We were one of the first global law firms to open an office in São Paulo and are recognized for our extensive experience in Brazil. For nearly four decades, the firm has advised clients on Brazilian inbound and outbound investments and other significant transactions, drawing upon deep knowledge across multiple practice areas.
We have several top-tier practices and advise global clients active in the region in the following areas:
- Corporate/M&A: strategic planning and structuring advice, public and private M&A, joint ventures, financial advisor representation and complex cross-border transactions
- Banking & Finance: our capabilities include project finance and bonds, corporate finance and syndicated lending – with experience in the energy, infrastructure and telecommunications sectors
- Capital Markets: recognized for innovation in securitizations, structured products and derivatives – with experience in both debt and equity offerings
- Restructuring and Liability Management: multidisciplinary, business-minded approach with cross-border experience in finance, commercial transactions and litigation
- Investigations and Litigation: significant experience across Latin America in regulatory compliance and investigations as well as complex commercial litigation
Our lawyers in São Paulo, New York, Washington, DC, Houston and across the globe work closely with clients on matters in Brazil and throughout the region. With a diversified team in São Paulo, we respond quickly to the needs of our clients and the dynamic Brazilian market.
Having advised on a wide array of transactions over many years, our team has developed important relationships and a thorough understanding of the Brazilian market. We are deeply familiar with the business, legal and regulatory landscape, not just in Brazil but throughout Latin America.
An impressive number of top rankings from independent sources recognize our work on significant transactions; innovative, market-driven solutions; and longstanding commitment to clients conducting transactions in Brazil.
A small sample of our work includes advising:
- Assisted Eletrobras with the issuance and international offering and placement of its common shares outside Brazil, including a registered offering of American depositary shares in the US.
- Advised Sabesp on two separate loans from multinational lenders IFC and IDB Invest in the total amount of BRL1.2 billion.
- Advised Iberdrola on the sale of 50% of its shares of Neoenergia to Warrington Investment.
- Advised multilateral development institutions and an investment bank in connection with two multi-tranche financings to Águas do Rio SPE 1 and Águas do Rio SPE 4 for the development of water and sewage treatment systems in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
- Advised the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IDB Invest) and Société de Promotion et de Participation pour la Coopération Economique (Proparco) as lender and guarantor, respectively, in connection with the financing by IDB Invest of a long-term local currency loan package for up to R$1,500 million (~US$300 million) to Águas do Rio 1 and Águas do Rio 4 (together, Águas do Rio). Águas do Rio are concessions of Aegea Group, Brazil's largest private sanitation company.
Our Americas team of nearly 300 lawyers, in collaboration with thousands of lawyers across the firms global network – has established us as a trusted adviser for international legal work flowing into and out of Brazil.
Directory and client comments
- Project Finance: International Counsel, Chambers Latin America 2026 – Band 1
- Projects and Energy: International Firms, Legal 500 Latin America 2025 – Tier 1
- Banking and Finance: International Firms, Legal 500 Latin America 2025 – Tier 1
- Partner Anthony Oldfield recognized Leading Partner by Legal 500 Latin America 2026
- Partners Thais Garcia and Patrick Jackson recognized Next Generation Partners by Legal 500 Latin America 2026
- Counsel Anja Pfleger Andrade recognized Leading Associate by Legal 500 Latin America 2026
- "Strength in regional market knowledge and can draw from within the firm globally on required industry expertise. Top team, no question about it." Legal 500 Latin America 2025 – Corporate and M&A
- "Clifford Chance has a great reputation. An experienced team in Brazil, they know a lot about the market and clients. Very hands-on in operations - great team." Chambers Brazil 2024 – Capital Markets (International Firms)
- "Very few firms manage their relationships with local firms and clients with the same level of care as Clifford Chance. They nurture these relationships to grow stronger over the years." Chambers Brazil 2024 – Banking & Finance (International Firms)