Since 1990

Our History

More than three decades devoted to Environmental Law, from the field's early days in Brazil to today's challenges.

  1. 1990

    Our story begins with Walter José Senise. In 1990, when Environmental Law in Brazil was still in its early days, Walter was already at the forefront: eager to learn more about the field, he began as an intern at the coordinating office of the São Paulo Environmental Prosecutors, worked in technical consulting, gained distinctive experience at an environmental agency and made his mark at renowned law firms.

    Meet Walter José Senise
  2. 2018

    Building on all this experience, years later, in 2018, Walter joined forces with Diogo de Mello Paiva Ferreira. A long-time friend and a professional recognized for his expertise in Environmental Law and Management, Diogo brought to the partnership his vision and a track record of innovative solutions. Together they founded Senise e Paiva, and from the very beginning the firm quickly earned respect and prominence in the market.

    Meet Diogo de Mello Paiva Ferreira
  3. 2025

    The journey of Senise e Paiva continues to expand. In 2025, Marina Montes Bastos joined the team. Holding a PhD in Environmental Law and with more than a decade of experience in challenging environmental cases, she strengthens our ability to approach each situation comprehensively and from new perspectives.

    Meet Marina Montes Bastos
  4. Today

    Beyond our partners, with a highly qualified team of lawyers, the firm embraces diversity and encourages smart, tailored solutions, so that environmental law becomes a management tool for top-tier legal services that combine technical insight and the law.

Our Values and Differentials

Listening

  • We value active listening to identify problems and meet our clients' expectations;
  • We work in collaboration with clients and stakeholders to achieve positive results.

Partnership with clients

  • We work side by side with our clients in managing each matter;
  • A close and transparent relationship with in-house legal, technical and operational teams.

A positive management agenda

  • We take a strategic approach focused on creating business opportunities in the environmental field.

Innovation and continuous improvement

  • We are always attentive to opportunities to invest in improvements and innovation;
  • A focus on cost reduction and efficiency gains in managing environmental matters

Sustainable business generation

  • We maintain relationships with companies and investment funds;
  • We work on fronts such as:
    • Advanced technologies for solid waste management;
    • Energy reduction and generation solutions;
    • Climate-related markets;
  • We seek to build solutions together with our clients, going beyond the routine handling of administrative or judicial matters.

A predominantly female firm:

  • Women 69%
  • Men 31%

Our Team

Partners

Associates

Interns and Administration

Industries We Serve

  • Agribusiness

    Agroindustry, biotechnology and bio-inputs.

  • Industry

    Cosmetics, food, electronics, chemicals, paper, among others.

  • Retail and commerce

    Shopping centers, supermarket chains, retail and consumer goods, healthcare, nonprofit sector, among others.

  • Real estate and urban development

    Civil construction (land access and preparation, commercial and residential buildings), subdivisions, real estate regularization, cultural heritage and listed properties.

  • Infrastructure

    • Energy Hydroelectric (UHE), small hydro (PCH) and thermal (UTE) plants, transmission lines, substations and solar panels
    • Water resources Water use grants and contamination management
    • Mining Mining operations and tailings dams
    • Sanitation Wastewater treatment plants, outfalls and solid waste management
    • Transportation Highways and waterways

  • Due diligence, ESG and climate change

  • Financial institutions and investment funds

Practice Areas

Environmental
Advisory

Positive results through preventive planning and the reduction and resolution of disputes

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Environmental
Litigation

Defending clients in administrative and judicial environmental proceedings

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Institutional involvement

Industry Associations

Senise Paiva Bastos takes an active part in industry associations and sector bodies.

Our aim is to stay up to date and always bring the best solutions to our clients.

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Rankings and publications

Recognition of our work

Whether multinationals, small businesses, family groups or individuals, we learn from our clients every day, with every case discussed and worked on together, across the most diverse environmental matters.

Along this path, we have achieved positive results, reflected above all in the continuity and expansion of our engagements, in new mandates, and in mentions of our firm in specialized publications.

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Contact

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Our offices

Av. Brig. Faria Lima, 3729, 5th floor - Itaim Bibi
São Paulo - SP, 04538-905
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Rua Purpurina, 198, Suite 14 - Sumarezinho
São Paulo - SP, 05435-030
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