Full-service law firm Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados has a premier public and administrative law practice, which is often retained to advise on some of the most significant infrastructure projects in the market. Particularly active in the transport, logistics, sanitation and energy segments, the group of ‘highly qualified professionals’ handles major PPPs, concession agreements, bidding processes and privatisations. On the contentious front, the team demonstrates notable strength in administrative proceedings, the negotiation of leniency programmes, and high-profile litigation before constitutional courts. A strong performer in project finance, M&A and concessions in regulated sectors, José Virgilio Enei oversees the practice. Public and regulatory law specialist Lucas Sant’Anna is frequently sought after for his expertise in PPPs, administrative improbity matters and public tenders. Rafael Vanzella is trusted by financial institutions, government bodies and contractors in financing transactions and project development matters. Pedro Saullo is another core member of the team with a strong background in PPPs, economic and financial rebalance claims, and the enforcement of administrative contracts.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The team has excellent dedication to the subjects. They are very accessible (at any time and through different channels) and have in-depth knowledge of public law issues.’
‘The differential, without a doubt, is the ability to understand the peculiarities of our company's businesses.’
‘The team always seeks innovative solutions, balancing legal certainty with business innovation.’
‘Great expertise in public and regulatory law. Highly qualified professionals, with several courses even outside the country. Quick turnaround on issues of great complexity. Diverse and up-to-date team.’
‘Rafael Vanzella is a professional of excellence. Highly qualified to resolve regulatory and public law issues regarding the most recent innovations in current legislation.’
‘Great experience and knowledge of the legal framework and the market in several infrastructure projects, able to pedagogically advise its clients and propose pragmatic solutions.’
‘Jose Virgílio Enei has a huge knowledge and experience in PPP projects and advises his clients with extreme ease.’

Key clients

M1 Transportes Sustentáveis (Tembici)
Vinci Partners
Kobra Consortium
Metrogreen Skyrail Concessionária da Bahia
Skyrail São Paulo Consortium
Municipality of Erechim
Monte Equity Partners
Ford Motor Company Brasil
Navegações Unidas Tapajos
Air Products Brasil
Arteris

Work highlights

Assisted Corporação Andina de Fomento and Programa de Parcerias de Investimento in the structuring of the rebidding of Malha Oeste, a railway network essential for the movement of freight from west to east across southern Brazil.
Advised Ecorodovias on the execution of a leniency agreement that its concessionaires, Ecovia Caminho do Mar and EcoCataratas, entered into with the Federal Prosecution Office.
Acted for a consortium led by GRT Partners in the public and administrative law issues related to the post-bidding for the development of Fiocruz's health biotechnology industrial complex.