Awards and Rankings | Rankings

Chambers Global

"VdA's team is always very well coordinated and easy to work with under pressure, with tight deadlines and complex issues."

VdA is sought after by a plethora of big-name clients to handle a variety of disputes in Africa. It is especially noteworthy for its focus on lusophone jurisdictions such as Angola and Mozambique. The team is adept at handling a variety of cases, including commercial litigation and investor-state arbitration as well as corporate investigations. 

Work Highlights 

VdA represented ANGOFLEX Industrial in a civil liability dispute concerning the termination of a services contract in Angola.

Strengths

"Ichoose to work with them because of their high quality and good availability. They are well versed in Portuguese-speaking countries, allowing us to have a one-stop shop for all cases." Dispute Resolution client, Global 

José Miguel Oliveira is proficient in advising on corporate matters in the energy sector, especially on oil and gas-related mandates. He is additionally dual-qualified in Angola and Portugal. His expertise also includes corporate restructurings and reorganisations.

Paulo Trindade Costa is experienced at handling a variety of corporate and M&A matters. He is frequently behind matters involving the sale or acquisition of shares. He also regularly advises on foreign investment in Angola.

 Notable practitioners

  • José Miguel Oliveira | Foreign Expert 
  • Paulo Trindade Costa | Foreign Expert 

João Afonso Fialho has extensive experience in handling projects with cross-border elements, often involving Angola. He regularly advises clients in the energy as well as oil and gas sectors.

Vanda Cascão is frequently seen advising on the setting up of energy and water supply projects. She regularly assists with cross-border projects often involving lusophone Africa.

Notable practitioners

  • João Afonso Fialho | Foreign Expert 
  • Vanda Cascão | Foreign Expert

VdA maintains a respected practice in Dili, supported by its offices in 11 other lusophone or francophone jurisdictions. It principally handles oil and gas and telecoms mandates, and also offers expertise in banking, M&A and tax, among other areas. The firm acts for a number of government entities as well as private sector clients, including banks and oil and gas companies. 

Work Highlights

VdA advised Timor-Leste National Petroleum and Minerals Authority on the drafting of all the regulations and ancillary legal statutes, model contract and templates for the first Mining Code with the Timor-Leste Government and National Parliament.

Notable practitioners

Lisbon-based Catarina Pinto Correia is a key contact for clients. 

VdA is an esteemed Portuguese law firm that is often retained by major corporations from the aviation, food and beverage, telecommunications and energy sectors to assist with a plethora of mandates. The team is noted for its expertise in public law and regulatory matters in São Tomé e Príncipe. The group is also particularly experienced at handling corporate, banking and compliance-related matters in the jurisdiction. It is associated with local law firm VNA Advogados.

Notable practitioner

  •  Raul Mota Cerveira | Portugal Expertise Based Abroad

Raul Mota Cerveira is recognised for his knowledge of public law issues and experience in complex transactions and litigation mandates. Based in Lisbon, he is further well equipped to act on corporate and regulatory matters in São Tomé e Príncipe.

VdA has a sizeable and multidisciplinary practice with the capacity to handle varied commercial disputes, including international arbitration. The team advises on debt recovery proceedings, corporate disputes and claims arising from the termination of distribution agreements. It has further experience in the enforcement of arbitral awards in Portugal. The lawyers provide support across Portuguese-speaking jurisdictions including Angola, Mozambique and São Tomé and Príncipe, assisting with diverse matters ranging from environmental claims to investor-state arbitration.

Work Highlights

VdA assisted Banco Comercial Português with the defence against lawsuits brought by a corporate group against some national banks amid compensation and damage claims costing around EUR900 million.

Strengths

"The team has high analytical capacity combined with technical rigour."

"VdA has highly skilled and experienced lawyers who provide strategic advice for case management."

"Its lawyers are specialised, very well prepared, and convey a strong sense of security to the client."

Dispute Resolution: The Elite client
Global

Notable practitioners

  • Carla Gonçalves Borges | Band 4
  • Frederico Gonçalves Pereira | Band 1
  • Miguel Pinto Cardoso | Band 1

Carla Gonçalves Borges 

Carla Gonçalves Borges often advises on commercial disputes arising for clients in the financial services sector. She has proven experience in litigation and arbitration proceedings.

"Carla Gonçalves Borges is very efficient and straight to the point. She is a professional who provides sophisticated analysis and is sensitive to the needs of her clients."

Frederico Gonçalves Pereira 

Frederico Gonçalves Pereira has a strong track record of handling disputes within the banking, telecommunications, energy and pharmaceutical sectors. His extensive recent case load includes commercial litigations, enforcement proceedings and class actions.

"He is highly skilled and experienced. He looks at all aspects of the case and meticulously anticipates all the possibilities to prepare a strategy."

"He is a good communicator who simplifies difficult cases and delivers good work."

Miguel Pinto Cardoso 

Miguel Pinto Cardoso has standout experience in complex cross-border arbitrations, including ICC commercial arbitration and investment treaty cases brought against African states. He acts for construction companies and for clients operating in the banking and energy sectors.

"He is very experienced and knowledgeable."

VdA's first-class department is active in the energy and infrastructure sectors. The law firm is experienced in the corporate and financial aspects of various road concessions, renewables, waste and water projects. It also boasts further expertise in the healthcare sector. The team benefits from a strong domestic-side practice as well as strengths in international work owing to an extensive network of offices across lusophone Africa, including in Mozambique. The lawyers advise an impressive roster of clients including major financial institutions as well as Portuguese construction companies. 

Work Highlights 

VdA acted for Finerge on a public tender regarding a floating solar power project in Portugal

Strengths
"The team at VdA have high knowledge and a great capacity to adapt to the concrete reality of the processes."

"They offer excellent responsiveness."

Projects client
Global

Notable practitioners

  • Ana Luís de Sousa | Band 3
  • Manuel Protásio | Eminent Practicioner
  • Paulo de Barros Baptista | Band 3
  • Teresa Empis Falcão | Band 2

Ana Luís de Sousa demonstrates solid knowledge of renewable energy projects, including those regarding wind, hydro and solar energy. She has experience in both national as well as cross-border mandates.

"She understands very rapidly the questions we put forward and is extremely knowledgeable of the laws."

"She is assertive in what she proposes and gives all the confidences and trust to her clients. She can handle challenging situations."

"She has a very constructive approach."

Manuel Protásio boasts a long-standing reputation and outstanding market knowledge. He represents banks and international companies in a variety of energy and infrastructure-related mandates. 

"Manuel Protásio is a very available and enthusiastic professional."

Paulo de Barros Baptista stands out for his knowledge of significant road infrastructure projects. He has additional experience in cross-border restructuring matters and sub-concession agreements.

Teresa Empis Falcão is proficient at handling both financing and refinancing for projects arising in the infrastructure, energy and health sectors. She frequently represents eminent energy players and financial institutions, often advising on international deals.

VdA is a well-reputed outfit tackling complex and high-profile M&A transactions, as well as corporate governance and restructuring operations in the energy, telecommunications and manufacturing industries. The team leverages expertise in tax, capital markets and labour to offer comprehensive assistance to clients. Its clients often include financial groups, multinational entities and asset management companies. The law firm also boasts extensive international capabilities, particularly in Angola and Cabo Verde.

Work Highlights 

VdA advised Cellnex on the EUR70 million acquisition of 100% of Hivory's share capital.

Strengths

"The lawyers quickly understand clients' needs and provide helpful advice."

"VdA's team is always very well coordinated and easy to work with under pressure, with tight deadlines and complex issues."

Corporate/M&A client
Global

Notable practitioners

  • Cláudia Cruz Almeida | Band 2
  • Francisco Sá Carneiro | Band 3
  • João Vieira de Almeida | Senior Statespeople
  • Jorge M Bleck | Senior Statespeople
  • Paulo Trindade Costa | Band 5

Cláudia Cruz Almeida Cláudia Cruz Almeida frequently assists prominent domestic and international clients with a broad range of complex M&A. She also assists companies with bidding processes and capital increase.

Francisco Sá Carneiro Francisco Sá Carneiro demonstrates longstanding expertise in corporate and M&A matters.

João Vieira de Almeida João Vieira de Almeida is a recognised lawyer in the corporate sphere, with experience acting on joint ventures and cross-border transactions.

Jorge Bleck Jorge Bleck has an extensive knowledge of corporate transactions, providing expert advice on cross-border M&A deals. He has experience advising clients from the construction and telecommunication industries.

Paulo Trindade Costa Paulo Trindade Costa is experienced at handling a variety of corporate and M&A matters. He is frequently behind matters involving the sale or acquisition of shares. He also regularly advises on foreign investment in Angola.

VdA offers a highly regarded capital markets practice praised for its first-rate expertise in DCM. The team regularly assists international investment banks with their role as managers and underwriters of Portuguese bond issuances, including retail and green bonds. The lawyers also have extensive experience acting on the underwriter side of capital increases carried out by major Portuguese energy or construction companies. The law firm advises on securitisations, acting for an impressive list of originator banks, issuers and investors.

Work Highlights 

VdA assisted Unicre with the issuance of EUR23.5 million senior bonds listed in MARF.  

Strengths

"During challenging projects, VdA's knowledge was essential to overcome difficult obstacles. Its experience and high involvement was crucial to achieving good results."

"The team is very rapid at responding to challenging questions. The work is very well done, efficiently displaying a lot of knowledge."

"VdA has a strong experienced team that provides a quick and worthy response to us as a client."

Capital Markets client
Global

Notable practitioners

  • Hugo Moredo Santos | Band 1
  • José Pedro Fazenda Martins | Band 3
  • Paula Gomes Freire | Eminent Practitioner
  • Pedro Cassiano Santos | Band 1
  • Orlando Vogler Guiné | Band 4

Hugo Moredo Santos plays a leading role in many of the firm's major equity and debt capital market mandates. He acts for international banks and Portuguese corporate issuers, including sports clubs. His rise in the rankings this year is backed by a strong performance and outstanding market recognition.

"He is very knowledgeable of the capital markets issues and handles the most complex aspects of operations. He is very diligent and calm to solve all the problems that can arise."

"Hugo exhibits exceptional professionalism and a strong commitment to client service."

"He is an excellent professional who is attentive to the details."

José Pedro Fazenda Martins is experienced in equity capital markets and bond issuance matters. He also provides regulatory advice.

"He is very practical, has a good theoretical overview with a very big know-how and availability; he is an excellent professional."

Paula Gomes Freire is best known for her advice on securitisation transactions. She routinely advises originator banks on the STS-compliant securitisation of auto loan portfolios.

Pedro Cassiano Santos assists a range of high-profile international and domestic clients with the full range of capital market matters. His expertise covers securitisations and a variety of debt and equity capital market deals.

"Pedro Cassiano Santos is top-notch."

Orlando Vogler Guiné plays a key supporting role in many of the firm's debt and equity capital matters. He assists with green bond issuances, securitisation and derivatives transactions.

"Orlando is able to provide quick responses to our requests, with a great level of know-how in the matters."

"He has a high level of knowledge and dedication to each matter, leading to an excellent outcome in the most different projects."

Leading law firm with an expansive bench and an impressive reputation. VdA has a solid client roster which includes major domestic and international banks and other financial institutions. The team advises on the full scope of transactional and regulatory matters, with outstanding expertise in debt restructurings and securitisation mandates. The firm assists with the sale of existing securitisation notes and handles applications to the Portuguese financial services regulator for the authorisation of new securitisation companies. It also offers strong cross-border capabilities involving other lusophone countries, having advised African banks on the financing of domestic public infrastructure projects.

Notable practitioners

  • Benedita Aires | Band 4
  • Francisco Sá Carneiro | Band 2
  • Paula Gomes Freire | Eminent Practitioner
  • Pedro Cassiano Santos | Star Individual
  • Tiago Correia Moreira | Band 4

Benedita Aires is skilled in advising lenders on real estate financing and refinancing mandates. She has further experience in handling debt refinancings.

Francisco Sá Carneiro specialises in retail finance-related transactions. He is also adept at handling refinancings.

Paula Gomes Freire is the managing partner at VdA. She is best recognised for her expert handling of securitisation matters. "Paula Gomes Freire is a strong leader and commercial lawyer."

Pedro Cassiano Santos leads VdA's banking practice and handles the full range of banking and finance matters. He is frequently seen advising prominent domestic and international clients on financial restructurings. "Pedro Cassiano Santos is a great lawyer, very knowledgeable and easy to interact with."; "Pedro has a deep knowledge of the Portuguese market."

Tiago Correia Moreira advises originator banks, issuers and investors on all transactional and regulatory matters arising in relation to securitisations.

"Tiago Correia Moreira has a great level of legal knowledge and experience. Tiago is a lawyer who embraces the client challenges every step of the way."

VdA houses an admired team handling both contentious and non-contentious work in Mozambique. The Lisbon-based group is skilled in assisting with project finance, corporate and real estate mandates. The firm's lawyers are also recognised for their presence on significant matters arising within the energy and natural resources sector. Its clients benefit from the firm's local presence through its partnership with Guilherme Daniel & Associados.

Work highlights  

VdA advised Portucel Moçambique on the development of an integrated forestry project.

Notable Practitioner

  • Teresa Empis Falcão | Portugal expertise based abroad

"Teresa Empis Falcão continues to earn recognition for her dynamic presence in the Mozambican market. Operating from the Lisbon office, her experience includes acting on high-level energy and infrastructure mandates."

Foreign desks

VdA is a well-regarded Lisbon-based law firm that advises clients on sophisticated mandates arising within the natural resources sector in Guinea-Bissau. Clients also benefit from its experience handling regulatory and finance mandates.

Notable Practitioner

  • João Afonso Fialho is a key contact for clients.

VdA is a Lisbon-headquartered law firm that is recognised as a leading expert in the energy and oil and gas sectors. Its team also has capabilities in labour law, litigation and arbitration, including in regional matters, and frequently advises global clients on transactional due diligence. It also actively advises on local regulatory frameworks, including matters concerning foreign exchange rules and banking.
 

Notable Practitioner

Key contacts include João Afonso Fialho

VdA is a well-regarded international law firm that is highlighted for its work on behalf of companies from the energy and natural resources space. The Lisbon-headquartered team is adept at handling corporate, tax and finance mandates for clients with interests in Angola, notably those involved in the oil and gas sector. Clients also benefit from its on-the-ground presence via its association with local firm ASP Advogados.

Notable practitioners

  • João Afonso Fialho | Portugal expertise based abroad
  • José Miguel Oliveira | Portugal expertise based abroad
  • Paulo Trindade Costa | Portugal expertise based abroad

VdA is a well-respected Portuguese law firm with considerable experience and activity operating in lusophone Africa, in addition to francophone Africa. The team is well positioned to assist with regulatory concerns, as well as the development of legislation in this space. It has further expertise in the financing and construction of communications infrastructure. In addition to representing private companies in the telecoms and technology sectors, the firm possesses extensive experience acting for public sector bodies and associations.

Work highlights 

VdA represented Companhia Santomense de Telecomunicações - the incumbent mobile operator in São Tomé e Príncipe - in several matters before the country's telecoms regulator, including with regard to its pricing model for new communications products.

Strengths

"The lawyers at VdA are quick to reply, highly responsive, and their deliverables are top-notch."

"The VdA team are very focused on providing the best support to their customers and are always available to assist us with our needs and deadlines."

"VdA has highly specialised staff with deep knowledge of the legal framework in the telecoms and digital sectors."

Notable practitioners

  • Magda Cocco | Band 3 

"Magda's reputation affords her immense credibility among our partners, members and stakeholders, who hold her input in high regard."

"She has extensive experience, is easy to communicate with and understands our needs."

VdA is a well-established Portuguese law firm that possesses considerable expertise in lusophone Africa, most significantly in Angola and Mozambique, including with regard to large cross-continental projects. It also has further strength advising on matters arising in francophone jurisdictions. The group possesses a significant presence in the oil and gas sector, where it represents major international companies and development banks. In addition to providing counsel on development and financing mandates, the group also handles an array of regulatory and M&A work.

Work highlights 

VdA represented the project consortium (comprising Trafigura, Mota-Engil and Vecturis) in its negotiations for the concession agreement concerning the Lobito Corridor railway line in Angola.

Strengths

"VdA provides very quick turnaround on time-sensitive matters."

"We receive phenomenal service from them."

Notable practitioners

Manuel Protásio, Ana Luís de Sousa and João Afonso Fialho are key contacts within the practice.

VdA is a well-known Portuguese law firm with considerable resources dedicated to transactions across lusophone Africa, particularly Angola and Mozambique. The firm is noted for its experience advising on the privatisation of state-owned entities, as well as investments into infrastructure development. The team possesses deep experience in a number of key industries, including the energy and power sectors, as well as financial services and manufactuing.

Work highlights  

VdA was counsel to Montepio Holdings regarding the sale of its controlling stake in Finibanco Angola to Access Bank for EUR17 million.

Strengths

"VdA has very strong knowledge and is committed to offering clients the best solution."

Notable practitioners

Lisbon-based partners Cláudia Cruz de Almeida and Paulo Trindade Costa act as key contacts for clients.

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