Noted for its ‘unparalleled international focus’, Trench Rossi Watanabe’s arbitration practice routinely represents foreign and domestic clients in high-profile disputes. The team has a strong track record in proceedings before several arbitral venues - including CAM-CCBC - and showcases particular strength in cases pertaining to the oil and gas, energy and technology industries. With extensive experience in commercial and corporate disputes, including arbitration arising from regulatory, shareholder, and post-M&A conflicts, as well as contractual, compensation and performance claims. The team is led by Joaquim De Paiva Muniz, who is highly active in corporate and contractual disputes. Focused on contentious matters concerning commercial contracts, bankruptcy and corporate conflicts, Luis Borghi is another key contact in the group. Associate Bruna Silveira is commended by clients for her ‘proximity to the business and availability’, and is often engaged in cross-border mandates.

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Technical knowledge.’

  • ‘Negotiation and strategic thinking skills.’

  • ‘Bruna Silveira stands out for her proximity to the business and availability.’

  • ‘Joaquim Muniz, the main partner of the arbitration team, is an outstanding professional with a lot of experience in several industries, with emphasis on energy, agribusiness, financial services, and education. Proactive, creative team that always thinks about solutions outside the box.’

  • ‘The team in the person of partners Joaquim Muniz and Luis Borghi stands out. Members are hands on and present. They follow and know the cases closely and in detail.'

  • ‘One of the best arbitration teams in the country. Unparalleled international focus.'

  • ‘Joaquim Muniz and Luis Borghi are market leaders: impeccable technical quality, vast practical experience, refined commercial sense and perfect client service.’

Key clients

  • Petrobras
  • Shell
  • Estaleiro Jurong Aracruz Ltda.
  • Air Liquide Brasil Ltda.
  • Canadian Solar
  • Petrogal
  • Arauco
  • Schulke do brasil participações
  • Singular
  • Stryker do Brasil Ltda.
  • True Change
  • Tsea
  • Vopak

Work highlights

  • Assisted Consortium Petrobras/Shell/Petrogal with a lawsuit filed by the National Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuel Agency (ANP) regarding the definition of the ring-fence of Lula-Cernambi, the largest Brazilian oil and gas field.
  • Acted for Stryker in an arbitration regarding alleged damages due to the termination of agency agreements in Brazil.
  • Represents Estaleiro Jurong Aracruz in an arbitration against the contractor Carioca Christiani Nielsen involving contractual indemnification and construction issues.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Joaquim Muniz

Other key lawyers

Luis Borghi, Katherina Ballesta, Bruna Silveira