Severo da Costa opens Brasília office
Severo da Costa Advogados has opened a new office in Brasília, marking a significant step in the firm’s national consolidation strategy. The new unit is designed to strengthen the firm’s presence before the Superior Courts, the Administrative Council of Tax Appeals (CARF), and the Federal Public Administration, while also expanding its compliance and risk management capabilities.
The physical presence in the federal capital brings the firm closer to the country’s main decision-making centers — particularly the Superior Courts, regulatory bodies, and the Federal Public Administration — enabling a more integrated and efficient service for clients. The move is also seen as timely given the ongoing implementation of Brazil’s Tax Reform, a development expected to require sophisticated legal solutions across multiple sectors.
The new office will be anchored by two key professionals. Attorney Rodrigo Farret, who brings over 25 years of experience in Brasília, joins the firm to lead high-complexity litigation before the Supreme Court (STF) and the Superior Court of Justice (STJ), as well as proceedings before the CARF. His background includes structuring leading cases and defending high-impact tax theses, with professional experience also spanning Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. He holds a postgraduate degree in Tax Law from ICAT/DF.
Denise Cardoso de Gusmão Cunha joins as a consultant to head the firm’s Compliance and Risk Management practice. Her career includes positions at Vale, PwC, and EY, as well as experience in the federal public administration. She holds an LL.M. in International Commercial Law from the University of Kent, a specialization in Compliance, and an executive education in project management from Stanford University.
Denise described her role as focused on implementing solutions that ensure corporate integrity and regulatory compliance, while positioning clients ahead of evolving regulatory requirements.
