Corporate/M&A (International Firms) - Brazil
What the team is known for
New York firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton maintains a long-standing and highly respected presence in Brazil. Its São Paulo and New York teams are frequently hired by Brazilian firms negotiating assets abroad and by international companies investing in or divesting from Brazil. In addition to its widely respected cross-border capabilities, Cleary's team has accumulated formidable knowledge of the Brazilian market and maintains an enviable portfolio of top transactions in the country.
Strengths
"Cleary Gottlieb has a strong multidisciplinary team that can handle highly complex transactions."
"The firm is capable to do in-depth, quality legal work on short notice. It is extremely responsive."
"It's impressive to see how well equipped they are to handle various legal matters. I find their capabilities truly commendable, making them an excellent choice for any legal needs."
Notable practitioners
New York partner Jeffrey Lewis leads some of the most prominent cross-border transactions. He is seasoned in Brazil-related matters and is a known and respected figure in the market. "Jeffrey is one of the most technically proficient M&A lawyers I have ever known." "Jeffrey is a senior talented partner representing an important asset for sophisticated deals as he collaborates over high-quality solutions to complex matters." "He is intelligent and fulfils an important and fundamental role. He is also hands-on."
Partner Francisco Cestero, also known as Paco, is a key member of Cleary Gottlieb's respected São Paulo office. He is frequently seen handling high-value mergers and acquisitions and is noted by market participants for the variety of his corporate practice. "He is an excellent lawyer and is acknowledged in Brazil."
Juan Giráldez has a prolific M&A practice, handling a number of high-value deals. São Paulo-based, he is also noted for his dedication to the Brazilian market. "His skills are quite above the average. He has a deep knowledge of the Brazilian business environment."