In a notable event within the Brazilian legal market, over two dozen lawyers have departed from DLA Piper’s affiliate, Campos Mello Advogados, to establish a new full-service law firm named COSRO Advogados. This new venture is spearheaded by six partners and includes a team of 12 partners overall, many of whom held significant roles at DLA Piper and Campos Mello, such as Marcelo Frazão, Alexandre Bittencourt Calmon, and João Marçal Rodrigues Martins da Silva. The newly formed firm aims to maintain its independence, allowing for collaboration with a broad spectrum of international law firms.
The move comes amidst the restrictions in Brazil preventing international law firms from practicing local law directly or acquiring firms, leading to associations such as that between DLA Piper and Campos Mello. Despite this change, both firms have emphasised maintaining amicable relations, with outgoing lawyers expressing a desire to work flexibly with various international entities, including firms like Latham & Watkins and Kirkland & Ellis.
COSRO is initially setting up operations in Rio de Janeiro, with plans for further expansion to São Paulo and Brasília, and has already positioned some of their legal professionals in key international locations. This strategic redistribution reflects the firm’s commitment to serving across a diverse range of industries and geographical locations.
For further details, see the full article on Law.com International.