LAWYER PROFILE
Marcelo Terra

Marcelo Terra

Brazil 2025

Chambers ranking badge
Chambers ranking badge

Ranked in 3 practice areas

About

Provided by Duarte Garcia, Serra Netto e Terra Advogados

Brazil: Transactional

Practice Areas

Real Estate

Career

Founding partner of Duarte Garcia, Serra Netto e Terra – Sociedade de Advogados; part of the legal counsel for the Association of Business Purchases, Sales, and Rental and Commercial Property Management; and a former counsellor and director of the São Paulo Lawyers’ Institute (1991–1993).

Professional Memberships

Marcelo is the founder of the graduate course in real estate business, and the specialisation in corporate real estate law, at Secovi SP. He is also professor at the University Extension Centre. He is the inaugural counsellor at Secovi SP, a career path that illustrates the outstanding services he has provided to the real estate industry. He is an honorary member of the Brazilian Institute of Real Estate Law (Ibradim). He has won the FIABCI–Brazil Master of Real Estate award, in the legal consulting category, for his work on land bartering for construction of a unit. The same association appointed him as board director for the 2019 to 2021 term. Marcelo was unanimously elected as personality of the year by ADIT Brasil, receiving the Legacy ADIT Award: a life worth living.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Brazil: Transactional

Real Estate - Brazil

Star Individual
Star Individuals

Individual Editorial

Star individual Marcelo Terra has a fantastic history representing clients in complex lawsuits regarding real estate projects, as well as in full negotiations of acquisitions and sales of properties.

Chambers Brazil: Contentious

Real Estate: Litigation - Brazil

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial

Marcelo Terra is recognised for his litigation strength in the real estate sector, acting in complex disputes involving development projects, licensing and urban‑planning issues. He is frequently involved in high‑stakes matters where judicial outcomes can directly affect project feasibility and financial exposure.

Chambers Brazil: Industries & Sectors

Urban Law: Planning, Zoning and Land Use - Brazil

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial

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.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Marcelo demonstrates excellence in every aspect. In customer service, he handles challenging issues with strong technical expertise, and his awareness and commercial vision are truly remarkable.

    Real EstateChambers Brazil: Transactional
  • Marcelo is a reference in the market. Whenever we consider a deal that involves questions about municipal or state legislation, or greater complexity in incorporation registration, we turn to him.

    Real EstateChambers Brazil: Transactional
  • Marcelo is a respected authority in the market. He consistently delivers in-depth analysis, aligns with client interests, and brings a great sense of humor to every interaction.

    Real EstateChambers Brazil: Transactional
  • Marcelo Terra is a leading figure in the real estate market, distinguished by his solid and strategic performance in disputes involving urban planning and real estate law. His experience and practical insight ensure safe and innovative solutions, always focused on defending the client’s interests and maintaining technical excellence.

    Real Estate: LitigationChambers Brazil: Contentious
  • 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 UseChambers Brazil: Industries & Sectors

Ranked Individuals at Duarte Garcia, Serra Netto e Terra Advogados (9)

Brazil

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