Singled out for its credentials in the transmission segment, ASBZ Advogados is particularly well versed in administrative proceedings and contentious regulatory matters. The São Paulo-based team is consolidated under the leadership of Daniel Ribeiro do Valle, who oversees the litigation, arbitration, and M&A arm, and Rafael Janiques, whose ‘high level of intellectual influence’ proves invaluable in regulatory consulting and in discussions with the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency (ANEEL) and the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME). Senior associate Bianca Wolf Garzon Duffles has a strong background in litigation in this space.

Deploying its vast dispute resolution resources, Bermudes Advogados extends its reach into the power sector through high-profile contentious matters, specialising in administrative disputes, regulatory issues, and appeals. Project approvals are another key focus for the team, whose advice is sought out by both domestic and international players from across the power chain. Based in Rio de Janeiro, dedicated energy practitioner and regulatory expert Vítor Ferreira Alves de Brito assumes the lead, alongside disputes veteran Marcio Vieira Souto Costa Ferreira, whose experience in excess of three decades makes him an asset in sector-related arbitration proceedings and dispute risk mitigation. Rounding out the team, Frederico Ferreira exercises corporate law know-how in high-stakes contentious matters.

Solidifying its presence in the power sector, Braz, Coelho, Veras, Lessa e Bueno Advogados channels its infrastructure expertise into advising large and publicly traded companies on project structuring, development, and finance, as well as M&A and dispute resolution. Proficient across all segments, the team has also been heavily engaged in projects involving hydro, solar, thermo and wind energy sources. Founding partner Felipe Henrique Braz, an infrastructure and regulatory expert with a focus on projects involving private investments in regulated sectors, holds down the fort in Curitiba, while Rafael Véras De Freitas and Leonardo Coelho Ribeiro, recognised for their work in regulatory and administrative law, lead from Rio de Janeiro.

Campos Mello Advogados in cooperation with DLA Piper bolsters its extensive capacity in M&A transactions with specialised assistance in net metering agreements, PPAs, and public auctions. Combining ‘practical experience, market knowledge and mastery of theory’, the team provides support in the structuring, development, and implementation of hydro, wind, solar, and thermal projects. In São Paulo, Fabiano Gallo is sought after for M&A and project mandates relating especially to PPAs, net metering, and self-production projects. Former co-heads Marcelo Frazão and Alexandre Bittencourt Calmon left the firm in November 2024.

The industry specialists at Cescon Barrieu pool resources from across the firm’s regulation, M&A, capital markets, and tax practices to offer key power players across both traditional and non-traditional segments – like power trading and electrification – tailored solutions in transactions and regulatory matters. Financing is an established strength for the team, which advises consumers and generators on self-distribution projects and assists with the development of joint ventures for distributed generation. The power practice is led out of Rio de Janeiro by founding partner Maurício Teixeira dos Santos, who focuses on power deals, renewables, and energy transmission. Eduardo Lanna advises on M&A transactions and project implementation. Ana Carolina Katlauskas Calil, who brings a wealth of experience in regulatory issues in the power sector, recently joined from TozziniFreire Advogados. Former co-head Alexandre Leite is no longer at the firm.

Leveraging expertise in project structuring and regulatory matters, Demarest Advogados is frequently instructed by major industry players and public authorities seeking assistance with the development of large-scale generation, distribution, and transmission projects. Self-generation and distributed generation count among the team’s fortes, reinforced by extensive experience in commercial contracts with a renewables focus. Based in São Paulo, transactional and regulatory specialist Rosi Costa Barros leads the practice, and is a point of reference for a range of matters, including power generation project structuring, power efficiency projects, and project development contracts. Associate Thaís Araujo Tarelho’s ‘unparalleled regulatory knowledge’ makes her an asset for energy clients seeking contentious and non-contentious advice.

Dias Carneiro Advogados enjoys the confidence of multilateral organisations, credit agencies and development banks in negotiating complex financing and debt restructuring agreements for energy and renewables projects. In the wind and solar arena, the team has recently advised on US dollar-indexed PPAs, and is equally proficient in transactions and contractual matters. Project finance and transactions specialist Thiago Vallandro Flores leads the São Paulo-based team alongside Ricardo Sanches, who incorporates public, regulatory, and corporate law experience into his comprehensive coverage of the energy sector. Paulo Leme is a name to note for the development and financing of energy projects, while Gustavo Junqueira’s command of investment-related issues proves invaluable in M&A, debt repurchase, and financing transactions. Alexandre Leite joined from Cescon Barrieu in July 2024.

Energy and natural resources boutique Edelstein Advogados ‘stands out for its technical depth and sophistication’ in regulatory matters, dispute resolution, and sector-related taxes, with notable strength in the transmission and generation segments. Other areas of activity include the structuring of generation energy projects for trading in the regulated and free market, and self-production from conventional and renewable sources. Founding partner André Edelstein’s ‘deep understanding of the electricity sector and ability to navigate its complexity’ derives from decades of experience assisting players from all segments, trading companies, and large consumers with regulatory, tax, contractual, and litigation matters. He leads the São Paulo team alongside Ana Clara Toledo Brito, who advises on the spectrum of regulatory, environment, and contract law, and San Francisco-based Gabriel Faria Bernardes, whose ‘tenacity and attention to detail are highly valued’ in both consulting and litigation. João Paulo Gusmão is noted for his ‘proactive approach to problem solving and ability to construct persuasive arguments’. Counsel Rodrigo Rodi left the firm in February 2024.

With extensive experience in energy auctions promoted by ANEEL in the regulated market, IW Melcheds has made strides in the solar generation sector, assisting with project development and implementation, EPC and equipment supply agreements, as well as M&A transactions involving renewable energy assets. Founding partner Rodrigo Mello – a corporate law, M&A, and financing expert – leads the São Paulo-based team in collaboration with Fernanda Passos, whose in-depth knowledge of corporate considerations and transactions proves valuable to investors, foreign entities, and multinationals.

Synonymous with energy regulatory expertise, boutique firm Julião Coelho Advocacia is a key port of call for players from across the energy sphere engaged in complex regulatory cases before the superior courts. Team strengths draw from the ‘highly specialised’ members’ previous experience at ANEEL, positioning them also to assist with power matters at the intersection of both environmental and administrative law. Founding partner Julião Silveira Coelho is lauded for his ‘differentiated legal and regulatory knowledge about the sector’ and presence in prominent litigation matters. He leads the Brasília practice alongside managing partner Camila Alves Angoti de Moraes, whose ‘ease of dialogue and power of persuasion with the operating bodies’ has proved invaluable in ground-breaking cases relating to new technologies in solar and storage energy, and head of litigation Pedro Henrique Maciel Fonseca, recommended for his ‘in-depth knowledge of procedural aspects in both administrative and judicial aspects’. Civil procedure and constitutional law expert Guilherme Leite Chamum Aguiar and administrative and judicial litigation specialist Marcos Serejo de Paula Pessoa round out the team.

Equipped with professionals who ‘demonstrate remarkable technical capacity’, Lefosse Advogados is particularly skilled in the structuring of large-scale power ventures, distributed generation and self-production projects, and regulatory matters. The multidisciplinary team also handles privatisation processes, disputes, and administrative proceedings before ANEEL, advising both consumers and generators. Regulatory, transactions, and litigation specialist Raphael Gomes takes the helm in São Paulo, supporting on a range of generation, commercialisation, transmission, and distribution issues. Pedro Dante ‘has all the technical knowledge ’in power purchase contracts, litigation, and arbitration, while Bruno Crispim’s CCEE background proves beneficial in regulatory consulting and litigation, as well as M&A and project development. Senior associate Renato Edelstein distinguishes himself in administrative matters related to privatisations, and the implementation of distributed energy projects.

Demonstrating exceptional aptitude in the transmission segment, boutique firm Lobão Cosenza, Figueiredo Cavalcante Advogados also supports clients across generation, distributed generation and energy trading in administrative proceedings before ANEEL, regulatory advice, and M&A transactions. Based in São Paulo, the practice is jointly led by founding partners Caio Figueiredo Cavalcante, whose extensive transmission credentials serve him well in contract negotiations, and Tiago Lobão Cosenza, who has ‘renowned knowledge of transmission regulation’. Also at the helm of the practice,  Valéria de Souza Rosa has ‘an enviable track record of actions with favourable results in the sector’s administrative processes’, while Maria Júlia Menezes de Toledo Florencio focuses on project development and implementation.

A stellar track record in transactions and project development sees Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados as first recourse for investors and corporations engaged in complex deals in the power industry. Harnessing extensive experience in corporate and administrative law, as well as project finance and development, the team is frequently retained to advise on joint ventures facilitating the construction and operation of power projects, the structuring and financing of self-production by equivalence projects with PPAs indexed to US dollars, and M&A transactions. Leadership of the São Paulo practice is shared between infrastructure and energy projects specialist Ana Karina Souza, who ‘stands out for her wealth of experience and substantial knowledge of the energy industry’, Paulo Machado, whose ‘ability to quickly understand the nuances of specific project challenges and present tailored solutions’ shines in regulation, project financing, and the structuring of transactions, and Laura Souza, who, in addition to clients in the generation, distribution, transmission, and trading segments, supports large size consumers in the energy-intensive industrial area. At the senior associate level, constitutional and administrative law experts Heloisa Zerbinatti Sato and Luisa Andrade Costa e Silva Rodrigues assist with M&A, project structuring, and international entities intending to engage in activities in Brazil.

Housed within the infrastructure, regulatory and public law practice, the energy team at Madrona Fialho Advogados brings together multidisciplinary expertise in regulation, litigation, contracts, and transactions. Project structuring is a key strength, and PPAs and build-to-suit arrangements form a bulk of the transactional workload, while self-production continues to be a growing area of interest. São Paulo’s Rodrigo Machado leads the charge, exercising ‘technical quality’ in generation and transmission project structuring, including comprehensive assistance in auctions and concessions processes. Felipe Zaratini is no longer at the firm.

Cementing its position as a market leader, Mattos Filho continues to be without peer in structural power transactions, servicing a host of high-value, notable M&A, PPA negotiations, and financing agreements for some of the biggest players across the electricity sector. A conscious focus on the energy transition sees the team participating in a lion’s share of current self-production projects, while on the regulatory front, members are frequently sought out for their aptitude in judicial claims and administrative proceedings before ANEEL. In São Paulo, Fabiano Ricardo Luz de Brito enjoys the confidence of power producers, utility providers, trading companies, and independent agents in matters of regulation and transactions, and Sofia Barbosa assists across the value chain with administrative proceedings, litigation, M&A transactions, and regulatory consulting. Rio de Janeiro’s Giovani Loss is an authority on clean and renewable energy, supporting on both transactions and strategy definition in administrative proceedings. Pablo Sorj takes the lead on multi-sourced financings, and is a key contact for investors engaging in project development and M&A, while Felipe Feres is particularly well versed in thermal plants, gas-to-power and renewable projects. Senior associate Bárbara Mendes Carnevalli, based in São Paulo, specialises in regulatory consulting spanning bidding procedures, PPAs, and M&A.

Highlighted for its ‘extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of electricity sector regulation’, Mundie e Advogados is a familiar face in industry-specific issues and discussions, particularly in the power generation segment. Project implementation and advice on the commercialisation of electric energy in the free market have also recently dominated the team’s workload. The São Paulo practice is centred on Rafael Fabbri D’Avila, whose exhaustive knowledge of institutions and governmental bodies operating in the sector makes him an asset in administrative proceedings and regulatory negotiations. Nathalya David François focuses on regulatory issues in the sector, and is particularly proficient in generation and transmission matters.

Full-service powerhouse Pinheiro Neto Advogados demonstrates versatility across the spectrum of power matters, spanning transactions, financing, litigation, and administrative proceedings before ANEEL and CCEE, often acting for local and international corporations and investors in the generation, distribution, and transmission segments, as well as power trading companies. The team’s recent emphasis on the power transition towards green hydrogen follows ‘a long tradition and reputation’ in regulatory matters. Practitioners routinely advise on high-profile privatisations, public tenders, divestiture programmes, distributed generation and self-production projects. Seasoned energy specialist José Roberto Oliva Júnior, based in São Paulo, is a reference for energy regulatory issues, project finance, and M&A transactions, with expertise in both traditional and renewable sources – including wind, solar, biomass, and hydropower. Senior associate José Carlos Altomari Teixeira in Rio de Janeiro channels his regulatory credentials into the implementation of self-production by equivalence structures.

Predominant in the regulatory facets of the power industry, Rolim Goulart Cardoso Advogados ‘stands out for its excellent consultancy services, especially at the intersection between energy and administrative law’. Frequently present in relevant government policy discussions, the team is retained by household names from all segments in administrative proceedings before ANEEL, judicial disputes, and arbitration cases. At the forefront of the practice are renowned energy veteran Maria João Rolim, who, between São Paulo and Lisbon, has been particularly enterprising in conversations around a national hydrogen strategy, Rio de Janeiro’s Vitor Sarmento De Mello, whose previous vocation at the National Electric System Operator (ONS) serves him in good stead in navigating a plethora of regulatory affairs, and Helvécio Franco Maia Júnior in Belo Horizonte, who handles in complex disputes relating to the energy sector. Coordination of the firm’s regulatory department is shared between renewables and arbitration experts Alice de Siqueira Khouri in Lisbon, who also manages the Brazilian desk in Portugal, Elise Calixto in São Paulo, and Caio José de Oliveira Alves  in Brasília.

Representing investors, operators, financial institutions, and free and captive consumers in the electricity sector, Schmidt, Valois, Miranda, Ferreira & Agel Advogados is engaged in green and brownfield project development and financing, in addition to traditional commercial transactions. Recent mandates include advising transmission and generation companies on public bids for concessions, and interactions with administrative bodies. M&A and transactions expert Guilherme Schmidt, based in Rio de Janeiro, and regulatory and administrative law specialist Alexei Macorin Vivan in São Paulo jointly lead the team. Rogério Miranda, also based in Rio, harnesses decades of experience in transactions, and ‘always manages to interact constructively and diplomatically in negotiations, bringing clarity where there is often fog’.

Beyond its traditional strengths in regulatory advice and administrative litigation before ANEEL, Siqueira Castro – Advogados has gained traction in assisting consumers gain access to the national grid. In collaboration with the firm’s corporate, finance, and real estate departments, the team is also proficient in transactions and the implementation of generation projects. Following the departure of former practice co-head Eduardo Rodrigues Evangelista in November 2023, Humberto Negrão flies the ship solo in São Paulo, focusing on the generation, transmission, trading and consumption segments. Associate Victor Navarro joined the team in May 2023 from Zeigler Advogados, bringing with him a combination of regulatory and litigation experience. Pedro Monti left the firm in July 2023.

Spreading its sector-specific experience across regulatory consulting, project development, PPAs, financing, M&A, and disputes before administrative, judicial and arbitral courts, Souto Correa Advogados advises clients from all power segments. Transmission connection agreements, biogas-to-power projects, distributed generation, and wind and solar power projects have recently kept the energy team particularly busy. In São Paulo, Tiago Figueiró, who has a stellar reputation in high-profile transactions in the renewables sector, assumed the position of practice head in September 2023, taking over from Fabio Di Lallo and Livia Amorim, who left the firm in the same month; Figueiró was formerly at Brookfield Asset Management. Otávio Domit, based in Porto Alegre, is the key point of contact for contentious matters, managing complex litigation at the judicial and administrative level. Counsel Eduardo Rodrigues Evangelista joined the São Paulo office in November 2023, having previously served as co-lead at Siqueira Castro – Advogados.

With dedicated industry specialists drawn from across corporate, public, administrative, and regulatory law, Stocche Forbes Advogados’ power offering is particularly prominent in transactions and project financing. In coordination with the firm’s tax, environmental, real estate, compliance, and labour departments, the team supports all sector segments, including new structures of self-generation, distributed generation, and offshore generation. In São Paulo, Guilherme Forbes advises on financial and corporate transactions involving power assets, while Mariana Saragoça, commended for her ‘technical excellence, negotiation skills and efficiency’, is a prime choice for privatisation processes, public auctions and bids. Fabiano Milani excels in corporate and M&A matters, and Emilio Gallucci focuses on M&A, formation of joint ventures, and corporate restructurings. Project finance and capital markets expert Frederico Moura, and Bruno Gandolfo, who ‘has great business vision to structure financing effectively’, are based in Rio de Janeiro. Associate Frederico Accon ‘demonstrates a deep command of the laws and regulations of the energy sector’.

Securing a stronghold in power transactions, Tauil & Chequer Advogados is engaged with all industry segments, and considered a trusted adviser for many key players. In addition to recently taking a leading role in the landmark privatisations of Eletrobras and Copel, the group is also known for advising on self-production by equivalence projects and M&A involving renewable and conventional power generation and transmission assets. Débora Yanasse, who typically handles project structuring, M&A, privatisations, and auctions, and whose ‘deep market knowledge, legal and commercial acumen, and extensive network’ have been recognised as ‘keys to unlocking success in any transaction’, leads the practice from Rio de Janeiro. In São Paulo, Bruno Werneck handles project development, M&A, concessions, and privatisations, and corporate specialist Bruno Salzano advises on cross-border M&A, corporate restructurings, and inbound and outbound investments. Senior associate Julia Braga is active in administrative and regulatory law matters, including PPAs, distributed generation projects, and public and private bids, while in Rio de Janeiro, Bruno Ribeiro has wide-ranging experience in the structuring, implementation, and operation of large-scale energy projects.

Terciotti Andrade Gomes Donato Advogados’s burgeoning energy practice is making strides in the power sector, with an emphasis on distributed generation and self-production projects, as well as thermoelectric power and the opening of the gas market. Clients from across the generation, transmission, trading, and distribution segments also look to the team for assistance with conflict resolution and regulatory consulting. Marvin Menezes is credited with building the Rio de Janeiro practice from the ground up, advising a variety of entities on their relationships with MME and ANEEL, as well as providing assistance with PPAs, transmission line use and connection contracts. Senior associate Rafaela Rocha consolidates the team with extensive experience in judicial and administrative litigation.

Exhibiting robust capabilities in the transmission and power generation spaces, TozziniFreire Advogados often advises on transactions involving power companies and assets, as well as the structuring and development of conventional and renewable power projects. Distributed generation and self-production in particular are key areas of interest, with the team employing ‘technical knowledge and expertise’ to assist clients with new regulatory frameworks and the development of new projects. Head of the São Paulo practice Leonardo Miranda has a wealth of experience in M&A and financing transactions, PPAs, EPCs, and greenfield projects. Ana Carolina Katlauskas Calil and Karin Yamauti Hatanaka are no longer at the firm.

Transactions are the bedrock of Trench Rossi Watanabe’s São Paulo power practice, which acts for project developers, public utilities, investors, and large consumers in joint ventures, investments and divestments, and large-scale projects. PPAs, renewable energy purchases, self-production deals, and energy auctions also count within the remit of the team’s expertise. Practice head José Roberto Martins, credited with having ‘directly contributed to the development and implementation of the regulatory framework for the electricity sector’, is a reference for greenfield development projects, concessions, privatisations, and M&A. Mauricio Pacheco’s corporate and finance experience make him particularly well placed to advise investment banks and M&A financial advisers, while associate Adam Milgrom has ‘high technical knowledge’ of industry regulations, and is skilled in the drafting and negotiation of PPAs, EPCs, and operations and management contracts (O&Ms).

Unparalleled in its mastery of electricity regulation, Ulhôa Canto, Rezende e Guerra Advogados navigates the intricacies of a plethora of issues faced by major players across distribution, transmission, generation, and trading. The generation and transmission segments are of prime purview, with energy auctions, self-generation projects, and sector-specific contract negotiations constituting recognisable team strengths. A work portfolio spanning administrative and judicial litigation, arbitration, projects, and M&A is further facilitated by deep-rooted relationships with regulatory bodies like ANEEL, and complementary collaboration with the firm’s tax, projects and infrastructure, corporate, and litigation practices. Industry veteran Isabel Lustosa heads the practice in São Paulo, and handles the gamut of regulatory matters, providing layered insights into disputes, bidding processes, project development and finance, and M&A. At the associate level, Luciana Yoshida coordinates large-scale transactions, and provides comprehensive assistance with regulatory compliance and due diligence.

Veirano Advogados concentrates its power offering in transactions and project development, assisting a diverse array of clients with M&A, PPAs, construction agreements, project financing, and regulatory issues. Transmission and generation are key areas of work, with the team demonstrating proficiency in energy auctions, self-production, distributed generation, and solar and wind projects. The São Paulo practice is chaired by Daniel Engel, whose ‘unique knowledge of energy projects’ encompasses renewable generation, M&A, and financing, Ana Carolina Barretto, who excels in project finance and development, and Alberto Büll, who shines in regulatory matters, administrative litigation, and energy auctions. The team was strengthened in October 2023 by the addition of Souto Correa Advogados’ former co-heads Fabio Di Lallo, whose is noted for his experience in project structuring in the power sector, and Lívia Amorim in Rio de Janeiro, who advises on asset transactions and regulatory issues, as well as Juliana Melcop, whose expertise spans regulation, contracts, and M&A. Public law specialist Mauro Hiane de Moura in Porto Alegre leads on litigation, while associates Paola Oliveira Lima and Luisa Tortolano Barreto in São Paulo support on regulatory, construction, and transactional matters, and Rio de Janeiro’s Arthur Lardosa specialises in renewables.