Legal 500

VdA excels in handling large-cap, and often cross-border financing mandates for a balanced mix of domestic and international banks and financial services clients. The firm has a deep bench of expertise that cuts across regulatory matters involving payment services, credit granting and financial intermediation, and transactional work including sector-related M&A, sustainable financial instruments, NPL deals and banking recapitalisations. Pedro Cassiano Santos steers the team on market-leading financing transactions. He not only advises on the structuring of complex deals, including the issue of debt and securitisation transactions, but is also seasoned in the full range of regulatory issues pertaining to the banking and finance sector. Hugo Moredo Santos stands out for his experience in retail bond issuances, structured finance deals and aviation finance. With in-depth knowledge of the public recapitalisation of Portuguese banks, Benedita Aires is singled out for her strong track record in the issue and placement of debt instruments, real estate financing and asset-backed transactions. Pedro Simões Coelho is a key contact for aviation finance and collective investment schemes. Recently appointed managing partner Paula Gomes Freire is also active in the practice, and Tiago Correia Moreira is the name to note for fintech-related mandates.

Hall of Fame

• Pedro Cassiano Santos

Next Generation Partners

• Benedita Aires
• Tiago Correia Moreira

Practice head(s):

• Pedro Cassiano Santos

Recommended Lawyers

• Benedita Aires
• Hugo Moredo Santos
• Paula Gomes Freire
• Pedro Simões Coelho 
• Tiago Correia Moreira
• Orlando Vogler Guiné
• Filipa Fonseca Santos

Testimonials:

‘Technical knowledge, quick response and commitment to the client. We also highlight their availability.’

‘Some of the characteristics I think are the most important are: the ability to problem solve and realistically assess the risks, availability, and relationships that the team is able to develop with clients.’

‘Pedro Cassiano Santos is a very experienced lawyer, who quickly finds the best solution to the problem. He can easily get into the client’s shoes, and be part of the team.’

‘Fantastic know-how and clarity of information.’

'Pedro Cassiano Santos and Tiago Correia Moreira are recommended.’

Key clients: Águas de Portugal Group; European Investment Bank; Apollo Global Management; Arrow Global Limited; Banco Credibom, SA (Credit Agricole Group); Banco de Portugal / Fundo de Resolução; Banco Invest; Banco Santanter Totta, S.A.; Blackstone Group; BNP Paribas; Caixa Geral de Depósitos; Citibank International PLC; Citizenergy 2.0 Project; Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft; GLQC S.À R.L.; Haitong Bank, SA; Hefesto STC, S.A.; Whitestar, Asset Solutions, S.A.; International Finance Corporation; JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A.; JP Morgan Limited; Morgan Stanley; Mota-Engil; NatWest Markets PLC; Nomura International plc Limited; Novo Banco; Portuguese State; Parpública – Participações Públicas (SGPS), S.A.; Sierra European Retail Real Estate Assets Holdings B.V.; Standard Bank Angola, S.A.; Unión de Créditos Inmobiliarios Establecimiento Financiero de Crédito (UCI) – Sucursal em Portugal

Work highlights:

• Assisted CREDIBOM in the setting up of two joint ventures to enlarge its footprint and presence in the consumer lending market in Portugal, one with CGD and the other with Novo Banco.
• Assisted Banco Santander Totta (Santander Group) in the accomplishment of its synthetic securitisation transactions, including Project Castelo in July 2021.
• Assists Arrow Global group entities in a variety of their activities involving the Portuguese jurisdiction, mostly covering the acquisition, management and servicing of NPLs and other banking exposures.

VdA maintains a dominant position in the debt capital markets scene. The expansive group - which shares close ties with the firm's banking and finance practice - focuses on the national and international placement of both debt and equity securities, and often handles large-cap rights issuances, IPOs, privatisations, listings, private and public offerings. Premier banks and other financial institutions also engage the team on underwriting mandates. Pedro Cassiano Santos is a leading figure in the market, advising on all debt and regulatory issues. He chairs the team, which also provides assistance in the field of collective investment schemes, including matters involving mutual and real estate funds, private equity structures, venture capital funds and NPL transactions. Hugo Moredo Santos is singled out for his experience in retail bond issuances, while José Pedro Fazenda Martins is a key contact for equity transactions, securitisations and takeover bids. Tiago Correia Moreira, who was recently welcomed to partnership, is frequently engaged in NPL deals and in the creation of special vehicles to acquire and hold assets.

Leading Individuals

• Hugo Moredo Santos

Hall of Fame

• Pedro Cassiano Santos

Practice head(s)

• Pedro Cassiano Santos

Recommended Lawyer

• Benedita Aires
• Hugo Moredo Santos
• José Pedro Fazenda Martins
• Tiago Correia Moreira
• Orlando Vogler Guiné

Testimonials

Key clients: Altamira Asset Management Portugal, Unipessoal, Lda.; Apollo Management International LLP; Arrow Global Limited; Banco Credibom S.A.; Caixa Geral de Depósitos, S.A.; China Communications Construction Company, Ltd. (“CCCC”); Christofferson, Robb & Company; Crédit Agrícole Corporate and Investment Bank; Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft; Greenvolt – Energias Renováveis, S.A.; Haitong Bank, S.A.; J.P. Morgan Securities plc; Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc; J.P. Morgan Securities plc; Banco Comercial Português, S.A.; Mota-Engil SGPS, S.A.; Futebol Clube do Porto, SAD; Plenium Partners Asset Management, SGEIC, S.A.; Bankinter, S.A.– Sucursal em Portugal; Santander Consumer; SIC – Sociedade Independente de Comunicação, S.A.; Sport Lisboa e Benfica – Futebol, SAD; Tagus – Sociedade de Titularização de Créditos, S.A.; UniCredit Bank AG; Unión de Créditos Inmobiliarios Establecimiento Financiero de Crédito (UCI) – Sucursal em Portugal

Work highlights

• Assisted Greenvolt in its initial private placement and admission to trading of all shares representing Greenvolt’s share capital and voting rights on Euronext Lisbon.
• Acted for the coordinators and the syndicate of dealers involved in the Public Subscription Offer of 309,143,297 shares, with a nominal value of €1.00 each, representing approximately 8.45% of the share capital of EDP.
• Assisted Mota-Engil in the context of the public subscription offer and admission to trading on Euronext Lisbon of up to 100,000,000 new ordinary nominative book-entry shares, representing approximately 29.63% of its share capital.

With one of the country’s leading M&A groups, VdA is recommended for its ‘view of the market and knowledge of industries‘. The firm continues to be instructed in market-leading transactions, acting for a mix of buyers and sellers, and national and international companies. In addition to big-ticket deals, the team has been particularly active in transactions involving highly regulated sectors – like infrastructure, education, telecoms, energy and real estate – with an increasingly relevant private equity component. Multi-jurisdictional corporate reorganisations also feature heavily on the firm’s portfolio. The team is under the joint leadership of Jorge Bleck, who specialises in M&A, private equity, privatisations and joint ventures, and Paulo Olavo Cunha, a go-to lawyer for corporate matters in Portugal, who leads the governance practice. Cláudia da Cruz Almeida stands out for her thorough knowledge of energy and banking law; she is noted for her extensive experience in corporate acquisitions and disposals, private equity transactions and public takeovers. Helena Vaz Pinto is another name to note for private equity and venture capital deals, while Paulo Trindade Costa focuses on cross-border transactions with ties to Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa. With a strong international background, Sofia Bobone takes a leading role on a number of corporate and M&A matters. Maria Cunha Matos made partner in January 2022. Francisco Sá Carneiro recently joined from CS’Associados in January 2022; he brings a wealth of experience in domestic and cross-border transactions involving financial institutions.

Leading individuals

• Cláudia Cruz Almeida

Hall of Fame

• João Vieira De Almeida
• Jorge Bleck

Rising stars

• Sofia Bobone

Next Generation Partners

• Maria Cunha Matos

Practice head(s):

• Jorge Bleck
• Paulo Olavo Cunha

Recommended Lawyer

• João Vieira de Almeida
• Cláudia Cruz Almeida
• Francisco Sá Carneiro
• Helena Vaz Pinto
• Maria Cunha Matos
• Paulo Trindade Costa
• António Mendes de Almeida
• Sofia Bobone
  
  

Testimonials
‘Involvement in all the details of the deal, proactive solutions to challenges, high technical quality and innovative tools to support the development of work.’

‘Antonio Mendes de Almeida and Helena Vaz Pinto stand out.’

‘Excellent law-firm with extraordinary service delivery in a timely manner.’

‘Maria Cunha Matos is excellent.’

‘Excellent professionals, and even better people. Deep market knowledge; very close relationship with their clients. Full availability when needed.’

‘Strong client relationship, excellent view of market and knowledge of industries. The firm ensures involvement of all departments needed (good cross-selling) and ensures a full package deal for the client.’

‘Paulo Trindade Costa and António Mendes de Almeida are very client oriented and ensure quick feed-back to all questions raised. Availability is a plus. Excellent knowledge of the law, maintaining flexibility in solutions oriented to client needs.’

Key clients: José de Mello Capital, S.A.; Logoplaste; Portuguese State Parpública – Participações Públicas (SGPS), S.A.; Schwarz Group (PreZero International); Cellnex Telecom, S.A.; Greenvolt – Energias Renováveis, S.A.; China Communications Construction Co. Ltd (CCCC); SAUR; Finerge S.A.; First Sentier Investments; Finerge Group; SACYR, S.A.; Horizon Equity Partners, S.A.; Mapfre Seguros Gerais, S.A.; Mapfre Seguros de Vida, S.A.; Inspired Group; ALGORA, – Sustainable Investments SGPS, SA; Emerald Europe, Lda.; Stirling Square Capital Partners Second Fund; CEPSA S.A.

Work highlights

• Advised the José de Mello Group on the joint sale of two blocks of shares representing a total of 81.1% of Brisa’s voting rights.
• Advised the Portuguese State and Parpública – Participações Públicas in the context of a state aid rescue loan of up to €1.2bn to the Portuguese flagship airline, TAP.
• Assisted Schwarz Group (PreZero International) on the acquisition of Ferrovial’s Environmental Services business in Spain and Portugal for €1,13 Bn.

Fielding one of the largest dedicated data protection teams in Portugal, VdA has established itself as a leader in data protection, privacy and cybersecurity matters. In addition to its longstanding experience in assisting clients in their digital transformation projects and data protection compliance programmes, the department is often called upon to handle the data protection aspects of M&A and technology transactions, and manage data breach incidents. It is instructed by a range of prestigious companies operating in an array of sectors, including banking, insurance, retail and healthcare. Leading the group is Magda Cocco, whose areas of expertise cover risk management, administrative proceedings and cross-border data transfer agreements. Inês Antas de Barros is another key name in the team, who is routinely involved in GDPR-related issues and multi-jurisdictional mandates; she was promoted to partner in early 2022. Focusing on privacy, cybersecurity and IT, Maria De Lurdes Gonçalves is counsel of choice for Brazilian companies facing challenges related to GDPR and the new Brazilian data protection law.

Leading Individuals

• Magda Cocco

Rising Stars

• Maria de Lurdes Gonçalves

Next Generation Partners

• Inês Antas de Barros

Practice head(s)

• Magda Cocco

Recommended Lawyer

• Inês Antas de Barros
• Maria de Lurdes Gonçalves
  
  

Testimonials
‘VdA is a firm with lawyers with enormous technical capacity and business orientation, which helps to identify the real challenges. I feel, as a client, that the competent way in which they provide makes them stand out in the market. Additionally, the support processes they provide allow for an innovative, quick and effective response.’

‘The seniority of the partner Magda Cocco and the associate Inês Antas de Barros continues to impress me very positively, for their experience, resilience and organisational capacity, even in highly complex processes.’

‘In addition to the enormous technical quality, the VdA team demonstrates a knowledge of the practical reality of companies and industry, providing effective and truly useful advice. I count on VdA even for the most difficult and innovative challenges, as I know that they will always have a critical, creative position based on enormous experience and security.’

‘From the team, I would like to highlight two people I turn to whenever I need support in the area of privacy and protection of personal data: Magda Cocco who has enormous knowledge and accumulated experience and Maria de Lurdes Gonçalves. Both seek to respond in a personalised way to the client’s needs, being interested in getting to know the business and the company’s experience.’

‘VdA was a forerunner in the development of an area specialising in privacy and data protection, thus acquiring enormous know-how and practical experience in solving these types of issues in the most diverse business areas.’

‘It is a law firm with a high reputation and credibility, and the Department of Privacy and Personal Data Protection also has the aforementioned qualities. The people on the team are always available, they keep their knowledge of the subject permanently up to date. They stand out in relation to the others for the experience they have, always pioneers in the analysis of the legal perspective of matters related to privacy.’

‘In-depth knowledge of the topic; experience in non-trivial cases of dealing with privacy and data protection; great availability to listen and understand the specific needs of the client; investment in the acquisition of knowledge, knowing that it is an area in constant change; multidisciplinarity, also investing in technological knowledge and not just in legal, considering the particularities of this area.’

‘Magda Cocco leads the team, with extensive knowledge of the matter, availability for dialogue and effective materialisation of solutions to legal problems, considering different angles. Her team, in particular Inês Antas Barros, is also distinguished by its professional excellence.’

Key clients: AGEAS Group; Altice Group; APS – Associação Portuguesa de Seguradores; Brisa Group; CTT Group; CUF; EDP Group; European Space Agency (ESA); Feedzai; Fresenius Kabi Pharma PT; Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian; Fundação Bancária “La Caixa”; Generg Group; HPA Saúde Group; IQVIA; José de Mello Group; Lusíadas Saúde; Luz Saúde; Sistemas McDonald’s Portugal, Lda.; Sport Lisboa e Benfica Group (SLB); Transportes Aéreos Portugueses, S.A. (TAP); VIA Outlets Portugal; Vodafone Portugal; Sonae Sierra S.A.; World Economy Forum; World Bank

Work highlights

• Advised EDP Group on a data protection impact assessment regarding the implementation of a Covid-19 contingency plan, as well as in the compliance assessment of an integrity due diligence programme.
• Assisted Feedzai in the assessment of the use of vast personal and non-personal data databases, of its own and of third parties, in the context of an AI-based anti-money laundering and anti-fraud solution.
• Advised SLB on the implementation of Covid-19 testing procedures, in determining the necessity of appointing a Data Protection Officer and in providing certified training in data protection matters.

VdA is a go-to destination in the Portuguese legal market for high-stakes domestic and international litigation and arbitration across a number of industries. Its strong client base is made up of international heavyweights and domestic players operating in the banking, energy, infrastructure, telecoms, construction and pharmaceutical sectors engaged in a broad scope of disputes, ranging from corporate, shareholder or contractual conflicts to contentious issues arising from M&A transactions, construction contracts and distribution agreements. The ‘highly responsive' team is co-chaired by António de Magalhães Cardoso, who focuses on IP litigation; Miguel Pinto Cardoso, who is notably active in cross-border arbitration; and Frederico Gonçalves Pereira, who stands out in class actions and corporate and banking disputes. Carla Gonçalves Borges is proficient in both litigation and arbitration proceedings, with a strong track record in cases related to venture capital deals and related shareholder disputes, as well as matters pertaining to the sports sector.

Leading Individuals

• Frederico Gonçalves Pereira
• Miguel Pinto Cardoso

Next Generation Partners

• Carla Gonçalves Borges

Practice head(s)

• António Magalhães Cardoso
• Frederico Gonçalves Pereira
• Miguel Pinto Cardoso

Recommended Lawyers 

• Carla Gonçalves Borges
• Pedro Pires Fernandes

Testimonials

'Highly responsive, and a pleasure to work with. Very good way of working as a team, bringing together various different legal disciplines.’

‘Frederico Goncalves Pereira stands out.’

‘Vision and anticipation of problems, organisation, teamwork, availability.’

Key clients: Banco Comercial Português, S.A (BCP); Caixa Geral de Depósitos, S.A. (CGD); Brisa – Auto-Estradas de Portugal, S.A. (Brisa); Roche – Sistemas de Diagnósticos, Sociedade Unipessoal, Lda. (Roche); MEO – Serviços de comunicações e Multimédia, S.A. (MEO); Banco Santander Totta, S.A.; MEO – Serviços de Comunicação e Multimédia, S.A. (MEO); National Investment Bank, LLC – Sao Tome and Principe (NIB); Deutsche Apotheker-und Ärztebank eG (APOBANK)

Work highlights

• Representing BCP and CGD in a complex set of disputes against a businessman and art collector and his corporate group (Berardo Group).
• Acts for Brisa in lawsuits initiated by funds claiming Brisa’s liability for the repayment of AEDL’s debt, as well as several corporate disputes.

International labour expert Rui Andrade oversees VdA's employment offering, which by nature of its leadership is international in its approach. Notably strong in the oil and gas industry and Lusophone jurisdictions, the practice is also particularly active in the pharmaceutical, insurance and industrial sectors. Portuguese clients also benefit from the team’s extensive collective bargaining and restructuring expertise. Of counsel Tiago Piló is a key contact for complex corporate labour cases. Managing associates Américo Oliveira Fragoso and Tiago Cochofel De Azevedo are well versed in social security, workplace reduction and TUPE matters, and litigation.

Rising stars

• Américo Oliveira Fragoso

Practice head(s)

• Rui Andrade

Recommended Lawyers

• Tiago Piló
• Américo Oliveira Fragoso
• Benedita Gonçalves
• Tiago Cochofel de Azevedo
  
  

Testimonials
‘It is an office recognised for its practical approach and adapted to the reality of companies. Specifically, the Labour area has a practical and transparent communication team, which makes processes faster and simpler.’

‘Rui Andrade – Proactive, efficient, present, teacher, patient, critical analysis.’

‘Tiago Piló – Proactive, teacher, deep knowledge, fluid communication, strategist, empathy.’

‘Americo Oliveira Fragoso is distinguished by the knowledge he has and the ability to analyse situations in the eyes of clients, not just providing legal advice.’

‘Américo Fragoso, is why I work with VdA. His main qualities are his total availability to clients, the care and proximity with which he treats them and the speed of response to questions that are sometimes very complex. Additionally, he is a lawyer with great technical competence, mastering not only labour matters (his area of expertise), as well as others from various legal areas. He is upfront and transparent in his legal advice and has a critical and innovative spirit that sets him apart from others.’

‘Complete mastery of relevant legal matters, with several teams specialized in sub-sectors. Focus and care in managing the customer relationship – total availability whenever necessary. Pragmatic and always realistic legal advice.’

‘Américo Fragoso and Virna Neves both stand out for their business partner posture, whenever their advice is needed. Technical knowledge, resource management, availability.’

‘The team demonstrates a clear experience that results from working with different clients in different areas. This allows the services they provide to combine high legal rigor with knowledge of sector practices and contexts, allowing VdA to adopt an approach with a high benchmarking component.’

Key clients: AVIS Budget Group; Angola LNG Group; Timor-Leste National Petroleum and Minerals Authority; Arval Bestseller; Blevins Franks Wealth Management; British American Tobacco; Chevron Corporation; Eberspächer; Elanco; ESEGUR; Finerge; Greenvolt; Hi Fly Portugal; Hostelworld; Jaba Recordati; José de Mello Group; Klarna Bank; Körber; L3Harris Group; LEONI; Leonteq; LifeScan; Luís Simões Logística Integrada, S.A.; Lusomedicamenta; MAAP; Merck, Sharpe & Dohme; Mitsubishi Fuso Trucks Europe; Mobileum; Monumental Palace Hotel; MSD; Mundipharma; NAS; Novartis; Porsche Holdings GmbH; Portugália; Roche Diagnósticos; Roche Farma; Subsea7 Group; Sport Lisboa e Benfica, SAD; TechnipFMC; TrustEnergy Group; Uber; Valmet; Vicaima; Vifor Pharma

Work highlights

• Advised the Portuguese State and Parpública in the context of a state aid rescue loan to the Portuguese flagship airline, TAP, and on the acquisition by the Portuguese State of an additional 22.5% of the share capital of TAP.
• Advised PreZero International on the employment aspects of the acquisition of the environmental services business of Ferrovial in Spain and Portugal.
• Advised SAUR on labour aspects of the purchase of the Aquapor Group by means of the purchase of Criar Vantagens – Águas e Resíduos.

Praised by clients for its ‘strong knowledge of the energy and natural resources sector‘, VdA is seen with great regularity acting for heavyweights in these sectors throughout all stages of investment, development, finance, construction, restructuring of projects and M&A deals. The firm is a popular destination for oil and gas companies, who seek assistance with regulatory matters, transactions, projects and contractual issues. João Afonso Fialho leads on these type of mandates, receiving key support from José Miguel Oliveira. Ana Luís De Sousa steers the energy and natural resources team in an array of domestic and cross-border projects and regulatory issues involving hydro, wind and solar energy. She has extensive experience in the energy sector, covering project finance, development, M&A and regulatory matters in Portugal and abroad. Vanda Cascão is a name to note for sustainable investments and financings in Portugal and Portuguese-speaking African countries; Manuel Protásio is another key contact for project finance. In early 2022, the firm hired former Minister for Agriculture Assunção Cristas to head its new environment practice and its ESG platform.

Hall of Fame

• Vanda Cascão

Next Generation Partners

• Ana Luís de Sousa

Practice head(s)

• Ana Luís de Sousa
• João Afonso Fialho

Recommended Lawyers

• José Miguel Oliveira
• Manuel Protásio
• Vanda Cascão
• Assunção Cristas
• Ângela Viana
• Maria Araújo
  
  

 Testimonials
‘The team has lawyers that are capable of delivering great quality advice in a timely manner.’

‘We like to work with VdA because of their knowledge of the Mozambican legal and business landscape. The entire team is also very responsive and their turn around time is more than impeccable.’

‘The VdA team has a strong knowledge of the energy and natural resources sector, particularly with regard to the mining and oil and gas sectors. The team has a transversal knowledge of the sector, based on a strong practical component. Added to this is the quality of the advice given, often overnight.’

‘We work a lot with José Miguel Oliveira. He has an unusual technical quality, assertiveness, responsiveness and reasoning. To this, he adds a strong sense of humour, a very practical approach and a business-focused outlook.’

‘Strong subject matter expertise.’

‘Speed in the processing of information.’

‘Very professional and proactive.’

Key clients: Total E&P Mozambique Area 1, Limitada; Timor-Leste National Petroleum and Minerals Authority; Greenvolt Energias Renováveis S.A.; Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc; Banco Comercial Português, S.A.; Finerge, S.A.; UniCredit Bank AG; Águas de Portugal Group; European Investment Bank; Government of Cabo Verde (Ministry of Finance – Unidade de Gestão de Projetos Especiais); Banco Santander Totta, S.A.; Greenvolt – Energias Renováveis, S.A.; CEPSA Timor-Leste National Petroleum and Minerals Authority (ANPM)

With a well-established reputation in EU law, competition and antitrust, VdA is a popular destination for leading domestic and international clients operating in a variety of regulated sectors, including telecoms, insurance, infrastructure, transport, banking, energy and life sciences. The full-service team possesses proven strength in prominent cartel and abuse of dominance cases, and also thrives in merger control matters and state aid. Besides handling cases before the European Commission and Portuguese courts, the practice is also regarded for its cross-border capabilities, notably in Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa. Leading the department, Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro takes on a key role in the most high-profile competition cases in Portugal. Nuno Ruiz's experience in the field of EU and competition law spans more than three decades. Cláudia Coutinho Da Costa is ‘a trustworthy lawyer', who has advised on antitrust cases at the EU and national levels, and often handles merger control matters involving Angola, Mozambique and Cape Verde. Competition matters concerning the pharmaceutical sector are among Nuno Carrolo dos Santos's notable areas of practice.

Hall of Fame

• Nuno Ruiz

Rising Stars

• Cláudia Coutinho da Costa

Next Generation Partners

• Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro

Practice head(s)

• Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro

Recommended Lawyers

• Nuno Ruiz
• Cláudia Coutinho da Costa
• Nuno Carrolo dos Santos
  
  

Testimonials
‘This team works very well together – this is probably one of the most outstanding aspects of the VdA team. They are also incredibly transparent on pricing and while Angola is an expensive jurisdiction due to the complex formalities, this team goes beyond the call of duty to contain costs and find ways to guide clients through the merger control process without losing time.’

‘Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro has an excellent team of associates that he works with and together they try to provide commercially sensible legal advice within a reasonable time. They are also extremely responsive, stick to deadlines and manage the regulator very well. I would also highly recommend Cláudia Coutinho da Costa and Nuno Carrolo dos Santos.’

‘Cláudia Coutinho da Costa is client-oriented and has a very structured, methodical approach, rigour, special attention to detail without losing sight of the big picture and business scope. Cláudia is a trustworthy lawyer, and supports our company in shaping the best solutions and achieving the best legal standards.’

Key clients: Lusíadas; Meo; Nowo; Zurich; Parpublica; TAP; Vodafone; Jose de Mello Group; SATA; Sport Lisboa e Benfica; Grupo 2045; OMTEL; BCP; Caixa de crédito agrícola; Somafel; ANF; OLX; Horizon Partners; Trafigura Group Pte Ltd.; Puma Energy; Hapag-Lloyd Aktiengesellschaft; Standard Bank Angola; TDR Capital LLP (“TDR Capital”); I Squared Capital Advisors (US) LLC (“I Squared Capital”)

Work highlights

• Advising Lusíadas in the defence of a case accusing five private hospital groups (including the client) of engaging in an agreement and/or concerted practice of coordination related to the strategy and commercial negotiations with ADSE and IASFA.
• Assisted MEO in a case conducted by the Portuguese Competition Authority against the client and NOWO for allegedly taking part in a horizontal agreement.
• Advising Parpública (Portuguese state) on the restructuring of state aid to TAP Group.

VdA's white-collar and investigations practice continues to handle complex and sensitive regulatory and criminal matters. Operating both domestically and internationally in Lusophone jurisdictions, the team regularly advises on and represents clients in matters relating to fraud, embezzlement, anti-competitive practices and insider trading. Sitting within the firm’s dispute resolution group, clients benefit from from a wide range of expertise across the firm’s sector-specific experience. The team is co-led by Sofia Ribeiro Branco and João Medeiros. Recent highlights for the team include major investigations conducted by the competition authority in the banking, insurance, telecoms, sports and railway sectors. Senior associate Inês Almeida Costa is also notable for her knowledge of white-collar criminal law.
 

Leading Individuals

• João Medeiros

Rising stars

• Inês Almeida Costa

Practice head(s)

• João Medeiros
• Sofia Ribeiro Branco 

Recommended Lawyers

• João Medeiros
• Sofia Ribeiro Branco
• Inês Almeida Costa
• Rui Costa Pereira

In anticipation of the rise in demand in the fields of restructuring and insolvency, VdA recently set up an autonomous corporate restructuring and insolvency practice made up of specialised lawyers providing a full-service offering. Led by Filipa Cotta, who has more than 20 years’ experience in national and cross-border dispute resolution matters and who is now entirely devoted to restructuring and insolvency mandates, the department brings together expertise in financial restructuring, distressed asset transactions, PERs and REREs. Litigation and arbitration expert Frederico Gonçalves Pereira is also active in the team; he has represented clients in some of the most challenging and high-profile insolvency cases in the country. Teresa Pitôrra has significant experience in acting for creditors and debtors in insolvency proceedings and judicial and out-of-court restructurings across a range of sectors, including banking and telecoms.

Leading Individuals

• Filipa Cotta

Hall of Fame

• Frederico Gonçalves Pereira

Next Generation Partners

• Teresa Pitôrra

Practice head(s)

• Filipa Cotta

Recommended Lawyers

• Frederico Gonçalves Pereira
• Teresa Pitôrra
• Catarina Carvalho Cunha
  
  

Key clients: Banco Comercial Português; Oi, S.A; Carval Investors; Fir Tree Partners; Värde Wingspan Investments; Citibank London; Banco de Portugal; Massa Insolvente do Fundo Promovest; Massa Insolvente da Sociedade de Renovação Urbana do Campo Pequeno; Caixa Gestão de Ativos; Rio Forte Investments S.A; Espírito Santo International; Banif Finance Limited; Portuguese Private Equity; Atena Equity Partners; Maló Clinic S.A.; Prado Cartolinas da Lousã; Caixa Gestão de Ativos, S.A. (“CGA”); Paris INN Group; Investec Bank LTD

Disputes involving pharmaceutical patents are points of focus for VdA‘s IP group, which is highly regarded for its presence in the most complex cases heard before judicial and arbitral courts in Portugal. The team – which was founded by António De Magalhães Cardoso – is ‘particularly trusted by many innovator pharmaceutical companies in blockbuster multi-jurisdictional litigation', but is also equipped to assist with an array of trade mark, design and unfair competition matters. Of counsel Marta Alves Vieira is now managing the department; she has notable experience in IP enforcement and has led on several litigation and arbitration proceedings involving pharmaceutical patents. This is also an area of significant activity for Sara Nazaré, who is ‘trusted by many clients as their go-to counsel for patent litigation in Portugal'.

Hall of Fame

• António de Magalhães Cardoso

Rising Stars

• Marta Alves Vieira
• Sara Nazaré

Practice head(s):

• António de Magalhães Cardoso
• Marta Alves Vieira

Recommended Lawyers

• Sara Nazaré
• Joana Piriquito Santos

Testimonials

‘VdA is the go-to firm for patent litigation in Portugal, and particularly trusted by many innovator pharmaceutical companies in blockbuster multijurisdictional litigation (which often has a Portuguese angle due to the local laws mandating Portuguese arbitration proceedings be brought).’

‘Sara Nazaré is trusted by many clients as their go-to counsel for patent litigation in Portugal. She has a stellar reputation for being extremely thorough, dedicated and knowledgeable.’

‘A strong team with deep IP knowledge across all technologies.’

Key clients: AdvanceCare; AstraZeneca; BIAL; Boehringer; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; H/2 Credit Manager; Illumina Cambridge; Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson; Kaizen Gaming; Luz Saúde; MEO – Serviços de Comunicação e Multimédia, S.A.; Merck Sharp and Dohme; Menarini International; Millennium Pharmaceuticals (Takeda Group); Mundipharma; Novartis AG (and other Novartis Group companies like Alcon Research, Ltd.); Pharma Mar; UCB Pharma; Vanguard Properties

VdA‘s planning practice covers a range of urban development projects related to environmental project planning and litigation. The practice is notable for its presence and expertise in African jurisdictions, particularly in São Tomé and Príncipe, for zoning, land use and urban planning instructions. Raul Mota Cerveira leads the team and is a key contact for public contracts and regulatory work.

Leading Individuals

• Raul Mota Cerveira

Practice head(s):

• Raul Mota Cerveira

Key clients: EDP Renováveis; Malanza Development, S.A.; EllaLink; Neptune Charisma, Lda.; Vanguard Properties (Group Claude Berda); IFRRU – Instrumento Financeiro da Reabilitação e Revitalização Urbanas 2020; MEO – Serviços de Comunicações e Multimédia, S.A.; ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, S.A.; HBD – São Tomé and Príncipe; Municipality of Figueira da Foz; STP INVESTMENTS; Fundbox; Quinta da Ombria; Odebrecht Ambiental, S.A.; Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestão (ISEG); Biocom; Google; Millennium BCP – Banco Comercial Português, S.A.; CAVIBEL; Douro Marina Hotel, S.A.

Work highlights

• Advising EllaLink and its affiliate CSEB in all licencing and planning matters regarding the installation of a sea communication cable linking Brazil, Madeira and Portugal.
• Advising Google with licensing and planning matters regarding the installation and landing of a sea communication cable.
• Assisting Neptune Charisma with several planning, licensing and litigation matters regarding the development of tourism infrastructure in Praia do Pintadinho, Lagoa, Algarve.

Investment projects and restructuring expert Isabel Gião Andrade leads VdA‘s Porto office, where TMT, M&A and public law are key areas of expertise. Praised by clients for its technical and sector knowledge, the team has seen its expertise grow with the addition of labour partners Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão and João Velez de Lima; M&A partner Maria da Conceição Cabaços; and tax partner Miguel Reis. At a non-partner level, managing associate Benedita Gonçalves has a strong presence in the northern industrial business sectors, particularly in relation to labour and social security law. João Soares Franco is a key name for corporate clients seeking public law expertise; and Inês Sotto Mayor maintains an impressive investigation and white-collar criminal law practice.

Leading Individuals

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

Rising stars

• Benedita Gonçalves

Next Generation Partners

• João Velez de Lima

Practice head(s):

• Isabel Gião de Andrade

Recommended Lawyers

• João Velez de Lima
• Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão
• Maria da Conceição Cabaços
• Miguel C. Reis
• Benedita Gonçalves
• Inês Sotto Mayor
• João Soares Franco

Testimonials

‘It is a knowledgeable, agile and close office.’

‘Very in-depth knowledge of the subjects in question, excellent organization.’

‘Very smart and knowledgeable, always friendly and caring.’

‘The quality of service provided; the safety of the recommendations; in-depth analysis of the questions that are raised; the excellence of the team.’

Key clients: Greenvolt Energias Renováveis S.A.; STCP – Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto, S.A.; Ramada Aços; ACA (Alberto Couto Alves S.A.); SOS Oxygene; DIDIMO, S.A.; Luís Simões Logística Integrada, S.A.; CONDURIL – Engenharia, S.A., Ramalho Rosa Cobetar, S.A. (RRC); KÖRBER SUPPLY CHAIN PT, S.A.; GRUPO 8; VALMET, Lda.; AMTROL-ALFA, METALOMECÂNICA, S.A.; MEO – Serviços de Comunicações e Multimédia, S.A.; Augusto Guimarães & Irmão, Lda

Work highlights

• Advised GreenVolt – Energias Renováveis on the successful IPO of its ordinary shares.
• Assisting SOS Oxygene with its expansion into the Portuguese market, including the acquisition of a minor participation in D’Ar Saúde.
• Assisting STCP – Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto in strategic decision making and providing assistance to the client in several public judicial disputes.

Combining regulatory expertise with commercial strategic advice, VdA offers legal support to domestic and international clients in relation to large-scale project finance and development in the energy, natural resources and infrastructure sectors. Through the VdA Legal Partners network, the team is particularly well placed to handle cross-border matters, with a special emphasis on Portuguese- and French-speaking countries in Africa. Besides registering increased demand in refinancing and M&A in the energy sector, the team has also recently been active in renegotiations of PPP-like deals in the infrastructure and transport sectors. Manuel Protásio, who specialises in project finance in the energy, mining and infrastructure sectors, coordinates the team, which also features energy and natural resources department head Ana Luís de Sousa, and João Afonso Fialho, who chairs the oil and gas group. Paulo de Barros Baptista leads on project development matters pertaining to the infrastructure and road sectors, while Teresa Empis Falcão excels in the financing and development of energy projects. Another key contact for energy projects is Vanda Cascão, who is also active in cross-border investments and financings. 

Leading Individuals

• Paulo de Barros Baptista
• Teresa Empis Falcão

Hall of Fame

• Manuel Protásio
• Vanda Cascão

Next Generation Partners

• Ana Luís de Sousa

Practice head(s):

• Manuel Protásio

Recommended Lawyers

• Ana Luís de Sousa
• João Afonso Fialho
• José Miguel Oliveira
• Manuel Protásio
• Maria Cunha Matos
• Paulo de Barros Baptista
• Teresa Empis Falcão
• Vanda Cascão
• Ângela Viana
  
  

Testimonials
'Teresa Falcão, Ana Luís de Sousa and Manuel Protásio stand out.’

‘We like to work with VdA because of their knowledge of the Mozambique legal and business landscape where we have several projects. The entire team is also very responsive.’

‘Maria Cunha Matos is attentive and rigorous.’

Key clients: Total E&P Mozambique Area 1, Limitada; Brisa – Auto-Estradas de Portugal, S.A. (Brisa); AEBT – Auto-Estradas do Baixo Tejo, S.A.; Finerge, S.A.; Timor-Leste National Petroleum and Minerals Authority; KT – Kinetics Technology, SPA; European Investment Bank; Mota- Engil, Engenharia e Construção África, S.A.; Government of Cabo Verde (Ministry of Finance – Unidade de Gestão de Projetos Especiais)

Work highlights

• Advising Total on Mozambican law matters in connection with the structuring and negotiation of the project finance for the Mozambique LNG Project for Offshore Area 1 of the Rovuma Basin.
• Assisting the Government of East Timor/ANPM in the negotiation with the Government of Australia and Greater Sunrise Joint Venture of the legal and contractual framework for the development of greater Sunrise fields (the largest LNG project in Southeast Asia).
• Advised European Investment Bank and Banco BPI on the financing for the development, installation, construction, operation and maintenance by Eólica do Sincelo of three wind farms in Portugal.

Highly regarded for its public procurement and administrative litigation experience, VdA's public law department is a popular choice for public concessionaires and public service licensees in the transport, infrastructure, water and sanitation, postal services, telecoms and healthcare sectors. Besides its focus in Portuguese public law matters, the team has also been developing its presence across Portuguese and French-speaking countries in Africa through its VdA Legal Partners network and longstanding relationships with leading international firms. Dispute resolution is a strong point for the team, which stands out for its involvement in high-profile public law arbitration. Administrative proceedings and concessions are core areas of activity for practice leaders Paulo Pinheiro and Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira. Ana Marta Castro leads a multidisciplinary group of lawyers dedicated to defence matters, while Catarina Pinto Correia is recommended for her multi-jurisdictional expertise.

Leading Individuals

• Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira

Hall of Fame

• Paulo Pinheiro

Next Generation Partners

• Catarina Pinto Correia

Practice head(s):

• Paulo Pinheiro;
• Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira

Recommended Lawyers

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

Testimonials
‘Communication between teams, which makes dealing with interdisciplinary issues more efficient.’

‘Ana Marta Castro has demonstrated the ability to think “outside the box”, proposing flexible solutions depending on the client’s goals.’

‘Solid team in terms of knowledge and ability to propose suitable solutions. Work diligently with strict deadlines.’

‘The fact that VdA has a wide range of clients in the most diverse areas of business allows it to come into contact with problems of the most diverse nature, from the perspective of both private and public clients.’

‘VdA’s team provides an excellent service to the client. The price/quality ratio is also one of VdA’s strengths. In addition to competence, the fact that they are always available to the clients is one of VdA’s greatest strengths. Education, punctuality, transparency, rigour and competence are factors that characterise VdA.’

‘Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira is a senior partner with a deep knowledge of public law and extensive experience in many projects which makes him a reference in the public law sector. Ana Marta Castro is a very experienced lawyer who manages to combine in-depth knowledge of community law, banking law, real estate law and public law, making her a lawyer of excellence and unique in the market.’

‘The partners in this department have a lot of experience, as they have been following some of the most complex issues for at least the last decade. They have great technical capacity, the department has the number of lawyers needed to respond to requests, and they have a collaborative approach in the way they do the work, involving in-house lawyers in building the solution.’

‘Paulo Pinheiro is recommended for his accumulated experience and client service. Ana Marta Castro stands out for her technical competence, permanent availability and friendliness.’

Key clients: Banco de Portugal; Portuguese Government (Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Economy); Vodafone Portugal – Comunicações Pessoais, S.A.; CTT – Correios de Portugal, S.A.; Portuguese Government; MEO – Serviços de Comunicações e Multimédia, S.A.; ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, S.A.; AEBT – Auto-Estradas do Baixo Tejo S.A.; CUF, S.A.; Escala Braga – Sociedade Gestora do Estabelecimento, S.A.; Group EGF – Environment Global Facilities; Banco BPI, S.A.; Banco Santander, S.A.; Société Générale; Caixa Geral de Depósitos, S.A.; Caixa Banco de Investimento, S.A.; SATA Air Açores, S.A. and Azores Regional Government; Ferrovial Agroman, S.A.; ACA – Alberto Couto Alves S.A.; REN Serviços; Bristol-Myers Squibb / Novartis Farma; Solverde – Sociedade de Investimentos Turísticos da Costa Verde, S.A.; Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A. (CAF); EDIA – Empresa de Desenvolvimento e Infra-estruturas do Alqueva, S.A.; EPAL – Empresa Portuguesa das Águas Livres, S.A. (EPAL); Azores Regional Government

Work highlights

• Representing Banco de Portugal and Fundo de Resolução in more than 600 legal proceedings regarding the resolution measure applied in August 2014 to Banco Espírito Santo (BES) and further decisions relating to it.
• Advised Parpública (Portuguese State) on the restructuring of Transportes Aéreos Portugueses (TAP) due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Assisting the Portuguese government in the implementation of one of the most relevant projects in Portugal under the Recovery and Resilience Facility established by the Member States.

Real estate development is a key focus for VdA‘s team, which has a strong track record in the market and a sizeable team with extensive experience in the investment process. The team provides a full-service offering outside of development work, and is experienced in real estate transactions and financing for medium and long-term projects across the project lifecycle. Pedro Ferreirinha leads the team, and is praised by clients and peers for his leadership. His experience covers the gamut of real estate matters, both in Portugal and Angola. Miguel Marques dos Santos is an urban planning and real estate expert and supports the practice. Pedro Pereira Coutinho and recently promoted partner Pedro Corrêa d’Oliveira are also highly praised by clients for their expertise in this field.

Hall of Fame

• Miguel Marques dos Santos
• Pedro Ferreirinha

Next Generation Partners

• Pedro Pereira Coutinho

Practice head(s):

• Pedro Ferreirinha

Recommended Lawyers

• Miguel Marques dos Santos
• Pedro Corrêa d’Oliveira
• Pedro Ferreirinha
• Pedro Pereira Coutinho
• Lisa Ventura Lopes
  
  

Testimonials
‘The team is available and listens to the clients. They offer their help and expertise, and are business oriented.’

‘Their expertise, availability, negotiations skills, capacity to summarize and focus on the details are important.’

‘VdA is my company’s go-to firm in Portugal. The firm is very proactive and knowledgeable in the Portuguese real estate domain. They have always been very responsive and precise and concise in their legal advice which has been very helpful to enable my company to expand its real estate portfolio in Portugal.’

‘Pedro Pereira Coutinho is a trusted advisor and has been advising our company for over 10 years. He is very knowledgeable in the real estate domain and very proactive and solution minded. He is very available and has ben a great asset to enabling our company to expand in Portugal.’

‘Best in class in Portugal in terms of real estate.’

‘Miguel Marques dos Santos is our lawyer of reference for complex issues. He is an excellent advisor with an integrated business vision and in-depth knowledge of the market and its main players. Pedro Correia de Oliveira has deep technical knowledge combined with an enormous capacity to work and coordinate complex processes. Pedro Pereira Coutinho is very creative, with relevant negotiating skills and a lot of proactivity.’

‘One of the leading Portuguese law firms with an extensive and multidisciplinary team.’

‘Pedro Pereira Coutinho – Technical knowledge and empathy. Lisa Ventura Lopes – Great professionalism and great work capacity.’

Key clients: Vanguard Properties; Ageas Portugal; Norfin; MAKRO – CASH & CARRY PORTUGAL, S.A.; Groupe Castel; Discovery Land Company; EMGI – Investment Group, Unipessoal, Lda.; Prowinko; Avenue

VdA‘s well-balanced tax practice is equally adept at handling the tax aspects of market-leading transactions as it is working on various planning, advisory mandates and tax litigation. With ‘perfect knowledge of Portuguese and international tax law’, the firm fields different tax sub-groups according to specialisms: a financial tax team that comprises both experienced lawyers and consultants; an indirect tax practice; practitioners who focus on private wealth management; and one group dedicated to tax litigation and arbitration. Led by the ‘exceptional‘ Tiago Marreiros Moreira, the tax department is particularly sought after by clients in the energy, financial services, real estate, infrastructure and IT sectors. The practice head focuses on the international tax structuring of major investments in Portugal and Portuguese-speaking countries. Matthieu Le Roux is noted for his experience in tax mandates involving Francophone Africa. Contentious tax is a key specialism for Samuel Fernandes de Almeida and Joaquim Pedro Lampreia. Francisco Cabral Matos – who made partner in January 2022 – is active in international tax, M&A and real estate transactions, while Conceição Gamito is an expert in indirect tax. João Velez de Lima and Miguel Reis joined from PLMJ in September 2021.

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

Recommended Lawyers

• Francisco Cabral Matos
• João Velez de Lima
• Joaquim Pedro Lampreia
• Miguel C. Reis
• Samuel Fernandes de Almeida
• Tiago Correia Moreira
• Conceição Gamito
  
  

Testimonials
‘Perfect knowledge of Portuguese tax law and international tax law.’

‘Highly qualified, very loyal.’

‘Inserted in all areas of Law, thus giving a 360º view on any issue.’

‘Optimisation of resources and results presented.’

‘Tiago Marreiros Moreira is exceptional in terms of knowledge, availability and efficiency/effectiveness.’

‘Francisco Cabral Matos is for sure one of the “rising stars” of tax law in Portugal. He has an exceptional knowledge of local and international regulations. He is 100% client focused and always very reactive.’

Key clients: ANPM (East Timor National Petroleum and Minerals Authority); Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc; J.P. Morgan Securities plc; Banco Comercial Português, S.A.; Standard Bank de Angola, S.A.; José de Mello Capital, S.A.; Vanguard Properties; Total E&P Mozambique Area 1, Limitada; Cellnex Telecom, S.A.; Mapfre Group; HeartGenetics; Compass IV Limited (Wimdu); EllaLink; Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft; Mota-Engil Group; Mota-Engil Railway Engineering, S.A.; Apollo Global Management; KT – Kinetics Technology Spa; Finerge, S.A.; NatWest Markets PLC; Banco Finantia, S.A.; Nomura International plc Limited

Work highlights

• Assisted GreenVolt – Energias Renováveis in the successful IPO of its ordinary shares completed on Euronext Lisbon on July 14, 2021.
• Advised the José de Mello Group on the tax aspects of the joint sale of two blocks of shares representing a total of 81.1% of Brisa’s voting rights, together with Arcus European Infrastructure Fund 1 LP.
• Assisted ANPM (East Timor National Petroleum and Minerals Authority) in the creation of the tax regime applicable to petroleum activities in the Greater Sunrise fields.

The full-service information, communication and technology practice at VdA balances a busy workload, featuring transactions, projects and regulatory mandates across media and entertainment, aerospace, telecoms, communications and postal services, emerging technologies, cybersecurity and digital businesses. Demonstrating a ‘unique knowledge of the sector', the team not only possesses strong credentials in the local market, but has an ever-increasing international presence, with a particular focus on Portuguese-speaking jurisdictions. Technology is an area of particular focus for Fernando Resina da Silva, while Margarida Couto focuses on the telecoms segment, often taking part in sector-related public tenders and cross-border transactions. Magda Cocco, whose expertise touches on every TMT sub-area, often acts on behalf of governments, regulatory agencies and international organisations on legislative matters; she also leads the firm’s newly established digital frontiers practice. Recently promoted partner Tiago Bessa ‘stands out as a professional combining a deep knowledge of the postal services and communications market with a solid academic background'. Marília Frias is also highlighted for telecoms and technology-related mandates. In early 2022, information technology and privacy expert Inês Antas de Barros was promoted to partner.

Hall of Fame

• Fernando Resina da Silva
• Magda Cocco
• Margarida Couto

Practice head(s):

• Fernando Resina da Silva
• Margarida Couto
• Magda Cocco
• Tiago Bessa
•  Inês Antas de Barros

Recommended Lawyers

• Fernando Resina da Silva
• Magda Cocco
• Margarida Couto
• Helena Correia Mendonça
• Isabel Ornelas
• Marília Frias
  
  

Testimonials
‘VdA has provided us with legal advice for several years, handling a very considerable number of matters. It stands out for its availability and responsiveness, in addition to its vast knowledge of the matters in which it provides assistance, whether from a strictly legal point of view or from a practical and market point of view.’

‘We greatly appreciate the contribution of Fernando Resina da Silva, Helena Correia Mendonça, Inês Antas de Barros, and Isabel Ornelas.’

‘VdA gathers a unique knowledge of the sector and a very solid practice of Regulatory and Administrative Law. The Competition and Public Law practices are also vey strong, providing a comprehensive approach to the complex issues brought to their attention.’

‘Tiago Bessa stands out as a professional combining a deep knowledge of the postal services and communications market with a solid academic background, providing solid advice and creative solutions. He delivers documents of an excellent quality revealing a profound legal analysis and attention to detail. He is also extremely accessible and dedicated.’

‘Marília Frias is an exceptional professional. Always goes straight to the point, which is really appreciated.’

‘What makes this law firm somewhat special, particularly with regard to the telecoms sector, is the high level of expertise and experience in legal advice in this field. This depth of sectorial expertise and experience extends to most Portuguese-speaking African countries.’

‘Magda Cocco and Tiago Bessa are both partners with extensive experience and expertise in legal consultancy in the telecoms sector. They have the particularity of being a very natural part of multi-disciplinary consulting teams.’

‘The VDA team is knowledgeable about the technology trends that impact our current business. We can rely on them for solid advice and problem solving collaboration. The team regularly updates us on changes that might impact our reporting requirements or how we offer services. I am particularly pleased with the responsiveness and thoroughness of the team when there is a specific issue.’

Key clients: Vodafone Portugal – Comunicações Pessoais, S.A.; The Walt Disney Company; Pluris Investments; Tata Communications; Timor Telecom, S.A.; CTT – Correios de Portugal, S.A.; MEO – Serviços de Comunicações e Multimédia, S.A.; Cellnex; CST – Companhia Santomense de Telecomunicações; Kaizen Gaming International Limited; DSPA – Data Science Portuguese Association; Portuguese Government – Secretary of State for Digital Transition, Ministry of Economy and Digital Transition; ESA (European Space Agency); Thales Alenia Space; EllaLink; Air Center – Atlantic International Research Center; ARME – Multisectorial Regulatory Agency Cabo Verde

Work highlights

• Assisted two major electronic communications operators in Portugal (MEO and Vodafone) in their 5G auction, which included assistance on the public and regulatory law debate.
• Advised EllaLink – the submarine cable project linking South America and Europe – on all cornerstone matters (contractual and regulatory) for the laying down and operation of the submarine cable.
• Assisted the Portuguese Government in the preparation of a new legal and regulatory framework implementing and promoting Technological Free Zones (ZLTs”– Zonas Livres Tecnológicas).

Forming part of the infrastructure and mobility department, VdA's cross-practice transport offering combines expertise across the firm’s banking and finance, energy, competition, IT and public law partners. Focusing on project development and financing, regulatory issues, PPP and disputes, the team operates in the road, rail, air, urban transport and shipping sectors. Paulo de Barros Baptista heads up the team and maintains a strong sponsor-side practice. Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira, José Miguel Oliveira and Teresa Empis Falcão also support the practice.

Leading Individuals

• Paulo de Barros Baptista

Rising Stars

• José Miguel Oliveira

Practice head(s):

• Paulo de Barros Baptista

Recommended Lawyers

• José Miguel Oliveira
• Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira
• Teresa Empis Falcão
  
  

Testimonials
‘Innovation and total availability.’
‘Paulo de Barros Baptista: Professionalism, dedication, availability. Innovation.’

Key clients: José de Mello Capital, S.A.; ELOS – Ligações de Alta Velocidade, S.A.; Brisa – Auto-Estradas de Portugal, S.A. (Brisa); AEBT – Auto-Estradas do Baixo Tejo, S.A.; ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, SA; SATA Air Açores, S.A.; Azores Regional Government; Ferrovial Agroman, S.A.; STCP – Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto, S.A.; Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A. (“CAF”); Parpública – Participações Públicas (SGPS), S.A. (“Parpública); Portuguese Government – Secretary of State for Digital Transition, Ministry of Economy and Digital Transition

VdA’s Angolan offering is provided on a multidisciplinary basis and is jointly led by Tiago Marreiros Moreira, João Afonso Fialho and Paulo Trindade Costa. The team continues to work on some of the region’s most high-profile transactions in the oil and gas, mining, agriculture and financial services sectors, offering transactional, operational, investigatory and regulatory expertise. Hugo Moredo Santos is a key player, whose practice primarily advises issuers, financial intermediaries and domestic and international investors in public offerings and securities. Fialho is notable for his work in oil and gas upstream, midstream and downstream power projects from project inception to completion.

Practice head(s):

• João Afonso Fialho
• Paulo Trindade Costa
• Tiago Marreiros Moreira

Recommended Lawyer

• Hugo Moredo Santos
  
  

Testimonials
‘Excellent and expert knowledge and experience. Commercial approach.’

‘VdA provides good value for money. We have used them regularly where questions of Angola law arise and the firm has considerable expertise in the area.’

‘We have most often worked with Joao Afonso Fialho. Joao is very responsive.’

‘A diverse team consisting of legal proffessionals with different specialisations and seniority. Each team member shows the highest level of professionalism, particularly excelling at providing prompt and detailed advice, problem solving attitude and knowledge of local laws and practice.’

Key clients: Standard Bank de Angola, S.A.; Trafigura Group Pte Ltd.; Puma Energy; KT – Kinetics Technology, SPA; Sacyr, S. A; Hapag-Lloyd Aktiengesellschaft (“HL AG”); TDR Capital LLP (“TDR Capital”); I Squared Capital Advisors (US) LLC (“I Squared Capital”); BIOCOM; Unitel; Odebrecht; Friburge; Lusiaves, SGPS, S.A.; ANGOFLEX Industrial Lda.

Work highlights

• Assisted Standard Bank Angola on the privatisation process of Banco de Comércio e Indústria.
• Advising Trafigura and Puma Energy on the sale of Sonangol shareholding in Puma Energy and the acquisition by Sonangol of Puma Energy shareholding in group Pumangol.
• Advising the KT from the outset in connection with its bid to ENI.

João Afonso Fialho, Teresa Empis Falcão and Tiago Marreiros Moreira jointly lead VdA's Mozambique practice. In collaboration with GDA Advogados, the team focuses heavily on the energy, real estate, and banking and finance sectors. Fialho is an international oil and gas expert, with extensive upstream and downstream project experience from inception to completion. Falcão is also a project finance expert and has a strong capital markets practice. Moreira is a name to note for tax matters, while José Miguel Oliveira has an active oil and gas-focused practice. Guilherme Daniel is another key contact.

Leading Individuals

• João Afonso Fialho

Practice head(s):

• João Afonso Fialho
• Tiago Marreiros Moreira
• Teresa Empis Falcão

Recommended Lawyers

• Guilherme Daniel
• José Miguel Oliveira
  
  

Testimonials
‘Diversity of skills and expertise from legal to financial to local. Tailor made solutions, process and methodology, client friendly approach.’

‘Expertise, networks, local knowledge. Delivers quality with professionalism.’

‘Competent and very well integrated global network, the standard of services is similar across its jurisdictions.’

‘Highly experienced, with profound knowledge of the sector.’

Key clients: Total E&P Mozambique Area 1, Limitada; Saycr Somague; MozQuarries, Lda (MQL); Friburge Angola; Portucel Moçambique Sociedade de Desenvolvimento Florestal e Industrial, Lda