly strong capabilities in preventive matters and crisis management, and also excels in the negotiation of plea bargain agreements with the Brazilian authorities. Following her tenure on the Petrobras Integrity Board Committee, the ‘exceptional‘ Adriana Dantas, who has a wealth of experience in compliance and internal investigations, joined in August 2022 with a group of associates, as a result of the incorporation of her former firm Adriana Dantas Advogados. The team was further strengthened by the addition of corporate criminal law expert Marcelo Ribeiro in January 2023, who was previously at the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office; he is skilled in multi-jurisdictional investigations and proceedings related to corruption, money laundering, economic and tax crime. Juliana Daniel is especially active in government enforcement actions and internal investigations. Associates Astrid Lima Rocha and Marina Nicolosi are other names to note for compliance and white-collar crime mandates.

Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados is well placed to advise on compliance matters and litigation at both the judicial and administrative levels involving white-collar crime. On the non-contentious front, the team is regularly called upon by companies – most notably those operating in the oil and gas, banking, logistics, pharmaceutical and technology sectors – to provide legal opinions on criminal mandates, leniency agreements and internal corporate investigations, among other issues. Criminal investigations involving potential violations of anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, tax and environmental law are key areas of activity for the group, which is led by Juliana Sá de Miranda, a well-known compliance specialist with a strong white-collar crime background. Gabriela Estefania Paredes Arcentales, a key contact for clients from the automotive, banking, energy, construction and retail segments, ‘is committed to clients and has a strong knowledge of criminal banking’.

Bringing together expertise in investigations and claims involving allegations of environmental and financial crimes, fraud, money laundering, and bid rigging, Caputo, Bastos & Serra Advogados is a popular choice for companies and executives from the worlds of crypto, construction, energy and IT. Paula Lima Hyppolito Oliveira, who specialises in corporate criminal matters, is the main point of contact in the team.

Criminal law boutique Carlos Eduardo Machado Advogados possesses ‘experienced and practical lawyers with relevant in-depth knowledge‘ of corporate crime matters, including investigations and litigation. Though primarily based in Rio de Janeiro, the group is active throughout the country, often representing high-profile clients in proceedings in Brasília, São Paulo, Curitiba and Recife. Carlos Eduardo Machado, Nastassja Chalub and Nastassja Chalub jointly oversee the practice.

Singled out for its ‘great technical quality‘ and ‘extensive knowledge of the jurisprudence of higher courts‘, Brasília-based firm Carneiros Advogados showcases ‘in-depth knowledge of criminal law issues‘. The firm is well placed to advise on sensitive cases concerning corruption, money laundering and other criminal allegations, and has carved out a solid reputation in the market given its focus on matters before the appellate and superior courts. Rafael De Alencar Araripe Carneiro, who spearheads the practice, is noted for his ‘broad knowledge of the higher courts‘. Pedro Victor Porto Ferreira is also recommended for his experience in corporate crime matters.

CAZ Advogados has a strong track record in representing companies – especially those operating in the crypto, financial services, real estate and retail sectors – and individuals in criminal cases throughout Brazil. Proceedings involving environmental crimes, corruption and money laundering issues feature in the firm’s portfolio, which also includes internal investigations and compliance matters. The ‘brilliant‘ Helena Regina Lobo da Costa focuses on allegations of environmental and economic crimes, while Daniel Zaclis has ‘unrivalled experience‘ in corporate internal investigations. Founding partner Marina Pinhão Coelho Araújo combines experience in corporate crime and compliance, and Daniel Gerstler is recommended for criminal litigation cases. Giovanna Bertolucci Nogueira and Gabriela Pizzol are key associates to note.

At Felsberg Advogados, the white-collar crime and corporate investigations practice regularly assists household names from an array of sectors in crisis management, risk assessments, investigative procedures and litigation at the judicial and administrative levels. The group is especially skilled at handling federal and internal investigations into allegations of corruption, fraud, money laundering and environmental crime. André Fonseca possesses a wealth of experience in criminal litigation and police investigations.

Based in Salvador, criminal law boutique Gamil Foppel Advogados is seen with great regularity assisting high-profile individuals and companies in matters involving economic, business and tax crime. With considerable experience in criminal investigations and litigation in northeast Brazil, the firm is also developing its presence in Brasília and in the southeast of the country. White-collar criminal law specialists Gamil Föppel and Gisela Borges lead the department.

The ‘cohesive team‘ at Rahal, Carnelós e Vargas do Amaral Advogados is often retained by major companies, their senior executives and high-profile individuals – including public officials – in investigations and litigation involving matters of corruption, fraud and money laundering. Rated for its ‘deep legal knowledge and efficient procedural petitions‘, the group is under the joint leadership of a trio of seasoned practitioners: Flávia Rahal Bresser Pereira, who is recommended by clients for her longstanding experience in white-collar crime; Guilherme Ziliani Carnelós, who ‘has solid knowledge of corporate criminal law and investigations‘; and Camila Austregesilo Vargas do Amaral, who specialises in economic and European criminal law.

Led by Isadora Fingermann, the white-collar crime department at TozziniFreire Advogados is regularly engaged by major companies and executives in proceedings involving tax evasion and financial crimes. Covering both investigations and litigation, the team often works in collaboration with other practices – most notably antitrust, labour and environment – in crisis management. Key areas of growth for the group include tech-related mandates and investigations into allegations of cyber fraud. Commended by clients for her ‘technical knowledge, strategy and experience‘, Fingermann excels in the defense of criminal cases and interactions with prosecutors. Senior associate Carolina Franco has worked in several high-profile corporate criminal cases. Associate Nathalia Latorre maintains a broad practice acting for corporations and individuals in cases related to the full range of white-collar crime offences, from money laundering to bid rigging.

Large Brazilian and international companies regularly seek Trench Rossi Watanabe‘s assistance in white-collar criminal law cases and investigations, including matters related to tax crimes, IP criminal violations and public procurement. The group is proficient in crisis management, and proceedings involving allegations of money laundering, fraud and corruption. João Augusto Gameiro, who is noted for his ‘deep knowledge of criminal matters‘, acts for corporations, shareholders and officers in the defence of criminal claims and police investigations. Focused on corporate crime, senior associate Tiago Caruso has advised companies on complex criminal cases and compliance.