Raphael Donato

Raphael Donato is the partner who leads the strategic civil litigation, arbitration, infrastructure and sports law practices. He holds a law degree and a master’s degree in Civil Law from the Rio de Janeiro State University.

Author of the book “A influência dos riscos nos contratos de EPC Turnkey” and several legal articles. He has more than 20 years of experience in civil matters, particularly infrastructure, corporate and contractual issues, in judicial proceedings and arbitration, as well as contract negotiation and the administration of infrastructure projects. He is a guest lecturer at PUC-Rio on construction-related courses; a member of the Brazilian Institute of Construction Law (IBDiC); a member of the Amcham-Brasil Strategic Arbitration and Mediation Committee; a former member of the National Dispute Resolution Chamber (CNRD), from 2018 to 2022; and a member of the CBMA roster of sports-law arbitrators.

Practice Areas

Strategic civil litigation, arbitration and infrastructure.
Contract negotiation and legal management of infrastructure projects.
Sports law and complex commercial disputes.

Education

Law degree from the Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), 2005.
Postgraduate qualification in Private Property Law from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), 2008.
Master’s degree in Civil Law from the Rio de Janeiro State University (2015).
Author of the book “A influência dos riscos nos contratos de EPC Turnkey”.

Professional Experience

Partner leading the strategic civil litigation, infrastructure, arbitration and sports law practices.

More than 20 years of experience in general civil matters, particularly infrastructure, corporate and contractual issues, encompassing judicial proceedings, arbitration, contract negotiation and the legal management of infrastructure projects.

Member of the CNRD (2018–2022).

Member of the CBMA roster of sports-law arbitrators.

Member of the Superior Sports Tribunal for Rugby.

Guest lecturer at PUC-Rio, the PGE-RJ Legal Residency Program, CBF Academy and FGV’s MBA in Intelligence and Digital Business.

Memberships

Brazilian Institute of Construction Law (IBDIC).
Amcham Brasil Strategic Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Committee.
Brazilian Institute of Contract Management (IBRACONT).
Amcham Rio Energy Committee.
Brazilian Bar Association, Rio de Janeiro Section.
Brazilian Bar Association, São Paulo Section.

Languages

Portuguese.
English.
French.

Awards and Recognition

The Legal 500 – Dispute Resolution – 2025.
Chambers – Litigation: Mid-Market – 2025.
Leaders League – Dispute Resolution – 2025.
Leaders League – Wealth Management – 2025.

Publications

Author of “A influência dos riscos nos contratos de EPC Turnkey” (Lumen Juris, 2024) and several articles in journals and collective works (2011–2025).