José Gonçalves Neto

José Gonçalves Neto serves as Associate Partner for Brazil, where he supports clients navigating complex security, regulatory, and governance challenges. A highly respected legal, law enforcement, and security professional, he brings extensive experience in criminal investigations, public security leadership, crisis management, and strategic risk consulting.

A qualified attorney with postgraduate degrees in Corporate Law and Administrative Law, José served for nearly 30 years as a Police Chief (Delegado de Polícia) with the Civil Police of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Over the course of his career, he led complex investigations and operational initiatives targeting organized crime, narcotics trafficking, money laundering, kidnapping and extortion, and other serious criminal activity. He also served as a university professor and instructor at the São Paulo State Civil Police Academy, contributing to the training and development of law enforcement professionals.

José is a recognized firearms and marksmanship specialist, certified as a shooting instructor by the Brazilian Army and holding credentials as a licensed Collector, Sports Shooter, and Hunter (CAC). His advanced professional training spans combat shooting, organized crime suppression, anti-mafia operations, international narcotics investigations, anti-money laundering enforcement, police intelligence, crisis management, hostage negotiation, defensive driving, and tactical police survival, including specialized crisis management and hostage negotiation training delivered by the FBI in partnership with Brazilian public security authorities.

Beyond his policing career, José served two terms as a City Council Member in Ribeirão Preto and is a graduate of ADESG (the Association of Graduates of the Brazilian Superior War College), reflecting his commitment to public service, governance, and strategic leadership. As Associate Partner for Brazil, he combines legal expertise, investigative leadership, public security management, and operational risk experience to help clients operate with confidence across the region.