Singled out for its ‘strong knowledge of Brazilian tax laws', Lefosse Advogados handles the full array of tax matters for large multinationals and Brazilian heavyweights active in various sectors, including energy, technology, financial services and agribusiness, among others. The team excels in non-contentious work, offering tax assistance and opinions on M&A and capital markets transactions, as well as advice on restructurings, the tax impact of new businesses and changes in tax legislation. Gustavo Lian Haddad, a leading authority in the tax space, and Ricardo Bolan, who focuses on tax planning and consulting, jointly oversee the practice. Another name to note for advisory work, Emmanuel Abrantes is especially active in transactional tax matters, and stands out for his knowledge of the technology and payment sectors. Administrative and judicial tax litigation is another key area of focus for the department; Ana Carolina Utimati is the primary contact for contentious tax issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The tax litigation team is extremely available, technical and assertive, always willing to help the client and bringing innovative ideas that other providers do not. They stand out for their excellent client relations and the delivery of high-level technical work.'
‘Vinícius Jucá - unique professional, absolutely available and a partner and with a lot of knowledge and experience in the area. Marcelo Hirose - associate with a lot of growth potential. He is able to translate his vast knowledge into communication with clients and also brings innovative and important ideas to the topics covered.'
‘The partner in charge Ana Carolina Utimati and her team have excellent technical quality, mastery of the administrative/judicial litigation strategy and are always available to assist us.'
‘The responsible partner Ana Carolina Utimati is very experienced in tax litigation, best in class.'
‘Lefosse's Tax department is truly unique. In addition to the impeccable technical background and quality, its advice is strategic and very well informed. In addition to dealing with legal issues, the team addresses the flow of what needs to be done and supports the internal legal team in the execution of procedural demands, working very well with deadlines and dedicating themselves greatly to the procedural strategy.'
‘Gustavo Lian Haddad is a name like few others in this area. An excellent relationship partner, who gets involved whenever necessary and in a strategic manner. Explains the complex Brazilian tax law to businesspeople abroad like no one else. Marcos de Carvalho is extremely talented in handling legal proceedings and works tirelessly until he is sure we have the best defence (or attack) possible.'
‘Strong knowledge of Brazilian tax laws, with a practical lens for advising clients. Gustavo and his team are extremely capable, a pleasure to work with, and their command of the English language is the best I've seen at a law firm in Brazil.’
‘Gustavo Lian Haddad is an experienced partner, who takes the time to really understand our business so that his advice can be practical and helpful. He often brings us thoughtful opportunities and is always extremely responsive. Like Gustavo, Emmanuel Abrantes has become a trusted adviser for us in all matters pertaining to Brazilian corporate tax law. Like Gustavo, he is a pleasure to work with and knows our business extremely well.'
Key clients
- ADM do Brasil
- Ambev
- Amcor
- Britvic
- Brookfield
- CBA – Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio
- Cogna Educação
- Comgas
- Diageo Brasil
- Disney
- Hasbro
- Kaiser
- Microsoft
- O&C
- Oracle
- Procter & Gamble
- TOTVS
- Visa
- ArcelorMittal Brasil
- ASA Bank
- Cummins
- Eneva S.A.
- Equinor
- GIC
- Ingram Micro Brasil Ltda.
- Macquarie Brasil Participações Ltda.
- Microsoft
- Rede D’Or
- Saint-Gobain
- Shell Brasil Petróleo Ltda.
- Smartfit Escola de Ginástica e Dança S.A.
- Syngenta
- Totvs S.A.
- XP Investimentos
Work highlights
- Advised Denham Capital, Rio Energy FIP Multiestratégia and Rio Energy FIP Multiestratégia II on the sale of Brazilian onshore renewables company Rio Energy to Equinor.
- Representing Ingram Micro in a tax assessment issued by the Federal Tax Authority for the collection of federal taxes, including corporate income taxes, gross revenue taxes, and withholding tax, due to several issues.
- Advised ArcelorMittal Brasil on a tax assessment issued by the Federal Tax Authority.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Gustavo Lian Haddad, Ricardo Ferreira Bolan