Marcelo Simão Solicitors’ team comprises environmental law specialist and in addition are well-versed in similar legal areas. Brasilia office plays an important role in issues involving the Ministry of the Environment, IBAMA (Brazilian Institute of the Environment) and CONAMA (National Environment Council).

The experience of the environmental law team includes, mainly:

• Consultancy and audits in: (i) operations of merger, acquisition and joint ventures; (ii) legal compliance and evaluation of contingencies; (iii) appraisal and/or optimization of legal aspects of productive processes; (iv) assessment of management systems; (v) obtaining funding and contracting domestic and international financing; (vi) contacting insurance policies; (vii) buying and renting real estate; (viii) preparation of socio-environmental balance sheets.
• Administrative proceedings and lawsuits, including civil inquiries;
• Negotiating agreements with environmental agencies and the Department of Public Prosecutions;
• Preparation and negotiation of environmental clauses for contracts, including contracts for the purchase/sale of carbon credits;
• Support in processes of environmental licensing and in public hearings; and
• Following-up new legislation and regulations, plus pertinent case law.

Some of the advantages in retaining legal advice in environmental matters are:

• Enhancement of the company's brand and image on the market;
• An increase in the level of satisfaction among shareholders, investors and stakeholders, due to the greater transparency of its operations;
• An increase in the company's competitiveness in its market segment;
• Low costs as well as potential environmental liabilities;
• Greater chances of eligibility in obtaining domestic and international financing and funding;
• A reduction in premiums for contracting certain insurance policies; and
• An increase to the value of the company's stock.