Chadbourne Adds Experienced Cross-Border Corporate Partner to Its Sao Paulo and London Offices; Opens Brazil Desk in London

NEW YORK, Sept. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The international law firm Chadbourne & Parke LLP today announced that Silvia Fazio, a leading international corporate lawyer, has joined the firm as an international partner in the corporate practice. Ms. Fazio will be resident in Chadbourne's Sao Paulo and London offices. She will also establish a Brazil Desk in Chadbourne's London office to service the firm's U.K. and European clients who are active in Brazil.

Ms. Fazio is well known for her international strategy and corporate insight. Prior to joining Chadbourne, Ms. Fazio was a partner at U.K. firm Collyer Bristow LLP, where as head of International (Legal), she established its Brazilian and Italian desks. Reflecting these achievements, Ms. Fazio has been recognized as a leading lawyer in several industry publications, including Chambers Global and Legal 500. Chambers wrote, "Silvia Fazio plays a central role in international work….advising on an array of cross-border transactions. She is admitted to practice in Brazil and attracts mandates from leading clients such as Banco do Brasil and TAM Brazilian Airlines."

Ms. Fazio is widely published and has authored numerous articles and books on corporate and commercial law in Brazil and Europe.  She is the editor of a forthcoming book, "Brazilian Commercial Law: A Practical Guide," about a variety of legal issues in Brazil, such as setting up businesses, foreign investment rules and how to choose the best company structure. The book, being released in January 2013, includes contributions from leading Brazilian law firms.

With over 15 years experience in international corporate and commercial law, Ms. Fazio specializes in cross-border investments, joint ventures, international banking and financial agreements and transactions, and international tax planning structures for foreign corporations and high net-worth individuals. She has developed significant experience working with a diverse range of clients, including foreign governments and agencies, multinational corporations in several industries, including financial services and airlines, as well as successful small and medium-sized enterprises.

"We are delighted to add such a high caliber partner to our practice," said Chadbourne Managing Partner Andrew Giaccia. "Qualified to practice law in Brazil, the U.K., Italy and Portugal, and fluent in five languages, Silvia is a truly international lawyer whose skills and experience will complement and enhance our corporate practice globally."

Allen Miller, co-head of Chadbourne's Latin America practice said, "Silvia will help further extend our expanding Latin America practice into London and the markets it serves in a very significant way.  She adds an exciting new dimension to both our London office and Latin America practice."

Talbert Navia, co-head of the Latin America practice, said, "Chadbourne is the only firm world-wide ranked by Chambers Latin America 2013 in all six Latin America-wide ranking categories for international law firms.  With Silvia on board, we are going to take our practice to an even higher level."

Ms. Fazio earned her LL.B, first class honors, from the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil in 1994, and LL.M, first class honors, from the University of Heidelberg, Germany in 1996. She completed a Masters in Philosophy on European Union Law and Conflicts Law from the University of Bologna, Italy in 1998, and a Ph.D on International Corporate and Financial Law from the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London in 2006.

Chadbourne's Sao Paulo office, which opened in 2010, regularly advises corporations, international commercial and development banks, investment funds and international investors, multilateral agencies and export-credit agencies in a wide range of capital markets, bank and project finance and debt restructuring transactions. The firm's lawyers have been involved in some of the most innovative and significant matters across the Americas, and have been recognized as leaders in their field by Chambers Global, Chambers Latin America and Legal 500 Latin America.

About Chadbourne & Parke LLP
Chadbourne & Parke LLP, an international law firm headquartered in New York City, provides a full range of legal services, including mergers and acquisitions, securities, project finance, private funds, corporate finance, venture capital and emerging companies, energy/renewable energy, communications and technology, commercial and products liability litigation, arbitration/IDR, securities litigation and regulatory enforcement, special investigations and litigation, intellectual property, antitrust, domestic and international tax, insurance and reinsurance, environmental, real estate, bankruptcy and financial restructuring, executive compensation and employee benefits, employment law, trusts and estates and government contract matters. Major geographical areas of concentration include Russia, Central and Eastern Europe, Turkey, the Middle East and Latin America. The Firm has offices in New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, London, Moscow, Warsaw, Kyiv, Istanbul, Dubai and Beijing. For additional information, visit www.chadbourne.com.

SOURCE Chadbourne & Parke LLP