VdA - Vieira de Almeida & Associados - Sociedade de Advogados, R.L.

Banking and Finance (Rank 1)
"Market sources regard banking and finance as “a fundamental strength and one of the best practice groups of this great firm.” The team of “brilliant and ethical lawyers” possesses the resources and talent to handle all related matters, from credit facilities to non-performing mortgage and consumer loans securitisations to real estate financing. This is complemented by advice on investment and private banking regulatory issues as well as e-banking matters. While some interviewees suggest that the team could improve its response times, they also appreciate the clear lines of communication with clients as well as the firm’s transparent billing system. The Lawyers: With an outstanding pedigree in the banking and finance sector, Vasco Vieira de Almeida continues to handle very complex banking matters, as clients consider him “probably one of the best lawyers in the field.”

Capital Markets: Securitisation (Rank 1)
Capital Markets (Rank 2)

"Sources continue to identify this firm as “one of the leading and most active players on the debt market,” and “the number-one firm for securitisation.” Besides these areas of great strength, the group also offers expertise on equity matters and receives praise for the “super quality of its advice” as well as the “permanent availability of its lawyers and their supportive attitude in stressful situations.” Satisfied clients further highlighted the “tremendous work” of some of its young talents."

"Pedro Cassiano Santos is perceived as the linchpin of the securitisation practice. In the words of one client: “He has deep technical know-how and vast practical experience, and has been exposed to all forms of transactions in the securitisation market.”
Paula Gomes Freire is portrayed as “a proactive, approachable and knowledgeable securitisation expert.” "

Competition/European Law (Rank 1)

"Interviewees endorse this team as “one of the most important players in the local market .” As such, the seven-member group maintains its high profile with notable activity in merger control, compliance programmes and cartel cases. Moreover, it can rely on the resources of the litigation and public law teams as the need arises, furthering the reach of this first-tier player. The group has a reputation as a “solid and outstanding team” that enjoys a notable presence in the field.

"Nuno Ruiz, one of the most pre-eminent practitioners in the market, is widely admired for his “unbeatable know-how, intelligence and team spirit .” One peer added: “He is a very hands-on partner, and ubiquitous in the team’s work .”"

Corporate/M&A (Rank 1)
"This 20-lawyer team boasts extensive experience in the full range of corporate and M&A matters. Clients value the team’s “first-rate understanding of the local market, including how the regulatory authorities work, and its exceptionally high standards.” Sources also admire the firm’s “well-organised internal structure,” which they feel contributes to the firm’s success. In June 2007, the firm announced the end of its ‘best friends’ arrangement with leading Spanish firm Gomez-Acebo & Pombo, Abogados. Observers wait with interest to see the firm’s new strategy with regard to the Spanish market. "

"João Vieira de Almeida, Managing partner, attracts considerable praise for his “straightforward explanations and definitive advice.” “He clearly deserves a top-table position ,” one rival admitted. Vieira de Almeida divides his time between management duties and advising on corporate matters. Described as a “superb professional with great organisational skills,”
Helena Vaz Pinto is “an important corporate player” who is increasingly seen working on private equity deals.
Paulo Olavo Cunha, Of-counsel, is widely admired for his “vast knowledge,” and has been reducing his academic workload in order to spend more time advising clients. New to this year’s table, Rita Marques is a favourite among clients, who describe her as “an incredible hard worker who is adept at finding solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems.” "

Dispute Resolution (Rank 3)

"Although its main office is in Lisbon, this firm operates a truly integrated national dispute resolution group, with experts based in Madeira and Porto as well; the latter office has been recently reinforced with new hires. Even though the group covers the whole range of dispute resolution matters, it particularly excels on issues related to the banking, finance, IP, telecoms, pharmaceutical and constructions sectors. Interviewees reported: “The lawyers here never speak nonsense and the well-rounded team provides timely first-rate advice ." "

"Commentators are full of praise for Frederico Gonçalves Pereira’s “methodical work and sophisticated advice in complex situations .” Clients also admire his “speediness to identify the problems and the great and aggressive junior team supporting him .”
One client commented: "When a case is in Ana Falcão Afonso''s hands, I know I don’t have to worry about it." She often works on IP and pharmaceutical-related cases. "

Employment (Rank 3)

"This employment department is relatively small, considering the firm’s large size, but the team of “young and skilled lawyers” provides high levels of client satisfaction. Working from the firm’s main office in Lisbon, and supporting offices in Porto and Madeira, the group is particularly active on the labour issues relating to restructuring and outsourcing operations. "

"Tiago Piló is the leading force behind the team. Described as “a pragmatic lawyer,” he attracts client praise for his “excellent communication skills and dynamic approach.” "

Energy & Natural Resources (Rank 2)

"This independent firm has a robust presence in Portugal’s energy market, offering advice on projects, financing, corporate and regulatory matters. Clients also extol the group’s “excellent relationship with the local regulatory authorities.” Although some sources said that the practice would benefit from having a stronger back office, the lawyers are widely praised for their “good technical skills and rapid responses.”

Vanda Cascão is a “business-minded and analytical partner who provides tailor-made advice to her clients.” Together with partner Manuel Protásio, she co-leads the projects, energy and natural resources department. "

General Business Law: Porto (Rank 4)

"This top Lisbon-based firm opened an office in Porto in 2006, and its seven lawyers work seamlessly with the capital’s group. According to observers: “The team benefits from the firm’s solid position in the national market, and is getting stronger and stronger in North Portugal.” It mainly focuses on corporate, real estate, public law and litigation, but the team increasingly advises on tax, recently reinforcing that practice with a lateral hiring.

Tiago Amorim is responsible for the Porto office, where he enjoys a fine reputation for his public law work. "

Intellectual Property (Rank 2)

"In keeping with this firm’s long tradition of assisting pharmaceutical companies, its IP department is focused mainly on drug patent litigation; the team is experiencing an increase in its workload as generics companies try to enter the market by challenging the validity of such patents. The department also handles a number of trademark infringement cases and is expanding into the field of IT.

António de Magalhães Cardoso is a “solid lawyer” whose IP expertise is widely recognised. "

Planning (Rank 1)

The planning practice of this full-service firm was substantially boosted by the recent arrival of Sofia Galvão, head of the planning department at Sérvulo & Associados, who brought with her a large team and an impressive number of clients. The now ten-strong department is described by clients as “technically sound and quick to respond.” Its “great work with public entities” also contribute to its success.

Real estate partner Pedro Ferreirinha’s contribution has also been highlighted: “Highly professional and committed; we can always schedule a meeting with him for the following day,” said one satisfied client.
Of counsel Sofia Galvão enjoys an excellent reputation among peers and impresses clients with her wide knowledge of the field. “She always stays on top of things and her opinions are highly respected by planning authorities,” one client said.
Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira is an active team member who “has a great future ahead of him.”"

Private Equity (Rank 1)
"With “solid expertise in the field” and a “first-class team,” this national firm easily earns a spot at the top of the private equity rankings. The team attracts a significant volume of high-quality instructions in the venture capital sector, particularly for technology-related deals. For example, lawyers represented FIQ ES Ventures II, a venture capital fund managed by Espírito Santo Ventures, in the EUR10 million subscription of preferred shares corresponding to approximately 10% of Chipidea - Microelectrónica.

Helena Vaz Pinto handles most of the firm’s private equity workload. Clients enjoy her “ability to see the wider picture of each transaction and deliver prompt answers,” while peers highlight her “great organisation skills and ethical attitude .”
Paulo de Barros Baptista and Paulo Olavo Cunha also carry out notable work in the field.

Projects (Rank 1)

"This well-established projects group is prized for the calibre of its lawyers, who elicit praise from both clients and competitors for their “well-rounded knowledge of the local market and extremely skilled handling of negotiations .” The team’s strength in depth was also highlighted by interviewees, as were its “consistently good response times.” PPP projects, in particular those in the health, energy and infrastructure sectors, are bread-and-butter work for the practice.

Lauded as a “fantastic lawyer” by loyal clients, Manuel Protásio has broad projects expertise and is valued for his “practical, commercial approach and ability to reach a consensus.”
Focusing on energy and infrastructure work, Vanda Cascão has “24/7 accessibility” and a solid track record in negotiations, while Paulo de Barros Baptista is noted for his “terrific understanding of project work and excellent interpersonal skills .” He has particular knowledge of road projects.
Ana Luís de Sousa is experienced in renewable energy matters, among other areas, and is “a great asset for the team - she is always available and has a positive and enthusiastic attitude,” sources say.

Public Law (Rank 2)

"This large firm boasts an expanding team of “skilled and experienced professionals.” Its main activity revolves around concessions, public procurements and administrative litigation; it also provides legal assistance to public entities.

Mário Esteves de Oliveira, who joined the firm recently, “enjoys a great reputation.”
Paulo Pinheiro is also highly praised, with clients describing him as “serious, committed and business-oriented.” "

Real Estate (Rank 4)

"This “great team with sound technical skills and reasonable fees,” embraces the entire range of real estate issues and has been particularly busy of late advising clients on tourism projects and foreign real estate investment funds.

Pedro Ferreirinha received enthusiastic praise from his peers: “He is a self-confident lawyer with a deep knowledge of the sector and great common sense,” said one. Peers, meanwhile, note: “It is a pleasure working with him and he is always ready to help clients.” Although best known for her planning advice, ex-Sérvulo & Associados lawyer Sofia Galvão is seen as an excellent addition to the real estate practice. "

Tax (Rank 4)

"This “committed and knowledgeable” team offers “good local expertise and swift responses,” and sources say that it has been gaining momentum in the market of late. Tax litigation, transfer pricing, indirect tax (particularly VAT) and fiscal matters relating to the corporate and real estate sectors all feature in the workload.

The mainstay of the team, Tiago Marreiros Moreira is admired for his “enviable track record and strong technical skills.” In addition, sources singled out his “determined team that gives great support .” "

TMT (Rank 1)

"Renowned as “the number-one firm in the TMT field,” Vieira de Almeida & Associados sits comfortably at the top of the heap. While its long-standing relationship with market-leading operator Portugal Telecom has been for many years the driving force of the team’s output, the group also assists other operators and financial institutions involved in the sector. On the IT side, lawyers have been busy of late dealing with outsourcing and e-commerce queries. The team, seen by many as the “largest fully devoted TMT team in Portugal,” offers a holistic approach to its clients, advising them in all areas of law, with the exception of competition where the team gets sterling support from Nuno Ruiz’s competition group.

Clients and peers alike unanimously recognise Margarida Couto as “by far the best telecoms lawyer in Portugal.” Competitors added: “Her track record in the field and knowledge of regulatory matters is matchless.”
Described as a “gentleman with great negotiation skills and in-depth know-how,” partner Fernando Resina da Silva focuses mainly on the IT field.

Source: Chambers and Partners