Mayer Brown strengthens Latin American and Lusophone Africa international arbitration capabilities with appointment of Luiz Aboim as a partner in London

London — Mayer Brown today announced that international arbitration lawyer Luiz Aboim has joined the firm as a partner in its Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice in London, strengthening the firm’s Latin American and Lusophone Africa international arbitration capabilities. Luiz joins Mayer Brown from White & Case.

"Luiz has a wealth of international arbitration experience which connects various parts of our global disputes practice," said Sally Davies, Mayer Brown's senior partner in London. "We are excited to welcome him to expand our international arbitration practice in London."

Raid Abu-Manneh, partner and global co-head of the International Arbitration Group at Mayer Brown, added: "Mayer Brown's global International Arbitration Group is continuing to expand, particularly in London and other major financial centers. Our strategy is focused on increasing bench strength to support our clients on their most complex disputes in the key markets they operate. Luiz's arrival strengthens our capacity to service clients out of London, which is an important hub for both Africa and Latin American disputes."

Luiz has nearly two decades of international arbitration experience. Having started his career in Brazil, Luiz has worked in London and Paris at two leading international law firms for the past 15 years. His practice focuses on Lusophone African and Latin American jurisdictions, such as Angola, Brazil and Mozambique, where he has advised on some of the largest disputes to date. Consistent with his regional focus, most of Luiz’s work is in the oil and gas, mining, power, telecoms and infrastructure sectors. His recent experience includes a number of complex M&A disputes, FPSO construction and conversions, JOA and environment related disputes, many involving amounts in excess of US$1 billion dollars. Luiz regularly sits as arbitrator in ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL and ad hoc arbitrations, which have recently included disputes in Brazil, Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique and Portugal.

"Luiz is an exciting addition to Mayer Brown, and it is a huge pleasure to welcome him to the team," said Alexandre Chequer, partner and global head of the Oil & Gas Group at Mayer Brown. "He is highly regarded in the markets he operates and his impressive advocacy skills will benefit our clients in three key areas where we have a high demand for dispute resolution work – Brazil, Lusophone Africa and London — the latter we see as a global hub for international arbitration work in oil and gas and other energy related disputes."

Commenting on his appointment, Luiz added: “I am delighted to join Mayer Brown’s partnership in London. I will be working with a leading international arbitration team, which includes many friends and former colleagues based across Brazil, Paris, New York, Houston and Dubai. As a trusted advisor of clients my focus is on resolving disputes cost-efficiently. Especially during COVID-19 times, having the ability to collaborate with Mayer Brown’s stellar litigation, corporate, projects and restructuring teams will be key to effectively resolving disputes.”