Companies from a variety of sectors, including energy, technology and healthcare, routinely turn to Demarest Advogados‘ compliance and investigations practice, which is highly regarded for its ‘incredibly technical and knowledgeable compliance professionals‘. Anti-corruption, commercial bribery and breaches of internal control investigations form part of the work the team is regularly involved in. Eloy Rizzo is heavily engaged in internal investigations, especially those of an anti-corruption or multijurisdictional nature. He jointly oversees the practice with recently promoted partner André Luis Leme, who specialises in administrative liability proceedings involving violations of the Brazilian Clean Company Act. Victoria Arcos, who was promoted to senior associate in January 2024, ‘masters leniency negotiations and investigations‘, including matters concerning moral and sexual harassment.

Underpinned by its full-service structure, Mattos Filho is described as a ‘law firm of the highest competence‘. Its compliance and corporate ethics practice is sought after for its crisis management, corporate governance and investigations-related expertise. Leniency negotiations, government enforcement actions and anti-corruption due diligence for M&A and capital markets transactions are other areas of focus for the practice. Renato Portella‘s broad practice encompasses administrative inquiries, disciplinary procedures and the negotiation of leniency agreements. The 'highly responsive and personable' Marcel Ribas is highlighted for his capabilities handling internal investigations related to corruption, money laundering, and corporate fraud. Thiago Jabor Pinheiro is a key name to note for his expertise in internal investigations, enforcement actions and corporate crisis management. Kevin Altit is sought after by large corporates for his experience in compliance, corporate policy and strategy advisory work.

The ‘deep expertise in local and cross-border investigations‘ of TozziniFreire Advogados‘ compliance and investigations practice sees it regularly involved in large corporate investigations related to fraud and bribery. ‘A longstanding market leader in compliance‘, the firm boasts strong credentials in crisis management, administrative proceedings, leniency agreements and due diligence in the context of corporate transactions. At the helm of the practice is Shin Jae Kim, who is highly regarded in the compliance space and has significant experience advising on large cross-border settlements and investigations involving multiple authorities. Giovanni Paolo Falcetta is regularly seen acting in investigations relating to fraud, corruption, bid rigging and cartel activity. Renata Muzzi Gomes de Almeida is a key name for the negotiation of leniency agreements, as well as internal investigations regarding confidential leaks, the purchase of classified information and accounting fraud. Karla Lini Maeji is noted for her experience in the negotiation of non-trial resolutions in corruption and fraud investigations. Marcelo Zenkner is no longer at the firm.

With a main focus on anti-corruption and money laundering matters, the compliance team at Azevedo Sette Advogados handles risk assessments, due diligence and internal investigations. The team continues to count large corporate names operating in a variety of sectors among its client roster. The highly regarded Isabel Franco oversees the department alongside Glaucia Ferreira and Luiz Eduardo Salles. Franco excels in investigations, risk assessments and whistleblower-related mandates; Ferreira is the name to note for possible violations of anti-corruption legislation; and Salles brings expertise in competition and antitrust-related issues. At the associate level, Viviane Prospero Joao and Lucas Mandelbaum Bianchini are both notable individuals for anti-corruption and anti-bribery due diligence.

The compliance and investigations practice at Lefosse Advogados is adept at handling an array of matters, including independent monitorships, administrative defences before the CGU, integrity due diligence and major corporate investigations into fraud and senior management harassment. Highly regarded in the compliance space, practice head Adriana Dantas has particular expertise in handling cases involving corruption, fraud and cartel involvement in bank-financed projects. Dantas is ably supported by Juliana Daniel, who focuses on government investigations and sanctioning procedures, showcasing strength in anti-competitive conduct investigations. Senior associate Astrid Lima Rocha brings significant experience in corporate governance and securities litigation.

Full-service powerhouse Pinheiro Neto Advogados is regularly called upon by clients for assistance with the implementation of anti-corruption programmes, the negotiation of leniency agreements, defence in liability administrative actions and compliance due diligence. José Alexandre Buaiz Neto is highlighted for his work in internal investigations and negotiations with the Brazilian authorities. Former chief of police Mário Panseri Ferreira is a name to note for matters related to fraud, bribery and internal misconduct investigations, while litigator Vicente Coelho Araujo focuses on appellate litigation before the Brazilian higher courts and independent investigations carried out by public companies. Daniel Costa Rebello is a key name for clients in the healthcare, auto parts and banking sectors.

Described as ‘nothing short of exceptional‘, compliance boutique Saud Advogados is regularly tasked with anti-corruption compliance enforcement and investigations before governmental authorities and multilateral agencies. It also regularly assists clients with the design and implementation of compliance programmes. At the helm of the practice, Salim Jorge Saud Neto, a reference in the field of anti-corruption compliance and enforcement, is especially adept at handling matters of a transactional and multijurisdictional nature. Caroline Rosa complements the practice with her extensive experience in investigations, leniency agreements and administrative proceedings, while Luis Gustavo Vagos regularly conducts compliance due diligence exercises. At associate level, Ana Carolina Chaves and Patricia Zebulum are highlighted for their expertise in the oil and gas segment. Antonio Pimentel left the firm in September 2023.

Tauil & Chequer Advogados‘ global investigations and white-collar defence practice is highly regarded by clients for its compliance-related work. The team is regularly involved in large internal investigations, enforcement actions, prosecutions, as well as judicial and administrative litigation. Litigation expert Luis Inácio Lucena Adams jointly leads the practice with Michel Sancovski, a key name for large-scale investigations, especially those of a cross-border nature. At associate level, Maria Eugenia Kanazawa - 'an exceptionally competent and curious professional' - and Marcelo Ramos Leite specialise in potential breaches of anti-corruption legislation and enforcement of disciplinary measures.

The ethics, compliance and investigations practice at Trench Rossi Watanabe offers wide-ranging expertise in corporate compliance and investigations to a variety of domestic and international corporate clients. Compliance risk assessments, the development of compatible codes of conduct and settlement negotiations with enforcement agencies are typical mandates for the firm. Heloísa Barroso Uelze excels in corporate and criminal investigations across a variety of industry sectors and leads the practice alongside Felipe Ferenzini, who is also very active on the internal investigations front. Associate Ana Carolina Mazzer shines in the implementation and development of compliance programmes, while Beatriz Sangirardi Aranha focuses her practice on anti-corruption matters. Fernanda Casagrande left the firm in July 2023.

The team at Cescon Barrieu is adept at handling a diverse range of sensitive investigations before public authorities regarding corruption, fraud and harassment. Other areas of focus include international sanctions, anti-corruption compliance in large transactions,  and the development and implementation of anti-corruption and anti-money laundering programmes. Spearheading the team, Luciano Inácio De Souza is a key name for sensitive internal investigations related to C-suite employees. Filipe Magliarelli who joined the firm in January 2024 from KLA Advogados, is also highlighted for his expertise in criminal cases involving the financial markets, corruption and money laundering. Yuri Sahione left the firm in December 2023.

Fully utilising its full-service capabilities, Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados‘ compliance investigations and corporate governance practice works closely alongside the firm’s competition, white-collar, labour and environment practices to provide multidisciplinary assistance to its clients. Though primarily known for its crisis management capabilities, the team also shines in administrative defences, leniency agreement negotiations, independent investigations, as well as in the development and evaluation of compliance programmes. Leading the practice is Raphael Soré, an established expert in integrity risks, who joined the firm in July 2023 from KPMG Americas. Juliana Sá de Miranda and former associate Gabriela Estefania Paredes Arcentales left the firm in April 2024.

The compliance team at BMA Advogados is heavily involved in a range of complex investigations, including internal investigations into allegations of fraud, corruption and harassment. Co-practice head Anna Carolina Malta Spilborghs regularly handles corporate investigations related to harassment, cybercrimes and ESG, and advises clients on the application of anti-money laundering legislation. Spilborghs jointly leads the practice alongside José Guilherme Berman, whose public law experience sees him regularly assist with administrative misconduct matters.

Campos Mello Advogados in cooperation with DLA Piper is typically called upon by clients from the energy, construction, healthcare, pharmaceutical and technology sectors seeking assistance with an array of compliance matters. Internal investigations and negotiations with regulatory authorities are notable areas of activity for the team, which is especially present in compliance and anti-money laundering issues in the financial sector. At the helm of the practice, Ricardo Caiado Lima is a go-to name for anti-bribery and anti-corruption due diligence, compliance audits and integrity programmes. Lima is ably supported by Antonio Carlos Tovo, who specialises in crisis management, and associate André Sampaio Lacerda Ferraz who is experienced in the review and implementation of compliance programmes.

Huck, Otranto, Camargo Advogados is called upon by clients for its expertise in government and internal investigations, anticorruption legislation and compliance audits in M&A and financing transactions. The team remains active in the infrastructure, insurance, mining, media, logistics, education and software spaces. Practice head Rafael Gimenes is an expert in crisis management, corporate investigations, and negotiations with the authorities. Gimenes joined the practice alongside Gianluca Martins Smanio and Rafael Machado Freire Amaral in April 2023, all of whom came from Veirano Advogados.

The anti-corruption, compliance and corporate investigations team at Stocche Forbes Advogados has vast expertise in this space spanning a range of sectors, such as mining, retail, energy and oil and gas. The group is 'always concerned with achieving the best result for the client, bringing the appropriate level of detail, diligence and reasonableness'. Camila Pepe leads the practice and is adept at conducting complex internal investigations before public authorities, especially those regarding fraud and harassment.

Noted for its 'dedication, exceptional work ethic, and a personalised approach to addressing the unique needs of each client', Veirano Advogados has significant experience handling a great variety of corporate and government investigations, crisis management matters, risk assessments and due diligence exercises. Practice head Alberto Monteiro has led on several investigations initiated by the Brazilian anti-corruption enforcers. Lívia Gândara is highlighted for her extensive experience in internal investigations into corrupt practices, fraud and corporate misconduct. Vitor Jorge left the firm in May 2023.

Vella Pugliese Buosi e Guidoni Advogados is called upon by clients for its experience in the implementation of compliance programmes, drafting of compliance policies, internal investigations, compliance due diligence and representation in administrative proceedings. Denise Chachamovitz Leão de Salles leads the team which benefits from her extensive expertise in a range of compliance matters, especially in the infrastructure, healthcare and financial services sectors. Associate Fernanda Kassab Nunes Silva is a name to note for M&A due diligences. The team welcomed Vitor Jorge from Veirano Advogados in November 2023.

Devoted to compliance, anti-corruption and regulatory matters, Warde Advogados‘ team is a popular choice among clients seeking to implement compliance programmes. The group is skilled at representing an array of clients in administrative proceedings before the Federal Court of Accounts and criminal investigations. Practice head Valdir Moysés Simão excels in the area of compliance, drawing on his tenure as chief minister of the CGU. Founding partner Walfrido Jorge Warde Júnior is also a key driver of the compliance practice; he is a name to note for contentious mandates. Former director general of the Brazilian Federal Police Leandro Daiello Coimbra shines on internal investigations, while Renato Polillo is the go-to for cross-border anti-corruption matters.