Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados

An instrumental player in the Petrobras divestment process in recent years, Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados continues to be at the vanguard of the opening of the onshore E&P, gas and refinery markets, holding favour with traditional oil and gas giants as well as emerging E&P independents. M&A, greenfield projects, and debt-related transactions are common fare for the practice, which is also poised to assist large consumers with projects seeking to lower cost with gas as input. The team is led by Daniel Szyfman, whose ample experience is valued by both new investors contemplating entrance into the industry and established players considering expansion of core businesses into new markets such as biomethane. Maria Fernanda Soares finds her niche in natural and renewable gases, and has developed expertise in biomethane projects and the hydrogen industry, while Fernando Xavier is firmly entrenched in the E&P and downstream domain, advising on E&P asset negotiations, administrative litigation, complex regulatory matters, and greenfield biofuels projects. The senior associate ranks are filled out by Raphael Barboza Correia, an E&P, natural gas, and downstream specialist who advises on M&A transactions and regulatory advice, and Mariana Campos, who, having joined the firm in August 2023 from Souto Correa Advogados, brings with her acknowledged expertise in midstream and downstream regulatory matters. Mariele Milhorance focuses on natural gas, LNG, and the energy transition.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘They are exceptional. Machado Meyer's oil and gas team always serves us quickly, objectively and effectively, regardless of the time, deadline or complexity of the demand. Their level of knowledge and experience is unparalleled.’
‘They have access to a very broad industry database and, for any issue, Fernando Xavier presents us with several useful precedents of cases they have been involved in and a list of possible solutions. They facilitate our operations and present effective solutions to any problem.’
‘Fernando Xavier is always available and has impressive knowledge. His ability to coordinate several work fronts at the same time efficiently is appreciated.’
‘The support of associate Raphael Barboza Correia has been essential in routine operational issues and administrative defences.’
‘Machado Meyer has an experienced and up-to-date team in regulated areas, especially in oil and gas, whose lawyers demonstrate in-depth technical knowledge of varied and business-oriented topics to support complex and strategic topics.’
‘Mariana Campos has technical excellence and demonstrates in-depth knowledge in public and regulatory law. In addition to practical and business-oriented approaches, she is available and organised.’
‘Daniel Szyfman and Fernado Xavier provide exceptional service. Super knowledgeable of the sector and regulations.’
‘Maria Fernanda Soares is an extremely competent professional, with a background in the internal legal field of large companies, which sets her apart from her peers, as she can understand the concerns of executives and deliver work with robust content that is also easy to read and understand for non-lawyers.’

Key clients

Petrobras
BP
Equinor
Exxon
Repsol Sinopec
TotalEnergies
NTS
Origem Energia
Vibra
PlusPetrol
Petrochina
Petro-Victory
Braskem
Vale
Ambev
SBM
ArcelorMittal
MDC / Ecometano
Eneva
Raízen
Karoon
Ecopetrol
Westlawn Group
Fifth Ocean Group
Petrogal
3R Petroleum
Great Oil
Beam Earth
Consórcio Tucano Sul (Imetame and EnP Energy Platform)
Azevedo & Travassos Petróleo
Exmar
Mercuria
Braskem
Voqen
TGS
Ultragaz
LD Celulose
CCI
Latam
IKM Testing
PPSA

Work highlights

Advises NTS on a day-to-day basis in relation to all regulatory matters pertaining to natural gas transportation and regulated contracts of the industry.
Advised Petrobras on the sale of the pre-salt ultradeep water Uruguá and Tambaú mature fields to Enauta.
Advised Equinor on several regulatory fronts that resulted in the submission to ANP of the declarations of commerciality that led to the creation of the natural gas fields Raia Manta and Raia Pintada.