The Latin American Lawyer Energy & Infrastructure Awards 2024, the winners
The winners of The Latin American Lawyer Energy & Infrastructure Awards 2024 were announced during the gala ceremony held at the Tivoli Mofarrej Hotel in São Paulo, on 11th December 2024.
The Energy & Infrastructure Awards recognized the excellence among the Latin American professionals active in this area.
The winners are the following:
PRIVATE PRACTICE CATEGORIES
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Pinheiro Neto Advogados
LAWYER OF THE YEAR
Giovani Loss – Mattos Filho
The lawyer’s practice is focused on energy and oil & gas, specifically handling intricate M&A and capital markets deals. He is highly regarded for his deep commitment to the industry and his vast expertise in navigating regulatory challenges.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Isabel Lustosa – Ulhôa Canto, Rezende e Guerra Advogados
The professional is well appreciated by the principal players of the energy sector as a skilled and reliable professional. She stands out for her management skills and flexible approach.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ENERGY
Machado Meyer Advogados
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ENERGY
Raphael Gomes – Lefosse
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE
TozziniFreire Advogados
LAWYER OF THE YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE
Ana Cândida de Mello Carvalho – BMA Advogados
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR FINANCE
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
The team has a prominent presence in the Brazilian market, with expertise in cross-border M&A and international capital markets. They are known for their quick response and efficient approach.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR FINANCE
Maria Juliana Saa Hoyos – Holland & Knight
The lawyer specializes in project and structured finance in Colombia, focusing on energy and infrastructure. She has extensive experience in drafting and negotiating financing and project documents for energy and infrastructure developments in Latin America.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR PROJECT FINANCE
Cescon, Barrieu, Flesch & Barreto Advogados
The firm has been involved in some of the country’s most innovative and significant project financing structures, handling major transactions across infrastructure, energy, and utilities sectors. The team works closely with other departments to provide clients with comprehensive advice.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR PROJECT FINANCE
Enrique González Calvillo – Pérez-Llorca México
The lawyer, with more than 36 years of experience, is a recognized expert in cross-border transactions. His areas of specialization include energy, power generation, project finance, M&A, joint ventures, and international commercial arbitration.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR M&A ENERGY
LAWYER OF THE YEAR M&A ENERGY
Alexandre R. Chequer – Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR M&A INFRASTRUCTURE
Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas
LAWYER OF THE YEAR M&A INFRASTRUCTURE
Sergio Amiel – Garrigues
A highly regarded corporate advisor in Peru, this lawyer is valued for his commercial insight and broad experience in M&A. His work spans investment agreements, shareholder arrangements, acquisitions, mergers, and sales.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ADMINISTRATIVE & ENVIRONMENTAL
Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ADMINISTRATIVE & ENVIRONMENTAL
Simone Paschoal Nogueira – SiqueiraCastro Advogados
With over 15 years of experience in environmental law, the lawyer specializes in energy and infrastructure, particularly in environmental legislation and licensing. His expertise includes coordinating environmental studies, resolving conflicts, performing risk assessments, and offering strategic legal guidance.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR LITIGATION
Demarest Advogados
The firm comprises an experienced dispute resolution team excelling in arbitration and litigation. The professionals handle a variety of contractual disputes, including those related to distribution, supply, and concession agreements, while also assisting with class actions and disputes arising from projects and financial transactions.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR LITIGATION
Carlos Molina Zaldívar – Molina Ríos Abogados
With extensive experience and deep knowledge, the lawyer is recognized for effectively managing domestic arbitration disputes related to energy, construction, and infrastructure projects in Chile.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ARBITRATION
Borba, Simões Barbosa, Bessone e Cristofaro – BSBC Advogados
With extensive expertise in domestic and international arbitration, the team handles a diverse array of civil and commercial issues, including corporate and contractual disputes across industries such as energy, infrastructure, construction, agribusiness, and transportation.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ARBITRATION
Rafael Briz – Mayora & Mayora
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Carey
The law firm has extensive experience advising on major energy projects and infrastructure, with a strong focus on energy efficiency. Its skilled team provides in-depth knowledge of the energy sector and offers valuable strategic business guidance.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Rodrigo Petrasso – Toledo Marchetti Advogados
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR RENEWABLES
Davis Polk & Wardwell
Clients value the firm’s lawyers for their expertise in traditional and renewable power, transmission, the oil and gas value chain, carbon capture, infrastructure, advising major Brazilian energy companies on complex renewable energy transactions.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR RENEWABLES
Paolo Salerno – SAENERGÍA Energy Consulting Group
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR OIL & GAS
Campos Mello Advogados in cooperation with DLA Piper
The law firm has played a pivotal role in the oil and gas sector, offering expert guidance to major industry players during complex and strategic operations. Its cohesive and highly skilled team stands out for their proactive approach and exceptional problem-solving abilities.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR OIL & GAS
Paulo Valois Pires – Schmidt, Valois, Miranda, Ferreira & Agel Advogados
The lawyer combines extensive expertise in oil and gas law with a client-oriented approach and is recognized for delivering efficient solutions to complex issues.
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR MINING
Sion Advogados
LAWYER OF THE YEAR MINING
Pedro Garcia – Veirano Advogados
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR UTILITIES
Brigard Urrutia
Recognized for its strong expertise in a diverse range of utilities-related matters, the team is adept at managing complex operations. The professionals are highly valued for their technical excellence and versatile multidisciplinary approach.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR UTILITIES
Marina Anselmo Schneider – Mattos Filho
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR REGULATORY
Ulhôa Canto, Rezende e Guerra Advogados
The lawyers of the law firm have demonstrated exceptional expertise in navigating regulatory frameworks within the power sector, offering strategic insights to identify and mitigate risks effectively. Their proficiency in sector regulations, combined with a practical understanding of business needs, positions them as leaders in the field.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR REGULATORY
Daniel Szyfman – Machado Meyer Advogados
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR INNOVATION
SAENERGÍA Energy Consulting Group
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR SUSTAINABILITY
BMA Advogados
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ENERGY TAX
Souto Correa Advogados
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. The lawyers have been handling the legal fiscal aspects for key clients in the energy sector.
PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR ENERGY TAX
Luiz Gustavo Bichara – Bichara Advogados
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR
Auren Energia
IN-HOUSE CATEGORIES
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR
José Eduardo Guimarães Barros – Eletrobras
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR ENERGY
Raízen
During the recent period, the in-house department has coordinated several transactions, very important for their strategic and economic value. The team is formed by talented professionals able to operate cohesively even under pressure, expressing a remarkable expertise in the field.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR ENERGY
Ana Claudia Rebello – Enel Group
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE
Prysmian
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE
Ivan Marcondes – Andrade Gutierrez
The professional is an expert in infrastructure, concessions, and PPPs, with over 20 years of experience driving compliance and sustainable growth in multinational organizations. The lawyer has showcased expertise in corporate contracts, international arbitration, and governance, paired with exceptional leadership skills.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR RENEWABLES
Recurrent Energy
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR RENEWABLES
María José Van Morlegan – Edenor
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR OIL & GAS
Shell
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR OIL & GAS
Fabiana Molina – Ultragaz
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR UTILITIES
Grupo Equatorial
The legal team has proven to be capable of managing high-stakes transactions, including the acquisition of energy distributors and renewable platforms. Through robust compliance initiatives and strategic litigation management, the team has shown its ability to adapt to legislative shifts while aligning with corporate goals, ensuring seamless support for business expansion and operational success.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR UTILITIES
Fernanda Rocha Campos Pogliese – Grupo Energisa
N HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR M&A ENERGY/INFRASTRUCTURE
ACCIONA
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR M&A ENERGY/INFRASTRUCTURE
Daniel Shem Cheng Chen – Órigo Energia
RENEWABLE PROJECTS DEVELOPMENT Best Practice
Ricardo Augusto Vieira – Elera Renováveis