Latin American Lawyer Energy & Infrastructure Awards 2025, the winners
The winners of the Latin American Lawyer Energy & Infrastructure Awards 2025 were announced during the gala ceremony held at the Villa Bisutti Cardoso de Melo in São Paulo, on 11th September 2025.
The Energy & Infrastructure Awards recognised the excellence among the Latin American professionals active in this area.
The winners are the following:
PRIVATE PRACTICE CATEGORIES
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Mattos Filho
The law firm is widely recognized for its multidisciplinary approach and for advising on major energy, infrastructure, and capital markets projects. It delivers innovative solutions and accurate legal advice.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR
Isabel Lustosa – Ulhôa Canto, Rezende e Guerra Advogados
The lawyer has significant expertise, frequently assisting clients with complex corporate arrangements and strategic financial transactions. She is recognized for her strategic insight and technical precision.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ENERGY
Pinheiro Neto Advogados
The team combines strong technical expertise with an international outlook. Frequently engaged in cross-border deals, high-value M&A transactions, and complex disputes, it remains a trusted partner for both global and local corporations.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ENERGY
Raphael Gomes – Lefosse
The lawyer brings deep expertise in energy mandates, skillfully navigating disputes, regulatory complexities, and corporate matters. He regularly manages sophisticated and high-stakes energy transactions.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE
Bruno Werneck – Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown
The lawyer is highly experienced in infrastructure and project finance, advising on large-scale concessions and PPPs. He is praised for his pragmatic approach and ability to lead sophisticated negotiations.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR FINANCE
Bernardo Tobar – Tobar ZVS
The lawyer has a distinguished track record in private equity, financing, and corporate structuring, with extensive experience in both international and domestic operations. He is highly regarded for his deep market insight.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR PROJECT FINANCE
Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas
The firm blends local expertise with global reach. It advises across energy, infrastructure, corporate, and disputes, with a standout strength in M&A, financing, and regulatory matters, and is acknowledged for its expertise in managing multi-jurisdictional projects.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR PROJECT FINANCE
Leonardo Toledo da Silva – Toledo Marchetti Advogados
The lawyer is widely respected in the project development sector, with significant experience managing construction projects under concession frameworks. He is recognized for his technical depth and client-oriented approach.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR M&A ENERGY
Pinheiro Neto Advogados
The firm is celebrated for its excellence in M&A within the energy sector, where its lawyers deliver seamless advice on high-value transactions, confirming its position as a market leader in Brazil.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR M&A ENERGY
Pedro Garcia – Veirano Advogados
The lawyer concentrates on M&A, private equity, and corporate governance. He is appreciated for his commercial acumen and ability to manage complex cross-border transactions effectively.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR M&A INFRASTRUCTURE
BMA Advogados
The team is highly regarded for corporate, M&A, capital markets, and disputes, with a strong presence in the infrastructure sector. It is recognized for strategic insight, efficiency, and the handling of intricate corporate cases and landmark transactions.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR M&A INFRASTRUCTURE
Jose Roberto Martins – Trench Rossi Watanabe
The lawyer advises on M&A, project development, and financing, assisting investors, developers, and service providers in infrastructure and construction. He is acknowledged for his meticulous approach and forward-looking strategic vision.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ADMINISTRATIVE & ENVIRONMENTAL
Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría
With deep expertise in environmental law, the team is recognized for its regional insight and practical solutions, playing a vital role in major transactions throughout Latin America.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ADMINISTRATIVE & ENVIRONMENTAL
Alexandre Sion – Sion Advogados
The lawyer is a leading specialist in environmental and energy law, advising major industry players on regulatory and project-related issues. He stands out for his innovative problem-solving and negotiation skills.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR LITIGATION & ARBITRATION
Mayora & Mayora
The firm is committed to representing its clients in high-stakes litigation and arbitration across the region. The team brings expert insight and strategy to every matter, ensuring strong protection of clients’ interests.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR LITIGATION & ARBITRATION
Rosi Costa Barros – Demarest Advogados
The lawyer specializes in energy law, handling despite resolution, regulatory issues, bidding processes, and negotiating project contracts with a focus on risk management. She is regarded for her pragmatic perspective and in-depth knowledge of the field.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ENERGY EFFICIENCY
SAENERGÍA
Highly regarded for its expertise in the energy sector, the law firm advises clients on with a strong focus on energy efficiency. It is noted for supporting innovative energy initiatives and guiding clients through complex legal frameworks.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR RENEWABLES
Schmidt, Valois, Miranda, Ferreira & Agel (integrated into Campos Mello Advogados)
Recognized in the renewable energy sector, the team is valued for its role in structuring pioneering projects and advising on complex regulatory frameworks, establishing itself as a go-to firm in Brazil.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR RENEWABLES
Paolo Salerno – SAENERGÍA
The lawyer brings extensive experience in energy projects, covering regulatory frameworks, financing, and international transactions in the renewable energy sector. He is recognized for his visionary perspective and strong industry leadership.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR OIL & GAS
Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown
Renowned for combining local insight with global reach, the firm excels in cross-border transactions in the oil and gas sector. The team is praised for handling complex energy matters with efficiency.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR OIL & GAS
Daniel Szyfman – Machado Meyer
The lawyer specializes in the oil and gas sector, combining a robust M&A and transactional practice with deep involvement in decarbonization projects. He is respected for his technical precision and for steering intricate financial operations with clarity and efficiency.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR MINING
Veirano Advogados
The firm frequently represents leading mining companies and investment funds in both domestic and international M&A and financing transactions. Its lawyers are known for their pragmatic approach, deep industry knowledge, and ability to guide both local and international clients.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR MINING
Tiago de Mattos Silva – William Freire Advogados Associados
The lawyer is highly regarded for his skillful management of regulatory issues in the mining sector, with additional expertise in transactional matters and compliance.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ENERGY TAX
EY
Renowned for its multidisciplinary model, the law firm’s tax team is highly regarded for its technical expertise and client-focused approach, excelling in securing tax benefits and optimizing tax efficiency.
PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR ENERGY TAX
Luiz Gustavo Bichara – Bichara Advogados
This renowned tax professional has deep experience in litigation and tax policy matters. He is highly valued for his persuasive advocacy and influential presence in Brazil’s tax landscape.
IN-HOUSE CATEGORIES
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR
ENGIE
The team has played a central role in renewable energy expansion, overseeing major transactions and regulatory issues. Known for its precision and adaptability, it ensures seamless support for strategic growth across the region.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR
Ana Claudia Rebello – Enel Group
The professional is celebrated for her leadership in corporate governance, compliance, and energy regulation. She has driven transformative strategies, championing innovation and sustainable growth in highly regulated environments.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR ENERGY
Eletrobras
During the last period, the team has coordinated large-scale energy operations and privatization processes. The lawyers are distinguished for their ability to manage complex legal frameworks and safeguard corporate objectives.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR ENERGY
Frederico Araujo – Raízen
With over two decades of experience in the energy sector, this professional is recognized for his strategic vision and exceptional skill in navigating complex transactions and regulatory landscapes.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE
Aena Brasil
The team has demonstrated strong expertise in infrastructure and airport concessions, navigating demanding regulatory landscapes. Through effective collaboration and innovative approaches, the team ensures compliance while supporting operational growth.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE
Monique Gonçalves Soriano – BRK Ambiental
The professional has extensive experience in infrastructure and sanitation, excelling in the delivery of complex projects with strategic impact. With a strong track record in engineering and construction, she demonstrates excellence in managing large-scale infrastructure, civil works, and energy projects. She stands out for her ability to bridge legal requirements with practical business solutions.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR RENEWABLES
EDP Brasil
The legal team has been engaged in transformative projects across energy distribution and renewables. Respected for its innovative approach, it provides consistent legal support aligned with long-term business goals.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR RENEWABLES
Daniel Shem Cheng Chen – Elera Renováveis
The professional is highly regarded for advancing renewable energy projects, particularly in solar and wind. His strategic approach to contracts, risk management, and project finance drives impactful results.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR OIL & GAS
Petrobras
This legal team has been instrumental in handling high-stakes transactions, joint ventures, and regulatory matters. The professionals consistently manage complex operations with efficiency and strategic insight.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR OIL & GAS
Fabiana Molina – Ultragaz
The professional is highly regarded for her deep knowledge and technical skills. She has successfully managed compliance and operational matters, ensuring efficiency in dynamic market conditions.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR UTILITIES
CPFL Energia
The legal department has successfully overseen acquisitions, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure projects. The lawyers are distinguished for their ability to provide innovative solutions while safeguarding the company’s strategic interests.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR UTILITIES
Fernanda Rocha Campos Pogliese – Energisa
The professional excels in managing complex operations in the utilities sector. She is recognized for integrating legal functions with sustainability initiatives and long-term organizational objectives.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR FINANCE & PROJECT FINANCE
Grupo Equatorial
The team has shown remarkable ability in coordinating transactions and concession agreements across different regions of Brazil. With meticulous attention to detail and collaborative skills, the legal professionals ensure seamless management of high-value operations.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR LITIGATION & ARBITRATION
MAIRE
The legal team has demonstrated strong effectiveness in resolving disputes, excelling in both arbitration and litigation. The professionals manage a wide range of contractual disputes, providing strategic legal advice throughout the process.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR LITIGATION & ARBITRATION
André Cavalcanti – Shell
With extensive experience in oil and gas, the professional handles both national and international commercial arbitration matters, as well as administrative litigation proceedings.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR M&A ENERGY & INFRASTRUCTURE
Auren Energia
During the recent period, the in-house department has been renowned for guiding high-value transactions, joint ventures, and regulatory compliance with exceptional strategic insight.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR M&A ENERGY & INFRASTRUCTURE
Luciano Dequech – Copa Energia
The professional is recognized for his leadership in the natural gas sector, expertly overseeing contracts, regulatory matters, and projects that advance energy transition and operational excellence.
