Vilardi & Advogados Associados

In 2021, Vilardi Advogados celebrated its thirtieth year of dedicated and responsible legal practice. The firm comprises a team of professionals with extensive specialisation and outstanding experience in handling criminal cases, particularly those involving depriving the most precious asset after life: freedom. They approach each and every case with the utmost attention and unwavering commitment.

A thorough understanding of the current legal landscape in the country has become a prerequisite for practising high-level criminal law. By actively engaging in prominent cases, the firm has played an integral role in this evolving scenario and gained recognition, particularly for its expertise in Economic Criminal Law. The firm has become a reference point in providing exceptional legal services to executives and national and international companies.

The firm objective is to offer an unparalleled defence under prevailing legislation. To achieve this, the firm explores alternative strategies that enable them to attain the most favourable outcomes for their clients through litigation or negotiated settlements.

Vilardi Advogados provides personalised legal counsel in Criminal Law and Economic Criminal Law, encompassing advisory and contentious representation across all levels and courts.

To meet each client's needs, the firm offers robust defence for individuals under investigation or facing accusations in criminal proceedings, from the initial stages to the final judgment and during the execution of criminal sentences.

The firm also assists victims, preparing requests to initiate police investigations, filing criminal complaints, and undertaking necessary measures. Moreover, they regularly provide comprehensive legal opinions and expert advice in criminal law matters.

Since the advent of the Brazilian Anti-Corruption Law in 2013, criminal issues involving executives have assumed significant prominence, given the potential repercussions for companies whose operations may be jeopardised by the severe penalties outlined. As a result, with the launch of the Lava Jato Operation, companies began seeking authorities to engage in agreements and mitigate the effects of Impropriety and Anti-Corruption Laws.

Since then, Vilardi Advogados has represented numerous companies, adeptly coordinating and harmonising their interests with the criminal defence of their executives. Within this context, they have gained recognition for their proficiency in identifying and evaluating risks, conducting internal investigations, providing sound legal counsel, and actively participating in negotiations and the formalisation of agreements, particularly leniency agreements, thereby ensuring the continuity of business operations. They have been instrumental in crisis management for numerous major companies, mainly advising Boards of Directors.

Occasionally, the definition of a company's strategy requires an internal investigation, whether to detect potential fraud and misconduct or to uncover illicit activities committed by executives during their tenure. Consequently, Vilardi Advogados undertakes internal investigations, including identifying pertinent facts to define a specific and well-defined scope, meticulous analysis of relevant documentation, including support from forensic technology companies when required, and conducting interviews and other necessary inquiries. These efforts culminate in a comprehensive final report containing their conclusions and recommendations for appropriate legal actions.