Our partners and office have been ranked as "Band 1" in aviation in Brazil by the renowed Chambers and Partners Latin America guide since the aviation industry was included in the 2010 edition. The most recent edition, 2018, ranks us in the areas of finance, regulatory, liability and litigation in the aviation industry.
Chambers Latin America 2018 – Aviation
Abdalla & Zimmermann Advogados – AZA
Basic facts about the department
- Heads of department: Mira Zimmermann and Guilherme Abdalla
- 3 partners
What the team is known for Prestigious aviation boutique, assisting an impressive list of private and commercial clients with a wide range of aviation matters. Stands out for its expertise in handling complex aircraft financings and leasing transactions. Also represents a range of airlines in litigation and registration matters.
Strengths Clients are full of praise for the team, noting: "Their knowledge of aeronautical law is fantastic." They continue: "The lawyers take the initiative on deals and are very responsive."
Another client enthuses: "The team handles matters with a great deal of professionalism, provides impartial legal opinions and boasts extensive knowledge of the area." They go on to praise the team's "attention and availability."
Work highlights Assisted (…) with the restructuring of a USD20 million lease agreement, in order to export an aircraft from Brazil to the US.
Provided counsel to (…) in relation to the restructuring of several lease agreements.
http://www.chambersandpartners.com/41/5/editorial/9/1
Chambers Latin America 2017 – Aviation
Abdalla & Zimmermann Advogados – AZA
What the team is known for Highly specialized boutique firm that stands out in the market for its expertise in aircraft financing and leasing agreements. Also handles disputes and other industry-related matters, including aircraft registration, and sale and purchase operations. Popular choice among private airlines
Strengths “The firm’s strongest characteristic is its ability to keep things simple and, at the same time, be resourceful when tackling complex matters”
Notable practitioners
Mira Zimmermann covers a wide range of aspects involving the financing and leasing of aircraft and is described by market sources as an “excellent lawyer”. Clients say: “She is great at suggesting contract conditions that are acceptable to both parties and adaptable to different market cultures,” adding that “this helps to avoid conflicts but, when they do arise, she knows how to guide us successfully towards a solution”.
Guilherme Abdalla is responsible for the contentious practice at the firm and is experienced in handling disputes and liability matters. Interviewees remark that “he is an excellent professional”.
Chambers Latin America 2016 – Aviation
Abdalla & Zimmermann Advogados – AZA
What the team is known for Boutique aviation firm with a strong presence in the Brazilian aviation market. Team has in-depth expertise of aircraft leasing, financing structures, airport implementation and sector-related tax matters. Experienced in both private and commercial aircraft negotiations and litigation processes.
Strengths “The team specializes in aeronautical matters, delivering results with quality and efficiency. The lawyers provide excellent client service and are always available for us.”
Work highlights Conducted a lease agreement negotiated valued at USD120 million for (…).
Notable practitioners
Mira Zimmermann is praised by clients, who say: “She persists in pursuing the best possible result,” adding: “She is very competent, available and respected in the aviation market.” She is singled out for her ability to handle contractual agreements and complex financing matters. Guilherme Abdalla is recommended by sources, who highlight his “dedications, vast technical knowledge and results-focused approach to conducting business.” His areas of practice include bankruptcy and corporate law.
Chambers Latin America 2015 – Aviation
Abdalla & Zimmermann Advogados – AZA
What the team is known for A dedicated aviation boutique with experience across the full spectrum of matters within the sphere. Acts as counsel to a variety of domestic and international clients, and is particularly well regarded for its expertise in leasing contracts.
Strengths “The lawyers at this firm are prompt, experienced and results-oriented”
Work highlights Advised on the transfer of a Gulfstream G550 business jet from the USA to the Isle of Man, including issues of transfer registration, import and aircraft operation licensing.
Notable practitioners
Clients says of Mira Zimmermann: “She has comprehensive knowledge of aviation law and extensive experience of international finance operations”. They go on to [praise] her dedicated approach to her work. She specializes in regulatory and finance-related matters. Market observes single out Guilherme Abdalla for his “strong litigation practice”.
Chambers Latin America 2014 – Aviation
Abdalla & Zimmermann Advogados – AZA
THE FIRM was founded in March 2012 and provides a boutique-style service for aviation matters. The team advises a large portfolio of clients, including (…). It also represents a number of air taxi companies, (…). One of the firm’s recent highlights was its involvement in the financing arrangements for the acquisition of a Dassault Falcon 7X business aircraft on behalf of the buyer.
Sources say: “This is a cohesive and collaborative team that stands out for its knowledge of the market, business sense and strong technical ability”.
KEY INDIVIDUALSMira Zimmermann co-heads the department and specializes in regulatory and financial aviation matters. She is widely endorsed by clients, with one saying: “In my opinion she is one of the best lawyers in Brazil for aviation law, and the more projects I do with her, the more I believe this”.
Guilherme Abdalla leads the team alongside Zimmermann and is responsible for all litigation matters at the firm. He is highlighted by clients and peers alike, who see him as a “talented lawyer with huge potential in the sector”.