KLA Advogados > Sao Paulo, Brazil > Firm Profile

KLA Advogados > The Legal 500 Rankings

Brazil > Corporate and M&A: Mid-market Tier 1

Focused on advising both buyers and sellers on the full spectrum of corporate and M&A matters, KLA Advogados is ‘well respected in the local market‘ and receives praise for understanding ‘the client’s needs and its business, anticipating problems and proposing solutions‘. Present in a variety of sectors, from technology to energy and education, the practice is adept in middle-market strategic M&A, private equity deals, and joint ventures. Leadership of the group is shared between Karin Alvo, a key contact for TMT and life sciences clients, Mariana Cortez, who in turn is noted for her experience in transactions involving the real estate sector, and Melissa Kanô, whose ‘engaging and highly intelligent manner when dealing with clients and opposing counsel makes her an invaluable asset to any deal team‘. Other names to note in the practice include Mário Fioratti, who possesses extensive experience in the venture capital space, and Patrícia Braga, a key contact for cross-border mandates.

Brazil > Real estate Tier 2

With the ability to assist with the entire life cycle of a real estate transaction, KLA Advogados is often called upon by major domestic and international clients for its expertise in purchase and sale deals, and the development, funding and regularisation of urban and rural properties. A reference in the market, Pedro Cortez boasts four decades of experience in real estate and urban development matters. Mariana Cortez draws on her corporate law background to advise on rural land acquisitions, timber assets, and build-to-suit arrangements. Other key individuals include Tomaz Matheus, who has advised on the structuring of multi-use, logistics and hotel projects, and Rodrigo Pontes, who has expertise in property registry and notarial law. The group was further enhanced by the addition of Luanda Pinto Backheuser, who joined from De Luca, Derenusson, Schuttoff Sociedade de Advogados in January 2024 and stands out for her knowledge of rural land and agribusiness matters, and Livia Maria Siviero Bittencourt Huh, a capital markets specialist who joined from Lacaz Martins, Pereira Neto, Gurevich & Schoueri Advogados in the same month. Carla Fernandes ‘is a very technical and committed professional‘.

Tax > Customs Tier 2

Brazil > Wealth and succession planning Tier 2

The wealth management practice at KLA Advogados handles the entire spectrum of matters in this space, showcasing notable strength in international estate planning, family governance issues, offshore investment structures and inheritance issues. Fernando Koury Lopes heads up the practice and regularly receives instructions from high-net-worth individuals and families, as well as international banks and asset management firms. Vera Cardoso de Almeida is a key name for estate planning, international residence planning, inheritance disputes and settlements. Carolina Ducci is singled out for her experience in family law matters, as well as estate planning, inheritance disputes and probate proceedings.

Tax > Tax advisory Tier 3

Praised for its 'high technical and professional competence', the tax team at KLA Advogados provides legal assistance to an array of clients - including names from the telecoms, marketing, healthcare and auto parts industries - in judicial and administrative litigation as well as consulting matters concerning direct and indirect taxes. Core areas of strength for the team, which often advises on the structuring of joint ventures and foreign investments in Brazil and Latin America, include international taxation, transfer pricing and double tax treaties. Department head Henrique Lopes is a reference for income taxes and international taxation, standing out for his expertise in indirect taxes. Victor Polizelli specialises in non-contentious tax issues, with a special focus on corporate tax, international taxation and transfer pricing. Corporate tax and international matters are also among Luís Flávio Neto's specialisms, who handles contentious and advisory mandates.

Brazil > Environment Tier 4

KLA Advogados presents a new face to its environmental offering, bidding farewell to former practice head Letícia Yumi Marques in February 2024 and ushering in Flávia Marcilio from De Luca, Derenusson, Schuttoff Sociedade de Advogados in January 2024 to take over the reins of a practice best known for rural environmental matters, including contaminated sites and protected areas, with particular expertise in agribusiness, ethanol, and biofuel markets. Marcilio is a seasoned practitioner with a rich background in forestry investment, mining, carbon credits, ESG, energy, and human and animal health, and brings with her to the São Paulo team land regularisation specialist José Davi Fidalgo, who focuses on the environmental regulatory aspects of carbon projects and real estate properties.

Brazil > TMT: Cybersecurity and data privacy Tier 4

Recommended for its ‘deep legal knowledge, effective communication, and a client-focused approach‘, KLA Advogados‘ data protection practice assists its international and local client base – which operates in the healthcare, media, education, telecoms, retail, and IT sectors, among others – with risk assessments, the implementation of data protection compliance programmes, and data breaches. Led by associate Ana Carolina Cesar, the team is also instructed in the review of contracts, privacy policies and terms of use agreements. Daniele Dimas offers key assistance with non-contentious and litigation matters in this space.

Brazil > TMT: Media Tier 4

Advertising is the focus of the media and entertainment practice at KLA Advogados, which advises multiple communication groups and independent advertising agencies on regulatory and transactional matters. The team, led by Melissa Kanô, routinely assists clients with campaigns clearance, agreements involving advertisers and media vehicles, and proceedings before ANCINE, CENP, and CONAR. Kanô is engaged by both local and international advertising agencies in relation to the negotiation of commercial agreements and transactions. Key support is offered by Ana Carolina Cesar, who is adept at drafting contracts for media and entertainment clients, and assisting with the clearance of advertising campaigns.

Brazil > TMT: Tech, innovation and digital business Tier 4

Uniting the firm’s expertise in corporate and M&A, tax, IP and litigation, KLA Advogados‘ technology and innovation practice is well placed to handle the entire spectrum of mandates on behalf of tech companies and start-ups. The team regularly advises on emerging technologies, regulatory issues related to new business ventures, and tech transactions. M&A specialist Karin Alvo leads the team alongside senior associate Ana Carolina Cesar, who is proficient in AI, IT, new technologies and IP.

Brazil > White-collar crime and investigations Tier 4

Taking full advantage of its full-service structure, KLA Advogados provides comprehensive advice to its clients seeking assistance with criminal law matters relating to corruption, money laundering, cyber, environment, antitrust and IP crimes. Clients span the aviation, chemical, education, technology, transport and media sectors. Juliane Mendonça boasts extensive experience in police investigations, administrative proceedings, criminal cases and plea bargain agreements. Mendonça jointly leads the practice whose 'partners, associates and collaborators have great competence, are agile and propose solutions proactively' alongside Tiago Cortez.

Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Litigation Tier 5

Leveraging considerable experience in civil and corporate disputes, KLA Advogados frequently represents clients from the retail, technology, manufacturing, real estate, construction, and automotive industries in strategic litigation. Demonstrating a wealth of experience in commercial litigation with a particular focus on the real estate and automotive sectors, Tiago Cortez leads an ‘experienced and qualified team’. Taísa Oliveira and Flávia Alterio act for a multitude of clients - including names from the retail, technology and manufacturing sectors - in indemnity and collection claims, contractual breaches and disputes arising from distribution agreements.

Brazil > Labour and employment Tier 5

The labour team at KLA Advogados offers advice on a broad range of matters – covering litigation, consultancy, due diligence and training – to a varied client case made up of companies from the IT, manufacturing, pharmaceutical and advertising sectors. Labour litigation is a key focus for the team, which is skilled in individual labour claims, class actions and administrative proceedings. Co-head Bruna de Cesare frequently represents clients in judicial and administrative proceedings. Fellow co-leader Paulo Chubba assists with terminations, employee transfers, restructuring projects, and collective bargaining agreements.

Tax > Tax litigation Tier 5

Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Arbitration Tier 7

With extensive experience in public law disputes, KLA Advogados‘ arbitration department is well-positioned to pursue dispute resolution in the construction, infrastructure and public administration sectors. The team manages a diverse workload where regulatory disputes feature alongside conflicts concerning public concessions, contracts, and PPPs. Department leader Tiago Cortez has solid experience in commercial and public sector arbitrations, and mandates in the automotive and real estate sectors. He receives support from Flávia Alterio and Taisa Oliveira, who are similarly proficient in matters relating to real estate, public law and contractual breaches.