The Latin American Lawyer Women Awards 2024, the winners
The winners of the Latin American Lawyer Women Awards 2024, were announced during the gala ceremony held at the Tivoli Mofarrej Hotel in São Paulo, on 12th September 2024.
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
TEAM OF THE YEAR
Mattos Filho
This highly regarded team is known for providing integrated, effective legal advisory services and creative solutions for complex issues. Renowned for their business acumen and meticulous attention to detail, the professionals offer strategic support to major companies.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR
Maria Bofill – TozziniFreire Advogados
The lawyer is recognized as one of the most trusted and respected figures in the Latin American market, renowned for handling the region’s most complex operations with unmatched expertise. Her outstanding track record in corporate law has earned her high regard from both clients and competitors alike.
TEAM OF THE YEAR ADMINISTRATIVE & ENVIRONMENTAL
Gustavo Binenbojm & Associados
The law firm team was involved in high scale administrative proceedings for prominent clients from various sectors. Thanks to the lawyer’s expertise and their tailor-made solutions they can be rightfully placed ad the pick of the Latin American public law area.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ADMINISTRATIVE & ENVIRONMENTAL
Miyanou Dufour von Gordon – Hernández & Cía
The professional has advised several local and international clients in delicate environment issues such as sanctioning proceedings, audits and regulatory mandates. She is esteemed for her experience and reliability and considered one of the most skilled lawyers in the field.
TEAM OF THE YEAR ARBITRATION
Bomchil
The lawyers advised important clients on crucial arbitration matters, the law firm team is composed by talented professionals, thanks for their experience and technical preparation, are able to bring a top tier advice and work cohesively.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ARBITRATION
Cecilia Azar – Galicia
The lawyer is specialized in complex domestic and international commercial disputes, particularly in energy, infrastructure, and construction, acting as arbitrator, counsel, or mediator. She is one of the most notable arbitrators in Mexican proceedings.
TEAM OF THE YEAR BANKING & FINANCE
Bruchou & Funes de Rioja
The law firm successfully navigated numerous complexities in a cross-border financing deal, including adapting to shifting foreign exchange regulations and designing a flexible credit structure for borrowers in different jurisdictions.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR BANKING & FINANCE
Alexia Rosenthal – TCA Tanoira Cassagne
As a distinguished partner and co-head of the department, the lawyer is widely esteemed in the market for her prominent practice in Argentina’s banking and finance sector. She demonstrates a profound knowledge and an exceptional ability to handle a diverse array of complex issues.
TEAM OF THE YEAR CORPORATE – M&A
BMA Advogados
BMA Advogados stands out for its exceptional M&A practice, with a highly skilled team that consistently advises both domestic and international clients across diverse industries. The firm’s outstanding expertise in handling complex transactions is widely recognized.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR CORPORATE – M&A
Maria Cristina Cescon – Cescon, Barrieu, Flesch & Barreto Advogados
Recognized by the market as one of Brazil’s leading corporate and M&A lawyers, the lawyer is well-known for her deep knowledge and straightforward advice. She offers expert guidance to a diverse clientele on both local and international M&A transactions, asset sales, joint ventures, and other complex corporate matters.
TEAM OF THE YEAR CAPITAL MARKETS (DEBT & EQUITY)
Monteiro, Rusu, Cameirão e Bercht Advogados
The firm is renowned for its broad expertise in capital markets, expertly managing every aspect of complex financial and trade transactions. The exceptional team brings extensive experience, having successfully structured numerous securities issuances and structured finance deals.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR CAPITAL MARKETS (DEBT & EQUITY)
Vanessa Fiusa – Mattos Filho
The professional is widely esteemed for her proficiency and business acumen in handling capital markets transactions. She provides expert counsel to companies, financial institutions, and investors on various sophisticated matters, including public and private equity and debt offerings.
TEAM OF THE YEAR COMPETITION & ANTITRUST
Cascione Advogados
The team provides insightful advice on competition and regulatory matters, offering technically precise guidance. Their thorough and multidisciplinary approach guarantees responsive, business-oriented support that is closely attuned to clients’ needs.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION & ANTITRUST
Lorena Pavic – Carey
The distinguished co-head of the department is renowned for her deep understanding of business dynamics and exceptional expertise in Chilean competition law. Her innovative approach to risk mitigation, combined with her focus on antitrust, regulation, and complex litigation, makes her a key advisor for clients facing challenging scenarios.
TEAM OF THE YEAR ENERGY & INFRASTRUCTURE
Tojal Renault Advogados
The firm is renowned for its specialization in regulatory consulting and complex litigation, particularly in rail transport and energy. Combining extensive experience with a tailored approach, the team focuses on delivering precise solutions nationwide.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR ENERGY & INFRASTRUCTURE
Lívia Medeiros Amorim – Veirano Advogados
The lawyer has substantial experience advising both national and international clients on regulatory matters, infrastructure asset sales, and contracts in the oil, gas, and power sectors. She is highly regarded by clients for her exceptional expertise and extensive experience.
TEAM OF THE YEAR IP&TMT
Cervieri Monsuárez
Renowned as a prominent IP boutique, the firm excels in complex anti-counterfeiting cases, trademark and copyright infringement, and enforcement actions. It provides comprehensive support to a wide range of clients across diverse industries retail, automotive, pharma, fashion and entertainment.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR IP&TMT
Mariana Zonenschein – Zonenschein Advocacia
With more than 20 years of experience, the lawyer handles strategic civil litigation and intellectual property across diverse sectors, including art, digital media, fashion, finance, hospitality, and entertainment. Her commitment and vast experience have been instrumental in securing successful outcomes.
TEAM OF THE YEAR LABOUR
Baker McKenzie
The law firm team advises on all aspects of employment relationships in complex cross-border and collective cases, including hiring, management, and terminations. Their expertise covers the principal aspects of the employment issues with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and remote work policies.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR LABOUR
Cristiane Ianagui Matsumoto – Pinheiro Neto Advogados
The lawyer has extensive experience in social security, having successfully handled numerous administrative and judicial disputes. Renowned for her profound expertise, accessibility, and insightful guidance, she is highly esteemed for her exceptional advisory services.
TEAM OF THE YEAR LITIGATION
Lammoglia Abogados
The legal team has consistently demonstrated expertise in managing complex litigation across various sectors, handling high-stakes cases involving environmental, regulatory, and tax disputes. Their proficiency extends to protecting clients’ rights in cross-border transactions, challenging unconstitutional laws, and ensuring compliance with environmental and labor regulations.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR LITIGATION
Daniela Bessone – BSBC – Borba, Simões Barbosa, Bessone, Cristofaro Advogados
The lawyer demonstrates exceptional expertise in handling complex disputes, actively participating in all stages of high-value cases, including property sales and corporate dissolution. The professional excels in trademark and intellectual property disputes, applying a multidisciplinary approach to ensure successful outcomes in cases involving fraud and unfair competition.
TEAM OF THE YEAR PHARMA, HEALTHCARE & LIFE SCIENCES
Basham, Ringe & Correa
The law firm is acclaimed for its expertise in regulatory and litigation services across various aspects of the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Its outstanding multidisciplinary team delivers customized guidance to effectively navigate complex challenges.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR PHARMA, HEALTHCARE & LIFE SCIENCES
Angela Fan Chi Kung – Pinheiro Neto Advogados
The lawyer is a well-known expert in life sciences, adept at managing both contentious and non-contentious issues, including administrative proceedings. Recognized for her up-to-date knowledge and ability to identify hidden risks, she provides exceptional guidance to companies in healthcare matters.
TEAM OF THE YEAR REAL ESTATE
Miranda & Amado
The team of highly skilled professionals is well-regarded for its ability to address intricate deals. It offers expert guidance on permits, licenses, property transactions, and real estate projects for both urban and rural lands.
TEAM OF THE YEAR TAX
FAS Advogados in cooperation with CMS
The team offers expert tax advisory assessments and effectively manages tax processes, consistently achieving favorable results in litigation. Clients across diverse sectors trust the tax department for their dispute representation needs.
PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR TAX
Carolina Rozo Gutiérrez – Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría
The lawyer demonstrates strong expertise in complex tax matters, handling high-value transactions with precision. Her deep understanding of corporate tax and cross-border regulations has led to the achieving of important results.
TEAM OF THE YEAR WHITE COLLAR CRIME
Caro & Asociados
The law firm showcases remarkable proficiency in managing intricate criminal cases, offering tailored defense strategies. The lawyers expertly handle challenging legal matters, applying in-depth analysis and meticulous attention to detail.
LAWYER OF THE YEAR WHITE COLLAR CRIME
Anna Carolina Malta Spilborghs – BMA Advogados
The lawyer has consistently excelled in providing guidance on compliance issues to both national and international clients. This includes expertise in corporate investigations – covering areas like anti-corruption, fraud, harassment, cybercrimes, and ESG – as well as in due diligence and risk management.
BEST PRACTICE AVIATION FINANCE
Priscila Uliana – Basch & Rameh Advogados
During the last 12 months, the lawyer brilliantly handled aviation leasing & financing deals for important clients in the Latin American Market. The professional showcase a deep knowledge of the sector and the right mindset to face complex challenging never loosing the focus.
BEST PRACTICE TRADEMARK LITIGATION
Maria Cecilia Romoleroux – CorralRosales
The lawyer has consolidated her status as a leading figure in the intellectual property area in Latin America. During the recent period she has faced challenging litigation matters, prooving the efficacy of the advice of her team.
BEST PRACTICE COMPETITION & ANTITRUST
Perez Alati, Grondona, Benites & Arntsen
The law firm team has been advising important clients on several complex matters, particularly strategical for their economic value and crucial outcomes. The lawyers operate cohesively being able to handle the pressure.
BEST PRACTICE BANKING & FINANCE
Morgan & Morgan
The law firm provided legal advice in a major financing deal for the development of a large-scale power plant, involving multiple jurisdictions and complex legal considerations. The professionals acted as punctual and reliable advisors.
BEST PRACTICE PHARMA
Goulart Penteado Advogados
The law firm team has demonstrated exceptional skill in managing complex and high-profile cases. During the recent period the lawyers advised an intricate operation for a top tier name of the industry a achieving favorable outcomes.
IN-HOUSE CATEGORIES
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR
Fabiana Molina – Ultragaz
The professional stands out for her exceptional background in corporate law, she is particularly skilled in negotiating strategic projects and managing legal disputes, including provisioning and due diligence. She is one of the most influential figures among the in-house departments in Latin America.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR AUTOMOTIVE & TRANSPORT
Amália Costa – Volkswagen do Brasil
The lawyer has proven during several years of careers a solid competitiveness on litigations and corporate transactions. She operates at the pick of the legal profession in the automotive industry, having achieved remarkable results for her company.
IN HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR BANKING & FINANCE
Lucinéia Possar – Banco do Brasil
The lawyer has an extensive expertise in banking matters, having successfully led several pivotal transactions for the company alongside her team. She is highly regarded by the market, earning a level of credibility that is shared by only a select few in the profession.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR CONSUMER GOODS MANUFACTURING
Maurin Pérez de León – Unilever
The professional has a pluriannual experience at the guidance of the legal team of important companies, that expressed itself in the lawyer’s managing skills that allow her to handle complex international negotiations and managing intricate mergers and acquisitions.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR E-COMMERCE & RETAIL
Renata Cassini – Dufry Group
With 18 years in the legal field, the professional has a comprehensive background in overseeing corporate legal departments, including team organization, training, budgeting, and reporting. She is highly appreciated for her capability of thinking outside the box when it comes to provide strategic legal solutions.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR ENERGY & INFRASTRUCTURE
Inaiê F. Mendes Reis – Prysmian Group
The professionalleads a diverse legal team across eight countries, covering areas such as contract negotiation and corporate law, providing strategic legal guidance that aligns with business objectives while managing risks and ensuring cost-effective solutions. She is a notable figure in the Latin American landscape having earned the appreciation from the market.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR FASHION, DESIGN, LUXURY
Flavia Marcucci Kazakevicius – EssilorLuxottica
The legal department, guided by the professional, has been advising in key corporate operations, providing a high-quality service focused on the company interest. The lawyer managing skills have been crucial for the business evolution of the company.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR FOOD & BEVERAGE
Andreia Marcelino – Danone
The professional is well appreciated for her business-oriented approach and so her capability to effectively communicate with the company, to better reach the best possible outcome. She gained during her career in multinational companies a solid credibility status.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR INSURANCE
Mayumi Aoki Francini – AXA no Brasil
The professional excels in the litigation area, thanks of the many years of specialization in civil law, labor, consumer, and contract law. She is well appreciated by the market that recognize her a problem-solving attitude and a solid technical preparation.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR MINING
Marina Diniz Candido Araujo – Kinross Brasil Mineração
The professional is a referral figure for the legal profession in the mining industry thanks to decades of experience and an impressive track record. She is particularly appreciated for her ability in managing complex issues.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR PHARMA, HEALTHCARE & LIFE SCIENCES
Sandra Gebara Boni Hidalgo – L’Oréal
During her career, the professional has been working in the legal department of important companies developing her expertise. During the last 12 months the lawyer has guided the in-house team in complex operations showcasing his technical abilities and leadership skills.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR REAL ESTATE
Denise Vaz – Multiplan Empreendimentos
The professional has been coordinating the legal team through several challenges such as due diligence issues and multiple transactions, proving to be crucial for protecting our company’s interests and participating in the strategic plans.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR SERVICES & CONSULTANCY
Gabriela Badi Cintra do Prado – Accenture
The lawyer is well recognized by the principal players in the market for her strong leadership and team management skills. She has successfully overseen a team of 20 lawyers responsible for handling a wide range of operations involving various fields.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR TMT
Marina Bericua – Microsoft
The professional has a particular ability in managing delicate regulatory issues and delivering strategic initiatives. She has collected esteemed feedback from the market that recognized her as a top tier lawyer regarding legal compliance operations.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR TRAVEL & TOURISM
Isabella Vilhena – LATAM Airlines Brasil
The lawyer is an expert in the several legal aspects of the aviation industry, during is career she has showcased exceptional managing and leadership skills in guiding his team through the numerous operations faced during the recent period.
