About Us
ARB.Legal | Advocacia Rocha Baptista is a law firm established under the terms of the Brazilian Bar Statute (Law No. 8,906/94) and registered with the Brazilian Bar Association No. 3,236/RS.
Our firm was founded in the Brazilian southernmost port city of Rio Grande, initially offering legal services to shipowners, charterers, P&I Clubs, H&M underwriters, shipping agents, as well as importers/exporters, port operators, and brokers.
With the development of the shipbuilding and energy industries in Brazil, we were pioneers in providing legal support to large-scale ventures, such as the construction of the largest shipyard in Latin America, and the building of FPSOs and modules for oil rigs.
The growing demand for ARB.Legal’ services in other major seaports of the South – notably Imbituba, Itajaí/Navegantes, São Francisco do Sul, Itapoá, and Paranaguá/Antonina – has recently led to the opening of our new operation in Itajaí, strategically positioned to serve these key locations.
Today, we advise and represent national and foreign companies operating in a wide range of sectors related to the Blue Economy in southern Brazil. Our results-driven team is valued for their practical approach and effective solutions, whether handling small claims or navigating complex legal challenges.
Key People
Arthur Rocha Baptista
About
Arthur Rocha Baptista has been practicing law since 2001 and is the founding and managing partner of ARB.Legal. Arthur is consistently recognized by legal directories as one of Brazil’s leading shipping and transport lawyers. He holds a Master’s degree in Maritime Law from the University of Southampton, UK, and is an active member of the National Maritime Law Committee.
Arthur previously served as President of the Maritime, Ports, Customs & Waterways Law Committee for the Brazilian Bar Association (Rio Grande do Sul Chapter).
Arthur specializes in shipping, business, and international law, with a strong focus on transport, insurance, foreign trade, and shipbuilding. Renowned for his proficiency in representing foreign clients, he has successfully handled complex cases, including marine accidents and cargo-related disputes.
For over a decade, Arthur has contributed to the development of the Blue Economy in southern Brazil. From 2019 to 2024, he served as President of the Maritime Cluster of Rio Grande do Sul, during which the cluster gained international recognition for its governance in the OECD’s Blue Economy in Cities and Regions 2023 report.
Arthur’s dedication to the maritime and legal sectors has earned him several accolades. In 2013, he was honored with the Navy Friend medal by the Brazilian Navy for distinguished civil services. In 2016, Arthur was short-listed for the 1st UK Alumni Awards in Brazil, highlighting his international professional excellence.
In 2021, he accepted the prestigious Prêmio Exportação RS on behalf of ARB.Legal for its pivotal role in fostering foreign trade in southern Brazil, marking the first time in the award’s 50-year history that a law practice received this distinction.
In 2024, Arthur was further honored with a Motion of Appreciation granted by the President of the Brazilian Bar for his exemplary practice and leadership.
Beyond his law-craft, Arthur is a proud founding member and pro-bono counsel of the NGO Associação OTROPORTO Indústria Criativa, dedicated to assist vulnerable port neighborhoods through educational, artistic, cultural, and scientific initiatives.
Arthur Rocha Baptista has been practicing law since 2001 and is the founding and managing partner of ARB.Legal. Arthur is consistently recognized by legal directories as one of Brazil’s leading shipping and transport lawyers. He holds a Master’s degree in Maritime Law from the University of Southampton, UK, and is an active member of the National Maritime Law Committee.
Arthur previously served as President of the Maritime, Ports, Customs & Waterways Law Committee for the Brazilian Bar Association (Rio Grande do Sul Chapter).
Arthur specializes in shipping, business, and international law, with a strong focus on transport, insurance, foreign trade, and shipbuilding. Renowned for his proficiency in representing foreign clients, he has successfully handled complex cases, including marine accidents and cargo-related disputes.
For over a decade, Arthur has contributed to the development of the Blue Economy in southern Brazil. From 2019 to 2024, he served as President of the Maritime Cluster of Rio Grande do Sul, during which the cluster gained international recognition for its governance in the OECD’s Blue Economy in Cities and Regions 2023 report.
Arthur’s dedication to the maritime and legal sectors has earned him several accolades. In 2013, he was honored with the Navy Friend medal by the Brazilian Navy for distinguished civil services. In 2016, Arthur was short-listed for the 1st UK Alumni Awards in Brazil, highlighting his international professional excellence.
In 2021, he accepted the prestigious Prêmio Exportação RS on behalf of ARB.Legal for its pivotal role in fostering foreign trade in southern Brazil, marking the first time in the award’s 50-year history that a law practice received this distinction.
In 2024, Arthur was further honored with a Motion of Appreciation granted by the President of the Brazilian Bar for his exemplary practice and leadership.
Beyond his law-craft, Arthur is a proud founding member and pro-bono counsel of the NGO Associação OTROPORTO Indústria Criativa, dedicated to assist vulnerable port neighborhoods through educational, artistic, cultural, and scientific initiatives.
Priscila Juliano Miño
About
Priscila Juliano Miño is a partner at ARB.Legal | Advocacia Rocha Baptista, specializing in corporate and labor advisory, as well as litigation for businesses. She holds a law degree from the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPEL) (2010) and a postgraduate specialization in Corporate Law and Business Advocacy. Additionally, she is a Certified Internal Auditor for Integrated Management Systems, accredited by Bureau Veritas Certification.
Priscila has extensive experience in contract management, drafting and reviewing corporate agreements and amendments, contractual claims analysis, and internal audits. From 2011 to 2016, she played a key role in managing EPC contracts and procurement at a major shipyard and Petrobras, gaining in-depth expertise in large-scale industrial operations.
Actively engaged in the maritime and trade law community, Priscila has been a member of the Special Commission on Maritime, Port, and Customs Law of the Brazilian Bar Association (Rio Grande Section) since 2019, serving as Vice President of the Commission in 2022. She is also involved in Mulheres na Economia Azul (Women in Blue Economy), an initiative led by the Rio Grande City Hall aimed at promoting gender inclusion in the maritime sector.
Currently, Priscila serves as a strategic legal advisor to major industrial companies, particularly shipyards and port-related businesses, with a focus on Labor & Employment Law, including dispute resolution, litigation, labor audits, and inspections, Collective Labor and Employer-Side Union Law.
Priscila Juliano Miño is a partner at ARB.Legal | Advocacia Rocha Baptista, specializing in corporate and labor advisory, as well as litigation for businesses. She holds a law degree from the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPEL) (2010) and a postgraduate specialization in Corporate Law and Business Advocacy. Additionally, she is a Certified Internal Auditor for Integrated Management Systems, accredited by Bureau Veritas Certification.
Priscila has extensive experience in contract management, drafting and reviewing corporate agreements and amendments, contractual claims analysis, and internal audits. From 2011 to 2016, she played a key role in managing EPC contracts and procurement at a major shipyard and Petrobras, gaining in-depth expertise in large-scale industrial operations.
Actively engaged in the maritime and trade law community, Priscila has been a member of the Special Commission on Maritime, Port, and Customs Law of the Brazilian Bar Association (Rio Grande Section) since 2019, serving as Vice President of the Commission in 2022. She is also involved in Mulheres na Economia Azul (Women in Blue Economy), an initiative led by the Rio Grande City Hall aimed at promoting gender inclusion in the maritime sector.
Currently, Priscila serves as a strategic legal advisor to major industrial companies, particularly shipyards and port-related businesses, with a focus on Labor & Employment Law, including dispute resolution, litigation, labor audits, and inspections, Collective Labor and Employer-Side Union Law.
Diego Damas Fernandez
About
Diego Damas Fernandez is a partner at ARB.Legal | Advocacia Rocha Baptista, specializing in strategic litigation and legal consultancy in the maritime and port sectors. His expertise extends across civil, maritime, real estate, and corporate law, with a strong focus on dispute resolution and regulatory matters.
Diego holds specialized qualifications in Regulation and Use of the Sea: Maritime Law from the Naval War College (EGN) of the Brazilian Navy (MB) and in Port Logistics and Maritime Law from Instituto Navigare. Additionally, he has a postgraduate degree in Applied Real Estate Law from the Escola Paulista de Direito (EPD), further strengthening his ability to navigate complex legal issues across multiple sectors.
Actively engaged in maritime and international trade law, Diego serves as Secretary of the International, Maritime, Port, and Customs Law Commission (CEDIMPA) of the Brazilian Bar Association (Rio Grande Section), contributing to the legal development and regulatory advancements in the sector.
Diego Damas Fernandez is a partner at ARB.Legal | Advocacia Rocha Baptista, specializing in strategic litigation and legal consultancy in the maritime and port sectors. His expertise extends across civil, maritime, real estate, and corporate law, with a strong focus on dispute resolution and regulatory matters.
Diego holds specialized qualifications in Regulation and Use of the Sea: Maritime Law from the Naval War College (EGN) of the Brazilian Navy (MB) and in Port Logistics and Maritime Law from Instituto Navigare. Additionally, he has a postgraduate degree in Applied Real Estate Law from the Escola Paulista de Direito (EPD), further strengthening his ability to navigate complex legal issues across multiple sectors.
Actively engaged in maritime and international trade law, Diego serves as Secretary of the International, Maritime, Port, and Customs Law Commission (CEDIMPA) of the Brazilian Bar Association (Rio Grande Section), contributing to the legal development and regulatory advancements in the sector.
Vinícius Ribeiro Dutra
About
Vinícius Ribeiro Dutra is a partner at ARB.Legal | Advocacia Rocha Baptista and head of the Pelotas office, specializing in Tax and Corporate Law. With a solid academic background, he holds a postgraduate degree in Applied Tax Law from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (2013) and has further specialized in Customs Law and International Trade Taxation through the Brazilian Institute
Renowned for his expertise in administrative and judicial tax disputes, Vinícius is an active member of both the Brazilian Institute of Tax Law and the Special Commission on Tax Law of the Brazilian Bar Association (Pelotas Section), contributing to the development and discussion of relevant topics in
In Corporate Law, Vinícius provides strategic legal counsel to businesses and entrepreneurs on corporate structuring, economic group reorganization, and conflict mediation. He plays a key role in drafting effective legal instruments that safeguard the interests of companies, their partners, and shareholders.
Vinícius Ribeiro Dutra is a partner at ARB.Legal | Advocacia Rocha Baptista and head of the Pelotas office, specializing in Tax and Corporate Law. With a solid academic background, he holds a postgraduate degree in Applied Tax Law from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (2013) and has further specialized in Customs Law and International Trade Taxation through the Brazilian Institute
Renowned for his expertise in administrative and judicial tax disputes, Vinícius is an active member of both the Brazilian Institute of Tax Law and the Special Commission on Tax Law of the Brazilian Bar Association (Pelotas Section), contributing to the development and discussion of relevant topics in
In Corporate Law, Vinícius provides strategic legal counsel to businesses and entrepreneurs on corporate structuring, economic group reorganization, and conflict mediation. He plays a key role in drafting effective legal instruments that safeguard the interests of companies, their partners, and shareholders.
Alice Rocha Baptista
About
Alice Rocha Baptista is responsible for the general management of ARB.Legal | Advocacia Rocha Baptista. She is an entrepreneur with extensive experience in business management, having owned and operated a chain of restaurants for a decade before joining the firm.
Alice holds a degree in Hotel Management from Castelli Escola Superior de Hotelaria in Canela, Brazil (2005) and a Master?s degree in Food & Beverage Management from the Centro Superior de Hotelería y Turismo in Valencia, Spain (2007).
Alice also handles P&I matters at ARB.Legal. She is certified by the P&I Qualification program of the International Group of P&I Clubs (2024) and is currently preparing for the Advanced Certificate exams.
In addition to her role at ARB.Legal, Alice co-manages KAOSA, an award-winning NGO dedicated to generating knowledge and developing technical solutions to foster sustainable environments and societies.
Alice is fluent in English and Spanish and has working proficiency in French.
Alice Rocha Baptista is responsible for the general management of ARB.Legal | Advocacia Rocha Baptista. She is an entrepreneur with extensive experience in business management, having owned and operated a chain of restaurants for a decade before joining the firm.
Alice holds a degree in Hotel Management from Castelli Escola Superior de Hotelaria in Canela, Brazil (2005) and a Master?s degree in Food & Beverage Management from the Centro Superior de Hotelería y Turismo in Valencia, Spain (2007).
Alice also handles P&I matters at ARB.Legal. She is certified by the P&I Qualification program of the International Group of P&I Clubs (2024) and is currently preparing for the Advanced Certificate exams.
In addition to her role at ARB.Legal, Alice co-manages KAOSA, an award-winning NGO dedicated to generating knowledge and developing technical solutions to foster sustainable environments and societies.
Alice is fluent in English and Spanish and has working proficiency in French.
Tatiana Leal
About
Tatiana Leal is a lawyer at ARB.Legal | Advocacia Rocha Baptista, with a strong focus on employer-side labor, administrative, and compliance matters. She holds a law degree from the Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG) and is certified in ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 14001:2015 internal audits. She also has advanced training in occupational health and safety (OHSAS 18001:2007) and environmental management systems, helping businesses align their legal practices with regulatory and certification standards.
Before joining ARB.Legal, Tatiana served as in-house counsel for a major shipping agency and port operations company, where she provided legal support across labor, civil, and compliance matters.
At ARB.Legal, she advises industrial and logistics clients—particularly in the shipbuilding and port sectors—on legal strategy, case management, contract review, and compliance. Her work includes assisting clients during labor inspections and audits, as well as representing them in individual and collective labor disputes.
Fluent in English (CEFL C2), Tatiana brings solid legal expertise and practical experience to employers seeking effective solutions in Brazil’s complex labor environment
Tatiana Leal is a lawyer at ARB.Legal | Advocacia Rocha Baptista, with a strong focus on employer-side labor, administrative, and compliance matters. She holds a law degree from the Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG) and is certified in ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 14001:2015 internal audits. She also has advanced training in occupational health and safety (OHSAS 18001:2007) and environmental management systems, helping businesses align their legal practices with regulatory and certification standards.
Before joining ARB.Legal, Tatiana served as in-house counsel for a major shipping agency and port operations company, where she provided legal support across labor, civil, and compliance matters.
At ARB.Legal, she advises industrial and logistics clients—particularly in the shipbuilding and port sectors—on legal strategy, case management, contract review, and compliance. Her work includes assisting clients during labor inspections and audits, as well as representing them in individual and collective labor disputes.
Fluent in English (CEFL C2), Tatiana brings solid legal expertise and practical experience to employers seeking effective solutions in Brazil’s complex labor environment
Guilherme Barbosa Alvira Freire
Guilherme Barbosa Alvira Freire is a lawyer at ARB.Legal | Advocacia Rocha Baptista, practicing in the area of litigation. He earned his law degree from the Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG) and also holds a higher education degree in Real Estate Business from Estácio de Sá University. He is currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Appellate Practice and Challenges to Judicial Decisions, while also developing studies in Maritime and Port Law, Contract Law, and the Financial Market.
Henrique Tomio Martins Kajiwara
Henrique Tomio Martins Kajiwara is a lawyer at ARB.Legal | Advocacia Rocha Baptista, practicing in the field of labor law for companies. He holds a law degree from the Federal University of Rio Grande and is currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Business Law at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUC/RS). He has international experience, having lived in Toronto, Canada, where he studied foreign languages. He is also currently dedicated to studies in Maritime Law.
Guilherme Barbosa Alvira Freire
Marcelo Cecconi is a lawyer at ARB.Legal | Advocacia Rocha Baptista, with practice focused on Corporate Law, Contracts, and Business Litigation. He holds a law degree from the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) and has postgraduate qualifications in Contracts, Civil Liability, and Real Estate Law from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUC-RS), as well as in Civil and Business Law from Damásio Educacional.
Guilherme Barbosa Alvira Freire
Guilherme Barbosa Alvira Freire is a lawyer at ARB.Legal | Advocacia Rocha Baptista, practicing in the area of litigation. He earned his law degree from the Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG) and also holds a higher education degree in Real Estate Business from Estácio de Sá University. He is currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Appellate Practice and Challenges to Judicial Decisions, while also developing studies in Maritime and Port Law, Contract Law, and the Financial Market.
Henrique Tomio Martins Kajiwara
Henrique Tomio Martins Kajiwara is a lawyer at ARB.Legal | Advocacia Rocha Baptista, practicing in the field of labor law for companies. He holds a law degree from the Federal University of Rio Grande and is currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Business Law at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUC/RS). He has international experience, having lived in Toronto, Canada, where he studied foreign languages. He is also currently dedicated to studies in Maritime Law.
Marcelo Cecconi
Marcelo Cecconi is a lawyer at ARB.Legal | Advocacia Rocha Baptista, with practice focused on Corporate Law, Contracts, and Business Litigation. He holds a law degree from the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) and has postgraduate qualifications in Contracts, Civil Liability, and Real Estate Law from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUC-RS), as well as in Civil and Business Law from Damásio Educacional.