The Latin American Lawyer Women Awards 2026, the winners
The winners of the Latin American Lawyer Women Awards 2026, were announced during the gala ceremony held at TRIO Pérgola in São Paulo, on 14th May 2026.
The Latin American Lawyer Women Awards recognised the excellence among the Latin American female professionals active in the in-house departments and private practices.
The winners are the following:
PRIVATE PRACTICE CATEGORIES
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
TozziniFreire Advogados
Highly regarded for its strategic approach and strong multidisciplinary capabilities, the firm consistently advises on sophisticated and high stakes matters, combining technical excellence with a deep understanding of clients’ commercial objectives and market dynamics.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR
Isabel Lustosa – Ulhôa Canto Advogados
Recognized as a leading figure in the legal market, the lawyer has built a distinguished reputation for advising on complex and strategic matters, standing out for exceptional technical expertise, leadership, and a strong presence in high-profile mandates.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ADMINISTRATIVE & ENVIRONMENTAL
Sion Advogados
The firm is noted for its sophisticated environmental and infrastructure practice, advising on high-impact regulatory and mining matters across Brazil. Its team combines deep sector expertise with a strategic approach to complex administrative and environmental mandates.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ADMINISTRATIVE & ENVIRONMENTAL
Miyanou Dufour von Gordon – Hernández & Cía
The professional is known as one of Peru’s leading environmental and mining lawyers. She is praised for her strategic regulatory expertise and leadership in landmark administrative matters. She recently led the successful appeal securing Peru’s first cross-border hazardous waste transit authorization under the Basel Convention framework.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ADMINISTRATIVE LITIGATION
Meira Breseghello Advogados
With a strong focus on complex administrative and regulatory disputes, the boutique is recognized for its strong litigation and compliance capabilities across consumer and sanctioning proceedings. Its multidisciplinary approach and sector-focused practice have positioned the team as a trusted advisor in high-stakes administrative litigation matters.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ADMINISTRATIVE LITIGATION
Alice Voronoff – Binenbojm, Cyrino, Koatz & Voronoff Advogados
Known for her outstanding public law and regulatory litigation practice, the professional has built a strong reputation representing clients in complex administrative disputes before Brazil’s highest courts. Her work combines academic excellence with strategic advocacy in constitutional and administrative law matters.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ENVIRONMENTAL & SUSTAINABILITY
Silveiro Advogados
The firm stands out for its experience in environmental and sustainability practice, advising companies on regulatory compliance, environmental risk management, and strategic ESG matters across Latin America. The team is consistently recognized for delivering innovative and business-oriented solutions in complex environmental mandates.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ARBITRATION
Marcela Levy – Lefosse
The professional is recognized for her expertise in complex arbitration and commercial litigation matters involving infrastructure, finance and corporate disputes. Her practice combines strategic advocacy with deep experience representing major domestic and international clients in high-stakes proceedings.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR BANKING & FINANCE
Lefosse
The firm is recognised for its sophisticated banking, fintech, and regulatory capabilities, regularly advises on pioneering digital payments and financial services transactions in Brazil. Its work on a landmark partnership between a major fintech and a global technology platform showcased its ability to navigate complex payment regulation, competition matters, and cross-border data processing frameworks.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR BANKING & FINANCE
Claudia Pereira – Mayora & Mayora
The professional has advised leading financial institutions and infrastructure companies on some of Guatemala’s most significant financings. Her work on landmark securitisation and energy infrastructure deals highlights her ability to navigate complex regulatory, insolvency and project finance matters with precision and strategic insight.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR CORPORATE M&A
Nathalie Paredes – Miranda & Amado
The professional has played a leading role in multijurisdictional acquisitions involving major renewable energy and transmission assets across Latin America. Her strategic leadership in high-value deals, including acquisitions for leading regional and global energy players, reflects deep expertise in regulatory, antitrust and transactional matters.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR CAPITAL MARKETS
Rusu, Tosto, Barreto e Fenerich Advogados
Widely respected in the Brazilian market, the firm stands out for its expertise in structured finance, securitisation and capital markets transactions involving major financial institutions and corporate issuers. Its practice is distinguished by a strong transactional focus and deep regulatory knowledge across complex financing structures.
TCA Tanoira Cassagne
Known for its sophisticated capital markets and banking practice, the firm regularly advises issuers, underwriters, and financial institutions on complex debt and equity transactions across Argentina. Its team is widely recognized for combining technical excellence with innovative solutions in high-profile domestic and international offerings.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR CAPITAL MARKETS
Nydia Guevara – RODRIGO
A leading figure in Peru’s capital markets sector, the professional is recognized for advising issuers, financial institutions and multinational companies on sophisticated financing and securities transactions. Her practice combines strong regulatory expertise with extensive experience in cross-border capital markets mandates.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR COMPETITION & ANTITRUST
Garza Magdaleno
The boutique is highly regarded for its experienced antitrust and competition practice, advising clients on merger control, investigations, and complex regulatory matters across a wide range of industries. Its team is recognized for delivering strategic and commercially focused solutions in high-stakes competition matters.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ENERGY & INFRASTRUCTURE
Stocche Forbes Advogados
The firm advises major domestic and international clients on complex energy, infrastructure and project development matters in Brazil. Its multidisciplinary approach and involvement in high-value infrastructure projects have positioned the team among the market leaders in the sector.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ENERGY & INFRASTRUCTURE
Débora Yanasse – Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown
The professional is widely recognized for her expertise in complex regulatory and infrastructure matters. Recently, she has played a leading role in landmark transactions involving Brazil’s nuclear energy and green hydrogen sectors, highlighting her strategic influence in shaping the country’s evolving energy framework.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR OIL & GAS
Lívia Amorim – Veirano Advogados
A highly regarded practitioner in Brazil’s energy sector, the professional advises leading companies on complex oil & gas, regulatory, and transactional matters. Her practice is distinguished by strong expertise in strategic infrastructure projects, sector regulation, and sophisticated cross-border energy transactions.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR IP&TMT
CorralRosales
Renowned for its strong intellectual property, technology and innovation practice, the firm advises major national and international companies on complex trademark, data protection and digital business matters. Its team is recognized for combining technical excellence with a forward-looking approach to technology-driven industries.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR IP&TMT
Virginia Cervieri – Cervieri Monsuárez
Recognized as a leading intellectual property practitioner in Latin America, the professional has built a distinguished reputation in anti-counterfeiting, brand protection and complex IP enforcement strategies. Her work advising multinational companies across highly sensitive and cross-border matters highlights both strategic vision and deep sector expertise.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR LABOUR
Mannrich e Vasconcelos Advogados
Widely respected for its highly specialized labour and employment practice, the boutique advises major companies on complex workforce, executive compensation and labour litigation matters in Brazil. Its team is recognized for delivering sophisticated and business-oriented solutions in high-stakes employment mandates.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR LABOUR
Ana Cristina Medina – Godoy
She is recognised for her strategic leadership in complex labour and employment matters, advising multinational companies. Her ability to combine sophisticated legal defense with reputational risk management has been instrumental in navigating unprecedented labour oversight proceedings and seamless employee integration processes.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR LITIGATION
Binenbojm, Cyrino, Koatz & Voronoff Advogados
Widely respected for its premier disputes practice, the boutique is recognized for representing clients in sophisticated constitutional, administrative and commercial litigation before Brazil’s highest courts. Its team combines strong academic credentials with strategic advocacy in complex and high-profile contentious matters.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR LITIGATION
Andréa Seco – Almeida Advogados
The professional is recognized for her expertise in complex commercial litigation, arbitration, and strategic conflict resolution matters. Her practice is distinguished by strong courtroom advocacy and a sophisticated approach to high-stakes disputes involving major domestic and international clients.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR PHARMA, HEALTHCARE & LIFE SCIENCES
Pinheiro Neto Advogados
The firm is consistently recognized for its market-leading life sciences and healthcare practice, advising pharmaceutical, biotechnology and healthcare companies on sophisticated regulatory, transactional and innovation-driven matters. Its multidisciplinary capabilities and strong sector knowledge position the team at the forefront of the Latin American life sciences industry.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR REAL ESTATE
Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown
The well-known firm advises leading domestic and international clients on high-value acquisitions, developments, financings, and complex real estate transactions in Brazil. Its multidisciplinary approach and strong transactional expertise have positioned the team among the country’s leading real estate practices.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR REAL ESTATE
Ana Luiza Martins Taques – SiqueiraCastro
The professional, recognized for sophisticated expertise in real estate transactions, urban development, and infrastructure-related matters, with a strong track record advising major national and international clients, stands out for handling complex acquisitions, lease structures, and strategic real estate projects with strong commercial insight.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR TAX
FAS Advogados in cooperation with CMS
Widely respected for its comprehensive tax practice, the firm advises on high-value domestic and cross-border matters involving corporate taxation, disputes, and transactional structuring, while its multidisciplinary approach and international integration position the team among the leading players in complex tax mandates across multiple industries.
PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR TAX
Isabella Fochesatto Panisson – Lavez Coutinho
Known for strong expertise in corporate taxation and strategic tax planning, the professional advises clients on sophisticated domestic and international tax matters with a business-oriented approach, earning recognition for technical excellence in both contentious and non-contentious tax issues.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR WHITE COLLAR CRIME
Carolina de Queiroz Franco Oliveira – TozziniFreire Advogados
Distinguished for her extensive experience in white-collar crime, internal investigations, and corporate compliance matters, the professional advises major companies and executives in sensitive and high-profile cases, standing out for strategic counsel in complex criminal litigation and regulatory enforcement proceedings.
BEST PRACTICE LITIGATION FAMILY BUSINESS
Giovana Sousa Ferreira – Menndel & Melo Advocacia
The professional has played a leading role in a landmark royalties case involving the family’s mineral extraction rights in Brazil. Her advocacy on due process and evidentiary rights has contributed to shaping discussions before the Superior Court of Justice on transparency and expert review in the mining sector.
BEST PRACTICE ADMINISTRATIVE & REGULATORY LITIGATION
Loyanna de Andrade Miranda Menezes – Abi-Ackel Advogados Associados
The professional brings extensive expertise in administrative and regulatory litigation, combined with strong strategic leadership and institutional oversight. She provides comprehensive guidance to ensure that legal strategies are fully aligned with the company’s broader operational, regulatory, and reputational objectives.
IN-HOUSE CATEGORIES
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR
Fabiana Molina – Ultragaz
A highly regarded in-house lawyer with extensive experience across regulated industries, the professional is recognised for aligning legal strategy with business growth in the energy sector. She stands out for her expertise in regulatory matters, institutional relations, dispute management, and cross-functional leadership within complex and fast-evolving environments.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR AUTOMOTIVE & TRANSPORT
Bianca Belotti – CNH Industrial
With solid experience advising multinational operations in the automotive and industrial sectors, the professional is recognised for her strategic approach to corporate governance, compliance, and complex commercial matters. She plays a key role in supporting business expansion and operational efficiency across highly regulated and dynamic markets.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR BANKING & FINANCE
Lucinéia Possar – Banco do Brasil
The professional stands out for her extensive expertise in banking and financial law, combined with a strong track record in managing complex transactions, regulatory matters, and strategic disputes. She leads a multidisciplinary legal team handling high-profile matters across the institution, earning recognition for her credibility, leadership, and business-oriented approach.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR CONSTRUCTION, PROJECTS, INFRASTRUCTURE
Janaina Santos Gonçalves – Grupo Cox
The professional is recognised for her strategic leadership in complex restructuring and infrastructure-related legal matters, including one of the sector’s most significant judicial reorganisations. Her expertise in negotiations, asset restructuring, regulatory coordination, and dispute resolution has been instrumental in supporting the company’s operational recovery and long-term stability.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR CONSUMER GOODS MANUFACTURING
Agustina Ramet – Softys
With extensive expertise in corporate, compliance, and commercial matters, the professional is highly regarded for supporting regional operations within the consumer goods industry. She is recognised for fostering collaborative legal strategies and delivering practical solutions aligned with business objectives in fast-paced and competitive markets.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR E-COMMERCE & RETAIL
Renata Cassini – Dufry
With nearly two decades of experience in the legal field, the professional has a broad background in managing corporate legal departments, including team leadership, training, budgeting, and reporting. She is widely valued for her innovative mindset and ability to deliver strategic legal solutions within the highly competitive retail and travel commerce sectors.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR ENERGY
Lídia Brito de Oliveira – CPFL Energia
The professional is recognised for her strategic role in major energy and infrastructure projects. Recently, she has led complex contractual matters related to financing operations, renewable energy expansion, and portfolio optimisation initiatives. Her expertise has been instrumental in supporting high-value transactions and the development of key generation assets within the company’s renewable portfolio.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR FASHION, DESIGN, LUXURY
Tatiana Smolentzov – Louis Vuitton
The professional is recognised for advising on sophisticated commercial, compliance, and brand protection matters across complex international operations. Her strategic vision and business-oriented approach have been instrumental in supporting the company’s positioning within the global luxury market.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR FOOD & BEVERAGE
Beatriz Barrionuevo – Mondelēz International
With over 25 years’ experience, the professional is recognised for providing strategic legal guidance across commercial, regulatory, and corporate matters. She stands out for her ability to support business growth while ensuring strong compliance standards in a fast-moving consumer environment.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR INSURANCE
Marina Martins de Paula – Europ Assistance Brasil
Bringing significant expertise in insurance and assistance services, the professional is highly regarded for managing complex legal and regulatory matters within a heavily regulated industry. Her leadership and business-focused perspective have contributed to strengthening legal operations and supporting the company’s continued market development.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR MINING
Natália Diniz – BHP
The professional is recognised for her strategic leadership in the implementation and monitoring of one of the world’s largest reparation frameworks. Her expertise in complex litigation, judicial coordination, and large-scale dispute management has been instrumental in supporting the integrity and execution of highly significant legal and governance processes within the mining sector.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR PHARMA, HEALTHCARE & LIFE SCIENCES
Shirley Meschke – Pfizer
The professional is widely recognised for advising on high-level regulatory, compliance, and corporate matters related to innovation, healthcare access, and strategic partnerships. Her ability to navigate the legal challenges of a highly regulated and science-driven sector has made her a trusted advisor to the business and leadership teams.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR REAL ESTATE
Gabriella Sabrina Mattos Gaspar – JHSF
The professional is recognised for her extensive expertise in real estate, corporate, and contractual matters, advising on sophisticated developments and high-value transactions within the sector. She has played a significant role in supporting complex projects and the continued growth of one of Brazil’s leading real estate groups.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR SERVICES & CONSULTANCY
Glaucia Callegari – Accenture do Brasil
The professional stands out for her expertise in complex commercial agreements, corporate governance, and compliance matters. Recognised for combining legal precision with business acumen, her work has contributed to supporting innovation, operational efficiency, and strategic transformation initiatives across the organisation.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR TMT
Fernanda de Figueiredo Funck – Microsoft
A distinguished legal professional in the technology sector, recognised for advising on sophisticated regulatory, privacy, compliance, and commercial matters within rapidly evolving digital environments. Her strategic mindset and deep understanding of the TMT industry have made her a key advisor in supporting innovation and business growth across the region.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR TRAVEL & TOURISM
Isabella Vilhena – LATAM Airlines
The professional brings extensive expertise in aviation law and has demonstrated strong leadership in managing complex operations and regulatory matters within the airline industry. She has played a key role in positioning the legal department as a strategic business partner in one of the region’s most dynamic and fast-paced sectors.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Sandra Gebara Boni Hidalgo – L’Oréal
Recognised for championing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the corporate environment, the professional has played a significant role in fostering a more inclusive and people-oriented organisational culture. Her leadership combines legal expertise with a strong commitment to social impact, ethical practices, and the advancement of diverse talent across the business.
