Entirely devoted to tax law, Belo Horizonte-headquartered boutique Sacha Calmon e Misabel Derzi Consultores e Advogados is a strong performer in high-profile administrative and judicial litigation, demonstrating notable proficiency in cases heard before CARF and the superior courts in Brasília. Though its core strength lies in contentious matters, the firm is also well placed to assist with tax planning and indirect tax issues, where it acts for leading private and listed companies from the worlds of telecoms, mining, food and beverage, construction, automotive and healthcare, to name a few. A reference for both tax disputes and tax consulting matters, Valter Lobato jointly heads up the practice with André Mendes Moreira, whose expertise spans direct and indirect taxes. Tiago Conde - the key contact in the federal capital – is adept in tax litigation before the higher courts, while Fernando Moura stands out for his direct tax and international taxation expertise.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Valter Lobato is a lawyer who is always up to date, available and aware of matters of interest to the company, acting as a business partner.'

  • ‘The firm is highly qualified in relevant tax matters, acting strategically before the superior courts. What sets it apart from others is its ability to take the lead in contentious matters, helping companies determine the best alternative to adopt, whether to mitigate risks or act in litigation. Tiago Conde and Valter Lobato stand out.'

  • ‘Tiago Conde and Valter Lobato: What distinguishes them from competitors is their availability and ability to assist with complex demands. They act clearly and objectively, expressing their points of view even when the solution is not the most advantageous.'

  • ‘Very personal service from partner Tiago Conde, who has robust technical knowledge and is always up to date with national jurisprudence, mainly from the superior courts and CARF.'

  • ‘Sacha Calmon, mainly through partner Valter Lobato, stands out from other firms that work in the tax area for several reasons, including: technical and ethical capacity and recognition not only by colleagues and clients, but by tax authorities and magistrates; personality and availability of the main partner, who has in-depth knowledge of all the work being performed; focus on the solution.'

  • ‘Tiago Conde, whose work in Brasília stands out for its technical and ethical respect, has the ability to suggest appropriate approaches for each situation and agility.'

  • ‘The tax team has a lot of technical knowledge and can apply this expertise to situations faced by companies.'

Key clients

  • Plantar S/A Planejamento Técnica e Administração de Reflorestamentos
  • Paulo César Verly da Cruz
  • JSS Empreendimentos e Administração Ltda.
  • Hospital Mater Dei S/A
  • Launch Pad Tecnologia, Serviços e Pagamentos Ltda.
  • Banco de Desenvolvimento de Minas Gerais S/A – BDMG
  • JSS Empreendimentos e Administração LTDA.
  • Construtora Novolar LTDA

Work highlights

  • Assisted Plantar with the analysis of all the various tax repercussions and viable structures for the sale of biological assets and their respective rural real estate.
  • Representing Companhia Estadual De Águas e Esgotos – CEDAE in lawsuits to recover amounts unduly paid as taxes since 2010.
  • Represents Ouro Verde Locação e Serviço S.A. and Confederação Nacional dos Transportes in a direct action of unconstitutionality and an appeal submitted to the general repercussion (in society) proceedings before the Federal Supreme Court (STF) that discuss the unconstitutionality of State laws that levy the Mandatory Motor Vehicle Ownership Tax (IPVA) on car rental companies’ vehicles.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Valter Lobato, André Mendes Moreira

Other key lawyers

Misabel Abreu Machado Derzi, Sacha Calmon Navarro Coêlho, Tiago Conde, Fernando Moura