Corporate: International: Brazil

Anthony Oldfield manages the firm's São Paulo office and is well respected in the Brazilian market for his comprehensive transactional expertise.

São Paulo-based Isabel Carvalho heads the international capital markets practice in Brazil. She has extensive experience in assisting clients with transactions involving the Brazilian electricity and banking sectors.

Donald Baker has a great reputation in the region and receives warm praise for his impressive knowledge of the Brazilian market. His extensive cross-border transactional experience attracts heavyweight Brazilian clients, who hail him as a "seasoned, very hands-on lawyer.”

John Vetterli divides his time between São Paulo and New York and is considered to be well versed in capital markets and particularly in securities transactions, venture capital investments and private placements. Market commentators praise his language skills and round-the-clock availability.

Francesca Odell is a partner based in the New York office who handles corporate finance matters across Latin America but who specialises in Brazil. "She's a pleasure to work with," say sources, who add: "Her strong Portuguese skills are invaluable."

Nicolas Grabar is a highly experienced senior partner who is also based in the New York office. He deals mainly with Mexican and Brazilian clients and is frequently recognised for his qualities as a deal maker.

Juan Giráldez is based in the São Paulo office and has broad experience of corporate and banking law. "He's a very thoughtful and co-operative lawyer," according to sources.

Stephen Hood joined the firm in 2011 and has become one of its key São Paulo representatives. "He's very smart and very experienced," say sources, highlighting his Brazilian expertise. Hood has a strong focus on project finance work and has been providing funding advice to regular client ViaQuatro, holder of the Line 4 São Paulo metro extension concession. 

Manuel Garciadiaz is a driving force in the world of finance and has also emerged as a strong M&A and corporate player. "He understands the complexities of these deals and doesn't cause any unnecessary drama," sources noted.

Maurice Blanco is regarded by peers as one of the most experienced international counsel in Brazil. He combines knowledge of capital markets with banking and finance expertise, and offers on-the-ground experience of the local market.

John Amorosi is hailed by clients as a "hard-working and committed lawyer."

Andrew Béla Jánszky heads the firm's Latin America group and splits his time between the New York and São Paulo offices. He has more than 35 years' experience in capital markets work and recently acted as lead counsel to Brazilian oil company Queiroz Galvão as it launched USD700 million of project bonds.

Tobias Stirnberg is the founding partner of the São Paulo office and specialises in advising Brazilian and other Latin American companies on New York law. He divides his time between capital markets, finance and corporate work.

Senior partner David Fenwick is a highly experienced finance and capital markets lawyer based in the firm's São Paulo office. He focuses on international finance and cross-border work, and has over 30 years' market experience, some of it spent at the helm of Linklaters' São Paulo operation.

Antonio Piccirillo leads the São Paulo office and specialises in corporate governance and finance. He is commended by sources for his dedication and positive attitude. He is often involved in project finance work for key international clients and was recently the lead counsel assisting Banco Rabobank International Brasil in a USD70 million syndicated export pre-payment facility for Jari Celulose, Papel e Embalagens. 

Todd Crider is consistently singled out by sources: "There's no doubt he's outstanding – very knowledgeable and perfectly articulate in English, Spanish and Portuguese." He advised O-I on its USD603 million acquisition of Brazilian glass manufacturer CIV.

Jaime Mercado co-heads the São Paulo office and is championed as a "very dedicated lawyer who gives 100% availability.”

Richard Aldrich fronts the firm's São Paulo office and is licensed as a foreign consultant in Brazil. Sources in the Brazilian market testify that "he adds a huge depth of knowledge to the firm's armoury." 

New York-based partner Paul Schnell has vast experience of international M&A and corporate finance matters and is routinely involved in high-profile deals in the region. Peers describe him as "an M&A expert with a global profile,” while local commentators report that "he's extremely knowledgeable on Brazil’s business environment."

Linklaters has a strong presence in Brazil and operates through its affiliate Linklaters Consultores em Direito Estrangeiro – Direito Inglês e dos Estados Unidos da América (LCDE). It is a firm with an "excellent reputation, strong client orientation and plenty of talent," according to sources, who particularly note the firm's expertise in capital markets work.

Robert Ellison is the managing partner of the São Paulo office. He is considered a truly international lawyer given his international studies, work experience and ability to speak English, French, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish. According to sources, "he is a terrific lawyer and his substantial experience of different jurisdictions adds value to his work."