Litigation Committee Series: hot topics for litigation in Latin America

Partner Felipe Galea Felipe Galea is a partner in the Dispute Resolution practice area. He has extensive experience representing both national and international clients in business litigation throughout Brazil, particularly large investment funds and multinationals doing business in the entertainment, automotive, publishing, real estate and construction, and agribusiness sectors. Practice Areas Dispute Resolution Arbitration Sports and Entertainment Experience He has been involved in some of the most important business reorganization proceedings in Brazil, and his work includes advising investors interested in acquiring distressed assets. He also has notable experience in collective actions involving consumer and other group rights. Felipe is a member of BMA’s Steering Committee. Education LL.M., Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo - PUC​​ (2013). Continuing Education Program in Contract Law, Fundação Getúlio Vargas - FGV (2007). LL.B., Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo - PUC (2003).​​ Recognition Felipe is frequently distinguished in relevant legal publications as Chambers Brazil, Chambers Global, Legal 500, Latin Lawyer, Lexology Index, LACCA Approved and Análise Advocacia. Felipe was also recognized as an Acritas Star by Acritas - Sharplegal. “Partner Felipe Evaristo dos Santos Galea offers clients a strong corporate litigation expertise.” – Chambers Brazil "Felipe Evaristo dos Santos Galea attracts positive comments from clients, who say: "He protected our business as if he were part of our company; we felt very comfortable with him. He has an impressive knowledge."" - Chambers Global

Expert in the prevention and settlement of conflicts before the Brazilian Judiciary and public agencies (Securities Exchange Commission - CVM, Central Bank of Brazil - BACEN, Appeal Council of the National Financial System, among others). A PhD and Professor of Civil Procedural Law, Gláucia has extensive experience in very diverse types of legal disputes (including before the Brazilian Superior Courts), especially strategic claims involving high impact for companies. She also advises on matters of consumer law and product liability, assisting clients in negotiations with Brazilian authorities and representing their interests in class actions filed by the Public Prosecutor and other legitimate agencies (including for the execution of Conduct Adjustment Settlement). Offers in-company courses with emphasis on the reduction of claims and the improvement of internal case management. Her practice encompasses financial restructuring and bankruptcy scenarios, working for relevant creditors or potential investors interested in the acquisition of assets of companies in financial distress. Has substantial experience in the areas of retail, services, electronics, banking and pharmaceutical.

Ms. Ponce focuses her practice on international arbitration and public international law. She is admitted to the practice of law in Colombia, is a member of the New York State Bar and has been admitted to the Paris Bar (temporary and voluntary omission, as not currently practice law in France). Ms. Ponce has ample experience in ICSID, UNCITRAL and ICC arbitrations, representing States, State-owned companies, private companies and foreign investors in sectors such as port services, transportation, oil & gas, among others, and also acts as secretary of arbitral tribunals in investment and commercial arbitrations. She has been adjunct professor in courses on public international law and dispute resolution at Los Andes University.

Mr. Leonardo Melos is the partner of the litigation department of Bergstein Abogados since 2007, expert in complex litigation, arbitration and antitrust. He was appointed as lower Court Judge by the Supreme Court of Justice, serving in that capacity between 2006-2007. In 2007 he returned to the Law Firm, where he continued his litigation and antitrust practice, with an emphasis on the telecommunications and credit cards market. He has been consistently recognized by publications such as Chambers & Partners, Public Enforcement Law Review and Latin Lawyer. Recently, Mr. Melos has been involved in the defense of the most visible antitrust cases in Uruguay. He is an expert in complex litigation and ADR.

I am a Swiss qualified attorney specializing in domestic and international litigation including commercial and banking disputes, fraud and asset recovery and private client disputes. I primarily advise and represent clients in complex multi-jurisdictional proceedings, including recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, asset-freezing injunctions, international legal assistance (civil, criminal, administrative) and immunity issues. I also specialise in advising art collectors, art market professionals and museums on all art-related legal issues with a focus on dispute resolution and transactional matters.