Bicalho Navarro Advogados, a leading firm in Corporate Law and real estate transactions, announces the return of former partner Ulisses Penachio. Recognized for his expertise in Infrastructure and Administrative Law litigation, Penachio rejoins the firm with the mission of developing its Infrastructure practice, bringing with him over 12 years of experience dedicated to both professional and personal projects focused on public concessions and the development of large-scale projects before public authorities.
“The invitation truly sparked my enthusiasm and led to many sleepless nights at the prospect of reuniting with dear friends and professionals for whom I have great admiration and respect. After more than a decade, I am returning home, where I share the same values and principles. Now more experienced and with a few gray hairs, but with the same—or even greater—enthusiasm I had back in 2000,” he says.
According to Penachio, Brazil’s Infrastructure sector not only holds significant potential but also serves as a key driver of economic growth.
“Without it, the country risks standing still. I am confident that this new practice at Bicalho Navarro Advogados is set for great success, particularly due to its strong synergy with the firm’s existing practices, such as environmental, real estate, and urban planning, which are currently staffed by highly regarded professionals. Together, we move toward the next 25 years of Bicalho Navarro Advogados.”
Alexandre Tadeu Navarro, one of the firm’s founding partners, notes that Penachio was the first name considered to lead this strategic expansion.
“Ulisses has well-recognized expertise in this field and, most importantly, a strong alignment with our philosophy. I am certain this was the right decision,” he comments.
For managing partner Thiago Dias, Penachio’s return is fully aligned with the firm’s broader expansion strategy.
“Given the current market landscape and our own trajectory, we identified a clear opportunity to expand our Infrastructure capabilities, with strong potential for synergy with our already well-established practice areas. The opportunity to launch a new practice while welcoming back an outstanding professional with deep roots in the firm is a source of great enthusiasm for all of us,” he states.
Penachio holds postgraduate degrees in Contract Law, Civil Procedure, and Public Contracts from the International Institute of Social Sciences, as well as in Civil Procedure from C.P.P.G. He also holds an MBA in Corporate Law and a specialization in Mediation from Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV).
He currently serves as a lecturer in postgraduate and MBA programs at the Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo (USP), as well as in courses on Real Estate Law and Business at Damásio Educacional and Real Estate Business Management at Universidade Secovi. He is also an arbitrator at the Business Mediation and Arbitration Chamber of the Commercial Association of São Paulo (CEMAAC), a member of the Board of Directors and Vice-Chair of the Urban and Infrastructure Committee at the Brazilian Institute of Real Estate Law (IBRADIM), and a member of the Brazilian Infrastructure and Basic Industries Association (Abdib).
For 25 years, Bicalho Navarro Advogados has been a leading firm in Corporate Law, with a strong focus on real estate transactions. The firm provides highly specialized, efficient legal services to corporate groups, financial institutions, and private investors, and is also recognized for its strong culture of integrity, principles, and values.
