Who's Who Legal has picked out Vieira de Almeida & Associados (VdA) as the leading firm in Portugal 2012.

The firm was named Portugal Law Firm of the Year 2012, the second occasion that it has gained this recognition. Who's Who Legal lists only the leading lawyers in each field, based exclusively on an independent six-month research process that encompasses feedback from clients, peers and other experts in the sector. VdA's partners received the most nominations across nine practice areas. "Lawyers from VdA were listed more times than those from any other firm in the country", writes the publication.

"It is extremely rewarding for us to know that our clients value our work. Business law is an extremely competitive and highly qualified field and we are glad to see our strategy is moving in the right direction - that of excellence. We thank each and everyone of our clients and partners. We will continue to do our best to respond to their demanding challenges to the best of our abilities', said João Vieira de Almeida, VdA's managing partner.

Alongside this prestigious award, in such challenging times for the national economy, VdA has also been considered law Firm of the Year 2011 by Chambers & Partners, won the IFLR's award for "Portuguese Law Firm of 2012" and the Euronext NYSE award for most active firm in Capital Markets.

"The strong performance of so many lawyers from Vieira de Almeida & Associados underlines the depth of expertise the firm can offer across a range of areas, and we are delighted to recognise the firm once again as the leader in Portugal," wrote Who's Who.