‘Attention, availability, high expertise’ are attributes that clients use to describe the litigation practice at Demarest Advogados, which is trusted by a diverse client base operating in a multitude of industries, including infrastructure, energy, financial services, and manufacturing, among others. The department is well equipped to advise on complex litigation matters, including proceedings before the superior courts, offering wide-ranging expertise in disputes concerning contractual and regulatory issues, transactions, fraud and consumer law. Newton Marzagão lends to the department over 20 years’ experience in corporate and commercial litigation across a range of sectors, and co-heads the practice with Camila Biral, lauded for her ‘expertise and business understanding’. Litigation arising from contracts, civil liability, environmental and administrative law is a key focus for Cesar Rossi Machado, while Amanda Sampaio focuses on commercial, construction, and corporate disputes. The team enhanced its dispute resolution offering in December 2023, following the incorporation of Aprigliano Advogados.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Newton Marzagão and his team are the best litigation and dispute resolution team in Brazil. The expertise, definition of case strategy, direct involvement of partners in discussions, and service are impeccable. They bring results and win difficult cases.'

  • ‘Newton Marzagão is an exceptional partner. The service, technical quality and availability are impeccable. An accessible person, talks to internal areas of the company in a calm manner, is always available to help the internal legal team. He is reliable and has technical knowledge and experience that make the difference.'

  • ‘Camila Biral has been a key partner to our company dealing with complex and sensitive litigation cases. Her expertise and business understanding are really valuable.’

  • ‘Quality of work. Multidisciplinary team.'

  • ‘Translating technical concepts into legal terms, and assembling clear and objective procedural documents are strengths of Newton Marzagão and his team.’

  • ‘Partner Newton Marzagão was always available and open to understand the peculiarities of the case and conduct the procedural strategy in an exemplary manner, always clearly indicating the risks and the path to follow.’

  • ‘Demarest responds satisfactorily.'

  • ‘Attention, availability, and high expertise are factors that make the firm unique.’

Key clients

  • Vale SA
  • Stellantis (Peugeot-Citroën do Brasil Automóveis Ltda.)
  • Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Consultores Ltda.
  • Bridgestone do Brasil Indústria e Comércio Ltda.
  • Posco DX Company Ltd.
  • Bayer S.A.
  • General Mills Brasil Alimentos Ltda.
  • JT International Distribuidora de Cigarros Ltda.
  • Câmara de Comercialização de Energia Elétrica - CCEE
  • Arteris S.A.
  • Vibra Energia SA
  • Cencosud Brasil Comercial Ltda.

Work highlights

  • Represented Peugeot-Citroën in three lawsuits filed by dealers and dealer’s associations (Abracit and Abracop) where the plaintiffs claim they are entitled to receive a share on the tax benefit Peugeot-Citroën obtained before the Federal Government with the exclusion of ICMS from the base of PIS and COFINS.
  • Represented Posco DX Company Ltd. in five lawsuits against Companhia do Metropolitano de São Paulo involving the termination of the agreement signed between the parties for the equipment installation of the São Paulo city subway and the annulment of the administrative decision that suspended the client’s license and the right to contract with the Brazilian public administration.
  • Represented JTI in lawsuits that discuss the legality and constitutionality of Resolution no. 14/2012, enacted by the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Newton Marzagão, Camila Biral

Other key lawyers

Cesar Rossi Machado, Amanda Sampaio, Fernando Maluf