LAWYER PROFILE

William Freire

Brazil 2026

Demarest Advogados

Ranked in 1 practice area

Energy & Natural Resources: Mining

Brazil

16 years ranked

About

Provided by Demarest Advogados

Brazil: Industries & Sectors

Experience

Founding Partner at William Freire Advogados Associados, William Freire is one of Brazil’s leading authorities in Mining Law. A graduate of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), he serves as Director of the Mining Law Department at the Instituto dos Advogados de Minas Gerais (IAMG) and teaches Mining and Environmental Law in several postgraduate programmes across Brazil.

With over three decades of experience, William combines deep academic expertise with extensive practical knowledge of the Brazilian mining sector. He has authored key legal publications, including the books Mining Law, Controversial Aspects of Mining and Environmental Law, and Annotated Mining Code, which are widely referenced by practitioners and scholars.

Internationally, William has delivered lectures and training sessions in countries such as Peru, Chile, Argentina and Mozambique. He was also part of the faculty for the International Mining Law Programme at San Martin de Porres University in Lima, Peru.

Regularly recognised by publications such as Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, Leaders League, Latin Lawyer 250 and Who’s Who Legal, William is renowned for his strategic insight and his contribution to the development of mining legislation and best practices in Brazil.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Brazil: Industries & Sectors

Energy & Natural Resources: Mining - Brazil

Senior Statespeople

Individual Editorial

William Freire is a practitioner who offers clients a wealth of knowledge in the mining industry. He is experienced across a range of mining matters, offering particular strength in handling regulatory mandates in Minas Gerais.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

William Freire plays a central role in the strategic management of stakeholder relationships and in mitigating institutional and reputational risks associated with sensitive projects. His distinguishing feature lies in the combination of technical authority, institutional credibility and strategic vision, allowing him to align legal, regulatory and public image interests. Compared to other professionals in the market, he stands out for his ability to act proactively in protecting corporate reputation, especially in contexts of high visibility and public scrutiny.
Energy & Natural Resources: MiningChambers Brazil: Industries & Sectors
William Freire is a leading expert in mining law.
Energy & Natural Resources: MiningChambers Brazil: Industries & Sectors
William Freire is my intellectual mentor.
Energy & Natural Resources: MiningChambers Brazil: Industries & Sectors
William Freire is one of the country's greatest mining lawyers.
Energy & Natural Resources: MiningChambers Brazil: Industries & Sectors