In August 2020, with COVID-19 restrictions still largely in force around the world, Kobre & Kim partner Gabriela Ruiz relocated to São Paulo from Miami with two children under 10, a husband, dog, cats and a grandmother.

The move had been in the works for nearly a year, intended to take place shortly after the January 2020 launch of the firm’s Brazil office. But like many plans mapped out early in the pandemic, this one faced significant delays.