In the complex landscape of Brazilian commerce and jurisprudence, Edson Hernandes Soares has built a multi-faceted career that spans over two decades, centered on the principles of administrative law, transparency in public procurement, and strategic business growth. As one of the few individuals managing to bridge the gap between rigorous legal practice and hands-on business management with fluidity, Soares has become a fixture in the São Paulo professional community. While he is widely recognized for his legal acumen, his recent involvement as a director and partner in diverse commercial ventures—specifically FERG Service Comércio e Serviços Ltda and Fast Giant da Engenheiro Ltda—highlights a growing trend of “lawyer-entrepreneurs” who utilize their regulatory expertise to navigate the challenges of the private sector.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit: FERG Service and Fast Giant
For many professionals, a hobby remains a weekend distraction. For Edson Hernandes Soares, a personal interest in the mechanics of the built environment served as the catalyst for a significant business venture. Soares’ involvement with FERG Service Comércio e Serviços Ltda, a company specializing in construction and renovation, was born out of a long-standing passion for the industry.
“I chose to work with FERG Service Comércio e Serviços Ltda because of a hobby,” Soares explained in a recent interview. “I’ve always enjoyed investing in the construction industry, and for me, managing the company in this segment is a great pleasure.”
At FERG, Soares applies his analytical skills to the construction and renovation sector, ensuring that the company’s operations align with the high standards required in a competitive market. However, his entrepreneurial reach extends beyond construction. As the owner and manager of Fast Giant da Engenheiro Ltda, a retail-focused entity, Soares takes on a more granular administrative role.
In describing his responsibilities at Fast Giant, Soares paints a picture of a hands-on executive. “I am the owner and manager of the company, responsible for the financial, administrative, accounting, and tax areas,” he stated. “I handle everything from hiring employees to the company’s financial statements.” This level of involvement suggests that for Soares, business is not merely an investment, but a practice of meticulous management where his legal background in tax and administration provides a distinct competitive advantage.
A Foundation in Administrative Law
The ability to manage complex business structures often stems from a deep understanding of the rules that govern them. Soares’ academic and early professional journey provided the necessary toolkit for his current success. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in law in 2002, he didn’t settle for a general practice. Instead, he pursued a postgraduate degree in Economic Administrative Law at the prestigious Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie.
Mackenzie, known for its rigorous legal programs, provided the environment where Soares could delve into the nuances of how the state interacts with private entities. This specialization became the cornerstone of his career.
Before establishing his own firm, Edson Hernandes Soares Sociedade de Advogados, he honed his skills in various capacities, including serving as a conciliator at the Special Civil Court of Guarulhos and working within established firms such as Moreira Pires Advogados Associados.
His specialization in public bidding and information technology has made him a sought-after consultant for private companies looking to secure government contracts. In Brazil’s bureaucratic environment, navigating the “Licitação” (bidding) process requires not just legal knowledge, but a strategic understanding of administrative hurdles.
Overcoming Challenges and Seeking Justice
Soares is candid about the difficulties of breaking into the legal field. He recalls that the “first job” is often the highest hurdle for any young professional. To overcome this, he turned to academic excellence as a differentiator.
“To get my first job, I needed to excel in my postgraduate studies, where I studied hard, to the point of delving into the area of administrative law,” Soares noted. “Through this dedication, job opportunities opened up, both in law practice and in teaching.”
This dedication has manifested in significant legal victories that have had broader implications for the public good. One such case involved a client participating in a public tender. Despite having impeccable documentation, the client was disqualified due to a misinterpretation by a member of the Bidding Committee.
“We tried to demonstrate the error to her through administrative channels, but without success,” Soares said. The resolution came through a writ of mandamus (Mandado de Segurança), a powerful legal tool in Brazil used to protect clear and certain rights.
“The judge ruled in our favor, and the company was able to participate in and win the bidding process, bringing enormous savings to the public treasury,” he said.
This case serves as a testament to Soares’ philosophy: that legal intervention, when applied correctly, ensures fair competition and protects the economic interests of the state.
The Balancing Act: Leadership and Education
Managing a law firm while simultaneously overseeing a construction company and a retail business requires more than just long hours; it requires a philosophy of delegation and empowerment. Soares credits his ability to balance these roles to his investment in people.
“To succeed in the legal and business fields, it is necessary to hire a skilled team,” he said. His approach to human resources is proactive, often paying for courses and specializations for his staff. “I have always enjoyed interviewing, teaching, and even investing in employees myself, thus obtaining a satisfied team capable of performing their activities, especially in sharing the burden and benefits of the business’s profitability.”
This commitment to education extends beyond his own companies. Soares has been a dedicated educator, teaching Administrative Law to students preparing for the Brazilian Bar Examination (OAB) and various public service competitions. He has even authored a book on Administrative Law, transforming his years of experience into a guide for the next generation of legal professionals.
The Legal Outlook: Advice for the Future
When asked what advice he would offer to young lawyers, Soares emphasizes a blend of spiritual grounding and relentless work ethic. “First of all, have faith in God. Then, study, dedicate yourself, and never give up. Embrace every opportunity as if it were the only one.”
As he looks toward the future, Edson Hernandes Soares remains a figure of stability and integrity in the São Paulo business and legal sectors. By maintaining a balance between his role as a legal defender of fair bidding processes and his role as a creator of jobs and services through FERG Service and Fast Giant, he exemplifies the modern Brazilian professional: versatile, educated, and deeply committed to the ethical development of the national economy.
In a landscape where the lines between law and business are increasingly blurred, Soares continues to demonstrate that a firm grasp of the law is the best foundation for any entrepreneurial venture. Whether in a courtroom or on a construction site, his focus remains the same: transparency, meticulous management, and the pursuit of excellence.
