Department profile
Duarte Garcia, Serra Netto e Terra Advogados

Urban Law: Planning, Zoning and Land Use

Brazil Guide 2026 : Brazil

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Duarte Garcia, Serra Netto e Terra Advogados

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Urban Law: Planning, Zoning and Land Use - Brazil

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Duarte Garcia, Serra Netto e Terra stands out for its established land use practice in Brazil, supporting major developers and real estate players with zoning, planning and urban development issues. The team delivers full-service advice on licensing processes and planning tools, alongside guidance on regulatory compliance and interaction with public authorities. It also handles contentious urban matters and advises on the development and structuring of public–private urban projects.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Duarte Garcia, Serra Netto e Terra Advogados represented Associação dos Amigos do Conjunto Residencial Canto do Sahy in administrative proceedings, securing the reversal of a decision ordering the demolition of residential properties in a protected coastal area.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Duarte Garcia stands out as a benchmark in the market, with an excellent and highly qualified team that is always up to date. They are very strong at meeting deadlines, often exceeding expectations.

    Urban Law: Planning, Zoning and Land Use respondentBrazil

  • What distinguishes Duarte Garcia's department is the combination of technical excellence, strategic vision and close client relationships, supported by a highly qualified and experienced team. The partners demonstrate profound legal expertise, extensive practical experience and the ability to translate complex issues into clear, objective and business-applicable solutions.

    Urban Law: Planning, Zoning and Land Use respondentBrazil

  • We often refer to Duarte Garcia's team as ‘solvers of impossible cases’ due to their ability to find creative, efficient solutions to highly complex issues, supported by deep expertise and strong relationships with key stakeholders.

    Urban Law: Planning, Zoning and Land Use respondentBrazil

  • The team at Duarte Garcia is highly regarded for its work on real estate development and urban planning matters. They are well liked internally and trusted for their expertise.

    Urban Law: Planning, Zoning and Land Use respondentBrazil

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Francisco Gago
    Francisco Gago

    Francisco Gago

    Francisco Gago is highly regarded for his expertise in land use and urban law, advising leading construction companies on complex regulatory and development matters. He represents clients in administrative and judicial proceedings involving urban planning, zoning and building legislation, providing strategic guidance on project approval and compliance.

    • Francisco Gago is a highly skilled and committed professional, consistently delivering excellent results. He is always available and ready to provide solutions to highly complex urban planning matters.

      Urban Law: Planning, Zoning and Land Use respondentBrazil

    • In my view, Francisco Gago is the best professional in the market in urban planning law. He is agile, competent and a trusted partner in decision-making.

      Urban Law: Planning, Zoning and Land Use respondentBrazil

    • An exemplary professional, Francisco Gago demonstrates strong technical skills in urban planning and real estate law, along with clear communication and prompt client service.

      Urban Law: Planning, Zoning and Land Use respondentBrazil

    • A highly skilled professional with strong technical expertise and in‑depth knowledge, Francisco translates complex matters into clear and reliable solutions, supported by a consistent and responsible approach.

      Urban Law: Planning, Zoning and Land Use respondentBrazil
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  • Marcelo Terra
    Marcelo Terra

    Marcelo Terra

    Marcelo Terra is widely recognised for his longstanding real estate practice, with notable expertise in handling complex matters involving urban planning, zoning and land use regulation. Terra frequently advises on disputes and transactions requiring the interpretation of municipal legislation, particularly in the context of large-scale development projects. The lawyer is especially active in litigation related to licensing and urban regulatory issues, where outcomes can directly impact project feasibility.

    • In São Paulo, Marcelo Terra’s name is very strong and is well recognised within the city hall and public agencies.

      Urban Law: Planning, Zoning and Land Use respondentBrazil
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  • Marcella Martins Montandon
    Marcella Martins Montandon

    Marcella Martins Montandon

    Marcella Martins Montandon is well regarded for her expertise in land use and urban law, combining public sector experience with private practice. She advises major developers and construction companies on complex project approvals and regulatory matters, drawing on her involvement in shaping key urban policies in São Paulo.

    • Marcella is an exemplary professional, highly skilled in resolving urban planning and real estate law matters. She consistently strives to serve us in the best way possible.

      Urban Law: Planning, Zoning and Land Use respondentBrazil

    • Marcella is an exceptionally attentive and highly competent lawyer who demonstrates a deep understanding of the matters she handles. She consistently delivers advice with expertise, responsiveness and strong technical knowledge.

      Urban Law: Planning, Zoning and Land Use respondentBrazil
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Ranked Individuals at Duarte Garcia, Serra Netto e Terra Advogados (3)

Brazil

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