Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas | Brazil: Industries & Sectors

Much-admired full-service firm Machado, Meyer, Sendacz e Opice maintains a key oil and gas practice with accumulated experience advising important players in the sector, including local and international client requiring assistance with M&A, joint venture formation and various sector-related agreements as well as with project development and an array of regulatory issues. Its client portfolio has welcomed the addition of PlusPetrol and ArcelorMittal, among others.

Full-service elite firm Mattos Filho has an exceptional oil and gas practice group holding a leading position in the market through its continued representation of major E&P companies operating in Brazil's highly productive offshore reserves. The firm is instructed to advise on both the transactional and regulatory aspects. It is frequently seen advising on sector-specific M&A deals and asset transactions. The firm also advises on high-end finance deals to back long-term projects and oilfield acquisitions. It is highly sought after for its knowledge of project development and participation in the National Petroleum Agency's bidding rounds.

Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown has an outstanding department renowned for its expertise in a wide range of transactional and regulatory oil and gas matters. The team caters to a host of impressive domestic and international clientele in need of representation in complex sector-related corporate and M&A transactions. The team also benefits from long-standing experience assisting clients with the development of high-capacity LNG projects, as well as with the acquisition of offshore blocks through ANP's bidding rounds. The firm is particularly active in the upstream and midstream production chains.

Schmidt, Valois, Miranda, Ferreira & Agel has a prestigious department boasting a deep bench of seasoned oil and gas lawyers. The firm is sought after to perform due diligence work and to act on high-level M&A transactions. Its lawyers are seasoned in project development in the area and advise on all stages, from exploration and production to refining. Further capabilities include top-notch regulatory advice.

Widely respected full-service firm Veirano Advogados is noted for representing oil and gas clients operating in the upstream and downstream markets. The firm is frequently instructed to advise on high-value M&A transactions and project development mandates, in addition to assisting service providers with bids for the supply and operation of oil and gas assets.

Lefosse Advogados joins the Oil & Gas rankings this year due to its work advising clients on transactional mandates, including M&A. The firm also handles contractual issues, including EPC, leasing and transportation agreements. Additional capabilities include representation in judicial and arbitration cases, as well as administrative proceedings before ANP.

Internationally savvy firm Trench Rossi Watanabe maintains a strong oil and gas department with a track record of assisting players in the market with complex regulatory issues, high-profile transactions and litigation work. The firm is particularly noted for providing strategic regulatory advice for companies from the upstream and midstream segments, as well as for its involvement in discussions relating to the new Brazilian gas market. Clients further benefit from the team's expertise in ESG matters.

Vieira Rezende has an established department recognised for its strong track record in the oil and gas arena. The team is noted for advising clients on the structuring of new businesses and for assisting with regulatory mandates. It also remains active assisting upstream companies and offshore service providers with the acquisition of oil and gas assets and services. Clients further benefit from the lawyers' expertise in gas-to-power projects.

Full-service firm Cescon, Barrieu, Flesch & Barreto Advogados has a noteworthy oil and gas practice. The team is regularly sought out by energy companies and financial institutions to assist with M&A and financing deals. It also handles regulatory matters and assists clients with participation in ANP bidding rounds.

Full-service firm Demarest Advogados regularly handles transactional matters such as M&A for E&P companies. It also advises on contractual matters, including service agreements. The team provides expert regulatory advice to its clients, as well as offering experience in bidding deals. Its capabilities span the upstream and midstream sectors.

Pinheiro Neto Advogados joins the ranking this year after having demonstrated knowledge regarding mining matters involving regulatory and transactional affairs. The firm is further capable to offer advice on administrative procedures. It is able to advise clients from the downstream to the upstream segments of operations. New client wins include Nova Petróleoand Terminal de Combustíveis Paulínia.