It is with great sadness that Vieira de Almeida informs of the passing of partner and distinguished lawyer, Mário Esteves de Oliveira.

Mário Esteves de Oliveira, who was a prominent and key figure in the development of the Portuguese legal and administrative culture after the 1976 Constitution, joined Vieira de Almeida as senior partner in 2006.

A Law graduate from the University of Coimbra Law School, Mário Esteves de Oliveira had a remarkable academic career as an Administrative Law and Public Law Professor and reference author of a vast work in the field. A reference in administrative law, Mário Esteves de Oliveira was consulted by public and private entities and by his peers for legal opinions on the most sophisticated and sensitive issues in the field of administrative law and was also involved in some of the most prominent administrative legal actions in the country.

Recognized for his in-depth knowledge of the law, he showed a unique ability to combine highly complex reflections with a rare perceptiveness and thoroughness in dealing with any issue, always in a unique style and with unmistakable elegance. His legacy to the national legal and academic community is unsurpassed, both a source of inspiration and grateful memory.

Mário Esteves de Oliveira was an Assistant Professor of Administrative Law at the Coimbra University Law School between 1971 and 1972 and a Professor of Public Institutions of Economic Life at the Instituto Superior de Ciências Sociais e Políticas (Institute of Higher Learning for Social and Political Sciences) between 1973 and 1975. A few years later, between 1977 and 1986, he would go on to become Professor of Administrative Law at the Lisbon University Law School. He worked as a legal consultant since 1972 and in that capacity penned over 600 doctrinal legal opinions. Mário Esteves de Oliveira was registered with the Bar Association as Administrative Law Expert. He was regularly invited by different Law schools as lecturer in masters and post-graduate degrees, and as speaker in Public Law and Administrative Law seminars and conferences.

He left an indelible mark on all those who had the privilege of working with him or being a part of his life, which resulted in a heartfelt tribute to his remarkable qualities, not the least of which personal, with the publication of “Estudos em Homenagem a Mário Esteves de Oliveira”.

Today we lost one of the most outstanding Portuguese legal minds, a great lawyer and an exceptional man.