Ms Mariana Cortez > KLA Advogados > Sao Paulo, Brazil > Lawyer Profile

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.

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‘.