Labour & Employment: Brazil

This boutique is highly respected in the market, and is recognised for defending the interests of senior executives and other top-end clients from diverse industries on extremely complex and strategic disputes, often involving multimillion-dollar claims. This is furthermore one of the few Brazilian firms to represent clients in matters brought before the ILO. "The technical quality and level of commitment of this team is remarkable. It's very well co-ordinated and this ensures continuity in the quality of service," according to clients. The four-partner and 11-associate team is also sought for specialist legal opinion and high-end consultancy. Practice head Estêvão Mallet is described by sources as "the best labour and employment expert in the country; a genius." Olinda Maria Moreira Alves de Oliveira Mallet is the managing partner and attracts recommendations from clients for her in-depth knowledge and understanding of the sector. Maurício Pessoa is another key player, described as "an excellent lawyer, technically impeccable, who thinks creatively and has an impressive presence in court."

The labour practice at this firm is led by seven partners backed by more than a hundred associates, and is split between its São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina and Brasília offices. The firm assists a large volume of leading national and international companies with dispute prevention, employment law compliance and immigration matters, as well as handling complex conflicts and mass litigation. "A totally business-oriented and top-quality team, with a practical approach. We value the fact that most attorneys are fluent in English and are quick to come up with effective solutions - a clear result of the firm's vast experience in the field." Marcelo Pereira Gômara heads the department and is recommended as "a brilliant labour lawyer, one of the best in the country, and an excellent administrator." Gômara works closely with Mihoko Sirley Kimura, the partner responsible for consultancy. Kimura is a renowned expert in this field and is described as a skilled negotiator, and particularly adept at reconciling restructuring policies with complex employee protection legislation. Alexandre de Almeida Cardoso co-ordinates the mass litigation subgroup and is rapidly making a name for himself in this area. He wins praise as "a well-prepared lawyer, capable of establishing constructive relations between all the parties involved in a dispute, including the authorities." 

This firm has one of the largest labour and employment practices in the country, with 15 partners and 70 associates handling consultancy and litigation. It is a well-established and highly respected player in the sector. Sources highlight the department's excellent internal co-ordination and structure, and stress the efficiency of its business-oriented team work. It handles the negotiation of collective dismissals, union disputes, employee relations, immigration, benefits and pensions issues, as well as risk assessment, compliance and complex disputes. Geraldo Baraldi Jr leads the litigation group and is identified as "a skilled negotiator and litigator, knowledgeable and committed to his clients' cause." Antonio Carlos Vianna de Barros is a celebrated labour litigator and brings his know-how, strategic expertise and vast experience to the table.

Since publication, Vilma Toshie Kutomi has joined Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados.

Since publication, Geraldo Baraldi Jr has joined Baraldi Mélega

Since publication, Geraldo Baraldi Jr has joined Baraldi Mélega

Since publication, Antonio Carlos Vianna de Barros has retired from this practice.

Since publication, Antonio Carlos Vianna de Barros has retired from this practice.

This firm's labour team has a great projection in the market and an enviable client portfolio. Drawing on the firm's expertise in other related practice areas, such as corporate/M&A, restructuring or tax, the team takes a business-oriented approach to providing comprehensive labour and employment law advice. Areas of focus include implementing preventative strategies to limit exposure to labour liabilities, as well as due diligence and labour litigation. Recent highlights include assisting a major transportation company with the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements in order to stave off a politically sensitive, full-scale strike. Professor Nelson Mannrich heads the practice and is renowned as a highly respected labour litigator. André de Melo Ribeiro heads up the consultancy side and is "a young attorney with a promising career - extremely well prepared and competent," according to clients.

The employment department at this top-tier, full-service firm has offices in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília and Porto Alegre. The practice is divided between labour litigation and consultancy, handling matters relating to pensions, audits and union rights. The team is made up of fluent English-speaking lawyers. As well as assisting the M&A practice with due diligence and auditing, the team increasingly advises multi-jurisdictional companies subject to particular employment law provisions. The labour department is also well known for playing a decisive role in complex litigation and collective negotiations for the banking, construction and retail sectors. "We value the team's client-oriented service, the attorneys' level of commitment, the quality of advice and its high credibility in the market," explain market sources. Sólon de Almeida Cunha heads the practice and stands out as "an extremely well-prepared and knowledgeable lawyer who is judicious and creative."  After publication Carolina Tavares Rodrigues joined this firm. Clients  identify her as "a dynamic employment negotiator, who is assertive, attentive, and never fails to keep us clearly informed of each step of the process." Andrea Giamondo Massei Rossi left the firm in May 2011.

Labour and employment law represents this mid-sized firm's core business. The 40-strong department, which comprises four litigation partners, represents an impressive portfolio of clients on particularly sophisticated and sensitive judicial and extra-judicial contentious matters. It assists companies with consultancy and collective bargaining negotiations, and also fields a team exclusively dedicated to mass litigation. The practice is known in the market for the high quality of its expert advice, boutique-style personalised service and a well-integrated team. Founding partner Luiz Carlos Robortella is one of the most prestigious and sought-after labour lawyers in the country. 

The labour practice at this firm continues to occupy an important presence in the market and fields a winning team of three partners and 12 associates divided between the Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Porto Alegre offices. It assists a portfolio of high-end multinationals from various industries with all aspects of Brazilian employment law, including litigation. Clients value the access to international know-how through Baker & McKenzie's global network and highlight the "impressive efficiency, serious commitment, unfailing availability and excellent quality of service." Ana Paula Vizintini heads the Rio-based group and stands out due to her expertise in dealing with oil and gas and pharmaceutical clients. Tricia Maria Sá de Oliveira is commended for excellent client service and know-how. Ana Lúcia Pinke Ribeiro de Paiva has recently joined the firm. Sources say: "This lawyer, in addition to being really approachable and easy to work with, provides business-oriented employment law advice and secures the desired end result."

This full-service firm features a distinguished labour department comprising four partners and 26 associates based across its São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília and Porto Alegre offices. The firm is traditionally known for its role in mass labour litigation defending heavyweight clients from the tobacco or telecoms industries, although the team increasingly focuses on a wider array of complex disputes with strategic importance to clients, as well as consultancy. The team assists the firm's M&A department with employment due diligence and the establishment of foreign companies in the country. It is also noted for its first-rate preventative and consultancy work: "We make extensive use of different firms for our labour needs but certain matters we would only take to Veirano: there is nothing like this group in Brazil, they're amongst the best in the business." Consistent with its long history of representing foreign clients, Veirano was admitted as the Brazilian member of global labour and employment law alliance Ius Laboris in 2009. Luiz Guilherme Moraes Rego Migliora heads the group and stands out in consultancy; he is "a remarkable attorney, who is quick-thinking and pragmatic." José Carlos Wahle co-heads the practice and is praised as a talented strategist. Former judge Maria Luisa Soter brings invaluable insight and experience to the litigation team, with a "broad background in cross-border matters and ability to explain the intricacies of Brazilian legislation and court procedures in excellent English." 

Since publication, Carolina Tavares Rodrigues has joined Machado, Meyer, Sendacz e Opice

The labour practice at this firm continues to consolidate its presence, diversifying from purely transactional work to incorporate the full array of labour legal advice, including litigation, risk prevention, compliance and the implementation of HR strategies. Clients value the team's "speed of response; cautious approach which is in step with our corporate culture; and perfectly bilingual lawyers, which facilitates our operations in the country." Luiz Felipe Tenório da Veiga leads this increasingly visible team and is recommended for his knowledge of the area and business-minded approach.

This Rio de Janeiro-based boutique is a traditional presence in the labour and employment market, and well known for advising predominantly domestic clients from the oil and gas and banking sectors, who are forthcoming with their praise of the practice. Founding partner Carlos Eduardo Bosisio is "an outstanding labour lawyer, impressively astute and knowledgeable," according to clients, and commands great respect from peers and clients alike.

Since publication, Carlos Eduardo Bosisio has passed away.

Since publication, Carlos Eduardo Bosisio has passed away.

A mainstay of the Brazilian labour scene, this São Paulo boutique is particularly well known for fielding a team of first-rate litigators, specialising in labour law. According to market sources: "This firm has a long track record in the field. Its lawyers are real specialists, highly skilled litigators, fully committed to their client's cause and who take a cautious approach - they are very good indeed." Gustavo Granadeiro Guimarães and Maurício Granadeiro Guimarães are the main contacts for clients on labour and employment law matters.

This traditional labour and employment boutique continues to play a significant role in the market. The firm is best known for its highly skilled litigation practice, although its consultancy services are also in high demand and cover a wide range of matters, including pensions and sports law. The team comprises approximately 30 attorneys, six of whom are partners, and many fluent in foreign languages such as English, Spanish and French. Amauri Mascaro Nascimento lends the weight of his exceptionally long and successful professional and academic career to his leadership of the group, and is "an iconic figure," and "a specialist hors concours," according to enthusiastic clients.

This full-service firm's labour practice features a team of eight attorneys divided between the firm's offices in São Paulo, Brasília and Rio de Janeiro. Following recent internal restructuring, the team's focus has shifted towards strategic litigation, employment consultancy, and supporting the M&A department with due diligence and compliance. The team works closely with the firm's other practice areas, drawing on the expertise of the social security, tax and litigation areas, creating multidisciplinary groups in order to give clients comprehensive counsel. Clients point to the "high standard of service: knowledgeable and meticulous lawyers take a strategic approach that is highly effective." Ana Rita Picolli Gomes advises the firm's international clients. Since publication, Fabiana Fittipaldi Morade Dantas and Aloizio Ribeiro Lima have left the firm, while Vilma Toshie Kutomi joined the firm from Demarest e Almeida in order to head up the labour department. The latter has a distinguished name in the field.

This prestigious boutique is a well-established name in the sector. Sources describe it as "one of the best in the country, tremendously respected by all parties." Professor Cássio Mesquita Barros brings a great deal of experience to the table and is celebrated as a seasoned labour expert. Under his stewardship, the practice continues to be actively engaged in significant labour litigation cases and holds its position in the market.

This world-class one-stop shop has a business-oriented labour team, focused primarily on consultancy and supporting the corporate/M&A department with due diligence and compliance programmes for foreign multinationals in Brazil. It bears the quality hallmark of Pinheiro Neto and market sources identify its growing visibility in labour consultancy and litigation. Its client portfolio comprises high-end companies from various industries, include the retail, food and beverage, and energy and natural resources sectors. Luís Antônio Ferraz Mendes heads the team and stands out in negotiations with unions and in employee benefits and compensation.

According to market commentators, this full-service firm's "experienced, agile and highly committed" labour practice is a long-standing fixture in the market. The team is made up of two partners and nine associates who handle both consultancy and litigation on collective and individual lawsuits. The firm is particularly active in the representation of clients from the pharmaceutical, petrochemical and printed media industries. Since publication, José Hélio de Jesus has left this practice. 

The employment team at BKBG is made up of seven lawyers who dedicate 100% of their time to labour and employment law. It advises high-end international retail companies on contracts, immigration and social security, as well as compliance, collective bargaining, negotiations with unions and complex litigation. Long-term clients value the lawyers' "availability, expertise, excellent technical skills and timely responses: they're real business partners." Practice head Luiz Antonio dos Santos is highlighted by clients for his "excellent presence in hearings and talent for negotiation." Market sources also recommend Manuela Tavares, who is described as assertive, deeply committed and having a promising career in this field. 

This young, full-service firm has consolidated a respected name in the labour sector. Best known for its consultancy practice, the team also represents clients in employment tribunals and in negotiations with unions. Clients value its "skilled attorneys who give us a personalised and transparent service. They work hand in hand with our company and completely understand their clients' needs." Alexandre Pessoa heads the practice and is making a name for himself in the field, recommended by clients and peers alike. 

This firm has a large labour and employment department and its client portfolio comprises important local and multinational companies. It is best known for its labour litigation but also handles consultancy matters across the range of labour and employment matters and continues to play an important role in the market. Arnaldo Pipek heads the group and is recommended by clients as a highly efficient and experienced attorney. 

The labour and employment team at this firm is made up of ten partners and more than a hundred associates handling contentious and non-contentious labour matters for clients from a varied range of sectors, including education, health, aviation, telecoms and power. Clients appreciate the firm's nationwide coverage: "They are capable of handling our labour legal needs nationwide, which is ideal." The firm's client service also wins high praise and the lawyers are "quick to respond and to go the extra mile." Otavio Pinto e Silva co-heads the practice and stands out in the market as "an experienced and talented labour lawyer."

This firm is primarily focused on employment and labour law and has offices in São Paulo, Campinas and Rio de Janeiro. The practice encompasses consultancy, including on pensions schemes and social security, as well as litigation and negotiations with unions. It is particularly well known for representing the banking sector. Assad Luiz Thomé and Francisco Antonio Luigi Rodrigues Cucchi are key contacts.

This traditional and highly respected employment boutique specialises in representing national and foreign companies in disputes brought before the Brazilian high court. The firm wins broad praise for its robust practice from clients and peers alike. Founding partner José Alberto Couto Maciel is a "strongly admired labour lawyer," according to market sources.

This firm is best known for its strengths in tax, real estate and corporate matters, but also fields a respected labour and employment practice that mainly focuses on litigation and due diligence for mid-market clients based in São Paulo state. It represents both companies and executives alike and attracts recognition in the field. Sources recommend Maria Helena Villela Autuori as a knowledgeable and efficient litigator.

Since publication, Maria Helena Villela Autuori has joined Autuori Burmann Chen Sociedade de Advogados

Since publication, Maria Helena Villela Autuori has joined Autuori Burmann Chen Sociedade de Advogados

This firm's labour and employment department makes the most of Linklaters' global network and provides seamless advice to Brazilian and multinational companies. "This labour practice combines sound technical skills with business understanding and determination to steer clients to success," according to sources. Work includes the harmonisation of cross-border employment policies, the recruitment and dismissal of employees, expatriation and repatriation, contracts and due diligence. After an unfruitful eight-month spell at Mundie Advogados, Mariá Guitti returned to Lefosse Advogados. According to market sources, she is "an analytical and committed lawyer, who is a great strategist and expertly manages risk."

This firm has a well-structured and established labour practice. The team is well known for its litigation and particularly mass litigation capabilities, and also assists its clients with all consultancy matters. "We appreciate the attorneys' availability, to-the-point and timely responses and their pragmatic approach," enthuse clients. Luciana Fonseca co-heads the team and is the main contact for clients.

This compact labour team maintains a foothold in the market working closely with the firm's corporate/M&A department. It assists the firm's clients from the export, banking and energy and mining sectors with due diligence, compliance, auditing and disputes: "The team maintains an impeccable standard of quality and responds to our needs in a timely and efficient manner, demonstrating an in-depth knowledge of the issue at hand." Carolina Tavares Rodrigues left the firm in May 2011. Eduardo Salomão Neto is the contact point for clients.

The labour and employment department plays a key role in supporting the firm's first-rate M&A practice, advising on auditing and employment consultancy matters during the negotiating and closing of mega-deals. The team also maintains an active presence in the labour litigation scene. Recently, the team assisted an oil and gas giant with the labour law aspects of the due diligence on a USD12 billion joint venture in the ethanol sector. Dario Abrah��o Rabay heads the practice and is respected as a strategically minded lawyer.

This firm maintains a loyal client base that describes the labour team as "highly committed and client-oriented. Lawyers establish a real spirit of partnership between the firm and our company, which makes a great difference." The firm continues to make a name for itself in this market, representing clients from the banking, construction, electricity, oil and gas and renewables sectors. Practice head Marcos Renato Gelsi dos Santos leads the compact team and handles both litigation and consultancy. 

This traditional and distinguished firm fields a labour and employment practice that encompasses all areas of specialisation from collective bargaining and profit-sharing agreements to negotiations with unions, due diligence, immigration, compliance and HR counsel, as well as litigation. "The team is well prepared and highly qualified. The expertise and availability of lawyers are its main strengths." Since publication, Denise de Sousa e Silva Alvarenga has joined Motta, Fernandes Rocha Advogados. Naci Gama is now the main contact for the practice