Awards and Rankings | Rankings

Legal 500

The ‘outstanding’ team at VdA Vieira de Almeida is ‘dynamic and innovative when handling complex transactions’. 

Fielding a strong team that is highly regarded for its ability to cover the full scope of banking and finance matters, VdA is praised by clients for its ‘impressive know-how and problem-solving capacity, combined with quick responses’. The team is consistently engaged in sophisticated lending deals and complex regulatory matters. Possessing the ability to ‘adapt quite easily to the issues and specificities of different types of processes’, the team has notable expertise in assisting banks in NPL deals and their deleveraging strategies. Team lead Pedro Cassiano Santos is noted for his expertise in all debt and regulatory issues, including capital markets matters. A litany of national and international financial players turn to Hugo Moredo Santos for his knowledge of debt and hybrid securities, covered bonds, and asset-backed transactions. Recommended for his ‘very dynamic vision’, Tiago Correia Moreira regularly advises credit institutions, financial companies and payment services providers, while Benedita Aires focuses on issuances and placements of debt, equity and regulatory capital instruments and other financial products.

Hall of Fame

  • Pedro Cassiano Santos

Next Generation Partners

  • Benedita Aires
  • Tiago Correia Moreira

Practice head(s):

  • Pedro Cassiano Santos

Other key lawyers:

  • Hugo Moredo Santos 
  • Pedro Simões Coelho
  • Benedita Aires
  • Tiago Correia Moreira
  • Carlos Filipe Couto
  • Sebastião Nogueira


Testimonials:

‘The team is very well prepared and understands the client’s language and, above all, their needs. Impressive know-how and problem-solving capacity, combined with quick responses.’

‘The team led by Tiago Correia Moreira has a very dynamic vision and points out constructive solutions for the client by identifying the associated risks.’

‘Tiago Correia Moreira is recommended for his quality in advising fintechs.’

‘Versatile team, with the speed and quality required. They can adapt quite easily to the issues and specificities of different types of processes. They understand the client and their fears and try to be more precise in their responses.’

‘Tiago Correia Moreira is very accessible and available to help or intervene whenever necessary.’

‘Sebastião Nogueira – very accessible and available. Very diligent and never fails to respond in a timely manner.’

 

Key clients: 

  • Defying Digital, Lda.
  • Sixth Street
  • Alantra Partners
  • Alantra Debt Solutions, S.L.
  • Kiloutou (Kapla Holdings Group)
  • Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited
  • Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (Sucursal en España)
  • Millennium BCP
  • Arrow Global Limited
  • Christofferson Robb & Company
  • Hefesto, STC, S.A.
  • Whitestar Asset Solutions, S.A.
  • SGALD


Work highlights:

  • Advised Morgan Stanley on the financing and/or refinancing of a portfolio of 46 logistics properties located in Portugal and recently acquired by the US asset manager Blackstone through a Portuguese company.
  • Advised Millennium BCP and Novo Banco, S.A. on the refinancing of the Portuguese company Bonaparte – Imóveis Comerciais e Participações, S.A.
  • Advised Arrow Global Limited and Christofferson Robb & Company on a financing restructuring transaction secured over a wide range of Portuguese assets, including (both secured and unsecured) non-performing loans, securitisation notes backed by non-performing loans, and SPVs.

The team at VdA, noted for its ‘cordiality, competence and availability’, enjoys an excellent market reputation for its involvement in consequential capital market transactions, including the national and international placement of both debt and equity. Covering the entire scope of capital markets matters, the practice effectively taps into the firm’s banking and finance expertise to provide comprehensive guidance to a diverse client base, composed of financial institutions and corporations across various sectors. At the helm sits Pedro Cassiano Santos, who is actively engaged in the structuring of several transactions involving debt, equity and hybrid instruments; he also boasts in-depth knowledge of securitisations and structured finance. With a strong track record in both domestic and cross-border deals, Hugo Moredo Santos advises on public offerings and private placements of equity, debt and hybrid securities, covered bonds and asset-backed transactions. Clients across financial and non-financial sectors seek Orlando Vogler Guiné's expertise in a variety of capital markets mandates, including derivatives and securities issues.

Leading Individuals

  • Hugo Moredo Santos

Hall of Fame

  • Pedro Cassiano Santos

Rising Stars

  • Orlando Vogler Guiné

Practice head(s)

  • Pedro Cassiano Santos

Other key lawyers

  • Hugo Moredo Santos
  • José Pedro Fazenda Martins
  • Benedita Aires
  • Orlando Vogler Guiné
  • Carlos Couto


Testimonials

‘VdA stands out to us for its availability to the client, its excellent communication, high level of specialisation, its proactivity, and decisive and effective approach to matters.’

‘Carlos Couto stands out as great expert in this field. He is efficient and very dedicated.’

‘The team stands out for its cordiality, competence and availability.’

‘Availability, proximity, professionalism, and problem-solving ability.’

Key clients: 

  • GreenVolt – Energias Renováveis, S.A.
  • Mota-Engil SGPS, S.A.
  • CTT, S.A.; Banco CTT, S.A.
  • Banco Santander Totta, S.A.
  • Gamma – Sociedade de Titularização de Créditos, S.A.
  • Unión Créditos Inmobiliarios, S.A., Establecimiento Financiero de Crédito
  • Sata Air Açores – Sociedade de Transportes Aéreos, S.A.
  • Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A., Banco Invest, S.A., Bankinter, S.A. and Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft
  • Arrow Global Limited; Whitestar Asset Solutions, S.A.; Hefesto STC, S.A.
  • Banco BPI, S.A., Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A., Banco Comercial Português, S.A., Caixa Geral de Depósitos, S.A. (and Caixa Banco de Investimento, S.A., as na affiliate of CGD) and Banco de Sabadell, S.A. – Sucursal em Portugal
  • Fortitude Capital

Work highlights

  • Acted as legal counsel to GreenVolt in the issuance of 17,792,576 new ordinary, book-entry and nominative shares.
  • Advising Greenvolt – Energias Renováveis, S.A. and coordinating parties involved in the public subscription offering and admission to trading on Euronext Lisbon of the bond issue denominated “Obrigações Verdes Greenvolt 2022-2027”.
  • Assisted Mota-Engil SGPS, S.A. as transaction counsel, coordinating all parties involved in the public subscription offering launched by Mota-Engil representative of the bond issue denominated “Obrigações Ligadas a Sustentabilidade Mota-Engil 2022-2027”.

Well-regarded for its ability to marry a ‘strong knowledge’ with a ‘great proactive’ approach, the corporate and M&A team at VdA acts for an array of clients across the telecoms, energy, healthcare, infrastructure, technology, and aviation sectors. The group works with various domestic and international corporates on the full spectrum of high-value corporate transactions. Leading the team is Cláudia da Cruz Almeida , who is a key port of call for clients hailing from the energy, infrastructure, aviation and tourism sectors seeking assistance with M&A, private equity matters and reorganisations. Restructurings, private equity investments and M&A are all key areas of activity for Paulo Trindade Costa. Jorge Bleck continues to advise on high-profile distressed M&A and restructurings, earning praise from clients, with one describing him as ‘one of the most experienced lawyers in Portugal’. Sofia Bobone is regularly engaged by domestic and international corporates on a host of M&A transactions, while dual qualified Maria Cunha Matos is noted for her cross-border expertise, advising international corporates and private equity clients.

Leading individuals

  • Cláudia Cruz Almeida

Hall of Fame

  • Jorge Bleck

Next Generation Partners

  • Maria Cunha Matos
  • Sofia Bobone

Practice head(s):

  • Cláudia Cruz Almeida

Other key lawyers

  • Jorge Bleck
  • Paulo Trindade Costa 
  • Francisco Sá Carneiro
  • Helena Vaz Pinto
  • Maria da Conceição Cabaços 
  • Maria Cunha Matos 
  • Sofia Bobone 

Testimonials

‘Leading firm in Portugal and strong knowledge of the market and different actors in corporate and M&A practice.’

‘Sofia Bobone has unparalleled experience in M&A and capital markets, in different geographies (Portugal, Angola, Mozambique). High availability.’

‘Jorge Bleck: unparalleled experience in M&A, particularly in privatisations and highly complex processes. One of the most experienced lawyers in Portugal.’

‘Great proactive approach to finding solutions to enable transactions. Excellent understanding of the nature of the business. Direct involvement of partners and rest of the team.’

‘VdA is a prominent law firm in Portugal, recognised for its excellence in the area of ​​corporate law and M&A. The team offers a high quality legal service, focused on an in-depth understanding of its clients’ needs and goals.’

‘The corporate and M&A team is fully dedicated to providing effective and strategic solutions, adapted to the specificities of each transaction.’

‘Paulo Trindade da Costa: extensive experience in M&A, in-depth knowledge of the Portuguese business environment, good knowledge of the economic framework in Angola.’

‘The corporate and M&A team is fully dedicated to providing effective and strategic solutions, adapted to the specificities of each transaction.’

Key clients:

  • EQT
  • SAUR SAS
  • PNI Portugal S.A.R.L.
  • Cellnex Portugal, S.A.
  • Kiloutou SAS
  • CTT, S.A.; Banco CTT, S.A.
  • Simpar, S.A.
  • FREZIGEST, SGPS S.A.
  • Vodafone Portugal – Comunicações Pessoais, S.A.
  • Fibroglobal, S.A.
  • Montepio Holdings, S.A.
  • Finerge Europe H. SARL
  • Fortitude Capital – Sociedade de Capital de Risco, S.A.
  • Fundação Oriente
  • GN Store Nord A/S
  • Semapa – Sociedade de Investimento e Gestão, SGPS, S.A.
  • Voestalpine High Performance Metals GMBH
  • C2 Capital Partners
  • Forcit
  • Menzies
  • Ó Capital


Work highlights

  • Advised Kiloutou SAS on the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Grupo Vendap, S.A. directly and of Crucial Meridian Unipessoal Lda. indirectly from Venerlapop, S.A..
  • Advised Igneo-owned Finerge Group on the acquisition of five windfarms in Portugal with a total installed capacity of 221.4 MW.
  • Advised Vodafone Portugal – Comunicações Pessoais, S.A. and Vodafone Group (UK) on the signing for the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Cabonitel, S.A., the holding company of Nowo Communications, S.A., with the transaction pending the necessary regulatory approval.

Recognised as a ‘leading law firm’, VdA‘s privacy and data protection team seamlessly integrates into the larger information, communication, and technology group. Praised for its ability to ‘provide truly remarkable solutions’, the team comprises specialised practitioners in specific industries, who adeptly support clients across sectors such as retail, healthcare, energy, insurance, transport, banking and gambling. The practice is steered by Magda Cocco, who has in-depth knowledge and experience in innovative technological projects in the electronic communications industry, is a key name in the market for data transfers, data breaches and compliance issues. Focused on data protection compliance programmes in Portugal and Africa, Inês Antas De Barros is noted for her work across the IT, insurance, banking, transport, pharmaceuticals, distribution and retail sectors. Managing associate Maria De Lurdes Gonçalves is also part of the core team focused on data protection and cybersecurity mandates.


Leading Individuals

  • Magda Cocco

Rising Stars

  • Maria de Lurdes Gonçalves

Next Generation Partners

  • Inês Antas de Barros

Practice head(s)

  • Magda Cocco

Other key lawyers

  • Inês Antas de Barros
  • Maria de Lurdes Gonçalves

Testimonials

‘VdA is a leading law firm. It has been absolutely remarkable to witness, as a long-time client, that each year VdA is dedicated to innovation and enhancing the already excellent service it consistently delivers.’

‘They provide truly remarkable solutions. The team is incredibly fantastic, in terms of knowledge, experience, creativity and innovation.’

I highlight Magda Cocco and Inês Antas de Barros for the incredible work they do with their team(s). I consider and testify to their enormous skills and sense of responsibility, making them a great reference in the market for me and, thus, justifying my loyalty as a client.’

‘We have been working with VdA for several years now and the reliability of the service provided has always been excellent.’

‘The team is made up of people with high knowledge and the ability to listen and understand the client’s specific problems. They are committed to finding the best solution.’

‘Total focus on the client and their operational needs combined with high-quality technical expertise in the matters in which legal advice is requested.’

‘Magda Cocco, Inês Antas de Barros, and Maria de Lurdes are all noted for their technical knowledge and availability.’ 

Key clients:

  • AGEAS Group
  • Altice Group
  • APS – Associação Portuguesa de Seguradores
  • Bial – Portela & Cª, S.A.
  • Brisa Group
  • ComparaMais, Lda.
  • CTT Group
  • CUF
  • EDP Group
  • European Space Agency (ESA)
  • E-REDES – Distribuição de Eletricidade, S.A.
  • Fresenius Kabi Pharma PT
  • Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian
  • Galp Energia, SGPS, S.A.
  • Gilead
  • HPA Saúde Group
  • IQVIA
  • José de Mello Group
  • Luís Simões
  • Lusíadas Saúde
  • Luz Saúde
  • MEO – Serviços de Comunicações e Multimédia S.A.
  • Mudum
  • ProChild Lab
  • Sistemas McDonald’s Portugal, Lda.
  • Sport Lisboa e Benfica Group (SLB)
  • VIA Outlets Portugal
  • Vodafone Portugal
  • Sonae Sierra S.A.
  • Zurich Insurance plc – Sucursal em Portugal

Work highlights

  • Advised AdvanceCare on a privacy by design and by default assessment of wellness and health-related mobile applications, while ensuring compliant deployment of AI solutions.
  • Assisted EDP Group with the implementation of two social projects (“Inclusão Energética” and “Solar Solidário”) aimed at providing efficiency and energy saving solutions to low-income families and individuals.
  • Assisted CVC Brasil (a Brazilian travel agency) with the incorporation of a Portuguese branch to operate in Portugal, drafting standard contracts for the Portuguese branch to use when providing services to Brazilian consumers, but also with European based hotels, transportation services and similar.

As one of the core focuses of the firm, VdA‘s dispute resolution team fields a broad practice that covers civil and commercial litigation and arbitration. As well as handling shareholder, M&A, distribution and construction disputes, the practice, noted for its ‘in-depth technical knowledge’, experienced a recent increase in instructions concerning collective actions and private enforcement cases. Frederico Gonçalves Pereira is a recognised restructuring and insolvency litigator and leads the team alongside Carla Gonçalves Borges, who is active in commercial arbitration and boasts niche expertise in sports-related disputes. With extensive experience in international arbitration, Mariana França Gouveia is active in cross-border disputes. Miguel Pinto Cardoso is a seasoned arbitrator, particular within the energy, construction and telecoms industries. Joana Neves shines in investor-State disputes, while Matilde Líbano Monteiro is experienced in investment arbitration. Pedro Pires Fernandes has experience before various courts and arbitral tribunals and Catarina Carvalho Cunha advises clients from various Portuguese-speaking countries.

 

Leading Individuals

  • Miguel Pinto Cardoso

Hall of Fame

  • Frederico Gonçalves Pereira

Next Generation Partners

  • Carla Gonçalves Borges

Practice head(s)

  • Frederico Gonçalves Pereira
  • Carla Gonçalves Borges

Other key lawyers:

  • Mariana França Gouveia
  • Miguel Pinto Cardoso
  • Joana Neves 
  • Matilde Líbano Monteiro
  • Pedro Pires Fernandes 
  • Catarina Carvalho

Testimonials

‘Excellent preparation of all subjects from a technical-legal perspective, showing high scientific and practical quality. Very good study of the dossiers and intervention in an extremely effective discussion and trial hearing. Excellent availability.’

‘Frederico Gonçalves Pereira and Joana Neves combine a personal posture of high sympathy and personal education.’

‘The quality of the team, availability, in-depth technical knowledge and responsiveness make VdA’s litigation department a very strong player in this very competitive sector.’

‘Frederico Çonçalves Pereira, Carla Gonçalves Borges and Joana Neves constitute a very well-articulated team with the capacity to respond to questions or topics of great responsibility.’

‘Great experience, planning the procedural strategy, taking into account all possible variables. Frederico Gonçalves Pereira’s leadership inspires great confidence and possible tranquility, in a particularly challenging judicial system.’

‘In-depth knowledge of the matters in question and procedural matters. Strategic vision. Close monitoring of the client at all stages of the processes, anticipating needs and always protecting the company’s interests.’

 Key clients:

  • Banco Comercial Português, S.A (BCP)
  • CTT – Correios de Portugal, S.A. (CTT)
  • KERLINK
  • Carrefour Group Brazil
  • Indaqua (and the Plainwater Group)
  • Roche – Sistemas de Diagnósticos, Sociedade Unipessoal, Lda. (Roche)
  • Fundo de Investimento Imobiliário Fechado Sete Colinas (F7C)
  • MEO – Serviços de Comunicação e Multimédia, S.A.
  • Tejo Energia – Produção e Distribuição de Energia Elétrica, S.A. (Tejo Energia) and TrustEnergy B.V. (Trust Energy)
  • Via Verde Portugal – Gestão de Sistemas Eletrónicos de Cobrança, S.A. (Via Verde)
  • DEUTSCHE APOTHEKER-UND ÄRZTEBANK EG (ANK)

Work highlights

  • Representing BCP and CGD in a complex set of disputes against businessman and art collector José Berardo and his corporate group (Berardo Group).
  • Representing CTT in a private enforcement claim filed by Vasp and Iberomail alleging that the agreement between the AdC and CTT was inadequate to enable a truly competitive postal market, that CTT had infringed antitrust law and caused damages to Vasp and Iberomail.
  • Representing Kerlink in a civil lawsuit filed by a Portuguese technology company, aiming to claim compensation for damages amounting to circa €21m. 

Well-regarded for its ‘in-depth knowledge’ and ‘strategic vision’, the energy and natural resoruces team at VdA boasts a strong track record in joint ventures, project finance, M&A, bond issuances and refinancings. The group’s expertise extends to advising on concession issues, bidding procedures, and a broad spectrum of regulatory matters. Counting oil and energy companies and financial institutions, among its key client roster, the team earns further praise for its cross-border expertise. Manuel Protásio specialises in project, acquisition, and other structured financings particularly in the energy, mining and water sectors. Practice head Ana Luís de Sousa focuses on the development and implementation of projects within the energy sector, while João Afonso Fialho, who heads up the firm’s oil and gas team, is noted for his cross-border capabilities. Vanda Cascão is particularly active in the financing, structuring and implementation of projects in the energy sector. Assunção Cristas, who has held several positions in public office, joined in 2022 to head the firm's ESG Integrated Services Platform.

Hall of Fame

  • Vanda Cascão

Next Generation Partners

  • Ana Luís de Sousa

Practice head(s)

  • Ana Luís de Sousa
  • João Afonso Fialho
  • Assunção Cristas

Other key lawyers

  • Vanda Cascão
  • Manuel Protásio
  • José Miguel Oliveira
  • Marta Stock da Cunha

 Testimonials

‘Comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of the complex legislation surrounding these matters. The counseling has always been very good and well supported.’

‘Professional attitude and the ability to quickly grasp the main points to focus on. I would particularly highlight partner Ana Luís de Sousa.’

‘Technical knowledge, organisation and team management.’

‘Manuel Protásio stands out for his professionalism, technical knowledge, organisation and team management skills.’

‘In-depth knowledge of the matters in question and the sector. Strategic vision. Close monitoring of the client, anticipating needs and always protecting the company’s interests.’

Key clients:

  • Macquerie Asset Management
  • Timor-Leste National Petroleum and Minerals Authority (ANPM)
  • Greenvolt – Energias Renováveis, S.A.
  • Government of Cabo Verde (Ministry of Finance – Unidade de Gestão de Projetos Especiais)
  • TrustEnergy Group
  • Finerge Group
  • KT – Kinetics Technology, SPA (member of Maire Tecnimont Group)
  • Companhia das Energias Oceânicas |Wave Energy Center (WAVEC) and INESC TEC – Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science
  • Banco Comercial Português, S.A. and Caixa Central – Caixa Central de Crédito Agrícola Mútuo, Crl.
  • Bpifrance, La Banque Postale and La Banque Postale Asset Management
  • Voltalia Portugal, S.A.
  • APL Europe | Newcon40, Unipessoal, Lda.
  • Finerge Europe H Sarl
  • Regaenergy, S.A.

 Work highlights:

  • Acted for Greenvolt in the issuance of 17,792,576 new ordinary, book-entry and nominative shares, without nominal value, representing approximately 12.785% of the share capital of GreenVolt.
  • Advised a consortium led by Macquerie Asset Management and composed of British Columbia Investment Management Corporation and MEAG Germany on the purchase of a portfolio of solar projects in Europe and Latin America.
  • Assisting the Government of East Timor/ANPM in the negotiation with the Government of Australia and Greater Sunrise Joint Venture (Operator) of the whole legal and contractual framework for the development of greater Sunrise fields.

The ‘robust’ competition team at VdA consistently attracts instructions from major domestic companies and leading international players for its expertise in all manner of merger clearance mandates, investigations, state aid and litigation mandates, earning praise for its ‘diversity of specialists in different areas of competition’. Steering the practice is Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro , who possesses a strong reputation in the market for his ‘knowledge, ability to define strategy and outstanding presence in court’. Nuno Ruiz shines in high-profile antitrust investigations and cartel cases at both the domestic and EU level. Managing associate Cláudia Coutinho Da Costa is recommended for her ability to act for a variety of clients, from banking to infrastructure players, in merger control proceedings, domestically and internationally.


Hall of Fame

  • Nuno Ruiz

Rising Stars

  • Cláudia Coutinho da Costa

Next Generation Partners

  • Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro

Practice head(s)

  • Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro

Other key lawyers

  • Nuno Ruiz
  • Cláudia Coutinho da Costa
  • Bruno Zêzere Barradas 

Testimonials

The team is accessible and responsive.’

‘Cláudia Coutinho da Costa and Bruno de Zêzere Barradas were helpful, responsive and solution-oriented. There was a great deal of camaraderie, which was welcomed.’

‘The Vda competition team conveys great confidence from the beginning. Throughout the entire process I always felt a unique team spirit and collaboration, which allowed strong security even in times of stress.’

‘I would like to recommend Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro for his knowledge, ability to define strategy and outstanding presence in court.’

‘The VdA team has provided us with support on a subject of great complexity and relevance, which stands out for its commitment and the depth and quality of the analysis provided.’

‘I believe that VDA provides a service of excellent quality. I highlight their great proximity to the client. They have great knowledge of the sector of activity in which I operate and we have maintained a partnership of around 10 years.’

‘The best competition law department in the market, with Nuno Ruiz and Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro clearly being the most successful names in the sector.’

‘It is a robust team that combines experience with a diversity of specialists in different areas of competition, particularly regulatory litigation. The enormous experience of its main partners guarantees not only theoretical knowledge of regulation, but also practical knowledge of the countless cases previously handled.’

Key clients: 

  • Vodafone Portugal – Comunicações Pessoais, S.A.
  • MEO – Serviços de Comunicação e Multimédia
  • Lusíadas Group
  • José de Mello Group
  • Zurich Insurance PLC – Sucursal Portugal
  • Kinto Portugal
  • Dia Portugal Supermercados, SA
  • Active Brands
  • Portuguese State (Parpública)
  • Menzies Aviation
  • Banco Comercial Português
  • Caixa Central de Crédito Agrícola Mútuo Bank
  • SATA Airlines (Governo Regional dos Açores)
  • Somafel – Engenharia e Obras Ferroviárias, S.A.
  • Sport Lisboa e Benfica (SLB)
  • Samsung
  • Grupo 2045
  • OLX–OLX Portugal, S.A

Work Highlights

  • Represented Zurich in an antitrust investigation by the Portuguese Competition Authority (PCA).
  • Assisting Sport Lisboa e Benfica – Futebol, SAD in the first no-poach investigation carried out by the Portuguese Competition Authority.
  • Assisting Vodafone Portugal in the context of the acquisition of sole control over Cabonitel, S.A., whose main asset is Nowo Communications, S.A. (Nowo).

VdA draws considerable praise from clients, who turn to the team for its ‘depth of analysis’ and ‘vast knowledge’ on the full gamut of regulatory and criminal investigations. The practice assists clients from the sports, financial services, telecoms, energy and media sectors on matters pertaining to regulatory investigations, money laundering and corruption cases, and search and seizure procedures. The team is spearheaded by Sofia Ribeiro Branco who is noted for her focus on regulatory offences cases across a wide range of sectors. Branco is supported by managing associate Joana Bernardo, who boasts considerable experience in criminal cases and misdemeanour and regulatory litigation.
 

Leading Individuals

  • Sofia Ribeiro Branco

Practice head(s)

  • Sofia Ribeiro Branco 

Other key lawyers

  • Joana Bernardo

 Testimonials

‘The team has unique expertise in the Portuguese market. Sofia Ribeiro Branco is an excellent professional, with great experience in the area. She combines very solid legal knowledge, sagacity and great availability, involvement and commitment to the cases she works on.’

‘Depth of analysis and the team searched for alternatives with persistence.’

‘VdA has a team that is very available and focused on providing the best client advice.’

‘I highlight the availability and holistic vision of Sofia Ribeiro Branco, as well as the professionalism and thoughtful attitude of Joana Bernardo.’

 Key clients

  • EDP Group
  • Mário Ferreira (Pluris Investments)
  • Doyen Sports Investment (DSI)- Football Leaks
  • Ascendi and Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian
  • Sport Lisboa e Benfica — Futebol, S.A.D.
  • Varzim sol – Turismo, Jogo e Animação, S.A.
  • CUF
  • Asperbras
  • Manuel Salgado
  • Several companies and insolvent companies of the Espírito Santo Group (BES Case) RFI/ESI
  • Francisco Andrade
  • Marítimo da Madeira Futebol – SAD
  • INE – Instituto Nacional de Estatística (the National Statistics Institute)
  • Engie Group
  • MEO (Altice Group)

 Work Highlights

  • Advising António Mexia and João Manso Neto and assisting REN in an ongoing criminal investigation, looking into the conduct of members of EDP Group, REN Group and the Portuguese Government.
  • Acting for Mário Ferreira and Pluris in an investigation by the recently created European Public Prosecutor’s Office for alleged fraud in obtaining European subsidies.
  • Representing Doyen in a cybercrime investigation case related to the illegal disclosure of several contracts and information.

VdA is highly regarded for its advice to corporate clients on financial restructuring, distressed asset negotiations, voluntary business rescue processes, special revitalisations, and insolvency proceedings. Frederico Gonçalves Pereira, who founded the firm’s litigation and arbitration department, and is a seasoned commercial litigation and corporate restructuring practitioner, oversees the department. Teresa Pitôrra, a key contact for both creditors and debtors, focuses on restructuring and insolvency proceedings in an array of sectors, notably banking and telecoms. Managing associate Catarina Carvalho Cunha has advised clients from the telecoms, banking, and energy spaces in restructuring ad insolvency matters in Portugal and Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa. Former practice co-head Filipa Cotta is no longer at the firm.

Hall of Fame

  • Frederico Gonçalves Pereira

Next Generation Partners

  • Teresa Pitôrra

Practice head(s)

  • Frederico Gonçalves Pereira

Other Key Lawyers

  • Teresa Pitôrra
  • Catarina Carvalho Cunha
  • Catarina Frutuoso dos Santos 

Key clients:

  • Rio Forte Investments, S.A.
  • Banif Finance Ltd.
  • Caixa Gestão de Ativos, S.A. (“CGA”) and Insolvent Estate of Fundo de Investimento Imobiliário Fechado Promovest
  • Valeo Systèmes de Contrôle Moteur; Banco Português de Fomento
  • Atena Equity Partners / Maló Clinic S.A. and its subsidiaries
  • Banco de Portugal
  • Menzies Aviation
  • Millennium BCP
  • Urialdo Bettencourt Lda

Drawing considerable praise from clients for its ability to marry its ‘deep knowledge of legislation’ with a ‘client-oriented’ approach, the team at VdA handles the entire spectrum of IP matters, ranging from patent, trade mark, design, and copyright non-contentious issues, to complex litigation and arbitration. Spearheading the team is Marta Alves Vieira, who has notable strength in IP litigation, regularly handling high-profile matters for a range of pharma clients. With over four decades of experience, António de Magalhães Cardoso is a reference for dispute resolution in this space, including pharmaceutical patent enforcement. Managing associate Sara Nazaré is a key port of call for clients within the pharmaceutical sector, offering regular counsel on patents.

 

Hall of Fame

  • António de Magalhães Cardoso

Rising Stars

  • Sara Nazaré

Next Generation Partners

  • Marta Alves Vieira

Practice head(s):

  • Marta Alves Vieira

Other key lawyers

  • António de Magalhães Cardoso
  • Sara Nazaré 
  • Beatriz Lima
  • Ana Falcão Afonso

 Testimonials

The team is multidisciplinary and has a client-oriented approach.’

‘VdA’s IP team stands out for the quality, consistency and innovation of the legal advice it provides, combining in-depth knowledge of legislation, doctrine and jurisprudence. They are always one step ahead in defining defence strategies and proposing solutions, with demonstrated gains in effectiveness and success in resolving problems and conflicts.’

‘I particularly recommend Sara Nazaré for her critical sense, solid knowledge, analytical skills, very effective, innovative and results-oriented strategic vision, combined with remarkable clarity of reasoning and presentation of proposals to the client.’

‘Beatriz Lima has stood out for her dedication to the client; very professional, solid, competent, timely performance; and ability to present ideas orally and in writing in a concise, clear and very effective way.’

‘Great breadth and depth in patent litigation and pharmaceutical regulatory matters.’

‘Beatriz Lima has excellent knowledge of Portuguese patent litigation procedures and Portuguese pharmaceutical product regulations. She provides well-crafted, clear, prompt advice on multiple issues.’

‘Very helpful team with good technical quality in responding to questions asked.’

‘Marta Alves Vieira is very diligent and technically competent. Always available to help the client find the most appropriate solution.’

 Key clients:

  • AstraZeneca
  • Biogen
  • Bristol-Myers Squibb
  • Cloudflare
  • Codavel
  • CUF
  • Daiichi Sankyo
  • Lundbeck
  • Luz Saúde
  • MEO – Serviços de Comunicação e Multimédia, S.A.
  • Merck Sharp and Dohme
  • Novartis AG
  • Takeda and Millennium Phamaceuticals
  • Vanguard Properties

 Work highlights

  • Acting for Novartis in patent litigation and settlement negotiations.
  • Acting for Merck Sharp & Dohme in patent and SPC litigation (judicial actions, including main actions and PIs) and settlement negotiations.
  • Assisting Cloudflare INC in the context of preliminary injunction proceedings brought against Cloudflare related to copyright and related rights.

VdA fields a robust Porto-based team, enriched with extensive expertise in ‘several areas of law’, spanning corporate and M&A, tax, employment, public law, dispute resolution, white-collar crime, TMT, data privacy, and real estate. The team is active across the manufacturing, energy, automotive, telecoms and technology sectors, and earns further praise for its cross-border capabilities. Focused on tax law, practice head João Velez de Lima regularly acts for clients in judicial and administrative tax litigation, international taxation issues and compliance work. Labour and employment specialist Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão is noted for his experience in contentious matters, including arbitration. Miguel Reis excels in domestic and international taxation issues, while Isabel Gião de Andrade works closely with clients in corporate governance issues and M&A deals. Recently promoted partner Benedita Gonçalves undertakes a range of labour and social security law work.

Leading Individuals

  • Isabel Gião de Andrade
  • Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão
  • Miguel C. Reis

Next Generation Partners

  • João Velez de Lima
  • Benedita Gonçalves

Practice head(s):

  • João Velez de Lima

Other key lawyers

  • Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão
  • Isabel Gião de Andrade
  • Maria da Conceição Cabaços
  • Miguel C. Reis 
  • Benedita Gonçalves
  • Inês Sotto Mayor
  • João Soares Franco
  • Pedro Ferreira de Sousa 
  • Salomé Corte-Real

 Testimonials

'At VdA, the labour law team in Porto demonstrates a great focus on analysing the problems raised.’

‘The team, most notably Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão, demonstrates enormous care and attention in analysing the situations presented, as well as important practical and current knowledge, particularly in complex topics such as collective relations and collective dismissals.’

‘The team is easily available, professional and easy to talk to.’

‘VdA has a team with extensive knowledge in different business areas that allows it to meet the different needs of its customers.’

‘Pedro Ferreira de Sousa is our point of contact in the labour and litigation areas and has provided us with high quality legal advice. I would highlight his availability, ease of exposure and technical expertise.’

‘Miguel Reis is experienced, a team influencer and has a lot of knowledge of law and jurisprudence.’

‘João Velez Lima has great knowledge of legislation and a fantastic ability to argue.’

‘This firm is experienced in several areas of law, where its lawyers and technicians are highly specialised, providing a proximity service and prompt responses.’

Key clients:

  • ACA Group
  • ACM Group
  • AGPL – Empresa de Trabalho Portuário Douro e Leixões
  • ATEP AMKOR
  • Casais
  • Cellnex Telecom
  • CHVNGE – Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia Espinho, E.P.E.
  • Coindu
  • ENGIE
  • Finerge Group
  • Forcit
  • Frezite Group
  • Iberdrola
  • INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory
  • Körber Supply Chain PT, S.A.
  • Montepio Crédito
  • Mota-Engil
  • Movhera
  • Propreal Capital Partners
  • RAR Group
  • SBM Production Contractors Inc., S.A. – Sucursal em Portugal (Group SBM Offshore)
  • Solitaire (Intercontinental Hotels Group)
  • Sonae Arauco
  • Sousa Group
  • SuperBock Group
  • STCP – Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto
  • TrustEnergy Group
  • Violas Ferreira SICAFI
  • Worthington Group (Amtrol)

Work highlights

  • Assisting Iberdrola with several large intra-group tax issues.
  • Assisting SBM with thw implementation of its business activity in Portugal, namely with the setting up of all contractual framework with its main suppliers and stakeholders, establishing the labour relationships with local and expatriated staff, and reviewing and adjusting the main governance policies of the Group.
  • Advising Engie Group companies in Portugal, in particular Engie Douro, on several legal matters.

Recommended for its ‘deep knowledge’ of the energy, oil and gas, infrastructure, and transport sectors, VdA caters to a diverse client base, which includes sponsors, financiers, construction companies and operators. Practice head Manuel Protásio specialises in project and structured finance, with a special emphasis on the energy, mining, and water segments. Ana Luís de Sousa and Vanda Cascão concentrate on the energy sector, showcasing experience in the financing and development of greenfield projects. Teresa Empis Falcão is distinguished for her work in infrastructure and energy-related project finance and development at the domestic and international levels, while João Afonso Fialho is a name to note for oil and gas, mining, and infrastructure projects in Africa.

 

Leading Individuals

  • Paulo de Barros Baptista
  • Teresa Empis Falcão

Hall of Fame

  • Vanda Cascão
  • Manuel Protásio

Next Generation Partners

  • Ana Luís de Sousa

Practice head(s):

  • Manuel Protásio

Other key lawyers

  • Ana Luís de Sousa
  • João Afonso Fialho
  • Vanda Cascão
  • Teresa Empis Falcão
  • Paulo de Barros Baptista
  • Catarina Coimbra

Testemonials

‘The team is very attentive and helpful. Client care is perhaps one of their strongest points.’

‘They take on the weight of the clients, ensuring good results.’

‘They have deep knowledge of the subjects, the ability to integrate the specificities of the client’s activity, availability, and commitment.’

‘Vanda Cascão has knowledge of the energy sector and the national context of the sector.’

‘The team has experience in project finance of renewable assets. They are available for clarifications and able to find solutions.’

‘Great commitment, dedication and resilience in the projects in which they are involved. Great ability to analyse and view problems from different angles.’

‘I clearly recommend Manuel Protásio for the experience he brings to projects and for his confidence in the solutions he presents.’

Key clients:

  • Brisal – Auto-Estradas do Litoral, S.A.
  • Finerge Group
  • KT – Kinetics Technology, SPA
  • Mota- Engil, Engenharia e Construção África, S.A.
  • Timor-Leste National Petroleum and Minerals Authority (ANPM)
  • Sugal Alimentos, S.A.
  • Banco Comercial Português, S.A. and Caixa Central – Caixa Central de Crédito Agrícola Mútuo, Crl.
  • Bpifrance, La Banque Postale and La Banque Postale Asset Management
  • Voltalia Portugal, S.A.
  • APL Europe | Newcon40, Unipessoal, Lda.
  • Companhia das Energias Oceânicas |Wave Energy Center (WAVEC) and INESC TEC – Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science
  • Government of Cabo Verde (Ministry of Finance – Unidade de Gestão de Projetos Especiais)
  • Greenvolt – Energias Renováveis, S.A.

VdA stands out for its sector-specific acumen, notably in banking, telecoms, healthcare, energy, and infrastructure. Led by Paulo Pinheiro and Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira, the ‘exceptional team’ is a go-to adviser for public concessionaires and service licensees seeking guidance in public procurement, dispute resolution and privatisation procedures. Co-head Pinheiro, 'an unmissable name in the market', excels in administrative litigation and concessions in Portugal and Angola, while fellow co-leader Esteves de Oliveira handles concessions, litigation, and public procurement with a particular focus on the banking and infrastructure sectors. Other key individuals include Ana Marta Castro, who often advises on public procurement, litigation, and privatisations in the defence and aviation segments, and Catarina Pinto Correia, whose broad expertise covers public procurement, regulatory and contentious matters.

 

Leading Individuals

  • Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira

Hall of Fame

  • Paulo Pinheiro

Next Generation Partners

  • Ana Marta Castro
  • Catarina Pinto Correia

Practice head(s):

  • Paulo Pinheiro
  • Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira

Other key lawyers

  • Ana Marta Castro
  • Catarina Pinto Correia
  • André Gaspar Martins
  • João Soares Franco 
  • Marco Caldeira

Testimonials

‘VdA sets itself apart by approaching and serving clients in a warm and almost familial manner, while still maintaining the highest standards of rigour and professionalism.’

‘Ana Marta Castro’s competence, availability, empathy and permanent search for the best solutions gave us an unparalleled sense of security.’

‘VdA has an exceptional team at the technical, strategic and subject management levels. Paulo Pinheiro is an unmissable name in the market, combining technical solidity and sagacity with the ability to listen and meet the client’s objectives. ’

‘The VdA team is very experienced and complementary in all areas of public law.’

‘Paulo Pinheiro and André Gaspar Martins are particularly noteworthy.’

‘Excellent responsiveness, flexibility and quality of deliveries.’

‘Catarina Pinto Correia stands out for her legal knowledge, friendliness, professionalism, prestige and recognition.’

‘Paulo Pinheiro’s strengths include agility, availability, and client orientation, while Ana Marta Castro’s strengths include availability, delivery capacity, and strong work ethic.’

 Key clients:

  • Banco de Portugal
  • Vodafone Portugal – Comunicações Pessoais, S.A.
  • CTT – Correios de Portugal, S.A.
  • Portuguese Government
  • MEO – Serviços de Comunicações e Multimédia, S.A.
  • Portuguese Government (Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Economy) and Parpública
  • Tejo Energia, S.A.
  • Águas de Portugal Group
  • ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, S.A.
  • Finerge, S.A.
  • Group EGF – Environment Global Facilities
  • SATA Air Açores, S.A. and Azores Regional Government
  • CUF, S.A.
  • Ferrovial Construccion| ACA – Alberto Couto Alves S.A.
  • Novartis Farma
  • Solverde – Sociedade de Investimentos Turísticos da Costa Verde, S.A.
  • Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A.
  • Biogen MA Inc. and Biogen Portugal – Sociedade Farmacêutica, Unipessoal, Lda.
  • Rubis Energia Portugal
  • Sociedade Francisco Manuel dos Santos (SFPS) / Blue Ocean Foundation

Work highlights

  • Advised Banco de Portugal and Fundo de Resolução on legal proceedings related to Banco Espírito Santo’s 2014 resolution, including senior debt retransfer, Novo Banco’s sale, and related state aid challenges before the European Union’s General Court.
  • Provides regular legal assistance to Vodafone in all major public law matters as well as in administrative litigation cases.
  • Assisting CTT with the execution of the postal service concession agreement with the Portuguese State, including arbitral litigation, regulatory issues, and administrative procedures involving the regulator ANACOM.

VdA’s robust real estate team is well versed in the entire spectrum of real estate matters, standing out for its strong track record in M&A, financings and project development in the hospitality, retail, and commercial spheres. Noted by clients for being ‘highly knowledgeable about the real estate market’, Pedro Ferreirinha demonstrates deep expertise in the acquisition, sale, and leasing of various projects, including office, residential, leisure, and retail properties. Team members Miguel Marques dos Santos and Pedro Pereira Coutinho concentrate on transactional work and on the management of real estate projects, including construction supervision services agreements. Pedro Corrêa d’Oliveira, who oversees the real estate team based in Porto, is another name to note for real estate M&A, sale and leasebacks and project development.


Hall of Fame

  • Miguel Marques dos Santos
  • Pedro Ferreirinha

Next Generation Partners

  • Pedro Pereira Coutinho

Practice head(s):

  • Pedro Ferreirinha

Other key lawyers

  • Miguel Marques dos Santos
  • Pedro Pereira Coutinho
  • Pedro Corrêa D'Oliveira
  • Raul Mota Cerveira
  • Lisa Lopes

Testimonials

'The firm is recognised by the market for its professionalism, technical knowledge and the quality of its lawyers.’

‘They have experience and in-depth knowledge of aspects related to urban planning, real estate and construction.’

‘Pedro Ferreirinha is highly knowledgeable about the real estate market and is good at defining the best strategy for each situation. Pedro Corrêa de Oliveira has good responsiveness and good knowledge of all aspects necessary to implement real estate projects.’

Key clients:

  • Vanguard Properties (Group Claude Berda)
  • Norifn
  • ALTAYA (Group Castel)
  • Orion
  • MAKRO – Cash & Carry Portugal, S.A.
  • EMGI – Investment Group
  • Via Outlets
  • Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited
  • Deutsche Bank, AG
  • Alantra Partners

Work highlights

  • Assisted Vanguard Properties with the development of two high-end tourism and residential projects in Comporta.
  • Advised Morgan Stanley on the financing and refinancing of a portfolio of 46 logistics properties in Portugal, recently acquired by Blackstone.
  • Assisted Vanguard Properties (Group Claude Berda) with the acquisition and development of a portfolio of residential and hospitality properties, including A Tower, a residential project in Lisbon’s Amoreiras quarter.

Well-regarded for its ability to offer clients a ‘high-quality service’ and an ‘in-depth knowledge of tax laws and regulations’, VdA‘s tax group possesses the capabilities to advise on the entire spectrum of tax-related matters, including both transactional and day-to-day matters. The team is particularly strong in the energy, real estate, infrastructure, life sciences, IT and financial sectors, regularly assisting banks, insurers, funds and fintech companies. The practice is steered by Tiago Marreiros Moreira, who is recommended for the international tax structuring of major transactions in Portugal and in Portuguese-speaking countries. Both Miguel Reis and Joaquim Pedro Lampreia are highly regarded tax litigators, noted for their ability to advise on the full scope of tax disputes. The ‘very dedicated’ João Velez de Lima is a key port of call for international and domestic companies hailing from the energy, industrial, real estate and telecoms sectors. Francisco Cabral Matos is regularly involved in corporate restructuring, banking and finance, international tax planning and tax litigation matters, while counsel Conceição Gamito excels in VAT advice.

Leading Individuals

  • Joaquim Pedro Lampreia
  • Miguel C. Reis
  • Tiago Marreiros Moreira

Rising stars

  • Conceição Gamito

Next Generation Partners

  • Francisco Cabral Matos
  • João Velez de Lima

Practice head(s)

  • Tiago Marreiros Moreira

Other key lawyers

  • Joaquim Pedro Lampreia
  • Miguel C. Reis
  • Francisco Cabral Matos
  • João Velez de Lima
  • Conceição Gamito
  • Salomé Corte-Real

Testimonials

‘VdA is a renowned law firm in Portugal, with a strong reputation in the tax area. VdA’s tax area stands out in the national legal market for several reasons that highlight its uniqueness and excellence.’

‘VdA offers a high quality service in the tax area, characterised by precision, technical expertise and in-depth knowledge of tax laws and regulations. VdA’s tax team is recognised for its ability to provide creative and personalised solutions for its clients, aimed at tax optimisation and compliance with current laws.’

‘VdA’s tax team is made up of highly qualified lawyers, many of whom specialise in different aspects of tax legislation. The team is recognised for its ability to deal with complex tax issues, offering solid and strategic advice that meets clients’ needs and objectives.’

‘I would recommend Conceição Gamito for her solid knowledge and vast experience in VAT and tax processes and Joaquim Pedro Lampreia for his solid knowledge and vast experience in IRC and Stamp Tax.’

‘João Velez de Lima – very dedicated, available, and competent in the tax area.’

‘Very balanced team. There are lawyers with valuable experiences that complement each other. They work with a focus on the client and their needs, providing a tailor-made service. Availability to collaborate and meet deadlines.’

‘João Velez de Lima: great capacity for work; the non-conformist who always looks for solutions; ambitious and very hardworking.’

‘Salomé Corte Real – work capacity, dedication, knowledge, involvement and meeting deadlines.’

Key clients:

  • ANPM (East Timor National Petroleum and Minerals Authority)
  • Greenvolt – Energias Renováveis, S.A.
  • Vanguard Properties (Group Claude Berda)
  • Iberdrola Group
  • Churchill Graham, S.A.
  • Total/EDF
  • De Beers Exploration Holding Limited
  • Caixa Central Agrícola
  • Finerge, S.A.
  • TIIC/Inspire Capital
  • Mota Engil, S.A.
  • Securitas Portugal
  • KILOUTOU SAS
  • Group EllaLink
  • Eutelsat, S.A.

VdA is noted for its ability to ‘comprehensively and effectively address a wide range of legal issues’, providing clients with a fully comprehensive TMT service. The team has demonstrable experience in transactional, regulatory, and contentious matters, catering to clients from the worlds of media, entertainment, science, technology, cybersecurity, telecoms, aerospace and digital economy. The practice is steered by Magda Cocco who is recommended for her expertise in telecoms, media, aerospace and data protection. Fernando Resina da Silva, is renowned for his wide-ranging focus on information and communication technologies, outsourcing, cloud computing, and IP. Regulatory issues surrounding electronic and postal communications form the basis of Tiago Bessa‘s caseload. Margarida Couto is also noted. Principal consultant Helena Correia Mendonça is singled out for her knowledge of technology-related matters, covering blockchain, AI, software and outsourcing, while Isabel Ornelas is particularly active in transactions involving the telecoms sector in Portugal and Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa.

 

Hall of Fame

  • Fernando Resina da Silva
  • Magda Cocco
  • Margarida Couto

Rising Stars:

  • Isabel Ornelas

Practice head(s):

  • Magda Cocco

Other key Lawyer

  • Fernando Resina da Silva
  • Tiago Bessa
  • Margarida Couto
  • Helena Correia Mendonça
  • Isabel Ornelas
  • Marília Frias
  • Joana Pacheco

Testimonials

‘VdA is a leading law firm. They provide an excellent and remarkable service.’

‘The team is incredibly fantastic, in terms of knowledge, experience, creativity, ethical attitude, responsibility, agility and availability.’

‘I would like to mention Magda Cocco for her incredible work. I testify to her enormous skills and sense of responsibility, making her a great reference in the market.’

‘VdA’s commitment to delivering exceptional legal services is at the core of its ethos. Every team member is dedicated to providing the highest level of competence.’

‘VdA distinguishes itself by adopting a holistic approach to serving its clients, offering legal solutions that align with clients’ strategic objectives.’

‘The VdA team is made up of lawyers with extensive experience in different areas of law. This diversity of knowledge and experience allows them to comprehensively and effectively address a wide range of legal issues, even the most complex ones.’

‘The partners and associates are exceptional technically and have excellent knowledge of the national and international market.’

‘The VdA team has been providing us with assistance in terms of technology for many years, and has been entrusted with several crucial and highly relevant processes within our company. The response has been unsurpassed, despite the very considerable volume of work entrusted to the same team.’

Key clients:

  • Tata Communications (Portugal), Lda.
  • CTT – Correios de Portugal, S.A.
  • MEO – Serviços de Comunicações e Multimédia, S.A
  • Cellnex Telecom
  • ESA (European Space Agency) | GMV | Guardtime
  • ESA (European Space Agency)
  • EllaLink
  • T.V.I. – Televisão Independente, S.A.
  • Kaizen Gaming International Limited
  • Sport Lisboa e Benfica

Work highlights

  • Advised Vodafone on the acquisition of Nowo Communications, S.A.
  • Advised EllaLink on various agreements related to dark fibre and infrastructure.
  • Assisting the Cellnex group with the ongoing planning and launching of new business models, such as Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and radio communication signal repetition solutions.

At VdA, the employment practice acts for an impressive client roster, featuring leading companies from the banking, technology, life sciences, and energy sectors across Portuguese-speaking countries. At the helm of the team is Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão, a veteran labour practitioner based in Porto with a wealth of experience in national and international arbitration. In Lisbon, Américo Oliveira Fragoso provides comprehensive advice to a diverse client base on all aspects of labour and social security law, including litigation. The ‘exceptional‘ Benedita Gonçalves, who sits in the Porto office, focuses on corporate restructuring, lay-offs, labour negotiation, and employment law training. Both Fragoso and Gonçalves were promoted to the partnership in 2023.

 

Leading Individuals

  • Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão

Next Generation Partners

  • Américo Oliveira Fragoso

Practice head(s)

  • Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão

Other key lawyers

  • Américo Oliveira Fragoso
  • Benedita Gonçalves
  • Tiago Piló
  • Pedro Ferreira de Sousa
  • José Fernando Barata 

Testimonials

‘The services provided by the firm are of excellent quality, characterised by a high technical level, outstanding writing style, promptness in handling requests, rigorous adherence to mandated obligations, and exceptional availability and kindness in client interactions.’

‘Tiago Piló stands out for his exceptional leadership skills, professionalism, and constant availability, making it easy to reach him for support.’

‘VdA’s team possesses broad knowledge across various business sectors, enabling it to cater to the diverse needs of their clients.’

‘Pedro Ferreira de Sousa provides high-quality legal advice, notable for his availability, clear communication, and technical expertise.’

‘Américo Oliveira Fragoso is distinguished by his deep understanding of technical aspects and market operations, along with his constant availability, empathy, and communication skills.’

‘They are always available, extremely supportive, and credible, providing a sense of security whenever VdA’s support is involved.’

‘Benedita Gonçalves is exceptional, combining extensive knowledge with a friendly and humorous demeanour.’

 Key clients:

  • Menzies Aviation
  • Nomad Foods
  • TAAG – Angolan National Airline Company
  • Airbus
  • Timwetech
  • Maravilha Farms (Reiter Affiliated Companies Group)
  • Multi Portugal Group
  • El Corte Inglés
  • Azule Energy (BP & ENI JV for Oil&Gas)
  • Petrowork
  • Petroleum Industry Contractors Association (Angola)
  • Mund Europe
  • Eptarefrigeration Portugal
  • XPO Logistics
  • Greenvolt Group
  • Unitel
  • Kaizen Group
  • Indra Group
  • Montalva Group
  • Portugália Group
  • SBM Production Contractors Inc., S.A. – Sucursal em Portugal (Group SBM Offshore)
  • AGPL – Empresa de Trabalho Portuário Douro e Leixões
  • SuperBock Group
  • MSD
  • VALMET, Lda.
  • Sport Lisboa e Benfica, SAD
  • Grupo Trofa Saúde
  • Uber
  • TechnipFMC
  • Novartis
  • Brisa
  • Unitel
  • Towers Watson
  • Timor-Leste National Petroleum and Minerals Authority (ANPM)
  • Körber Supply Chain PT, S.A.
  • Aker Solutions
  • Escala Vila Franca – Sociedade Gestora do Estabelecimento, S.A. (José de Mello Group)
  • Roche Farmacêutica
  • Vifor Pharma
  • INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory
  • Vanguard Properties
  • Springjet (Hi Fly Group)
  • Total Energies

Work highlights

  • Advised Menzies on the negotiations with Groundforce Unions to amend the existing company agreement and change labour conditions.
  • Assisted the SuperBock Group in a job reorganisation operation involving 102 positions.
  • Assisting TAAG in all matters of a labour and human resources nature, including the preparation of TAAG’s privatisation.

Bringing together expertise in project finance, regulatory issues, PPP and dispute resolution, VdA offers a comprehensive service offering to clients operating in the shipping, aviation, rail and road sectors. At the helm of the practice, Paulo de Barros Baptista focuses on infrastructure and mobility matters, playing a key role in transactions involving the road segment. Specialised in public law, Catarina Pinto Correia is noted for her expertise in procurement, PPPs and concessions in the transport sector. José Miguel Oliveira leverages deep maritime industry expertise, particularly in African markets, to assist shipowners, brokers, and operators with various wet and dry shipping matters.

 

Leading Individuals

  • Paulo de Barros Baptista

Next Generation Partners

  • José Miguel Oliveira

Practice head(s):

  • Paulo de Barros Baptista

Other key lawyers

  • Catarina Pinto Correia
  • José Miguel Oliveira
  • Pedro Simões Coelho

Testimonials

‘VdA stands out for its footprint in many of the Portuguese-speaking jurisdictions in Africa. VdA was instrumental in ensuring our Angola JV setup was in compliance with local law.’

‘The people we work with are excellent professionals and deeply knowledgeable oft all matters related to maritime transport.’

‘The team has experience in maritime transport and in-depth knowledge of national and international legislation that applies to this sector.’

‘José Miguel Oliveira is an asset to the maritime transport sector as an expert in merchant marine legislation.’ 

Key clients:

  • ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, SA
  • Brisa Auto-Estradas de Portugal, S.A.
  • Brisal – Auto-Estradas do Litoral, S.A.
  • Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A.
  • Ferrovial Agroman, S.A. and ACA – Alberto Couto Alves S.A.
  • Monjasa DMCC
  • SATA Air Açores, S.A. and Azores Regional Government
  • Scotturb – Transportes Urbanos. Lda.
  • Shelf Drilling Holdings, Ltd.
  • TSL – Tejo Shipping Lines, Lda
  • STCP – Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto, S.A.

Work highlights

  • Advised Brisal – Auto-Estradas do Litoral, S.A and Brisa – Auto-Estradas de Portugal, S.A. on the refinancing and restructuring of the debt of Brisal.
  • Assisted the Portuguese Government in the preparation of a new legal and regulatory framework implementing and promoting Technological Free Zones (“ZLTs” – Zonas Livres Tecnológicas) in Portugal.
  • Assisted Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A. in a competitive procedure for the supply of 117 trains, provision of associated maintenance services, and design and construction of a maintenance workshop.

At VdA, the planning group is geared to assist clients with due diligence in the context of real estate deals, as well as zoning, land use and environmental issues. Pedro Ferreirinha, who focuses on real estate matters, oversees the practice alongside Raul Mota Cerveira, a planning law expert, who is well versed in projects in the infrastructure, water, sanitation, energy and port sectors in Portugal and Lusophone Africa.

 

Leading Individuals

  • Raul Mota Cerveira

Practice head(s):

  • Pedro Ferreirinha
  • Raul Mota Cerveira

Work highlights

  • Advising Harmonious Jungle on the acquisition of properties, including licensing for a rural hotel in Peneda-Gerês Natural Park and an agribusiness project in Castelo Branco, Portugal.
  • Advising Fundação Oriente on the regularisation of a previously constructed project concerning ecological reserve, coastal area protection, and natural park reserve regulations in Quinta da Marinha, Guincho, Cascais.
  • Assisting Sniper Capital with acquiring property for the construction of a hotel, which involved maritime public domain issues with the Port of Lisbon Authority due to a portion of the property’s location on the Tagus Riverside.

VdA offers expertise across a spectrum of sectors, notably in oil and gas, mining, banking, and finance, as well as telecoms and agriculture. The firm’s experience in Angola further extends to competition and anti-trust, public law, insurance, and construction. João Afonso Fialho, José Miguel Oliveira, and Paulo Trindade Costa lead the practice, while Fialho heads the firm’s oil and gas practice group, with knowledge of the mining and shipping sectors. Oliveira specialises in corporate M&A, oil and gas, and transport, while Costa focuses on corporate restructuring, and finance transactions.

 

Leading Individual

  • João Afonso Fialho

Next Generation Partner(s)

  • José Miguel Oliveira 

Practice head(s):

  • João Afonso Fialho
  • José Miguel Oliveira
  • Paulo Trindade Costa 

Testimonials

‘They give expert and insightful sector advice – framed within an understanding of commercial realities.’

‘João Afonso Fialho is excellent and is more than a legal advisor due to his experience in commercial matters.'

Key clients: 

  • KT – Kinetics Technology, SPA
  • Trafigura Group Pte Ltd. and Puma Energy (Angola)
  • BIOCOM
  • Odebrecht Angola
  • ANGOFLEX Industrial Lda.
  • Halliburton Overseas Limited
  • OPS Angola
  • Unitel – Angola
  • De Beers Exploration Holding Limited

With an ‘exceptional combination of legal expertise and cultural fluency’, VdA’s Mozambique practice specialises in the areas of oil and gas, energy, infrastructure, and banking. Collaborating closely with its local partner firm GDA Advogados, the group provides wide-ranging legal expertise, spanning regulatory, corporate, tax, licensing, and employment issues. Teresa Empis Falcão concentrates on infrastructure and mobility matters, with a robust background in national and international project finance and capital markets transactions. She leads the team with José Miguel Oliveira, who is highly experienced in the transport, oil and gas, and energy spaces.

 

Practice head(s):

  • José Miguel Oliveira
  • Teresa Empis Falcão

Other key lawyers

  • Manuel Protásio
  • Magda Cocco

Testimonials

'VdA stands out for its exceptional combination of legal expertise and cultural fluency, making it an invaluable partner for clients navigating complex international matters.’

‘The individuals at VdA truly set the firm apart in terms of their depth of knowledge, dedication, and client engagement.’

Key clients:

  • Standard Bank of South Africa
  • Mota- Engil, Engenharia e Construção África, S.A. (Mota-Engil África)
  • Exor Petroleum
  • Puma Energy Moçambique, Limitada

Work highlights

  • Advised Standard Bank of South Africa, serving as lead arranger and bookrunner, on all Mozambican law matters related to the refinancing and syndication of debt for Grit Real Estate Income Group Limited.
  • Advised Mota-Engil África on a public tender for a concession under a public-private partnership regime, encompassing the design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of toll motorways in Mozambique.
  • Advised Puma Energy Moçambique on a transaction involving the carve-out of seven BP aviation fuel business units, transitioning from a sole entity fully owned by BP’s Group to Puma (BP Aviation), and the acquisition of BP’s entire share capital in a joint venture Mozambican entity.
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