Track record: Outstanding practice widely respected for its expertise assisting key names from the cosmetics, electronics and consumer goods sectors on preventive litigation strategies and must-win administrative and judicial tax disputes. Clients include multinationals such as Natura, Johnson and Johnson and Ericsson. Also highlighted for its strong track record in cross-border mandates.  

Team & differentiation: Established in 1990, Machado Associados is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year as one of Brazil’s elite tax firms. The tax litigation department is made up of 11 partners and nine associates and was recently strengthened by the arrival of new partner Renato Silveira who joins from JBS. The firm is additionally a member of both the LATAXNET and WTS Global legal networks. 

Track record: Minas-based tax outfit singled out for its excellent handling of administrative and judicial tax disputes on behalf of companies in the automotive, mining and retail sectors. Admired for its track record providing strategic counsel on cases involving direct and indirect taxes, social security and customs issues. Clients include Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Usiminas and Pernambucanas.  

Team & differentiation: Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2020 and with offices in Belo Horizonte, Brasília and São Paulo, Botelho Advogados is composed of six renowned partners as well as 24 associates. At the helm of the tax litigation practice are partners Daniela Procópio Spagnol, Marco Túlio Fernandes Ibraim and founding partner Werther Botelho Spagnol. 

Track record: Established São Paulo-based firm well-regarded for its substantial experience in strategic tax litigation mandates involving domestic and cross-border taxation issues. Often called upon to advise household names from the automotive, agribusiness and chemicals sectors on the tax impacts arising from international deals. Also noted for its high-win percentages in tax disputes. 

Team & differentiation: Founded in 2011, MVA – Madeira, Valentim & Gallardo Advogados’s tax department is led by reputed founding partner Geraldo Valentim Neto. Mr. Valentim Neto is a former judge of the Administrative Council of Tax Appeals (CARF) and has accumulated over two decades of experience advising on customs, tax litigation and cross-border tax issues.