Brazilian law firm Lefosse has promoted six lawyers to its partnership, bringing the firm’s partner headcount above 50 for the first time in its 35 year history. 

The successful candidates are based in the firm’s hometown of São Paulo and cover four of its core practice areas, including dispute resolution, corporate and M&A, tax and investment funds. 

This year’s cohort marks an increase in promotions for the firm, which elevated four lawyers to partner last year in a round that saw appointments across its labour, M&A, tax, technology and restructuring practices. 

This year, two women — corporate lawyers Carla Gorescu and Lígia Padovani — received the nod, a marked step up in terms of gender diversity on last year's round, which didn't include any women. Gorescu has spent her entire legal career at Lefosse, while Padovani joined as an associate from Uría Menéndez's Portuguese arm Uría Menéndez-Proença de Carvalho in 2016, according to her Linkedin profile.

The remainder of the promotions went to Rodrigo Cunha (corporate), Julio Queiroz (investment funds), Dante Zanotti (tax) and Bernardo Pires (dispute resolution). 

Rodrigo Junqueira, Lefosse’s managing partner, said: “Our firm is in full growth mode and has extremely qualified professionals. The new partners, with remarkable projection in their areas of work, are recognised for their in-depth knowledge of the segments in which our customers operate and for their complete and customised solutions.” 

The promotions come one week after the firm hired infrastructure lawyer Miriam Signor from Stocche Forbes Advogados to strengthen its projects team. She joined as a partner and head of project finance and project development in São Paulo. 

And in March the firm hired competition and antitrust lawyer Paula Azevedo from Brazil’s competition regulator CADE to open in Brasília. The launch marked the firm's third location in the country, adding to its footprint in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Also in March Lefosse added São Paulo-based partners Felipe Camara and Julio Neves. Camara joined the restructuring and insolvency practice from E.Munhoz Advogados, a boutique law firm focused on litigation, corporate law and restructuring, while Neves joined the dispute resolution team from local firm TozziniFreire Advogados. 

In other LatAm news, UK insurance specialist Kennedys added to its regional presence last week when it formed new associate offices with López del Solar in Bolivia and Tobar ZVS Ecuador, a move that brought its regional associated office count up to six. 

And in March, Holland & Knight last month added a six-strong capital markets team in Mexico City from DLA Piper, led by partner Xavier Mangino.