Demarest announces new managing partner for 2025

Paulo Coelho da Rocha (left) and José Setti Diaz

José Setti Diaz was elected in a partner’s meeting after being nominated by Demarest’s Board of Directors. He will collaborate with current managing partner Paulo Coelho da Rocha during a one-year transition, in line with the firm’s strategic plan and its commitment to continued renovation and unity aimed at business expansion

Demarest Advogados, one of the largest full-service law firms in Latin America, announced today that José Setti Diaz has been elected as the firm’s new managing partner, effective as of May 1, 2025.

José Setti Diaz joined the firm in 1996, became a partner in the M&A practice area in 2006 and served as a member of the firm’s Board of Directors (2010 – 2021) and Executive Board (2010-2018). At the invitation of Demarest’s Board of Directors, he accepted the challenge of succeeding Paulo Coelho da Rocha, who has been the firm’s managing partner since 2012.

The managing partner position completes Demarest’s leadership triad (Board of Directors, Executive Board and managing partner), whose governance is at the core of the firm’s commitment to innovation, fostering effective collaboration under cohesive leadership.

This transition, focused on leadership renovation, was proposed by Paulo Coelho da Rocha to the Board of Directors. José Setti Diaz’s nomination was then unanimously approved by the firm’s partners, which attests to Demarest’s consistent commitment to renovation and development as the firm celebrates 76 years of history.

In addition to continuously developing and adapting to new market trends, the firm remains committed to its trajectory of excellence in providing legal services to more than 1,500 clients based in Brazil and abroad. Such distinction is made possible by a united team of around 600 employees, represented by 84 partners across more than 50 practice areas.

Paulo Coelho da Rocha’s 12-year term as managing partner has been marked by a collaborative leadership with the Board of Directors and the Executive Board. The firm has been recognized for its innovative drive, by combining sustainable business development and affirmative action toward diversity, inclusion, and the well-being of its team – initiatives that were prioritized throughout the challenging period of the Coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the economy and the people of Brazil.

The firm will continue its upward trajectory with the support of José Setti Diaz, whose 2025-2027 term as managing partner can be extended two consecutive times. With extensive experience in the M&A, International Trade and Customs markets, he is equipped to work with the Board of Directors and the Executive Board in the firm’s strategy to expand and bolster its its services to clients, with the arrival of new partners that have further reinforced the capabilities and experience of the firm.

In line with the firm’s 2024-2026 strategic plan, in the last eight months Demarest has hired 14 new partners and 18 lawyers in the areas of Infrastructure and Project Financing; M&A; Listed Companies; Capital Markets; Dispute Resolution (Arbitration and Litigation); Tax; Alternative Investments, Private Equity and Venture Capital. Five senior associates have also been promoted to partners, emphasizing a commitment to valuing and recognizing the organic talent of the firm.

“The arrival of new partners that will contribute with their experience in high-complexity transactions, and the consistent recognition of our firm by the market attest to the upward path we are forging. We are certain that with the new Board of Directors and José Setti Diaz’s experience we will continue to build a legacy of success and make a difference in the Brazilian and international legal markets,” says Paulo Coelho da Rocha, who, after the end of his term in May 2025, will continue to focus on his M&A practice.

José Setti Diaz agrees with the outgoing managing partner’s assessment and highlights: “Our new business plan projects a trajectory of growth, driven by our faith in the development of the Brazilian economy, despite periods of crisis and short-term challenges.” He adds that: “The transition is off to a great start, backed up by a solid plan, and ensuring that our services will continue to be provided with the highest standard of excellence that our clients expect and deserve, in addition to upholding our commitment to social responsibility in order to build a more egalitarian country.”