DCA – Dias Carneiro Advogados is a full-service law firm based in São Paulo and one of the most respected corporate law firms in Brazil. Founded in 2002, DCA has carved out a solid reputation based on outstanding client service, business-oriented legal advice and sound technical skills. The firm is particularly well known for advising clients in cross-border transactions and has a solid track record in regulated sectors such as energy and the financial markets.
Historically, the majority of DCA’s client base consisted of foreign clients, particularly in the US, Europe and Asia. In recent years, the firm has significantly expanded its reach in the domestic market, becoming a strong full-service option in Brazil and adding a number of major local corporations to its client base.
Main practice areas
Banking and finance: DCA works closely with and provides Brazilian law advice to financial institutions, multilateral organisations and foreign development agencies as well as sponsors and borrowers in the context of cross-border and local corporate, project, acquisition, structured and export financing transactions.
Bankruptcy and restructuring: DCA assists debtors, creditors and investors in negotiating restructuring deals. A market leader in this field, the firm has played a major role in landmark restructuring and insolvency cases in Brazil.
Capital markets: DCA advises clients on the development, structuring and implementation of transactions involving securities and financial instruments.
Corporate and M&A: DCA has a strong track record in domestic and international M&A transactions, advising buyers and sellers from a variety of sectors on asset sales, mergers, acquisitions, spin-offs and other complex corporate reorganisations. DCA's corporate & M&A practice is also complemented by its renowned venture practice, with the firm representing a number of funds and technology companies in financing transactions and acquisitions.
Dispute resolution: DCA represents domestic and international clients in civil and commercial proceedings involving contract disputes, personality rights, and intellectual property in general, as well as disputes between shareholders, health care insurance, liability and expropriations. The firm also represents clients from a wide variety of sectors in domestic and international arbitration proceedings.
Franchising, distribution and commercial contracts: DCA is also well recognised for assisting franchisors, retailers and suppliers to expand their businesses in Brazil and internationally. The team advises clients on distribution law matters, franchise system and regulatory compliance, including corporate and commercial contracts.
Intellectual property: DCA’s intellectual property team offers advice on the acquisition, enforcement and commercialisation of intellectual property assets. Services include counselling, technology transfers, outsourcing and licensing agreements.
Labour: DCA advises its clients on labour, immigration and social security law, including due diligence, day-to-day labour and HR issues. The firm represents clients in more than 2,500 labour claims, including individual and collective claims and administrative proceedings.
Projects and infrastructure: DCA provides advice on public tenders, PPPs, negotiations with public authorities, the design of financing structures and the management of public contracts. The quality of the firm’s work in this area has been recognised in recent years, having participated in several transactions awarded ‘Deal of the Year’ by international publications.
Tax: The firm has broad experience in advising clients on navigating the Brazilian complex tax legislation with a view to maximise tax efficiencies. This includes day-to-day guidance and representation in tax and customs audits and litigation. The firm's advice includes funding, tax incentives, setting up import structures, taxation of expatriates, M&A and divestures.
