LatinLawyer
29/05/2026
Brazilian Highly Recommended firm L O Baptista Advogados has strengthened its finance practice and Middle East desk by hiring a partner from local outfit Chiarottino e Nicoletti Advogados.
Caio Coutinho de Melo joined the firm in in São Paulo on 20 May, increasing L O Baptista’s partner count to 22.
Melo arrives after more than 17 years at Chiarottino e Nicoletti, where he advised clients on M&A, corporate restructuring, private equity and investment fund matters. He has extensive experience structuring investment vehicles regulated by Brazil’s Central Bank and the securities regulator, including FIP, FIDC, FIM and FII funds, while also advising companies, startups, family offices and financial institutions on crossborder transactions and wealth planning matters.
The hire forms part of the firm’s internationalisation strategy and strengthens its Middle East desk initiative. Melo’s experience will help support Brazilian companies seeking opportunities in the Middle East, as well as foreign investors looking to expand their presence in Brazil.
