Awards and Rankings | Rankings
Chambers Europe
"Rightly acknowledged at the top of the Portuguese market; with well-rounded advice, which is sophisticated without need of clarification."
|
Portuguese heavyweight noted for its finance expertise and bench strength. Frequent adviser to government entities, it also boasts an impressive list of banking clients providing support on recapitalisations, structured finance and securitisations. |
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"The lawyers are innovative in finding solutions that correspond to the market reality."
"The team has always been available, which is key when working to tight deadlines. In terms of substance they have also been very helpful and knowledgeable."
Work highlights Advised Hefesto STC, Whitestar Asset Solutions, Deutsche Bank and Och Ziff on the securitisation of EUR67.4 million credits to facilitate GE Capital's exit from Portugal.
Notable practitioners
Department head Pedro Cassiano Santos receives outstanding feedback from clients as "an excellent and experienced lawyer who puts himself in the client's shoes and anticipates their needs." Another enthuses: "I trust him immensely and feel at ease to discuss matters with him."
Banking and finance partner Paula Gomes Freire played a key role in advising the Portuguese government on the recapitalisation of Banif. She is praised by commentators for her seniority and demonstrates considerable experience in debt and equity issuances.
Pedro Simões Coelho is highlighted as "incredibly available and dedicated."
Vasco Vieira de Almeida is a reference on the market with significant experience in banking.
Significant clients Deutsche Bank, Banco Espírito Santo, Credit Suisse, Rothschild, Whitestar Asset Solutions.
|
|
|
|
| Esteemed work in debt matters with increasing activity in equity transactions. Advises clients from the financial and non-financial sectors on a wide range of capital markets topics including international offerings and retail bond issuances. |
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"I appreciate the lawyers' approach to problem solving and presenting solutions."
"The team was pioneering in project finance in Portugal and has strong experience in that area."
Work highlights Represented Parpública in the IPO for the privatisation of CTT - Correios de Portugal.
Assisted Galp Energia with its EUR500 million MTN programme.
Notable practitioners
Pedro Cassiano Santos is an established finance expert with particular skill in the placement of debt instruments.
Paula Gomes Freire focuses her practice on EMTN programmes, preferential shares and public offerings.
Hugo Moredo Santos enjoys a solid reputation in the market. Clients highlight his "huge capacity to support us and draft prospects."
Of counsel José Pedro Fazenda Martins heads the department. He brings a wealth of experience in capital markets due to his previous position at CMVM, the Portuguese securities commission.
Orlando Vogler Guiné specialises in securitisation transactions.
Significant clients GE, Stormharbour, Barclays Bank, Banco Espírito Santo.
|
|
|
|
| Team praised for its outstanding expertise and depth of experience across the full range of competition matters. Particularly dedicated to advising the pharmaceutical, banking and public sectors. |
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"A client-oriented team that provides multidisciplinary analysis and achieves good results."
What's new? L'Oréal, Carris and Associated British Foods feature among the team's recent client wins.
Work highlights Assisted the Portuguese government with the privatisation of the shipyard of Viana do Castelo and related state aid issues.
Advised funds managed by Apollo Global Management on the bid for the privatisation of Fidelidade.
Notable practitioners
Peers agree Nuno Ruiz is "one of the most senior and recognised lawyers in the area," and clients say: "He has done an exceptional job."
Miguel Mendes Pereira has led several privatisation proceedings and frequently advises on state aid matters.
Significant clients PT, Apifarma, Uniself, Lilly, Semapa.
|
|
|
|
| Highly regarded outfit with a wealth of experience in public governance, restructurings and M&A work for energy and health industry clients. Significant presence in privatisation processes. Also acts on a number of cross-border transactions, particularly involving Angola, Mozambique and Timor-Leste. |
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"From a technical perspective the team is extraordinarily knowledgeable and always available to design solutions that most suit our business needs."
Work highlights Assisted Grupo Soares da Costa with the EUR70 million capitalisation of its subsidiary Soares da Costa Construção.
Advised funds managed by Apollo Global Management as a bidder on the privatisation of Fidelidade.
Notable practitioners
Jorge Bleck co-heads the firm's M&A and corporate finance practices and has a remarkable track record and reputation in the area. One client says: "He knows his subjects thoroughly and works hard. He's very easy to have a dialogue with."
Clients enjoy working with managing partner João Vieira de Almeida, describing him as "knowledgeable and business-minded." He focuses on joint venture operations and acquisitions, with particular experience in handling operations in Brazil.
Helena Vaz Pinto remains an active member of the team with an increasing reputation among market commentators.
Of counsel Paulo Olavo Cunha co-heads the team and has extensive academic knowledge. Clients appreciate his attention to detail and describe him as "an inspiring leader."
Claudia da Cruz Almeida handles acquisition and corporate finance and impresses clients with the quality of her advice.
Significant clients Parpública, Semapa Group, GDF SUEZ, Brisa - Auto-Estradas de Portugal.
|
|
|
|
| Experienced and full-service team that earns accolades for its growing bench strength. It covers commercial and regulatory litigation, white-collar crime and arbitration on behalf of clients from the banking, energy, pharmaceutical and telecoms sectors. |
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"The lawyers try their best to make information available to the client, making dialogue easy, and are very serious and detailed in their presentations both to the client and the court."
"We have no reservations in giving our most complex matters to the team, as it achieves excellent results."
What's new? Client wins for the team include Galp Energia, Auto-Estrada do Marão and bwin.
Work highlights Represented Petrogal in arbitration proceedings claiming compensation for damages and loss of profit against the main contractor of the Sines Refinery Conversion Project.
Represented the consortium members and shareholders of ELOS in an ad hoc arbitration against the Portuguese state regarding the concession withdrawal of the first high-speed railway system connecting Lisbon and Madrid.
Notable practitioners
Miguel Pinto Cardoso is an experienced litigator with an impressive reputation among market commentators. Clients describe him as an "extremely practical and knowledgeable" lawyer.
Clients praise Frederico Gonçalves Pereira's know-how and ability to "make solutions meet the client's needs."
Sofia Ribeiro Branco impresses peers with her "good practical experience" in corporate criminal law. She handles regulatory and misdemeanour litigation including compliance and private enforcement.
Significant clients PT, Banco Comercial Português, Auchan, CTT - Correios de Portugal, DB Group.
|
|
Dispute Resolution/Corporate Crime
|
|
| Handles a wide scope of employment matters such as class actions, mass dismissals and collective bargaining. Often advises on employment issues of M&A, energy and banking operations. |
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"The team is very experienced in terms of multinational businesses. The work is well co-ordinated and has been successful."
What's new? Recent client wins include Avis, Epson and Imperial Tobacco.
Work highlights Advised the Portuguese government and Parpública on employment matters related to the privatisation of CTT - Correios de Portugal.
Assisted Caixa Central de Crédito Agrícola Mútuo with employment issues arising from its bid to acquire BBVA's operations in Portugal.
Notable practitioners
Clients highlight head of department Tiago Piló's "strategic thinking."
Significant clients Novartis, Esegur, Johnson & Johnson, SPAC - Sindicato dos Pilotos de Aviação Civil, Lilly.
| Tiago Piló (Band 3) |
|
| Full-service team with in-depth experience in natural resources, water, power and energy. Handles business transactions and projects, as well as licensing and compliance issues. |
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"The lawyers have great know-how of energy matters, and the large dimension of the firm adds value to their work."
"The team has history and experience in the area."
Work highlights Acted on the structuring and negotiation of agreements for the implementation of a concentrating photovoltaic power plant, advising EIP - Electricidade Industrial Portuguesa, Enovos Luxembourg, Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, Luz.On Solar Energy and Soitec Solar.
Assisted Winpower with the implementation of a EUR14 million investment for the construction of four power stations in Cabo Verde.
Notable practitioners
Vanda Cascão is "very creative and intelligent," according to satisfied clients. She focuses on project finance and infrastructure in the energy sector.
Mining specialist Manuel Protásio is noted by interviewees for his "extensive experience."
Significant clients Tejo Energia, Turbogás, Lusovento, REN - Redes Energéticas Nacionais, GDF SUEZ.
|
|
|
Compact outfit dedicated to the business needs of clients in the northern region, covering M&A, restructuring and employment. Shares strong ties with the Lisbon office. |
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"Exceptionally helpful and available firm. There is always a specialist to guide us through our matters."
Work highlights Advised Fundação Infantil Ronald McDonald on a partnership agreement with Hospital de S. João regarding the construction and operation of a foster home for children under treatment.
Assisted Fernando & Irmãos with the extinction of a bank guarantee provided under an urbanisation project.
Notable practitioners
Head of the Porto office Isabel Gião de Andrade is noted for her skill in corporate law. One client enthuses: "She is a driving force and a fantastic lawyer."
Significant clients iRobot, Aveleda, AGI - Augusto Guimarães & Irmão, Nanovalor, Câmara Municipal de Vila Nova de Gaia.
|
|
| Leading name in patent litigation and arbitration boasting an impressive client roster of pharmaceutical clients. Also covers licensing, registration and enforcement of trade marks. |
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"Clearly one of the leading patent firms in Portugal; the lawyers draft very well, achieve good results and are very creative."
"The team has a good understanding of proceedings in Portugal and a lot of experience across the board."
Work highlights Represented Novartis in mandatory arbitration for the enforcement of patent rights.
Represented Boehringer in patent enforcement litigation against Infarmed for the judicial review of certain marketing authorisations of generic pharmaceutical products.
Notable practitioners
"Leading figure" in patent arbitration António de Magalhães Cardoso earns accolades from impressed interviewees: "He is the main strategic mind - a likeable and knowledgeable lawyer who comes up with innovative strategies."
Managing associate António Andrade is acknowledged by market commentators as "dedicated to patents."
Patricia Paias' support is appreciated by clients, who describe her as a "very diligent" lawyer.
Significant clients Merck Sharp & Dohme, AstraZeneca, Lundbeck, Takeda, Astellas.
|
|
|
|
| Housed within the banking and finance department, covering regulatory and contentious insurance matters. Advises insurers, agents and pension funds. |
Work highlights Assisted Foyer International with the revision of its insurance policy and related documentation in Portugal.
Notable practitioners
Helena Vaz Pinto is a key person in the team.
| Highly skilled practice handling the full range of private equity transactions with particular strength in the energy, technology, aviation and health sectors. The growing team moves to the top tier thanks to impressive client feedback. |
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"From a technical point of view the team has been extraordinary. The attorneys were always available to design solutions that suit our business needs the most."
"The quality of the work is excellent, and the lawyers are always responsive."
Work highlights Assisted Discovery Real Estate Fund with the acquisition of SOGAL - Sociedade de Gestão e Exploração de Hotéis as a means of investment in an urban land plot for tourist purposes.
Represented Apollo Global Management in the acquisition bid for Fidelidade Seguros.
Notable practitioners
A new partner with established private equity experience, Jorge Bleck is entrusted by clients with complex mandates, and they highlight his "good track record of dealing with banks."
Department head Helena Vaz Pinto is praised by competitors for her experience in private equity. Clients "trust and rely on her" and describe her as a "proactive and thorough problem solver."
Significant clients Espírito Santo Ventures, Stirling Square Equity Partners, NewSight.
|
|
| Notable breadth of experience in restructuring and renegotiation of projects in the transport, energy and water sectors. Advises borrowers and sponsors as well as operators and construction clients. |
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"The team has a thorough approach that always takes the client's interests into consideration, and its commercial vision makes a difference."
Work highlights Represented Caixa Banco de Investimento, Banco Comercial Português and Société Générale in a renegotiation of the road concession agreements of Transmontana, Baixo Alentejo, Rotas do Algarve and Beira Interior.
Advised Banco Comercial Português, Caixa Banco de Investimento, Banco Português de Investimento, Banco Espírito Santo and Bankia on the debt repositioning of Vialitorial and Viaexpresso.
Notable practitioners
Clients enthuse that practice head Manuel Protásio is "a good negotiator who has the ability to understand key variables and solutions."
Paulo de Barros Baptista is hailed by clients as "an extremely thorough lawyer with a strategic vision, good delivery and dedication to his clients."
Vanda Cascão is a respected player in this market, particularly skilled in project finance for the energy and natural resources sectors.
Clients enjoy working with associate Ana Luís de Sousa and describe her as "very proactive."
Significant clients Santander, REN Group, Brisa.
|
|
|
|
| Well-reputed team advising on a number of high-profile public law operations, often representing clients from the telecoms, healthcare and infrastructure sectors. Also active in public law arbitration. |
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"A client-oriented team that shows proactivity in its performance and is able to work under pressure."
"This team provides a lot of confidence."
What's new? New clients for the team include the Ministry of Solidarity & Social Security, Solverde and Banco Português do Investimento.
Work highlights Represented PT in litigation regarding EUR6 million compensation of negative operating margins under a public service concession contract.
Assisted the regional government of the Azores with four arbitration proceedings initiated by Euroscut Açores regarding a concession agreement signed in 2006.
Notable practitioners
Senior partner and "magnificent" lawyer Mário Esteves de Oliveira enjoys a long-standing reputation among peers.
According to clients, Paulo Pinheiro is "technically very solid and creative in finding solutions that fit the client's needs." He specialises in the health sector and is commended by interviewees for his litigation skills.
Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira is recognised for his extensive practice and academic knowledge of public law.
Clients highlight associate André Proença for his "availability, timeliness and deep knowledge of litigation and administrative proceedings."
Ana Marta Castro focuses on public procurement, contracts, concessions and privatisations.
Significant clients Portuguese government, CTT - Correios de Portugal, Novartis, ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal, government of Cabo Verde.
|
|
|
|
| In-depth knowledge of the full scope of real estate matters such as investment structures, sale and acquisitions and leaseback operations. Notable expertise in environmental issues. |
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"The team is extremely diligent, protects the client's interests at all times and provides partner-level support."
Work highlights Advised Carteson on the acquisition of Ermenegildo Zegna's commercial property in Avenida da Liberdade.
Assisted Parkalgar with negotiations with the Pestana group over management agreements regarding the hotel and tourist apartments of the Algarve's international race track.
Notable practitioners
Practice head Pedro Ferreirinha remains a well-regarded real estate expert with a wealth of transactional experience.
Significant clients Merck Sharp & Dohme, Redevco, Quinta da Ombria, EnergoPark, Fundger - Sociedade Gestora de Fundos de Investimento Imobiliário.
|
|
Outstanding experience in restructuring operations from the debtors' and creditors' sides. Further skilled in insolvency and liquidation proceedings of domestic and multinational companies.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"A top firm in Portugal for insolvency matters related to capital markets and banking. It is responsive and always on top of things; whenever we need things within tight deadlines it has the advantage of always being accessible. The lawyers are very commercial in the way they explain issues and very direct in their approach."
Work highlights Assisted Banco Comercial Português with the restructuring proceedings of Chamartín, where the bank holds a stake of over EUR170 million.
Assisted Caixa Banco de Investimento with enforcement of securities regarding the insolvency proceedings of La Seda Barcelona.
Notable practitioners
Practice head Frederico Gonçalves Pereira impresses peers with his insolvency and litigation expertise.
Managing associate Joana Domingues "is phenomenal in insolvency matters - dedicated to finding solutions and has a good capacity to negotiate," enthuse clients.
Significant clients Nanium, Grupo Soares da Costa, Parkalgar, Barclays Bank, Morgan Stanley Centerbridge.
|
|
|
|
| Frequently draws on the firm's sophisticated corporate and financial transactions to advise on tax issues such as international taxation and VAT. Advises a client roster from a variety of sectors including TMT, energy and banking. |
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"The team has strong knowledge and opens up doors when doing business abroad due to its international network."
What's new? E Fund Management, Lince World Investments and REN - Redes Energéticas Nacionais feature among the team's new client wins.
Work highlights Advised St. Galler Kantonalbank on tax implications of its Portuguese subsidiary's transfer of business from Hyposwiss Private Bank Genève, including VAT, stamp duty and corporate income tax.
Advised Parpública on the privatisation of CTT - Correios de Portugal through an IPO.
Notable practitioners
Clients say Tiago Marreiros Moreira "has a broad knowledge of tax: he is always up to date with matters and is able to provide answers on the spot."
Tax managing associate Conceição Gamito is described as "an excellent professional" by an interviewee. She has experience in banking and financial structures as well as real estate projects.
Joaquim Pedro Lampreia handles domestic and cross-border transactions often involving Brazil. Clients single out his "proactive and solution-oriented approach."
Significant clients PT, Andrade Gutierrez Group, Deutsche Bank, Generg, McDonald's.
|
|
| Remains a leading practice in the market for telecoms, boasting exceptional bench strength. Noted for its skill in regulatory matters and litigation on behalf of major domestic players. |
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"We are very happy with the team; it shows a good knowledge of the technology market and the specialised areas we operate in."
"The team always works in co-operation with the client and is open to discussion. We can't imagine working with another firm."
Work highlights Assisted PT with an infrastructure sharing agreement between PT and Vodafone for the authorised use of both operators' fibre-optic network.
Assisted Tranquilidade Sucursal España with an agreement for the development and implementation of an information system infrastructure.
Notable practitioners
Interviewees agree Margarida Couto is a leading TMT lawyer: "She has worked in telecoms for longer than anyone else." She specialises in regulatory matters within telecommunications and data privacy.
Fernando Resina da Silva is a key player in IT issues and is described as "an excellent negotiator with good know-how who provides extraordinary support."
Magda Cocco enjoys a growing reputation among peers. Clients say: "I always contact her for complex matters because she is extremely sensible and greatly experienced in telecoms" and "she conducts projects focused on the end result for the client."
Significant clients FremantleMedia Portugal, Cabo Verde Telecom Group, Portsourcing - Associação das Empresas de Outsourcing de Portugal, Timor Telecom, Crédito Agrícola.
|
|