Mattos Filho Welcomes New Real Estate Practice Partner

Mattos Filho is pleased to announce that Rafael Bussière has joined the firm as a partner in its Real Estate practice. With more than 20 years of experience in the sector, Rafael advises Brazilian and international companies on complex transactions, focusing on large-scale projects in the hospitality, logistics, construction and infrastructure sectors, as well as structured real estate deals and land title regularization. Rafael’s arrival now brings Mattos Filho’s partnership to 144.

The hire broadens the firm’s offering in Rio de Janeiro across key sectors. Real estate projects are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and their links to other sectors of the economy are driving demand for multidisciplinary legal advice. Mattos Filho’s Rio de Janeiro office currently has 25 partners and more than 160 lawyers across a range of practice areas.

“Rafael has an outstanding track record in the real estate market, and his experience is a strong complement to the Mattos Filho team. His arrival advances our growth strategy in Rio de Janeiro and strengthens a practice with significant room to grow. It also reflects our commitment to providing clients with increasingly comprehensive legal advice in line with the market’s needs,” explained Pedro Whitaker de Souza Dias, managing partner at Mattos Filho.

Experienced in major projects across Brazil

Over the course of his career, Rafael has advised domestic and international companies on real estate transactions and projects that are significant to Brazil’s urban and economic development. His experience spans structured real estate transactions, construction, infrastructure and public real estate asset management initiatives. He also previously worked at the Brazilian Secretariat for Federal Asset Coordination and Governance, where he helped draft Law No. 14,011/2020, the country’s legal framework for the management and sale of federal real estate.

“I’m delighted to join Mattos Filho and bring my experience to a team known for its excellence and integrated approach,” said Rafael Bussière. “The real estate market is going through a period of major change, and I believe there is a real opportunity to support clients in carrying out increasingly complex and strategic projects.”

Rafael is ranked by leading Brazilian and international legal directories, including Chambers and Partners, Legal 500, Lexology Index, Best Lawyers and Latin Lawyer. He holds a law degree from Cândido Mendes University (UCAM) and a postgraduate degree in Business Law from Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV). He is also a member of the Notarial Affairs Committee of the Rio de Janeiro Bar Association (OAB-RJ), as well as a member of the Brazilian Association of Real Estate Lawyers.