Luciano de Almeida Freitas

Luciano Freitas is a seasoned Brazilian attorney and foreign legal consultant specializing in corporate structuring, transnational finance, infrastructure investment, compliance, and corporate governance. With a proven track record, he provides strategic guidance to clients navigating complex cross-border transactions, corporate governance matters, and large-scale infrastructure projects. His expertise spans diverse industries, delivering tailored solutions that drive growth and ensure compliance across jurisdictions. Highlights of his experience include:

• Facilitating Brazil-U.S. Cross-Border Transactions: Provides strategic legal counsel on business operations and infrastructure investment projects between Brazil and the U.S.
• Supporting International Business Ventures: Assists U.S. companies entering the Brazilian market and Brazilian investors expanding into the U.S., with a focus on startups, business development, infrastructure projects, agribusiness and regulatory compliance.
• Managing Collaborative Legal Efforts: Coordinates with local counsel and Brazilian partners on critical issues, including data protection (LGPD), investment agreements, carbon credit initiatives, agribusiness ventures, and large-scale infrastructure developments.

Previously, Luciano served at the Embassy of Brazil in Washington, D.C., and at the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States, in its legal department and in the procurement group, and has advised the Young Americas Business Trust in international financial and business operations and legal matters. In Brazil, Luciano has also worked with prominent public organizations, including the São Paulo Housing Company, the Municipal Company of Urbanization, the Municipal Transportation Secretariat, and the Traffic Engineering Company of São Paulo. His contributions spanned infrastructure and construction investments, bid and procurement processes, regulatory compliance, and legal advisory functions.

Luciano is a recognized authority in infrastructure investment, with experience serving on committees for major infrastructure and construction projects in São Paulo, Brazil. Notably, he chaired the bidding committee for the iconic Octávio Frias de Oliveira cable-stayed bridge, a landmark prominently featured on São Paulo's main postcard. He also led the special bidding committee for the construction and integrated infrastructure plan of the historic Solar da Marquesa de Santos building. In addition, Luciano has contributed as a board member of the São Paulo City Council of Urban Policy for the Municipal Transportation Secretariat, bringing strategic oversight and expertise to urban development initiatives.

(Licensed attorney in Brazil. Licensed as a special legal consultant by the D.C. Bar and foreign legal consultant by the Florida Bar.)

• Best Legal Directors, Análise Executivos Jurídicos e Financeiros (2009)
• Distinguished Service Award, Inter-American Bar Association (2003)

• Brazilian Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil)
• Inter-American Bar Association
  • Assistant Treasurer (2004–2006)
  • Assistant Secretary (2002–2004)
  • Vice President, Young Lawyers and Law Students Section (2002–2004)
• Arbitration Council of the State of São Paulo
  • Arbitrator (2017)
• Young Americas Business Trust, Chapter of Brazil
  • Board of Directors (2004–2017)
• Federação Interamericana de Advogados
  • Vice Director for Legal Community Affairs (2003–2006)

• Partner, Almeida Freitas Sociedade de Advogados, Brazil (2012–2022)
• Arbiter, Conselho Arbitral do Estado de São Paulo, Brazil (2017–2018)
• Of Counsel, Madeira, Valentim, Gallardo Advogados, Brazil (2016–2018)
• Partner, Alexandre de Moraes Sociedade de Advogados, Brazil (2010–2012)
• Chief Legal Adviser, Companhia de Engenharia de Tráfego, Brazil (2008–2010)
• Chief Coordinator, Procurement and Contracts, Secretaria Municipal de Transportes (2008–2010)
• Chief Manager, Procurement and Contracts, Empresa Municipal de Urbanização, Brazil (2008)
• Adviser to the President, Empresa Municipal de Urbanização, Brazil (2006–2007)
• Superintendent of Housing Approval and Adviser to the President, São Paulo Housing Company, Brazil (2006)
• Senior Attorney and International Consultant, Abreu Sampaio Advocacia, Brazil (2006)
• Consultant, Office of Procurement, Facilities, and Management Services, Washington, D.C. (2003–2005)
• Foreign Law Clerk, General Secretariat of the Organization of American States, Washington, D.C. (2002–2002)
• Foreign Project Consultant, Young Americas Business Trust, Washington, D.C. (2002–2002)
• Intern, Embassy of Brazil, Washington, D.C. (2001–2002)
• Solo Practitioner, Fernando Drummond Advocacia and Rui Celso Reali Fragoso e Advogados Associados, Brazil (1999)
• Associate, Cupaiolo e Lencione Advogados Associados, Brazil (1990–1994)