Latin American Lawyer Energy & Infrastructure Awards 2026, the winners

The winners of the Latin American Lawyer Energy & Infrastructure Awards 2026 were announced during the gala ceremony held at the Casa Itaim in São Paulo, on 10th September 2026.

The Energy & Infrastructure Awards recognised the excellence among the Latin American professionals active in this area.

The winners are the following:

PRIVATE PRACTICE CATEGORIES

MARKET LEADER       

Ulhôa Canto Advogados

A longstanding firm combines decades of experience with sophisticated advice on complex corporate, transactional, and regulatory matters. Its deep sector knowledge, particularly in energy, power, infrastructure, and project finance continues to position it as a benchmark for high-value legal work.

LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR       

Pinheiro Neto Advogados

Renowned for handling matters of exceptional complexity across project development and finance, the team combines deep banking expertise with sophisticated knowledge of regulated industries. Its track record in major infrastructure and energy transactions reflects outstanding technical excellence and market leadership.

LAWYER OF THE YEAR           

Raphael Gomes – Lefosse

A leading authority in Brazil’s electricity sector, the professional combines extensive regulatory and transactional expertise with a proven ability to structure complex energy projects and transactions. His contribution to generation, transmission, distribution, and energy-market development has made a lasting impact on the sector.

LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ENERGY  

Veirano Advogados

With a formidable energy practice spanning power generation, transmission, distribution, and renewable projects, the team is known for its international experience and fluency in managing cross-border matters, particularly in the context of complex, multinational energy projects in Brazil.  

LAWYER OF THE YEAR ENERGY      

Fabiano Brito – Mattos Filho

The distinguished energy professional combines sophisticated transactional expertise with a deep understanding of Brazil’s evolving power and energy landscape. His ability to advise on complex, high value matters with strategic precision has established him as a leading figure in the sector.

LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR FINANCE 

Machado Meyer

Renowned for advising leading financial institutions and corporates on sophisticated and high-value transactions, the firm combines transactional strength, financial regulatory expertise, and deep market knowledge, consistently placed among Brazil’s foremost finance practices.

LAWYER OF THE YEAR FINANCE     

Juan Carlos Andrade Santamaria – LEC Abogados

The highly regarded finance lawyer is recognised for his expertise in sophisticated financial transactions and his ability to advise clients on complex financing matters. His strong technical knowledge and commercial understanding have established him as a trusted adviser in the region’s evolving financial market.

LAWYER OF THE YEAR PROJECT FINANCE             

Rafael Briz – Mayora & Mayora

The lawyer possesses vast experience advising on energy and infrastructure financings, bringing together regulatory, financial, and transactional expertise to structure complex projects across the region. His sophisticated approach to project finance and ability to guide clients through challenging transactions distinguish him as a leading practitioner.

LAWYER OF THE YEAR M&A ENERGY          

José Roberto Oliva Júnior – Pinheiro Neto Advogados

With more than 17 years of experience, he advises on complex M&A, project finance, and corporate matters. He is known for his deep understanding of the power sector and strong commercial acumen, bringing strategic insight to high-value energy transactions.

LAWYER OF THE YEAR M&A INFRASTRUCTURE  

Sergio Amiel – Garrigues

The professional brings exceptional expertise to complex infrastructure transactions, combining strong technical knowledge with a highly strategic and commercial approach. His ability to navigate sophisticated projects and deliver innovative solutions has made a significant contribution to the development of the sector.

LAWYER OF THE YEAR ADMINISTRATIVE & ENVIRONMENTAL   

Alexandre Sion – Sion Advogados

Distinguished by his sophisticated command of administrative and environmental law, the professional brings strategic clarity to complex regulatory challenges. His ability to combine technical depth with practical, business-focused solutions has earned him a strong reputation in a highly regulated landscape.

LAWYER OF THE YEAR LITIGATION               

Gustavo Borges de Melo – Menndel & Melo Advocacia

A formidable litigator, he is recognised for combining rigorous legal strategy with a pragmatic approach to complex disputes. His ability to navigate challenging contentious matters and deliver focused solutions demonstrates exceptional excellence in litigation.

LAWYER OF THE YEAR ARBITRATION          

Hugo García Larriva – CorralRosales

With more than 15 years of experience in national and international arbitration, the professional has built an exceptional reputation handling sophisticated commercial and investment disputes. His leadership in the arbitration field and experience across ICC, ICSID, UNCITRAL and other major rules make him a distinguished regional practitioner.

LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ENERGY EFFICIENCY    

SAENERGÍA

At the intersection of energy, regulation and sustainability, the team delivers innovative legal solutions to support more efficient and resilient energy systems. Its ability to address complex regulatory and commercial challenges while advancing the energy transition makes it a deserving leader in energy efficiency.

LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR RENEWABLES     

Lefosse

With a market-leading renewable energy practice, the team combines sophisticated regulatory, transactional and project development expertise across Brazil’s rapidly evolving clean-energy landscape. Its ability to support complex investments and landmark projects makes it a standout force in the renewables sector.

LAWYER OF THE YEAR RENEWABLES         

Isabel Lustosa – Ulhôa Canto Advogados

Being highly regarded practitioner in the renewables arena, she is frequently involved in high-stakes disputes, including regulatory issues. The lawyer has extensive legal knowledge, precise analysis of complicated procedures, and the ability to provide strategic solutions.

LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR OIL & GAS              

LEC Abogados

Distinguished by its sophisticated understanding of Brazil’s oil and gas industry, the team advises on complex transactions and strategic investments across the energy value chain. Its strong sector knowledge and commercially focused approach make it a leading name in oil and gas.

LAWYER OF THE YEAR OIL & GAS  

Alexandre Chequer – Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown

With more than 25 years of experience across oil and gas transactions, regulatory matters and major project developments, this professional has established himself as a leading authority in the sector. His exceptional commercial vision and work across Brazil, Latin America, Africa and Asia reflect outstanding international leadership in energy law.

LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR MINING    

Veirano Advogados

Combining deep sector knowledge with multidisciplinary transactional and regulatory expertise, the legal team provides sophisticated counsel across the mining value chain. Its ability to navigate complex projects, investments and regulatory challenges demonstrates outstanding legal leadership in the industry.

LAWYER OF THE YEAR MINING        

Miyanou Dufour von Gordon – RODRIGO

With a sophisticated understanding of the legal and regulatory challenges shaping the mining industry, the experienced professional brings strategic insight to complex projects and transactions. Her ability to balance technical excellence with commercially focused advice makes her a distinguished practitioner in the sector.

LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR UTILITIES

Machado Meyer

A market-leading firm advising major utilities and energy-sector players on complex regulatory, transactional, and infrastructure matters. Noted for its deep sector knowledge and multidisciplinary capabilities, enabling it to navigate sophisticated projects and evolving regulatory frameworks.

LAWYER OF THE YEAR UTILITIES    

Bruno Werneck – Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown

A highly regarded adviser on energy and infrastructure, this professional brings extensive experience in projects, concessions, PPPs, privatisations and project finance. His ability to combine technical expertise with commercial judgment has made him a trusted strategic adviser on major utilities and infrastructure matters.

LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ENERGY TAX         

EY

Bringing together deep tax expertise and a sophisticated understanding of the energy and natural-resources industries, the team provides strategic advice across the full tax lifecycle. Its multidisciplinary approach to complex transactions, planning, and tax controversies makes it a leading force in energy tax.

IN-HOUSE CATEGORIES

IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR ENERGY   

CPFL Energia

With a strong track record in complex energy transactions, the team combines deep sector expertise with a highly business-oriented approach. Its ability to navigate regulatory, corporate and green energy matters with agility and clarity makes it a standout force in Brazil’s energy market.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR ENERGY        

Ana Claudia Rebello – Enel Group

With more than two decades of experience across energy and infrastructure, the professional brings exceptional strategic vision to complex and highly regulated matters. Her commitment to transparency, compliance and sustainable growth has made her a leading force in the energy sector.

IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE           

Braskem

Distinguished by its ability to support complex projects, transactions and strategic initiatives, the team brings together multidisciplinary expertise with a strong commercial focus. Its sophisticated handling of project management, governance and infrastructure-related matters demonstrates outstanding legal leadership in a demanding industrial environment.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR RENEWABLES           

Alice Azevedo – Recurrent Energy

A leading in-house professional in the renewable energy sector, she combines strong legal expertise with a deep understanding of the complexities of developing and scaling clean-energy projects. Her strategic contribution to the energy transition and commitment to advancing renewable infrastructure make her a deserving winner.

IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR OIL & GAS

Shell

With exceptional expertise across complex disputes, regulatory matters, and the full spectrum of oil and gas operations, the in-house legal team consistently delivers strategic, commercially focused legal support. Its sophisticated handling of high-value and cross-border matters makes it a benchmark for in-house excellence in the sector.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR OIL & GAS    

Marcela Villavicencio – repsol

A distinguished energy-sector leader, the professional combines more than two decades of experience with exceptional strategic and legal insight across hydrocarbons and complex energy matters. Her leadership in legal transformation, compliance, and high-performance teams has set a remarkable standard for in-house excellence.

IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR UTILITIES 

AXIA Energia

The legal team provides sophisticated legal support across a highly regulated and transformative business environment. Its ability to combine strategic counsel, regulatory expertise and commercial pragmatism makes it a compelling example of excellence in utilities.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR UTILITIES      

Fernanda Rocha C. Pogliese – Grupo Energisa

Recognised for transforming the legal function into a more agile, innovative, and business-oriented partner, she has driven meaningful improvements in processes and cost efficiency. Her commitment to developing high-performing teams and aligning legal strategy with business objectives distinguishes her as an exceptional utilities leader.

IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR MINING     

Anglo American

Through a deliberate transformation from a reactive legal function into a proactive strategic partner, the team has embedded legal expertise across the business and strengthened risk management. Its innovative, data-driven approach and contribution to major mining transactions demonstrate outstanding in-house leadership in a complex sector.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR MINING          

Magaly Bardales Rojas – Nexa Resources

With extensive experience at the intersection of mining, regulation, and institutional affairs, the professional brings sophisticated legal insight to the sector’s most complex challenges. Her contribution to sustainable project development, permitting and industry leadership reflects an exceptional commitment to advancing responsible mining.

BEST PRACTICE ENERGY PROJECT FINANCE        

Eduardo Morandé – Crédit Agricole CIB

With more than a decade of experience in project finance, the lawyer brings sophisticated legal insight to complex cross-border energy and infrastructure financings across the Americas. His ability to navigate intricate debt structures and deliver strategic solutions makes him a standout in energy project finance.