Sonia Rao

Practice Areas

White-Collar Crime

Career

Sônia has over 40 years of experience and is regarded as one of Brazil's leading criminal lawyers. She represents clients in matters involving a broad range of corporate crimes, such as corruption, money laundering, crimes against the National Financial System, tax evasion, and environmental crimes.

During her career, Sônia has acted in several landmark cases, including matters related to the largest investigation ever conducted in Brazil ("Car Wash Operation"), and also to "Mensalão", "Castelo de Areia", "Pouso Forçado", and other important white-collar crime historical investigations, such as those involving Banco Econômico, back in the 80s and 90s, and Banco Santos, Banco Excel and Banco Panamericano, in the past two decades.

Professional Memberships

Sônia has served in various institutions and associations along the years. She was a member of the Human Rights and Prerogatives Commission of the Paulista Section of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB/SP) and of the Deliberative Council of the Defence Law Institute (IDDD). She was also a counsellor of the São Paulo Lawyers Association (AASP) and the São Paulo Criminal Lawyers Association (ACRIMESP). Currently, she is a member of the judging committee of the prestigious Instituto Innovare, which annually awards transforming practices in the Brazilian justice system. Sônia holds a Bachelor´s degree from the University of São Paulo (USP).

Languages Spoken

Portuguese and English.

Education