Roberto Quiroga (Mattos Filho): "I have built a legacy and had the support of great professionals in doing so"

How do you assess your law firm’s positioning in the Brazilian legal market?

We are a law firm that, for 30 years, has been driving transformations in the legal market and we stand out in the sector for the high level of our legal performance, excellent services provided to clients, and a commitment to generating a positive impact in the country.

What sets us apart at Mattos Filho is our keen focus on innovation, anticipating trends, and delivering solutions that align with our clients’ demands. For instance, in 2021 we were the first full-service law firm in Brazil to launch a practice focused on ESG. In June of this year, we also became the first firm to launch a dedicated area covering the energy transition, which is widely discussed globally. With the 139 partners and over 800 lawyers working in more than 40 practice areas that comprise our firm, we have built a successful trajectory and established ourselves as one of the most respected firms in Latin America.

Another highly relevant aspect that sets us apart in the legal market is transparency: we are the only Brazilian firm that discloses financial results in an annual report, following the example of major foreign law firms. The 2022 edition of this report, for instance, presented significant figures, such as our gross revenue of R$1.3 billion ($263 million). In terms of governance, we were also the first Brazilian full-service firm to adopt the modified lockstep compensation system for partners. Following the model of renowned American and European firms, Mattos Filho’s governance approach, based on collaboration, has become a case study at Harvard University in the United States.

When it comes to social issues, our actions also reflect our leadership: we are pioneers in pro bono work in the country, and we are recognized for the initiatives that make up our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion program. We were the first Brazilian full-service law firm to have an affirmative action program for hiring black interns ─ the "Soma Talentos" initiative ─ which was launched in 2019, and currently we are the only firm in Brazil to also have positions exclusively reserved for black lawyers.

Regarding our environmental commitment, we strive to reduce the impact of our activities on the environment and promote environmental awareness among our professionals through recycling initiatives and promoting conscious consumption in the workplace. Currently, we participate in five major international initiatives, such as the Net Zero Lawyers Alliance, where Mattos Filho is the only Latin American firm among a list of 30 international law firms committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (through reduction and compensation efforts).

In your view, what are the prospects for the legal market?

The current climate of political consolidation and the enactment of new bills naturally bring impacts to the economy and businesses. Legislative and regulatory changes, which generate doubts and demand assistance for companies, have a positive effect on the legal market.

In this context, I highlight the main project, the Tax Reform, approved by the Chamber of Deputies, which has already caused considerable repercussions and spurred demand from our clients. With its progress, we will have significant discussions in this second semester and wide-ranging impact on all sectors of the economy in the coming years.

Regarding the anticipated legislative and regulatory changes, the expectation is that there will be an increase in legal services in areas such as taxation, infrastructure, environment, and the financial market.

How would you describe your legacy at the firm?

I am one of the founders of Mattos Filho, and after 30 years I still have the privilege of managing the firm. I am approaching the end of another stint as managing partner, as in March 2024 I will pass the baton to Pedro Dias, who was elected the next managing partner of Mattos Filho by the partners in June of this year. Pedro has been accompanying me in the firm’s management activities, to help ensure a smooth and seamless transition next year.

I can say that, leading the firm, I have built a legacy and, in this journey, I have had the support of many great professionals. I have participated in significant achievements at Mattos Filho, such as the creation of the 100% Pro Bono practice and the Mattos Filho Institute, the consolidation of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion program, and the implementation of the partnership and governance models, adopted in 2009, which have allowed the firm to achieve its leadership position in the Brazilian legal market. The adoption of this model has brought numerous benefits to the business, increasing collaboration between teams and generating an average growth of 15.8% over the last 12 years.

Regarding the business, in recent years, we have expanded our team of professionals (which currently sits at 139 partners); launched an innovation brand, attix, pioneering in the legal market; reopened our Brasília office (currently with eight partners) to strengthen our strategic position in the federal capital; and launched practices that follow market trends, such as venture capital, ESG, energy transition, education, and cryptoassets.

As the managing partner, I helped lead the firm during the pandemic, where we reevaluated our work model. We focused on people, prioritizing efficiency, flexibility, and well-being. We implemented a hybrid work model, with two days of remote work per week, among other initiatives related to the mental health of our professionals. All of this has been crucial in strengthening our excellence in the market.

Mattos Filho is a leading firm in Leaders League’s Tax Litigation and Tax Advisory rankings. What is your assessment of the impact of the Tax Reform on the practice?

The text of the Tax Reform, approved by the Chamber of Deputies, brings the expected points of simplification and unification of taxes, a broad base, and transparency. However, fundamental points are still subject to future complementary legislation. Additionally, there will be a seven-year transition period starting in 2026 for the complete migration, which will be filled with challenges regarding tax compliance.

This presents business opportunities in many ways, as there will be several existing norms that will change under the new system, demanding companies adapt to the new rules. It also raises concerns about a possible increase in litigation. What’s more, the process leading up to the Senate vote offers possibilities for companies to act strategically through legal maneuvering.