Lefosse has announced the appointment of two new partners in its dispute resolution practice: Tomaz Lyra and Marcela Levy, who join the firm to strengthen its capabilities in handling both domestic and international disputes.
They are joined by four additional lawyers, including Ricardo Almeida, who joins as counsel. Almeida holds both a master’s degree and a doctorate from the University of São Paulo (USP) and brings 30 years of experience in arbitration and litigation.
“In recent years, we have expanded our practice to cover tax, civil, labour and energy-related disputes. The arrival of these professionals represents a strategic step in our ambition to serve all sectors, further consolidating our expertise in corporate, commercial, construction and post-M&A disputes, both in court and in arbitration,” said Rodrigo Junqueira, managing partner of Lefosse.
Tomaz Lyra and Marcela Levy have worked together for nearly 20 years in litigation and arbitration. Both bring extensive experience in complex, high-value disputes across commercial and corporate matters, as well as in sectors such as construction, infrastructure, energy, financial services, insurance and reinsurance.
“Lefosse’s excellence across all its practice areas, including dispute resolution, places it among the leading firms in Brazil. The firm’s strategy to further consolidate its position in this area was a key factor in our decision to join,” said Lyra.
Levy added: “Our aim is to support the continued expansion and strengthening of the practice in an increasingly demanding, competitive and sophisticated market. This involves identifying new opportunities both in Brazil and internationally, while continuing to deliver top-tier advice on complex matters.”
In Brazil, corporate litigation and arbitration remain consistently active areas, reflecting the country’s strong litigation culture. Disputes arise across all economic cycles, with demand remaining high both in periods of growth—when transactional activity increases—and in more challenging environments. Looking ahead to 2026, this steady demand is expected to continue in both arbitration and strategic litigation.
Profiles of the new partners
Tomaz Lyra specialises in domestic and international litigation and arbitration. He holds a law degree from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro and is ranked among the leading arbitration and litigation practitioners in Brazil by Chambers & Partners Global and Brazil.
He is recognised as a Leading Partner for litigation by Legal 500, recommended by Lexology Index in commercial litigation, and listed among the most admired lawyers in Brazil by Análise Advocacia in arbitration and civil law, as well as across several industry sectors.
Marcela Levy also focuses on domestic and international litigation and arbitration and acts as an arbitrator. She is listed on the panels of several Brazilian arbitral institutions. She holds a law degree from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro and an LL.M. from Columbia Law School.
Levy is recognised by Chambers & Partners Global and Brazil for arbitration, by Legal 500 as a Leading Lawyer in litigation (Next Generation Partners), and is recommended by Lexology Index in both arbitration and commercial litigation. She is also listed by Latin Lawyer (“Lacca Approved”) for arbitration, and ranked by Análise Advocacia Mulher among the leading practitioners in arbitration and civil law in Brazil.
