Brazilian law firm Campos Mello Advogados, an affiliate of DLA Piper, has recruited a new partner who specialises in life sciences and patents, as it broadens its services in Latin America's biggest economy.

Domiciano Noronha de Sá brings a nine-attorney team, as well as a client portfolio that includes companies from the finance, banking, consumer goods and life sciences industries. For the past 12 years, he has had his own law firm.

Campos Mello works in cooperation with DLA Piper. The firm covers more than 17 practice areas from three offices in Brazil, but it lacked capacity in life sciences.

"The patent and life sciences practice has vast aggregative potential – not only with the existing teams but also due to its synergy with DLA Piper's global capabilities," Noronha de Sá said in a statement.

The litigator has worked on highly publicised cases, such as lawsuits against Brazilian sanitary authority ANVISA, and has represented large banks and pharmaceutical companies.

Fabio Campos Mello, country managing partner for Campos Mello Advogados, said the hire is in line with his firm's five-year strategic plan to expand services. The firm has more than two dozen partners.

Roger Meltzer, global co-chair and co-chair of the Americas at DLA Piper, said the addition of Noronha de Sá further supports DLA Piper's growth objectives in Latin America.