About

Katia Valverde Junqueira is director of legal affairs in Brazil for Gas Natural Fenosa, a Spanish multinational specialising in distribution, supply and transportation of natural gas. The Brazilian part of Gas Natural Fenosa operates under a number of subsidiaries: Distribuidora de Gás do RJ (CEG), CEG RIO, São Paulo Sul and Gas Natural Serviços. Junqueira currently oversees legal matters for all subsidiaries, which collectively supply some of the largest states in Brazil with natural gas. Her ability to manage multiple entities requires a considerable talent for multitasking and a proficiency for prioritising a significant workload. Outside of her day-to-day work, Junqueira has become a widely-known and highly-respected lawyer across the country. She is member of numerous committees, councils and groups, promoting progression in the gas sector, or aiming to support women entering the legal profession. Junqueira’s market influence has been recognised in the form of numerous accolades and industry awards for her work. For example, in 2013, she was awarded a trophy by Justiça & Cidadania Law Magazine in recognition of her achievements upholding ethics and justice in the country. One source summed up her ‘various skills and competences’ by drawing attention to her selection as a Justice to the Rio de Janeiro court of appeals; an honour that will see her at the heart of some of the most important decisions in the state. Junqueira has taught at a number of universities, helping to promote the continued learning of young people in the profession, covering topics such as regulation, environmental law and oil and gas legislation. For those that she has not been able to directly teach, Junqueira has co-authored three books on environmental law, and has written numerous articles for magazines.