Michel Sancovski

Michel regularly represents clients in administrative and judicial enforcement proceedings, including the negotiation of leniency, settlement, and cooperation agreements with authorities in Brazil and the United States. His practice has a strong cross-border component, with substantial experience handling matters throughout Latin America, particularly in Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina.

Michel is consistently recognized by leading legal directories and publications, including Chambers & Partners, The Legal 500, Latin Lawyer, and Global Investigations Review, for his work in compliance, investigations, and enforcement matters.

Led:

• Large internal investigation of potential irregularities regarding investments made by a subsidiary of one of the largest Brazilian energy companies, as well as assisting in the elaboration and implementation of the remediation plan; investigation included over 50 employees and its result could have impacted on the disclosure of the company's financial statements in Brazil and in the U.S.; included interactions with several Brazilian authorities, including CVM, TCE-PR, MP-PR and the Police; shadow investigation conducted by two Big 4s that ended up comfortable with the results of the internal investigation and the company was able to publish its financial statements on time; company is listed on BM&FBovespa (now B3) and on the NYSE.
• Over 20 internal investigations related to facts, allegations, and possible irregularities reported internally for an international chemical company, including recommendations in connection with these investigations for improvements to the Company on a compliance perspective, as well as addressing several issues brought directly by the Compliance Department and external stakeholders.
• Large internal investigation for a Brazilian infrastructure company in the central-west region of Brazil regarding certain allegations of corruption and embezzlement resulting from an operation conducted by the Brazilian Federal Police, including advisory aiming to remediate and improve the Company's Anticorruption and Compliance program; services also included legal assistance to the Investigation Committee to deal with the findings of the investigation, as well as interacting with authorities and the auditing firm responsible for certifying the company's financial statements.
• Cross-border independent internal investigation of an international company leader in the fields of medical and safety technology, as well as cooperation and negotiation of leniency agreements with the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Rio de Janeiro (MPF/RJ).
• Two independent internal investigations in the Brazilian subsidiary of a US technology multinational related to potential improper payment to public agents in Brazil and possible self-dealing / embezzlement on the part of one or more sales employees.
• Independent internal investigation into the Brazilian subsidiary of a multinational company in the food and beverage industry regarding certain allegations related to improper payments connected to “Operation Weak Flesh”.
• Independent internal investigation into the Brazilian subsidiary of a multinational company in the beverage industry related to sponsorships made to a company owned by an individual involved in “Operation Zealots”.
• Risk assessment and implementation of the Compliance Program in a multinational automotive manufacturer.

• Mentioned as Leading in Compliance – Leaders League France
• Mentioned as Leading in Compliance – Leaders League Brazil
• Recognized as Band 4 in Compliance – Chambers & Partners Brazil
• Recognized as Up and Coming in Compliance – Chambers & Partners Global
• Recognized as Up and Coming in Compliance – Chambers & Partners Brazil
• "He is responsive and provides strategic advice…Michel has a broad technical knowledge, with great sensitivity to lead the case and deliver the best solution to the client." – Chambers & Partners Global
• “I also highlight the ability to manage expectations demonstrated by the lead partner of the work, Michel Sancovski, who always communicates and aligns expectations in a very clear way, both within the work team and with the client. Out of all the firms I’ve worked with, TCMB is definitely my favourite, working with them is always very easy, the rules of the game are very clear and the communication very efficient.” – The Legal 500
• “Michel Sancovski is one of the best compliance lawyers in the country. Extensive experience in the most complex transnational anti-corruption cases. He is an elite anti-corruption law professional with unique knowledge and experience.” – The Legal 500
• “This is a well-known international law firm with strong activity in Brazil. Their main asset is Michel Sancovski who has unique experience in complex cases in Brazil both regarding local and international contingencies and enforcement authorities.” – The Legal 500
• Recognized as Next Generation Partner in Compliance – The Legal 500
• “Michel Sancovski has the knowledge and calmness of a seasoned attorney while still being comparatively young. This allows him to understand and manage the most sophisticated cases.” – The Legal 500
• “He is extremely dedicated, technical and competent in his delivery…Michel is a recognized specialist and possesses in-depth knowledge of the technical and market matters involving compliance and investigations.” – Chambers & Partners Brazil
• “He often assists clients with internal investigations and compliance programmes.” – Chambers Brazil
• "Michel is knowledgeable of domestic and foreign compliance legislation…He is very skilled assisting with due diligence for M&A." – Chambers & Partners Global, 2021
• “Very solid professional, good in dealing with clients and good persuasion and negotiation skills.” – The Legal 500
• “Michel Sancovski, from the São Paulo office, is recognized for his 'great conviction and negotiating skills'.” – The Legal 500
• “A very well-prepared and responsive lawyer…he is very technical and a leader." – Chambers Global
• Shortlisted for The Legal 500 Brazil Awards and is running for the Lawyer of The Year in Compliance.