Brazil's Souto Correa Advogados has bolstered its infrastructure practice by hiring an associate from fellow Highly Recommended firm Kincaid Mendes Vianna Advogados as partner.
The firm announced the arrival of Fabrine Hartog Soares on 20 August, bringing the total partner count to 36.
Soares joins the Rio de Janeiro office and will lead the firm’s shipping and port law group, which sits within the infrastructure and projects area.
On her arrival, Souto Correa CEO Giácomo Paro comments: “[This] marks a strategic step for [the firm], particularly in Rio de Janeiro.” He adds: “We will continue to invest in talent and foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that enables each professional to reach their full potential.”
Soares specialises in negotiating and drafting complex contracts and alternative dispute resolution methods for businesses in the maritime industry.
Before joining Souto Correa, Soares had a five-year stint as an associate at Kincaid. That followed several stints at Brazilian shipbuilding, maritime and oil and gas companies, such as Grupo Bravante, Grupo CBO and RIONAV.
On her new role, Soares says: “I am thrilled to join the Souto Correa team and contribute to the growth of the shipping and port law practice.”
“Our goal is to deliver strategic and innovative legal solutions to a sector that plays a fundamental role in the country’s economic development,” she adds.
This marks the 75th partner hire at a Brazilian firm so far this year, according to Latin Lawyer data. Of those recorded, 13 were in the corporate and M&A practice area, followed by tax with 10 hires. Energy and labour were joint third most popular for hiring with eight in total. Disputes came in close fourth position with six hires, followed by banking and finance and capital markets which saw four partner hires each.