LAWYER PROFILE
Rafael Szmid

Rafael Szmid

Global 2026

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Ranked in 1 practice area

About

Provided by Reed Smith LLP

Global

Practice Areas

Rafael advises clients from Latin America—primarily Brazil—on complex legal and compliance issues around the globe, while also guiding multinational companies as they navigate business and regulatory challenges across Latin America. Dual-qualified in the U.S. and Brazil, and fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, he bridges jurisdictions and cultures to deliver clear, business-oriented advice. With nearly 15 years of experience, Rafael has led high-stakes matters worldwide, including major FCPA and anti-corruption investigations, strategic antitrust advice to the chair of Brazil’s Competition Authority, and global compliance support for Fortune 100 companies. He also regularly assists Brazilian businesses expanding into the U.S. market and international companies establishing or growing operations in Brazil and the wider region.

Clients rely on Rafael for internal and government investigations involving corruption, cartels, sanctions, money laundering, fraud, and workplace misconduct. He also designs and strengthens compliance programs that align with the FCPA, UK Bribery Act, Brazil’s Clean Company Act, and global sanctions and antitrust laws—helping companies mitigate risk and protect their reputation.

Beyond investigations, Rafael advises on corporate transactions and cross-border disputes, including Section 1782 discovery and asset recovery proceedings.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Global Guide

Corporate Crime & Investigations (International Firms) - Brazil

Up-and-coming Individual
Up and Coming

Individual Editorial

Up-and-coming partner Rafael Szmid demonstrates skills in dealing with internal investigations, including those involving criminal prosecutions and regulatory procedures.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Rafael Szmid is an excellent lawyer with in-depth knowledge and expertise. He approaches every matter with professionalism and a thorough understanding of the legal landscape.

    Corporate Crime & Investigations (International Firms)Chambers Global Guide
  • Rafael is a great lawyer, no matter what topic comes to his attention. He provides very good service and client experience. He is always available and has a very large network.

    Corporate Crime & Investigations (International Firms)Chambers Global Guide
  • Rafael Szmid has consistently demonstrated exceptional legal expertise, strategic insight, and a deep understanding of our business needs.

    Corporate Crime & Investigations (International Firms)Chambers Global Guide

Ranked Individuals at Reed Smith LLP (85)

Asia-Pacific Region

Belgium

Brazil

  • Profile image of Rafael Szmid
    Rafael Szmid

    Corporate Crime & Investigations (International Firms)

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China

  • Profile image of Denise Jong
    Denise Jong

    Corporate/M&A: Hong Kong-based (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Anthony Woo
    Anthony Woo

    Corporate/M&A: Hong Kong-based (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Lianjun Li
    Lianjun Li

    Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Matthew Townsend
    Matthew Townsend

    Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Donald Sham
    Donald Sham

    Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Asha Sharma
    Asha Sharma

    Dispute Resolution: Litigation (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Eric Lin
    Eric Lin

    Energy & Natural Resources (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Jill Wong
    Jill Wong

    Financial Services: Contentious Regulatory (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Jill Wong
    Jill Wong

    Financial Services: Non-contentious Regulatory (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Donald Sham
    Donald Sham

    Shipping: Litigation (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Zeldar Wang
    Zeldar Wang

    Shipping: Litigation (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Barbara Li
    Barbara Li

    TMT: Data Protection & Privacy (International Firms)

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France

Germany

  • Profile image of Christian Filippitsch
    Christian Filippitsch

    Competition/European Law: Lawyers Based Abroad

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Global Market Leaders

Greece

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