Drawing on its full-service structure, Demarest Advogados is noted for proposing ‘assertive and intelligent solutions’ to address clients’ compliance issues and concerns. Internal investigations are at the core of the practice, which regularly handles highly sensitive matters concerning corruption, fraud, moral and sexual harassment. The group is also a popular choice for clients, including companies from the healthcare, natural resources, energy and technology sectors, seeking assistance in investigations before the Brazilian General Comptroller Office (CGU) and administrative liability proceedings. Other areas of activity for the team include compliance due diligence in the context of M&A transactions, and, increasingly, asset tracing analyses. Co-head Eloy Rizzo is a ’brilliant professional’, who ‘stands out for his extensive knowledge and experience in internal investigations’, with an emphasis on cross-border matters relating to possible violations of anti-corruption laws. Fellow co-leader Fabyola En Rodrigues has over 20 years’ experience in criminal defence matters. At senior associate level, André Luis Leme is well versed in administrative liability proceedings, while associate Victoria Arcos boasts significant experience in multijurisdictional anti-corruption and anti-fraud investigations.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Demarest is a complete law firm with very competent lawyers focused on serving the client well. In addition to having a multidisciplinary team, it delivers fast and high-quality service. They are always on top of the main legislative changes and innovations in the compliance area.'
‘Eloy Rizzo is a brilliant professional, totally focused on the client's needs. He has an incredible ability to understand the company's problems and difficulties and bring assertive and personalised solutions. He is an admirable professional, one of those who do not keep knowledge to themselves, but share it with everyone. He delivers excellent quality advice that is straightforward and prompt. In addition, he is a super friendly and human person, who knows how to treat his clients very well.’
‘Eloy Rizzo is always concerned with serving the client in the best possible way.'
‘They propose assertive and intelligent solutions to solve problems. Quick in response. Solicitous and attentive for answers and meetings. Impeccable service.’
‘The compliance team is excellent, demonstrates technique and deep knowledge of the subject, in addition to excellent communication and availability.’
‘Eloy Rizzo: professional with a lot of national and international experience. He stands out for his extensive knowledge and experience in internal investigations. Always available.'
'André Leme: professional with a lot of national experience. He stands out for his extensive knowledge og the implementation of compliance programmes, mainly policies, procedures and review/discussion of contractual compliance clauses.'
'Eloy Rizzo brilliantly leads a team of professionals who complement each other. Dynamic, intelligent and humble lawyer. He is transparent and always available. André follows the same path and has everything to be an excellent leader as well.'

Key clients

EcoRodovias
Infection Reduction Partners (IRP)
Braskem
CCR
Samsung SDS Latin America Tecnologia e Logística
Oracle do Brasil Sistemas (Oracle)
CBMM – Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração
CNP Seguros Holding Brasil
Fujifilm do Brasil
Orthofix US
Etesco Construções e Comércio (Etesco)
Cia de Ferro Ligas da Bahia - FERBASA
Takeda Distribuidora
Covetrus
Auren Energia

Work highlights

Assisted EcoRodavias with a court-mandated 32-month monitorship entered into as part of a leniency agreement.
Assisted Samsung SDS with the creation of a tailored programme to observe best practices for compliance and antitrust guidelines.
Assisted Oracle on a monthly basis with all aspects of several internal investigations.