Top 10 Most Influential Capital Market Lawyers in Brazil 2023

The Brazilian market has a long-standing history in the Capital Markets industry, and a major player in the stability and functionality of this industry are the legal firms and their corresponding attorneys. This article seeks to highlight some of the most accomplished Brazil-based Capital Markets lawyers who work for international firms. Their specialities, skills, services, and impact in the industry will be showcased.

These renowned individuals are the backbone of the legal facet of the industry, their expertise enabling groundbreaking deals and safeguarding the legal rights of their clients. Their knowledge and insight have significantly shaped and influenced the Capital Markets space, framing the approach to carrying out operations within the complex financial ecosystem.

In this article, we focus on the profiles of a handful of these individuals – their background, their expertise, their firms, and finally, their contribution to this dynamic, challenging, and ever-evolving industry. In no particular order, the lawyers included in the article are:

Tobias Stirnberg (Milbank LLP)

Tobias Stirnberg has carved a strong niche for himself in the Capital Markets arena, specializing in representing issuers and underwriters in multifaceted debt and equity deals, mainly in the Latin American region. Known for his approachability and adept handling of debt-related matters, Stirnberg is recognised as a prominent player within the field.

J. Mathias von Bernuth (Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates)

Belonging to the globally-renowned Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates, Mathias von Bernuth is acclaimed for his involvement in high-value debt and equity deals, navigating big players in the capital market from both the issuer and underwriter sides. His business-forward take coupled with his knack for structured deals has earned him commendable reviews within the industry.

Grenfel S Calheiros (Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP)

Grenfel Calheiros’ expertise lies in advising issuers in premium IPOs and follow-on offerings. His high sophistication level in handling unexpected scenarios has led to ingenious solutions and earned him stellar reviews from his clients. His willingness to always help has made him a sought-after professional within the Latin American jurisdiction.

Juan G Giráldez (Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP)

Juan Giráldez shines in the sphere of debt capital markets deals, with heaps of knowledge representing states in sovereign debt transactions. His comprehensive, detail-oriented approach, keeping a firm vie on the bigger picture, makes him an outstanding lawyer and a market favourite.

John Guzman (White & Case LLP)

Esteemed partner John Guzman is well-regarded for representing issuers and initial purchasers in a variety of private and SEC-registered debt and equity deals. With stellar capabilities for dealing with the Mexican and Chilean markets, Guzman’s extremely technical expertise and constant availability have led to positive client feedback.

Filipe Areno (Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates)

Filipe Areno constitutes a prolific part of the Capital Markets domain, with his focused practice on cross-border securities transactions, particularly IPOs. Areno’s involvement in multiple significant offerings and follow-on deals, notably assisting BTG Pactual, throws him into limelight.

Fabiana Sakai (Milbank LLP)

Specializing in cross-border securities transactions related to Brazil, Fabiana Sakai is regularly sought after by issuers and underwriters for her experience in both equity and debt transactions. Her proactive, business-oriented, pleasant, and efficient approach has made her a favourite amongst her peers.

Patrick Jackson (Clifford Chance US LLP)

Rising counsel Patrick Jackson is stationed in the firm’s São Paulo office and has captured market attention with his adept handling of capital markets mandates.

David Flechner (Allen & Overy LLP)

David Flechner of Allen & Overy LLP, has been identified by market sources for his contribution to the capital markets activity in Brazil.

Roberta Cherman (Shearman & Sterling LLP)

Leading the firm’s São Paulo office, Brazilian partner Roberta Cherman has dedicated her career in perfecting her capital markets practice. Noted for advising significant clients and channeling her experience in high-value transactions in the equity and debt realms, Cherman is celebrated for her understanding of SEC regulations.

We trust this article provides relevant insights into some of Brazil’s top-ranking international law firm-associated Capital Markets lawyers, underscoring their roles, expertise, and contribution in shaping the industry’s legal landscape.