Corporate Crime & Investigations (International Firms)
Brazil Guide 2024 : Brazil
Band 1
Contact number
+55 11 2196 7200Chambers Review
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton benefits from a team of seasoned specialists in white-collar defence and investigations. It is highly rated for representing major clients from the food, banking, investment fund and mining sectors in complex FCPA investigations by the DOJ and SEC, corruption scandals and enforcement actions. The firm's additional capabilities include anti-corruption due diligence and assessment of compliance programmes. High-profile clients in Brazil frequently rely on the team's assistance for high-stakes and sensitive matters.
Work Highlights
- Cleary is representing Vale in an SEC investigation into securities disclosures related to the company’s dam safety in the wake of the 2019 Brumadinho dam collapse in Brazil.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Cleary has a great team that know Brazil well."
"They know a lot about Latin American culture and are a good office option for Brazilian clients who need legal assistance from an American law firm."
"Strong technical knowledge and ability to report complex cases to the client in a simple manner. Great service and always ready for a quick response."
"Cleary has a great team that know Brazil well."
"They know a lot about Latin American culture and are a good office option for Brazilian clients who need legal assistance from an American law firm."
"Strong technical knowledge and ability to report complex cases to the client in a simple manner. Great service and always ready for a quick response."
Notable Practitioners
Lisa Vicens co-leads the white-collar defence and investigations department at the firm. She has standout experience assisting individuals and significant clients from the mining, investment fund and telecommunication sectors. Vicens is regularly mandated to assist with internal investigations, assessment of FCPA risks, anti-corruption counselling and due diligence.
"I highly recommend Lisa for cases involving the US. She delivers very good work. She understands the risks in deals involving Brazil and Latin America."
"Lisa Vicens is an excellent lawyer. She is the main name in the firm for corporate crime. She is super-active in corruption and investigations cases (involving the DOJ)."
"Lisa Vicens is very client-oriented. An American lawyer who clearly understands Brazilian clients' needs."
Co-head of department Jonathan Kolodner is an established practitioner with a strong practice in Brazil. He is frequently called upon to assist clients, both individuals and corporations, with corruption investigations, compliance assessments and regulatory matters.