'First-class full-service firm' Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados is home to a market-leading projects team that brings together expertise in corporate, regulatory and administrative law to advise on the financing and development of consequential infrastructure and energy projects in Brazil. M&A involving regulated sectors and public bid procedures concerning concessions and public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the transport and sanitation segments are other core areas of activity for the group. José Virgilio Lopes Enei  - a veteran in project finance, M&A and PPPs in the transport, energy, sanitation, urban and social infrastructure spaces - spearheads the practice. Mauro Bardawil Penteado is the trusted adviser to major financial institutions, private companies, pension funds and private equity firms in relation to project finance and development, concessions and private investments in regulated sectors. José Ribeiro do Prado Júnior specialises in financial transactions, PPPs, and administrative law, while Alberto Faro is singled out for his experience in project finance and construction contracts. Rafael Contin 'is an excellent lawyer for complex contracts and litigation preparation'.

Demonstrating the ability to advise on the entire life cycle of major infrastructure and energy projects, Mattos Filho is a key port of call for clients – most notably major financial institutions, project owners and contractors – seeking support on project finance and development, construction agreements, and M&A and capital markets transactions in regulated sectors. The group is also well positioned to assist with high-profile public law mandates and PPPs in the oil and gas, transport, power, sanitation and healthcare sectors. A reference in the market for both sponsors and lenders, Pablo Sorj routinely handles project development and finance matters, as well as energy and infrastructure-related transactions. Thiago Moreira focuses on project development, construction and infrastructure contracts, while Alexandre Arlota is noted for his expertise in the structuring and development of greenfield and brownfield projects and related deals. With extensive experience in project finance, Bernardo Môcho is a key contact for financial institutions, sponsors, investors and construction companies.

Best known for its longstanding track record in project finance, the team at Cescon Barrieu is adept at advising on all stages of projects work, from tender proceedings to divestitures. The practice has a strong presence in all infrastructure and energy subsegments, including airports, roads, ports, sanitation, oil and gas, mining and renewable power. Maurício Teixeira dos Santos, whose areas of expertise span project finance, infrastructure divestment and project development, is regularly turned to by banks, corporations, investment funds and multilateral agencies. He oversees the department with Rafael Baleroni, who leads on project development and financing mandates involving the oil and gas, and mining sectors.

Drawing on its skills in banking, financing and capital markets transactions as well as its strong credentials in public law and regulatory issues, the infrastructure practice at Pinheiro Neto Advogados is well positioned to assist key stakeholders – including lenders, sponsors, and concessionaires – with the full array of projects matters. Construction law and project development are key pillars of the practice, which is skilled in handling bidding procedures, contractual negotiations, financial structures and PPPs in the transport, sanitation and energy segments. Júlio César Bueno is a reference in the market for construction mandates, including non-contentious and litigation issues. Thaís Fernandes Chebatt, who was recently promoted to partner, is another name to note for construction and infrastructure matters. Ricardo Coelho often acts for infrastructure, oil and gas, and energy sector clients in M&A, capital markets and financing transactions, while Ricardo Russo specialises in project finance via banking and capital markets instruments.

Tauil & Chequer Advogados fields the ability to advise clients on all stages of large-scale infrastructure projects, from initial contract preparation through to project financing, construction and operational issues. The team is particularly proficient in the financing of projects via capital markets instruments, and in the development of projects in the transport, sanitation, renewable energy, and oil and gas sectors. The projects and infrastructure department is led by a capable quartet: Alexandre Chequer is the name to note for projects in the hydrocarbons space; Bruno Werneck handles project development, M&A, concessions, PPPs and privatisations in the infrastructure, energy and mining segments; and Eduardo Lima and Luis Montes focus on project finance.

A host of key stakeholders with operations in the energy, oil and gas, port, roads and logistics sectors frequently turn to the infrastructure and projects team at Veirano Advogados for assistance with the financing and development of large-scale projects. Ana Carolina Barretto stands out for her strong track record in project finance, while Daniel Engel routinely advises on project contracts, financings, M&A and regulatory issues in the power, airports, sanitation and urban mobility segments. Both practitioners lead the department alongside Marcos Ludwig, who is noted for his expertise in project development in the transport space.

The projects and infrastructure team at Demarest Advogados brings together corporate, public law, finance and capital markets specialists to advise on the development of privately and publicly financed brownfield and greenfield projects in Brazil. The firm is particularly skilled in bid processes, concessions and PPP agreements, demonstrating a strong presence in the transport, logistics, power, mining, oil and gas, and social infrastructure segments. Co-heads Bruno Aurélio and Renan Sona focus on project development in the energy and infrastructure sectors. The team’s project finance capabilities were strengthened by the arrival of fellow co-leader Marina Ferraz Aidar, who joined from Vieira Rezende in November 2023. Luana Komatsu Falkenburger is a key contact for domestic and international clients – including development banks and multilaterals – seeking assistance with project finance transactions.

Standing out for its presence in the energy sector, the team at Lefosse Advogados is particularly well placed to assist with the financing and refinancing of projects in the renewables segment, most notably solar and wind power assets. The group is also proficient in mandates concerning the structuring of greenfield projects, the operation and restructuring of brownfields, privatisations, bid processes, public contracts and M&A involving regulated sectors. Department head Miriam Signor is singled out for her strong track record in project finance. Key support is offered by Mariana David, whose areas of expertise include debt restructuring, financings and infrastructure projects in the energy, oil and gas, mining and urban mobility spaces, and Kook Chung, who specialises in project development.

Noted for its 'vast knowledge of infrastructure projects', Pinheiro Guimarães is a key port of call for prominent industry players seeking advice on the financing, development and implementation of projects in the energy, telecoms, oil and gas, mining and transport spaces. The team, whose core strength lies in project finance, attracts regular instructions from project sponsors, equipment suppliers, financial institutions and multilateral agencies, demonstrating particular prowess in energy-related projects. Boasting more than 20 years' experience in the development and financing of large-scale projects, André Sigelmann is especially active in the energy and oil and gas sectors. He jointly leads the team with Roberta Pimentel who advises on project finance, M&A, capital markets and debt restructuring in the infrastructure space. Isabela Prochet is recommended for her extensive experience in the energy sector.

Recognised for its in-depth knowledge of the energy and the sanitation sectors, Stocche Forbes Advogados is a strong performer in the financing of major projects in the renewables, water and sewage segments. The firm is also active in project development matters, demonstrating particular expertise in transmission line auctions, and the construction of transport and power generation projects. Guilherme Forbes is a reference for multilaterals and export trading agencies seeking assistance with project finance. This is also a key area of focus for Frederico Moura, who often acts for major banks and sponsors, and Marco Saliba, a name to note for domestic and cross-border finance transactions. Laercio Munechika handles project finance and corporate deals involving infrastructure and energy assets.

Highlighted for its 'expertise, agility and market knowledge', Dias Carneiro Advogados excels in domestic and cross-border financings and debt restructuring deals in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Routinely engaged by multilaterals, credit agencies and development banks, the group is particularly active in the energy sector, often advising on large-scale projects in the renewables segment. Leading the department is Thiago Vallandro Flores, who has a strong track record in project finance transactions. Ricardo Sanches handles public law and regulatory matters, while Paulo Leme is a key contact for sponsors, equipment suppliers and contractors on the development, construction, purchase and sale of infrastructure projects.

With unparalleled experience in the modelling of projects requiring the interaction between public and private stakeholders, public law powerhouse Manesco, Ramires, Perez, Azevedo Marques Sociedade de Advogados shines in the structuring of PPP and concession projects. The group is led by a capable trio consisting of public law expert Marcos Augusto Perez, Maís Moreno, who is skilled in contractual and refinancing matters concerning major infrastructure projects, and Raul Felipe Borelli, a name to note for the structuring and financing of consequential projects.

Best known for its strong presence in the oil and gas sector, Rio de Janeiro-based Schmidt, Valois, Miranda, Ferreira & Agel Advogados is adept in the development and financing of large-scale energy projects. Antônio Luís Ferreira draws on his early in-house experience at a major hydrocarbons multinational to advise on projects, regulatory issues and transactions in this space. Paulo Valois is a reference for private equity firms, financial institutions and suppliers in relation to LNG projects, tender procedures and divestments of onshore and offshore blocks. M&A involving infrastructure assets - including oil and gas, power generation, mining, ports and terminals - is a core area of activity for Rogério Sobral De Miranda, while Guilherme Schmidt handles regulatory issues, M&A and infrastructure deals. Pedro Seraphim is no longer at the firm.

Infrastructure boutique Toledo Marchetti Advogados is home to ‘a highly qualified technical team in the field of construction‘ that is equipped to assist with project development, contract management, M&A, administrative law and sector-related dispute resolution. The group is a key destination for project owners, concessionaires and contractors engaged in major projects in the energy, transport and industrial sectors. Focused on the modelling and negotiation of engineering and construction contracts, Leonardo Toledo da Silva is also proficient in related arbitration proceedings. He oversees the department with Marcelo Vicentini Marchetti, who has substantial experience in contract management, and Rodrigo Esposito Petrasso, who advises on construction contracts, project finance structuring and bidding procedures. The 'very technical' Natália Bastos de Sá Rodrigues 'wears the company's shirt in negotiations, always looking for the best and safest alternative' in construction and infrastructure projects.

The infrastructure group at TozziniFreire Advogados adopts a multidisciplinary approach to assist sponsors, multilateral agencies, and investors with the development and financing of projects – including associated bidding procedures – in the energy, sanitation, logistics, urban mobility, oil and gas, and social infrastructure segments. The team is under the joint leadership of Leonardo Miranda and Jun Makuta, both of whom have combined experience in the structuring and financing of projects, and in corporate deals involving regulated assets. Other key individuals to note include Karin Yamauti Hatanaka, who is active in project finance transactions with a particular focus on the energy sector, and Erica Makiyama, who specialises in M&A involving infrastructure assets. Ana Carolina Katlauskas Calil is no longer at the firm.

With a strong presence in the ports, energy, infrastructure and defence sectors, the projects group at Trench Rossi Watanabe is adept in transactions concerning regulated assets. Administrative law matters, regulatory issues and litigation involving infrastructure projects are other core areas of activity for the department. Co-head José Roberto Martins is a name to note for power projects, while fellow co-leader Danielle Valois leads on mandates concerning the oil and gas sector.

Major domestic and international infrastructure players – including construction companies – turn to Aroeira Salles Advogados for assistance with the structuring of infrastructure and energy projects, and the negotiation of agreements with public entities, investors, sub-contractors and service providers. Key areas of activity for the team include the economic-financial rebalancing of project contracts, procurement issues, contract structuring, project modelling and related dispute resolution. Alexandre Aroeira Salles, who brings together expertise in project finance and contractual matters concerning projects in the transport, oil and gas, and energy sectors, jointly leads the group with Mariana Barbosa Miraglia, who handles non-contentious and contentious matters in this space.

Focused on administrative, regulatory and infrastructure matters, Azevedo Sette Advogados is well placed to advise on a wide range of projects issues, from project finance to concessions, PPPs, administrative contracts and privatisations. The group, which possesses particular experience in the urban mobility, water and sanitation sectors, is under the joint leadership of Frederico Bopp Dieterich, a key contact for infrastructure projects, administrative law and PPPs, and Leonardo Moreira Costa De Souza, a name to note for project finance, M&A and PPPs.

Singled out for its 'dedication, excellence and quality of service', Felsberg Advogados possesses a strong track record in project finance and development, administrative law matters and transactions involving regulated assets. Maria Da Graça Pedretti has a wealth of experience in project finance, while Marianne Albers often advises on bidding procedures for major infrastructure projects. With a strong focus on the sanitation sector, Rodrigo Bertoccelli is noted for his proficiency in project development. Ligia Schlittler is a name to note for energy-related projects.

Standing out for its strong credentials in public law matters and related disputes, Giamundo Neto Advogados is equipped to assist a host of clients – most notably players from the sanitation and waste management sector – with all stages of infrastructure projects, from project structuring to divestments. Its workload is also populated by regulatory issues in the infrastructure sector and concessions in the transport and energy segments. Noted for his experience in the sanitation, water and waste management spaces, practice head Luiz Felipe Pinto Lima Graziano ‘is a really talented lawyer with a unique clarity and ability to conduct difficult negotiations’. Graziano and Diogo Albaneze Gomes Ribeiro, who focuses on project structuring and contractual matters relating to the infrastructure segment, have ‘a broad view of the legal and regulatory environment in Brazil‘.

Highlighted for its ‘excellent technical quality, attention to detail, proactivity, punctuality, [and] knowledge of the sector‘, Justen, Pereira, Oliveira & Talamini Advogados leverages its strong public law capabilities to advise on the structuring of major projects in the ports, roads, railways, sanitation, and renewable energy segments. Tender procedures, concessions, public works contracts and related disputes are at the heart of the department, which is regularly instructed by concessionaires and construction companies. Cesar Pereira, who often sits as presiding arbitrator in domestic and international arbitration proceedings in the infrastructure sector, heads the group with Rafael Wallbach Schwind, who possesses ‘notable knowledge of the regulatory and public law area‘.

Under the leadership of Luis Gustavo Miranda, the Belo Horizonte-based projects and infrastructure group at Rolim Goulart Cardoso Advogados combines expertise in corporate law, contractual issues, environmental law, compliance, tax and dispute resolution to assist with projects in the energy, mining, industrial, telecoms and healthcare sectors. The group is skilled in the structuring of PPP models and concessions, with a particular focus on the sanitation and solid waste management segments. Key support is offered by Paulo Teixeira Fernandes, who has extensive experience in infrastructure projects, compliance and contracts.