Questions & Answers
Thought Leaders 2024 - Interview with Andre Mileski
Can you briefly describe your career to date?
In 2008, I graduated from the Law School of the University of Sao Paulo Law School, the most prestigious law school in Brazil. Since the beginning of my career, still as a law student, I had internships in law firms, local and international banks, such as Standard Bank, Unibanco and UBS Pactual, as well as investment management firms. These opportunities provided me with a comprehensive view of businesses and legal services from the perspectives of both the clients and the service providers.
In 2013, I decided to pursue an LLM in the United States and was admitted to the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Upon completion of the programme, I worked as an international associate at the Latin America practice of Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, in New York. My career at Lefosse Advogados started in 2016, working in the corporate and capital markets practice areas. In April 2019, I was made partner, focusing on capital markets, asset management and investment funds, areas in which I have more than 15 years of experience.
What do you enjoy most about being a lawyer in your practice area?
I believe it is the fact that we often handle complex and sophisticated transactions, which require us to think outside the box and be creative in finding and developing solutions to achieve the clients’ goals.
What was the most challenging case or transaction you have ever worked on and why?
It is not easy to mention just one transaction, but one of the most challenging ones I have worked on was a deal comprising a large portfolio of alternative investment funds. The transaction was not conventional and involved several jurisdictions, with many different parties, including the seller, a consortium of local and international buyers, different investment management firms, administrators and banks. To have the deal done, it was fundamental to be on top of all discussions, concerns, steps and interactions with the many different parties in Brazil and abroad, which required a lot from me and my team during several months.
What are the greatest challenges for lawyers in your practice area in your country this year?
Certainly, the covid-19 pandemic, and I guess this is challenging not just for lawyers in my practice, but for all lawyers. I think people, in general, were expecting a better year in 2021, with people getting vaccinated and, in a certain way, starting to restore their normal lives. Then, the second wave of infections hit and was shocking and disturbing. This will certainly impact the economic environment for the year.
How do you expect your practice to evolve over the next five years?
My view is that the Brazilian capital markets will continue to evolve and develop in line with international and global standards, and as a result become more attractive, transparent and reliable for investors and stakeholders in general. Concerning investment funds, based on the current reality of the market and the long-awaited review of the relevant Brazilian regulatory framework, I expect the continuity of the expansion of the market, with more investors, both locally and internationally, more investment options, as well as more sophisticated and complex structures.
What do clients look for when selecting you as a lawyer?
Certainly, efficiency, a comprehensive understanding of the client’s needs and objectives, availability and commitment to delivering the best service.
How would you like to see your law firm develop in the coming years?
I would like to see the consolidation of the firm’s growth and the recognition it has achieved over the past few years, continuing to be among the top Brazilian law firms. For me, it is exciting to be an active part of this project, where I have not only partners but good friends.
You have enjoyed a very distinguished career so far. What would you like to achieve that you have not yet accomplished?
I am proud of all my professional achievements over the years. I am working to further develop and consolidate our investment funds practice, as well as get market recognition. This is my goal for the near future, and I expect to achieve it soon.
