Maritime law experts at premier shipping firm Kincaid | Mendes Vianna Advogados are counsel of choice for an array of clients, from shipowners, charters, and carriers, to P&I clubs, terminal and port operators and shipyards. Well-versed in both dry and wet shipping matters, the practice is often seen advising on complex transactions, the recovery of maritime credits, administrative proceedings and judicial litigation. Shipping accidents such as collisions, fires and grounding procedures before the Port Captaincy and Admiralty Court are also key areas of expertise for the department. Predominantly based in Rio, the 'team of specialised professionals' is led by Camila Mendes Vianna Cardoso, best known for her expertise in acting for shipyards, shipowners, charters and P&I clubs on arbitration and litigation cases, Godofredo Mendes Vianna, who specialises in arbitration and litigation related to shipping and international trade disputes, and Iwam Jaeger, who focuses on disputes involving insurance underwriters and companies, trading companies and reinsurers. Fernanda Martinez Campos Cotecchia is the name to note for contractual, corporate and regulatory advice. Lucas Leite Marques is the go-to lawyer in São Paulo for both maritime and oil and gas issues. Juliana Pizzolato Furtado Senna left the firm in September 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Kincaid has extensive knowledge of the maritime market. This knowledge is evidenced by the numerous awards granted to the firm and its professionals over the years.’

  • ‘It is simply the firm with the greatest tradition in maritime and port law in Brazil. The tradition originates from its founder, being maintained by his son Godofredo Mendes Vianna, who over the last few years has combined good law with the best market practices, oxygenating the house and expanding the range of business services aimed at shipping companies. and ports, not limited to maritime law.’

  • ‘Godofredo Mendes Vianna is the soul of the firm. Rodrigo Dalhe is our trusted associate for matters related to maritime law.’

  • ‘The lawyers' expertise in the area of ​​transport in general, port operations and other aspects of law allows the team to guide us and act in the best way for the group's interests.’

  • ‘Kincaid is one of the renowned and market-recognised firms, with specialised and technical operations in the maritime and port segment. It has a team of specialized professionals, with relevant technical knowledge of the segment and customer needs, assisting the business in strategic assessments.’

  • ‘Camila Mendes Vianna Cardoso is extremely accessible, very technical with agile and precise support.’

  • ‘It is the main firm specialising in maritime law and international maritime transport insurance. Very experienced in navigation facts and conflicts, judicial or otherwise, involving stakeholders in the navigation sector and the oil and gas industry. Strong reputation among public stakeholders and great knowledge of the administrative processes of port captaincies and maritime courts. Readiness and ability to resolve complex environmental issues’

  • ‘Iwan Jaeger is an extremely experienced, skilled, cautious lawyer, oriented towards the search for solutions and consensus, with a high degree of credibility. Excellent partner, with whom it is possible to discuss strategic, tactical and even issues that go beyond legal aspects.’

Key clients

  • TMS Offshore
  • CMM
  • CBO Companhia Brasileira Offshore
  • Bram offshore (Edson Chouest Group)
  • MSC
  • CMA – CGM
  • Altera
  • Bravante
  • Maersk Brasil
  • Solstad/ Farstad/ Deep Sea
  • Acelen
  • Supreme Offshore
  • Ultrabulk do Brasil
  • Ultranav
  • Sealion do Brasil Navegação
  • Blue Amazon Shipping
  • PRIO (PetroRio)
  • Supreme Offshore
  • Usiminas
  • Klabin
  • Norsul
  • Atlantic Kingfisher Limited Partnership
  • Bourbon Offshore
  • Hidrovias do Brasil
  • OceanPact Serviços Marítimos
  • Oceânica Navegação
  • CNA - Companhia de Navegação da Amazônia
  • Sealoading
  • Gran Energies
  • Rio Navegação
  • EMBRAREB – Empresa Brasileira de Rebocagem
  • Porto do Açu
  • Sapura Navegação do Brasil

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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.

Camila Mendes Vianna Cardoso, Godofredo Mendes Vianna, Iwam Jaeger

Other key lawyers

Lucas Leite Marques, Fernanda Martinez Campos Cotecchia, Tarik Bergallo Kalil Jacob, Rodrigo Dalhe