“Felipe is a ‘go-to’ legal and business advisor to major Brazilian companies, helping them navigate a broad range of disputes involving Brazilian and US law,” said Constantine Karides, managing partner of the firm’s Miami office. “The addition of Felipe to Reed Smith further solidifies our Miami office as a gateway to support clients seeking to do business in Latin America or Latin American-based companies seeking to expand to the US and other markets. He also has deep roots in the South Florida community and understands the local business market. We are excited to have him aboard.”
An internationally recognized lawyer, Berer is dual licensed in the US and Brazil and a native Portuguese speaker whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and some of the largest and most successful Brazilian conglomerates and investors. Sometimes acting in the capacity of outside general counsel, he works with companies that are often involved in parallel litigation in both jurisdictions. In addition, he advises Brazilian companies that are creditors or debtors in bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings related to Chapter 11 and Chapter 15 filings in the US, or where there is a Brazilian insolvency recognized in the US. He also regularly advises international clients on a wide array of matters, including trade policy, export controls and sanctions under US and Brazilian laws, contract negotiations, especially supply and distribution agreements, and government affairs in Brazil.
“Brazil is emerging from a deep recession, and the volume of work involving Brazilian companies in the US, especially the flow of litigation and insolvency work, has grown dramatically,” Berer said. “With Reed Smith’s international platform, litigation strength and global brand, the firm provides the resources needed to assist my clients and grow my practice. The firm also has a demonstrated commitment to its Latin America practice, and I’m excited to join the firm’s talented team of lawyers, including José Astigarraga and Cisco Rivera, among others.”
“Our Brazil-related disputes work, including international arbitrations as well as U.S.-based litigation having Brazilian connections, continues to expand, so we are delighted to now count on Felipe’s talent and experience,” said Jose Astigarraga, Global Chair of the firm’s International Arbitration Practice. “He’s an important addition in the firm’s plan to expand and strengthen our disputes offering for international disputes in the region.”
Berer has been ranked by Chambers Global for eight consecutive years, 2013-2020, in the International Trade (USA) category as the only Foreign Expert for Brazil based in the United States.
Berer began his legal career at Barbosa, Müssnich, & Aragão Advogados in Rio de Janeiro. He later practiced at Bryan Cave and Mayer Brown before joining Akerman in 2012. He received his LL.B. from Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro and his LL.M. from Georgetown University Law Center. He is a former president and current member of the advisory council of the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida, serves on the advisory board of the Brazil-Florida Business Council, and is on the board of directors of Georgetown University’s Club of Miami.
