Career 

Karina Sasaki is a partner in the Labor Law and Social Security Law practice areas at IW Melcheds. With more than twenty years of professional experience, her expertise encompasses strategic consulting, litigation, and international operations. 

In strategic consulting, Karina Sasaki specializes in labor law matters. Her practice encompasses human resources advisory, executive compensation, union and leadership negotiations, corporate investigations, crisis management, and the implementation of labor policies aligned with international best practices. Within contentious practice—both judicial and administrative—she represents clients in audits, arbitrations, due diligence proceedings, strategic litigation (individual claims, civil actions of public interest, and collective actions), and collective bargaining negotiations. She brings substantial experience in international legal cooperation, advising on the establishment of foreign corporate operations in Brazil and ensuring compliance of corporate policies with local legislation. 

In the Social Security Law domain, Karina Sasaki provides consulting services and conducts litigation, with particular focus on strategic management of employee absences and defense of clients in claims before the Brazilian Social Security Institute (INSS) and in judicial proceedings. Her expertise extends to defense in cases involving improper benefit awards and strategic analysis of social security risks. She further prepares legal opinions and develops strategic social security planning for corporate clients, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. 

She represents clients across diverse industrial sectors, including infrastructure, automotive and manufacturing, metallurgy, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, oil and gas, chemicals and petrochemicals, among others.

Educational Background: Degree in Law from Mackenzie Presbyterian University; Postgraduate Degree in Labor Law and Procedure from PUC/SP. 

Professional Recognition: Recognized by Análise Advocacia (2020) and Análise Advocacia Mulher (2021 and 2026) as among the most admired attorneys in Labor Law and Social Security Law specialties, with distinction in the Chemical and Petrochemical Economic Sector. Listed by The Best Lawyers in Brazil among the leading attorneys in her practice areas.