Rafael Szmid

Rafael advises clients from Latin America—primarily Brazil—on complex legal and compliance issues around the globe, while also guiding multinational companies as they navigate business and regulatory challenges across Latin America. Dual-qualified in the U.S. and Brazil, and fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, he bridges jurisdictions and cultures to deliver clear, business-oriented advice. Rafael is ranked by Chambers Brazil in Corporate Crime & Investigations (International Firms), with clients commenting that Rafael is “an excellent lawyer with in-depth knowledge” and that he “has consistently demonstrated exceptional legal expertise, strategic insight, and a deep understanding of our business needs.”

Experience

Representative matters

Advised one of the world’s largest electric utility company in a multi-agency transnational corruption investigation arising out of “Car Wash” investigation involving U.S. (DOJ and SEC) and Brazilian Authorities.

Coordinator of a high-profile internal investigation involving allegations of corruption, cartel, fraud, and other unlawful conduct in the U.S. and in Latin America.

Advised multinational company in setting up anti-bribery, anti-money laundering, and antitrust compliance programs, and undertaking risk assessments, third-party due diligences, and trainings.

Coordinator of a high-profile internal investigation involving allegations of corruption, cartel, fraud, and other unlawful conduct in the U.S. and in Latin America.

Advised multinational company in setting up anti-bribery, anti-money laundering, and antitrust compliance programs, and undertaking risk assessments, third-party due diligences, and trainings.

Advised clients on the complexities of 50+ transactions, including on anti-corruption and antitrust issues.

Secondment to Global Ethics and Compliance Management Department at a Fortune 50 company.

Advised global generic and specialty pharmaceuticals company in DOJ antitrust and criminal investigation.

Advised global mining company with operations in Brazil, Chile and Peru and headquarters in the UK on the revision of its compliance program from an FCPA and UKBA perspectives.

Advised leading provider of facilities management and building maintenance in U.S. in connection with internal investigation involving allegations of fraud and corruption.

Advised an image and video messaging global app in connection with the revision of its internal compliance policies and procedures in connection with sports events from an FCPA perspective.

Advised global biopharmaceutical company in connection with internal investigation related to allegations of fraud and corruption involving its distributors in Guatemala.

Advised one of the main audio streaming and media services providers in the world with the review of its policies and procedures on gifts, entertainment and hospitality.

Coordinator of internal investigation at global technology and performance improvement solutions provider related to allegations of corruption in Latin America.

Advised life solutions engineering company with operations in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru in connection with the revision of its compliance program and anti-corruption aspects related to corporate transactions.

Advised U.S. investor concerning anti-corruption aspects related to corporate transactions in Brazil.

Advised United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes in connection with educational program on fighting corruption and cartels.

Advised U.S. medical device company in cross-border investigation of corruption and cartel in Brazil.

Advised an American university with respect to an internal investigation involving potential fraud and sexual harassment.

Advised the U.S. branch of a multinational engineering and manufacturing pipe solutions company in connection with a DOJ cartel investigation.

Advised a Spanish company with operations in transport infrastructures with compliance issues in the U.S.

Advised major rating agency in connection with anti-money laundering regulations.

Assisted one of largest global telecommunications company in its interactions with a court-appointed corporate monitor as part of largest U.S. export controls enforcement case.

Assisted largest global producer of eucalyptus pulp in implementing internal policy related to economic sanctions, and conducted staff training to explain rules, restrictions and penalties.

Advised an auto parts manufacturer in a cartel investigation before CADE.

Advised largest private hospital operator in Brazil in antitrust aspects of transactions, contracts, merger preparation and merger filing for more than ten acquisitions of hospitals and oncology clinics in several regions of Brazil.

Represented TAM before CADE in its merger with LAN (US$3.2bn) and in several codeshare agreements. Transaction was winner of the Latin Lawyer Deal of the year 2012 and IFLR Americas Awards 2013.

Represented Ineos and Solvay in antitrust filing in Brazil of its PVC joint venture (€4.3bn).

Recognitions

Ranked in Chambers Brazil for Corporate Crime & Investigations (International Firms), 2025
Rafael Szmid enjoys an impressive reputation for his practice encompassing transitional corruption, fraud, money laundering and cartel matters. Peers describe him as “smart, very hardworking and responsive.” Who’s Who Legal, 2023
“Smart and very hardworking” Rafael receives enthusiastic praise from market sources who comment on his “sharp, strategic thinking,” “responsiveness,” and his ability to look for non-obvious solutions.” Who’s Who Legal, 2022