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Amanda Andrade

Amanda Andrade is a Brazilian qualified lawyer with over eight years of experience handling complex cross border disputes. Her practice is centred on international arbitration and commercial litigation, with a strong focus on matters arising from international trade, commodities and energy transactions. She has acted in proceedings conducted under the ICC, LCIA, SIAC, SAC, GAFTA and LMAA Rules.

Alongside her disputes practice, Amanda advises companies and financial institutions on banking and finance matters, with significant experience in trade finance, as well as related regulatory and compliance issues.

Amanda joined SMBC Law in 2025. Before relocating to Switzerland, she spent five years at leading law firms in São Paulo, advising on complex litigation and international arbitration. She also served for two years as a case manager at the Center for Arbitration and Mediation of the Chamber of Commerce Brazil Canada, one of Latin America’s leading arbitral institutions, and has extensive experience acting as secretary to arbitral tribunals.

Amanda holds an LL.M. in International Dispute Settlement (MIDS) from the University of Geneva and the Geneva Graduate Institute, a postgraduate degree in Business Law from Fundação Getulio Vargas, and a Bachelor of Laws from Universidade Salvador.

Education

  • CIDS, University of Geneva & Geneva Graduate Institute
    MIDS – LLM in International Dispute Settlement (2025)

  • FGV – Getulio Vargas Foundation – Sao Paulo, Brazil
    Postgraduate Degree in Business Law (2021)

  • Universidade Salvador (UNIFACS) – Salvador, Brazil
    LLB, Bachelor of Laws (2018)

Summer Courses

  • Foundation for International Arbitration Advocacy (FIAA) – Geneva, Switzerland
    Training Program – Cross-examination techniques | May 2025

  • International Academy for Arbitration Law – Paris, France
    International Arbitration Summer Course | Jul 2023

  • CIDS – University of Geneva – Geneva, Switzerland
    Latin American International Arbitration Summer Course | Jul 2020

  • Pepperdine University, Caruso School of Law – Malibu, USA
    Essential Negotiation and Mediation Techniques | May 2019

  • Brazilian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation – São Paulo, Brazil
    Negotiation and Mediation Summer Course | Apr 2019

Relevant Cases

  • ICC Arbitration (seat: São Paulo; applicable law: Brazilian law) – dispute arising out of the agreement governing the sale of a controlling stake in the pulp and paper industry. Alleged breach of contractual conditions, including failure to complete the agreed share transfer and to comply with pre-closing obligations. Parties: Brazilian holding company operating in the agribusiness sector v. Brazilian investment company, part of a global pulp and paper group. Multibillion dollar case considered the largest corporate arbitration in Latin America.

  • CAM-CCBC Arbitration (seat: São Paulo; applicable law: Brazilian law) – domestic dispute arising out of loan agreements allegedly unpaid due to financial distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Issues included the invocation of force majeure and the validity of contractual default provisions. Parties: Brazilian bank (claimant) vs. Brazilian exporting company (respondent).

  • CIESP/FIESP Arbitration (seat: Sao Paulo; applicable law: Brazilian law) – domestic construction dispute arising from the development of a large shopping center. Claims concerned delays in completion, additional costs, and alleged construction defects. Parties: Brazilian contractor vs. Brazilian developer.

  • CAMARB Arbitration (seat: São Paulo; applicable law: Brazilian law) – domestic construction dispute concerning the expansion of a large industrial facility. Claims involved delay, cost overruns, and defects in execution. Parties: Brazilian contractor vs. Brazilian project owner.

  • CAM-CCBC Arbitration (seat: São Paulo; applicable law: Brazilian law) – domestic agribusiness dispute under a long-term ethanol supply agreement. Claims related to the interpretation of price adjustment clauses and the applicable market index. Parties: Brazilian biofuel producer vs. Brazilian trading company.

  • ICC Arbitration (seat: Denmark; applicable law: Danish law) – dispute arising out of an Agency Agreement involving an alleged contractual breach linked to US sanctions. Parties: Spanish claimant vs. Danish respondent.

  • Ad Hoc Arbitration (seat: Geneva; applicable law: Swiss law) – dispute under an Agreement for the delivery of industrial equipment, including dismantling and transport services. Alleged breach of non-delivery of goods. Parties: Canadian claimant vs. Philippine respondent.

  • GAFTA Arbitration (seat: London; applicable law: English law) – dispute under a sale contract for yellow peas of Russian origin, concerning the impossibility of completing customs clearance formalities. Parties: Swiss claimant vs. Swiss respondent.

  • GAFTA Arbitration (seat: London; applicable law: English law) – dispute under a sale contract for yellow peas of Russian origin, relating to delayed payment and failure to register the cargo, rejection and delay at the Indian port. Parties: Swiss claimant vs. Swiss respondent.

  • LMAA Arbitration (seat: London; applicable law: English law) – dispute under a ULSD sale contract involving cargo contamination, cleaning of the vessel, demurrage and related issues. Parties: Swiss claimant vs. Swiss respondent.

  • LCIA Arbitration (seat: London; applicable law: English law) – dispute under an agreement for the sale and purchase of crude oil and petroleum products, concerning vessel nomination and alleged repudiation/breach of contract. Parties: Swiss claimant vs. English respondent.

  • Swiss Arbitration Centre (seat: Geneva; applicable law: Swiss law) – dispute under a contract for the sale of liquid gas and crude oil, arising from border closures in Russia and failure of payment. Parties: Swiss claimant vs. Ukrainian respondent.