The law firm Severo da Costa Advogados announced the opening of its new headquarters in Brasilia, in a strategic move aimed at strengthening its performance in highly complex litigation, compliance, risk management and monitoring of claims before the Superior Courts, the Administrative Council of Fiscal Resources (CARF) and the Federal Public Administration.
The expansion marks a new moment of growth for the firm, which now has lawyer Rodrigo Farret and consultant Denise Cardoso de Gusmão Cunha on staff in the federal capital.
With over ten years of experience in the legal market, the firm emphasizes that its arrival in Brasília represents a natural step in its national consolidation process. According to partners Luciana Martins de Oliveira and Luiz Eugenio Porto Severo da Costa, a physical presence in the federal capital will allow for closer engagement with the country’s main decision-making centers.
“The opening of the office in Brasilia represents a natural strategic move within Severo da Costa Advogados’ expansion and consolidation process in areas of high legal and regulatory complexity. A physical presence in the federal capital brings the firm closer to the country’s main decision-making centers, especially the Superior Courts, regulatory bodies, and the Federal Public Administration, allowing for even more integrated, efficient, and strategic action for clients,” the partners stated.
The move is particularly relevant given the profound regulatory and tax transformations underway in Brazil, especially with the implementation of the Tax Reform. “Our presence in Brasilia also allows the firm to more closely monitor the regulatory, legislative, and jurisprudential developments related to the implementation of the Tax Reform, a matter that will require strategic action and sophisticated legal solutions for companies in various sectors,” they emphasized.
Más de Rodrigo Farret
The new office significantly strengthens the firm’s strategic litigation efforts before the Superior Courts and the CARF (Brasilia Court of Appeals). With over 25 years of experience in Brasilia, Rodrigo Farret joins the firm to handle highly complex disputes, particularly before the Supreme Federal Court (STF) and the Superior Court of Justice (STJ).
“My intention in joining Severo da Costa Advogados is to contribute to structuring a more consistent performance before the Superior Courts, especially the STF and the STJ, and before the CARF, in line with the firm’s strategic litigation profile,” Farret stated.
According to the lawyer, the firm’s presence in Brasilia will allow it to expand its strategic capacity in handling cases of greater economic and legal significance. “The dynamics of the Superior Courts and the Federal Administration demand not only technical expertise, but also familiarity with the institutional environment, the way the Courts operate, and the specific procedures for handling cases at this level,” he explained.
Specializing in Tax Law at ICAT/DF, he has a solid track record in strategic litigation before the Superior Courts, focusing on structuring leading cases and defending highly complex tax arguments with significant economic impact. Over the past few decades, he has also been active before the CARF, in addition to having professional experience in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
More by Denise Cardoso de Gusmão Cunha
The new unit in Brasilia will also include Denise Cardoso de Gusmão Cunha, who will head the firm’s Compliance and Risk Management practice. With international training and experience in large multinational corporations and consulting firms, Denise will focus on developing solutions related to corporate integrity, governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
“My joining Severo da Costa Advogados is a strategic move to consolidate and expand the firm’s leadership in compliance and risk management. My plan is to implement and refine innovative solutions that not only guarantee our clients’ integrity and regulatory compliance, but also position them ahead of regulatory requirements,” he stated.
Denise holds an LL.M. in International Commercial Law from the University of Kent, specializing in compliance, and has completed executive training in project management at Stanford University. Throughout her career, she has worked at companies such as Vale, PwC, and EY, and also has experience in the federal government.
“The expansion represents an opportunity to position the firm as a strategic partner for companies and institutions, with the goal of helping them build an ethical and resilient organizational culture, with priority attention to tax optimization and the effective management of associated risks,” he emphasized.
According to the firm’s partners, the arrival of the new professionals strengthens the firm’s position in areas considered strategic for the current legal market. “The firm’s structured presence in Brasilia responds to a growing market demand for legal counsel capable of combining technical excellence, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of the Brazilian regulatory and institutional environment,” they stated.
