Prix et Classements | Classements

Chambers Europe

"Rightly acknowledged at the top of the Portuguese market; with well-rounded advice, which is sophisticated without need of clarification."

Basic facts about the Department  - 4 partners - 15 other qualified lawyers

What the team is known for  Long-standing leader with expansive bench strength and an impressive reputation. Advises on the full scope of transactional and regulatory matters with outstanding expertise in debt restructuring and recapitalisation, in addition to securitisation proceedings. Offers strong cross-border capabilities involving lusophone and francophone Africa. Active of late in matters concerning the energy and construction sectors.

Strengths  Clients praise the team's "comprehensive areas of know-how and experience," with one source noting that "they convey to us the full confidence of a job well done."

Other clients report: "Their strengths are their knowledge of regulatory matters, their focus on the client´s problems and their very practical analysis of the issues raised."

Work highlights  Advised Banco Santander Totta on the drafting and reviewing of documentation regarding the issue of subordinated bonds.

Acted for Montepio Investment as the lender on a EUR40 million facility agreement granted to Arrábidashopping - Centro Comercial.

Significant Clients  Bank of Portugal, Hefesto, Sonae Sierra, Haitong Bank, Deutsche Bank.

Notable practitioners

A client deems Pedro Cassiano Santos to be "one of the best laywers I've had the chance to work with," praising his "very solid, efficient responses and accurate, structured legal strategy." He wins further praise for his planning abilities: "Pedro's considerable experience emerges whenever you need to strategise. That is a key feature in him. Preparing a negotiation with him is an insightful and rewarding experience, with positive impact on results." He assists clients with asset-backed transactions and structured finance, as well as securitisation.

Paula Gomes Freire boasts a strong banking practice complemented by her capital markets expertise. She assists with both debt and equity instruments, with recent work including securitisation.

Benedita Aires handles both domestic and cross-border asset-backed transactions, including covered bond issues and securitisations.

Newly-ranked associate-to-watch Tiago Correia Moreira advises on regulatory matters as well as debt financing and securitisation. He is noted by sources for his "very focused and dedicated" approach to clients. A client praises his experience: "Tiago is someone you will want at your side when the storm hits. His skills in problem-solving, compartmentalising problems and tackling each part separately until a global solution emerges are overwhelming at times."

  • Pedro Cassiano Santos - Star Individual
  • Paula Gomes Freire - Band 2
  • Benedita Aires - Associate to Watch
  • Tiago Correia Moreira - Associate to Watch

Basic facts about the Department  - Heads of department: José Pedro Fazenda Martins and Pedro Cassiano Santos - 5 partners - 8 other qualified lawyers

What the team is known for  Highly regarded team praised for its first-rate expertise in debt capital markets with additional abilities in equity capital markets. Regularly handles a wide range of transactional and regulatory matters including the issuance of covered bonds, EMTN programme updates, share placement and launching of public offers. Practice additionally extends to corporate governance matters. Acts for an impressive list of major Portuguese corporates and international financial institutions.

Strengths  Clients appreciate that the team is composed of "experienced lawyers who are easy to relate to, with a very practical and pragmatic approach to all matters."

Further satisfied clients value the team's availability and "quick response to requests."

Work highlights  Advised Galp on the issuance of bonds with an aggregate value of EUR455 million.

Assisted Deutsche Bank and J.P. Morgan Securities with the Portuguese law aspects of the launch of Lusitano SME No.3.

Significant Clients  Storm Harbour Securities, Novo Banco, Morgan Stanley, TAP Air Portugal, Brisa Concessão Rodoviária.

Notable practitioners

Pedro Cassiano Santos is active in structured finance, securitisation and regulatory matters. Clients say: "He leads the work in an effective and confident way," and they also appreciate his "pragmatic and helpful" approach.

Hugo Moredo Santos handles securitisation, structured finance and asset-backed transactions. Clients confirm: "He knows the market and is capable of providing technical and accurate advice."

José Pedro Fazenda Martins is recognised for his experience in equity transactions, which includes capital increases and rights issues.

Paula Gomes Freire combines recognised strengths in banking and finance with activity in the DCM sphere. Her expertise spans issues, placements and securitisation.

Orlando Vogler Guiné regularly assists with bond issuances, note offerings and EMTN programme updates. Clients praise his work ethic and expertise.

  • Pedro Cassiano Santos - Band 1
  • Hugo Moredo Santos - Band 2
  • José Pedro Fazenda Martins - Band 3
  • Paula Gomes Freire - Band 3
  • Orlando Vogler Guiné - Band 4

What the team is known for  Highly esteemed department active in a broad range of competition and EU law matters. Notable expertise in merger control, state aid, authority-led investigations and compliance. Acts for an impressive client roster comprised of domestic and international names with activity in the retail, TMT and banking sectors. New additions to its client list include Evonik Industries.

Strengths  Interviewees are impressed by the department's "business-friendly and modern approach."

Clients additionally highlight the team's "experience and fast response time."

Work highlights  Advised CTT Correios de Portugal on an abuse of dominant position investigation launched by the PCA.

Represented TAP in antitrust proceedings filed by the EC regarding suspected infringements of Article 101.

Notable practitioners

Nuno Ruiz enjoys a strong reputation in the market. Sources refer to him as "an excellent lawyer who is an established name in the field" and further report: "He is very experienced and his work can make the difference." His broad practice spans abuse of dominance cases, private enforcement procedures and state aid disputes, and he regularly acts for clients on proceedings before the PCA or the EC.

Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro is particularly recommended for his activity in abuse of dominant position actions. He possesses notable skill in banking, telecoms and energy mandates. Interviewees commend his ability to "understand the client's concerns and propose clear solutions," in addition to highlighting his "good communication skills."

Miguel Mendes Pereira represents clients in antitrust investigations, merger control proceedings and state aid mandates. He is experienced in acting before the European Commission and the ECJ. According to sources, he is "extremely knowledgeable about competition matters and he also has good interpersonal skills."

  • Nuno Ruiz - Band 1
  • Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro - Band 2
  • Miguel Mendes Pereira - Band 2

What the team is known for  Highly regarded outfit with a robust team. Adept at assisting with multi-jurisdictional corporate transactions, with M&A as an area of notable expertise. Experienced in the energy, TMT, life sciences and financial services industries, advising important multinational corporations, financial groups and state-owned companies. Handles the full range of matters including corporate restructurings, private equity transactions and corporate governance. Offers extensive international capabilities, particularly in Angola, Brazil and Cabo Verde.

Strengths  Clients appreciate the multidisciplinary team's in-depth knowledge of different sectors: “We have a lot of specificities in our sector and they understand this well. It's good to work with them as we don't have to go through a learning curve.”

Sources highlight the team's proactive approach, and say: “They respond to all enquiries with speed and efficiency.”

Work highlights  Advised EDF on the structure auction of Galp Gás Natural with regard to the acquisition of a 22.5% shareholding stake for EUR250 million.

Advised Tranquilidade on the acquisition of Açoreana Seguros, via a corporate restructuring and subsequent share capital increase.

Notable practitioners

João Vieira de Almeida maintains a strong reputation in the market. He is experienced in Brazilian-Portuguese transactions owing to a dual qualification in both jurisdictions. Clients highlight his “good technical knowledge.”

Jorge Bleck is praised for being "a smart lawyer and a strategic thinker." He is well equipped to handle both public and private M&A transactions, and is active in the banking, energy and insurance sectors. Clients state: “He's a very imaginative person who makes things happen.”

Cláudia Cruz Almeida is known to be a "pragmatic lawyer." Clients are particularly impressed by her determination: “She is meticulous: she loves battling through the details and never gives up.” She has notable experience in M&A in the energy sector.

  • João Vieira de Almeida - Eminent Practionier
  • Jorge M Bleck - Band 1
  • Cláudia da Cruz Almeida - Band 3 

Basic facts about the Department  - Heads of department: Sofia Ribeiro Branco, António Magalhães Cardoso and Frederico Gonçalves Pereira - 4 partners - 26 other qualified lawyers

What the team is known for  Sizeable and multidisciplinary practice covering the full range of civil and commercial disputes, domestic and international arbitration and white-collar crime. Also offers a highly specialised service in patent litigation and is active in insolvency litigation. Provides expertise across Portuguese-speaking jurisdictions including Angola and Cabo Verde. Clients include banks, pharmaceutical and telecoms companies.

Strengths  Clients are quick to identify the firm's strengths, saying: "The level of service provided is very high. The deadlines are always respected, the subjects are worked in depth and the results are always in the company's interest."

Other clients appreciate the homogeneity of the team, reporting: "It's a real team with complementary members and all at the same level."

Work highlights  Represented PT Ventures in ICSID arbitration proceedings against the state of Cabo Verde concerning investments made in Cabo Verde Telecom.

Advised Auto Estrada do Marão on an ad hoc arbitration against the State of Portugal regarding the termination of a concession agreement for the construction of a motorway.

Significant Clients  Auchan, BCP Group, Navigator Company, Tagus Holdings, GALP Energia Group.

Miguel Pinto Cardoso wins praise from peers and clients alike, who describe him as "a brilliant lawyer." One source says: "He combines both skills and capacity to make deep analysis of cases." Another interviewee highlights his "organising" and "strategising" abilities. He handles arbitration and commercial litigation cases domestically and internationally.

Frederico Gonçalves Pereira has considerable expertise in the insolvency and restructuring fields, frequently representing clients in arbitration proceedings. Sources praise his knowledge, stating: "He has excellent skills in arbitration," citing his "deep knowledge of the market and of the law itself. The arbitration mechanisms have no secret for him. He has remarkable experience."

According to sources, Sofia Ribeiro Branco is "a good lawyer for criminal matters." She is well reputed for her expertise in corporate crime and handles a range of matters, including regulatory offences, corruption and compliance. Sources describe her as "dedicated, strong and knowledgeable."

Carla Gonçalves Borges "goes to court with a warrior spirit and she gets what we want," clients note, adding: "We get the results in a timely manner." She frequently assists with arbitration proceedings, both domestically and on an international level.

  • Frederico Gonçalves Pereira - Band 2
  • Miguel Pinto Cardoso - Band 1
  • Sofia Ribeiro Branco - Band 4
  • Carla Gonçalves Borges - Associate to Watch

Dispute Resolution - Corporate Crime

  • Sofia Ribeiro Branco - Band 3

What the team is known for  Handles a wide range of employment matters and is able to assist clients with day-to-day advisory work and collective bargaining agreements. Advises key clients from the insurance, pharmaceutical, transport and IT sectors. Further strengths include restructurings, transfers of undertakings and contract termination, with additional support in compliance. Able to assist with multi-jurisdictional issues, with notable activity involving lusophone Africa.

Strengths  Clients are quick to note the team's capabilities. One describes the team as "available, objective and competent," in addition to underlining the provision of "efficient and accurate advice."

Another explains: "We feel that the lawyers are our business partners - it's a firm that helps us to make the right decisions."

Work highlights  Advised WiZink on employment issues related to the transfer of Barclaycard and Banco Popular's credit and debit card businesses to WiZink, including assistance with pension schemes.

Represented Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa in collective bargaining negotiations with several unions, concerning staff at one of the client's hospitals.

Notable practitioners

Tiago Piló leads the department and advises clients on a range of large-scale labour mandates, including pensions issues, collective bargaining negotiations, trade union issues and employee restructuring mandates. Clients highlight his "know-how, objectivity and efficiency," in addition to reporting that "he is available and works very closely with the client." He also advises on collective contentious mandates, including wrongful dismissal claims.

Tiago Azevedo advises on employee restructuring mandates. Interviewees appreciate that he "provides answers in a very objective and clear way." He is also considered to be "very detailed and meticulous" by a satisfied source.

  • Tiago Piló - Band 3
  • Tiago Cochofel de Azevedo - Associate to Watch

What the team is known for  Well-established department with strong international capabilities and noted oil and gas expertise. Offers a comprehensive service, skilled in project development and public procurement as well as licensing and compliance issues. Assists major clients including energy providers and mining companies. Works across both lusophone and francophone Africa. Notable activity on issues concerning wind farms.

Strengths  The department impresses market sources with its expertise and high-level service. One interviewee comments: "The team provides prompt responses, is knowledgeable and can exhaust all possible scenarios to come to a conclusion. It is adaptable, transparent and honest."

Another source adds: "I was impressed by all the team members. The juniors are all very impressive too; there is quality across the board."

Work highlights  Assisted TrustWind with the refinancing of a EUR283.2 million wind farm portfolio, through the issuance of project bonds.

Notable practitioners

Vanda Cascão is recognised for her experience in project financing. She frequently handles matters concerning the renewables or oil and gas sectors. "She's a very good lawyer who understands projects well," report interviewees, who also regard her as a "conscientious" practitioner.

Manuel Protásio acts on project finance and transactional mandates in the energy field. He is praised for being "knowledgeable, innovative, and instrumental in negotiations."

  • Manuel Protásio - Band 3
  • Vanda Cascão - Band 2

What the team is known forWell equipped to handle an array of matters in the corporate field, combined with a depth of resources. Frequently advises on M&A, corporate finance and restructuring procedures. Growing focus on the technology sector. Often assists clients within transport and distribution industries. Provides further support with public law and employment issues.

Strengths  Clients describe the team as a group of "dedicated and competent professionals."

One client in particular states: "The firm is very good, they have all the competencies."

Work highlights  Acted on behalf of the Brisa Group on the arbitration claims for multiple road PPPs. The project's total value amounted to EUR2 billion.

Assisted the Municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia with a liability legal action against CIMPOR, and a separate action on breach of contract brought by José Luis & Irmão.

Notable practitioners 

Head of the Porto office Isabel Gião de Andrade is deemed by her clients to be "a very dedicated person, very meticulous and detailed," as well as a "proactive and optimistic" practitioner. Highly experienced in representing domestic and foreign clients in M&A transactions, investment projects and restructuring issues, she is a prominent figure in the Porto legal market.

Benedita Fernandes Gonçalves co-ordinates the Porto labour team. She handled the employment and benefits issues for Consoveyo, when Körber Logistics Systems acquired 100% share capital of the client, and subsequently acted for Consoveyo on the formulation and structuring of a new contractual framework relating to the distribution and supply of equipment.

Inês Ribera is a key member of the Porto team. She has experience in advising national and international clients in various industries, and is skilled at dealing with emerging technologies and corporate governance matters.

  • Isabel Gião de Andrade - Band 2: Corporate
  • Benedita Gonçalves - Associate to Watch: Employment
  • Inês Ribera - Associate to Watch: Corporate

What the team is known for  Well-regarded practice group with noted strength in both transactional and contentious work. Regularly assists with contracts and the development of insurance and reinsurance products, with further capabilities in compliance and regulatory issues. Has a strong presence in cross-border issues, with recent activity involving European or African jurisdictions.

Strengths  Sources appreciate the provision of "useful and pragmatic advice, which means that clients can easily implement the relevant processes."

A client highlights the team's experience and specialisation in insurance law, adding: "The lawyers are extremely available and very business-oriented."

Work highlights  Acted for Companhia de Seguros Tranquilidade on its merger with Açoreana Seguros, Seguros LOGO and T-Vida - Companhia de Seguros de Vidas, to create Portugal's second largest non-life insurance provider, now named Seguradoras Unidas.

Represented MAPFRE Empresas - Compañia de Seguros y Reaseguros and its policyholders in several ongoing litigation cases, including civil liability claims.

Notable practitioners

Helena Vaz Pinto is well known for her expertise in corporate and M&A matters within the insurance sector. A client praises her, saying: "She works very closely with the client, and she understands our needs and concerns. She knows how to use her previous experience to create tailor-made solutions."

  • Helena Vaz Pinto - Band 2

What the team is known for  Excellent team adept at handling trade mark, copyright and patent-related matters. Defends the rights of patent-holders in infringement proceedings, with notable prowess in its representation of pharmaceutical entities. Holds experience in licensing processes, anti-counterfeiting measures and management of IP rights. Clients include household-name brands from the consumer goods and TMT sectors.

Strengths  The team is praised for its depth of resources. One client highlights its "capacity to handle large litigation or arbitration proceedings" and adds: "The lawyers are helpful and understand clients' needs."

Another interviewee describes the team as "excellent" and underlines team members' "good negotiation skills."

Work highlights  Represented Novartis in various patent-related actions to defend the client's rights against infringing generic products.

Assisted Área Infinitas - Design de Interiores with the registration of national, community and international trade marks, in addition to assisting the client with litigation in Portugal, Spain and India.

Notable practitioners

António de Magalhães Cardoso is recognised for his lengthy experience in the practice area and is active in commercial litigation and arbitration. He assists with patent enforcement actions on behalf of key pharmaceutical companies and also advises on trade mark matters, including registration, enforcement and counterfeit issues, for important international brands.

António Andrade is particularly active in patent enforcement actions, often representing originator pharmaceutical companies in arbitration proceedings over the marketing of infringing medicines in Portugal. His IP practice extends to expertise in trade mark and copyright issues.

  • António de Magalhães Cardoso - Band 1
  • António Andrade - Band 3

What the team is known for  Prominent department with experience of investments across a broad range of industries and sectors, such as insurance, telecommunication and energy. Skilled in the full spectrum of private equity and venture capital structure investments. Sought out for its expert handling of cross-border transactions.

Work highlights  Assisted venture capital funds managed by Armilar Venture Partners with several investment projects and portfolio companies.

Advised Seguradoras Unidas on the merger by incorporation of three other insurance companies, Açoreana Seguros,Seguros Logo and T-Vida.

Notable practitioners

Market commentators describe Jorge Bleck as a "very good M&A lawyer in Portugal, very well known and very active in the market." He is adept at handling major private equity transactions and his clients include some of the biggest private equity funds in Portugal. He continues to head the firm's M&A and corporate finance practices. Of late, he advised Banco de Portugal on the second structure public auction of Novo Banco, valued at around EUR4.9 billion.

Helena Vaz Pinto's expertise spans corporate finance and M&A. She assists clients with a wide range of private equity and venture capital transactions, in addition to handling corporate transactions in regulated sectors such as banking and transportation.

  • Jorge Bleck - Band 1
  • Helena Vaz Pinto - Band 2

Basic facts about the Department  - Head of department: Manuel Protásio - 5 partners - 10 other qualified lawyers

What the team is known for  First-class department active in the energy, infrastructure and transport sectors. Experienced in road concessions, renewable energy, waste and water projects. Strong domestic-side practice as well as strengths in international work owing to an extensive network of offices across lusophone Africa. Particular expertise in matters involving Angola.

Strengths  Clients recognise that "they are particularly strong in litigation and pre-insolvency restructurings."

Work highlights  Advised Caixa Económica Montepio Geral as lenders on the financing for the acquisition of NorScut - Concessionária de Auto-Estradas.

Represented Auto-Estradas do Baixo Tejo and Auto-Estradas do Litoral Oeste in the renegotiation of the project and finance documents related to Baixo Tejo and Litoral Oeste subconcessions.

Significant Clients  Tagusgás, European Investment Bank, TrustWind. First State Investments.

Notable practitioners

Manuel Protásio is recognised by sources as an experienced individual with whom "it is a pleasure to work." He handles refinancings and concession agreements within the infrastructure or energy and natural resources sectors.

Paulo de Barros Baptista leads the firm's infrastructure and transport practices within the projects department and is recognised for his broad expertise, particularly in roads and motorways.

Vanda Cascão regularly advises on both domestic and international renewable projects. One interviewee praises her expertise in the power sector, describing her as "an expert."

Teresa Empis Falcão is described by market commentators as an "experienced and effective lawyer." She handles financings and PPPs in a range of sectors, including energy and infrastructure.

Project finance specialist Ana Luís de Sousa works on projects in a range of sectors, including energy, water and waste. She is particularly active in lusophone African countries such as Cabo Verde, Angola and Mozambique. Sources appreciate that she is "very hands-on in deals."

  • Manuel Protásio - Band 1
  • Paulo de Barros Baptista - Band 2
  • Vanda Cascão - Band 3
  • Teresa Empis Falcão - Band 3
  • Ana Luís de Sousa - Band 4

What the team is known for  Stellar reputation in the public law market, able to provide a deep bench of recognised individuals. Advises on concessions and PPPs, as well as privatisation processes. Solid presence in the banking, telecoms, healthcare, infrastructure and transport sectors. Regularly handles public law arbitration and is additionally active in matters concerning other lusophone jurisdictions.

Strengths  Clients value the department's approach: "The team offers a very good-quality service. The lawyers are fast, easy to get on the phone and pleasant to work with."

Others also appreciate the group for being "very focused on the client."

Work highlights  Advised Odebrecht Ambiental on a concession agreement for water supply infrastructure in the Angolan province of Benguela.

Assisted ANA Aeroportos de Portugal with concessions agreements, public works litigation and regulatory advice.

Notable practitioners

Mário Esteves de Oliveira maintains a strong reputation in the sector for his wealth of experience. Market observers recognise him as "one of the biggest names in the field."

Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira advises on arbitration and litigation for prominent clients. He is active in the transport sector and regularly deals with issues concerning public works contracts, tenders or concessions.

Paulo Pinheiro co-leads the practice and acts for governmental bodies, state-run entities and multinational companies. He assists clients with administrative litigation and arbitration proceedings, in addition to tender procedures, drafting of public procurement documents and regulatory strategy.

Ana Marta Castro assists with a number of high-profile operations, including urban renewal, telecommunications or transport projects. Clients commend her ability to "really work with the details and find practical solutions."

  • Mário Esteves de Oliveira - Senior Statesmen
  • Paulo Pinheiro - Band 2
  • Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira - Band 2
  • Ana Marta Castro - Band 4

What the team is known forComprehensive real estate practice that assists clients with real estate transactions and urban rehabilitation. Solid presence on the acquisition and divestment of hotel, residential and office buildings, often on behalf of international developers or funds. Prominent expertise in environmental issues, including licensing and compliance. Has strengthened team at both partner and associate level through important lateral hires.

Strengths  Sources highlight the senior partners' "involvement and effort; they are very hands-on and are willing to work night after night for the client."

Clients further praise the lawyers' "knowledge of Portuguese real estate and their ability to analyse and draft legal agreements that cover the relevant aspects of a transaction."

Notable practitioners

Miguel Marques dos Santos handles real estate and urban planning matters flowing from the purchase, sale and lease of property. He is spotlighted by clients for his technical skills and for his detail-oriented approach. "He approaches any situation like it is totally new; he covers all of the points, asks himself all of the relevant questions and will not miss anything important," says one interviewee. "He is practical and sharp," states another market commentator, adding: "He has a thorough knowledge of both real estate and corporate matters."

Clients say that department head Pedro Ferreirinha is "proactive, rigorous on documents and timely in getting back to us. He doesn't wait for us to ask but instead autonomously and diligently provides feedback when appropriate." Peers note his particular activity in the acquisition of development projects. He acts for developers and investors on transactions in the office, residential and hotels sector.

Pedro Pereira Coutinho has substantial experience in transactional work on behalf of developers and international investors. He is a popular figure among peers for his handling of significant mandates, while clients value his "technical knowledge, commercial awareness and pragmatism."

Pedro Corrêa d'Oliveira enters the rankings as a result of strong praise from peers and clients for his contributions to the firm's key real estate development mandates. Sources highlight his "investment of time and effort on behalf of clients" and say that "he is a great support for the team, with a clear client focus."

  • Miguel Marques dos Santos - Band 1
  • Pedro Ferreirinha - Band 2
  • Pedro Corrêa de Oliveira - Associate to Watch
  • Pedro Pereira Coutinho - Star Associate

What the team is known for  Acclaimed full-service practice with substantial experience in debt restructuring and transactions involving distressed assets. Boasts a strong track record in representing clients from the banking and finance sector, in addition to strength advising other key domestic and international companies. Able to assist clients with contentious issues.

Strengths  Sources acknowledge the firm's activity in the market, describing it as "a quality firm" that acts on "sophisticated cases."

Interviewees further note: "The team is very creative when building restructuring strategies."

Work highlights  Advised a group of international investors, including Barclays, Morgan Stanley and Varde Partners, among others, on Banco Espírito Santo and Espírito Santo Financial Group's resolution measures.

Assisted NANIUM, formerly Qimonda Portugal, with the sale of 100% of its share capital to Amkor Technology, as the final step in Qimonda Portugal's restructuring.

Notable practitioners

Co-head of department Frederico Gonçalves Pereira regularly advises clients on insolvency plans and related litigation, in addition to being adept at assisting with cross-border instructions. His versatile practice leads him to advise both insolvent entities and creditors. He recently acted for Fundger on the insolvency of its managed fund Fundo Promovest.

  • Frederico Gonçalves Pereira - Band 2

What the team is known for  Advises on complex transactional tax matters for a range of clients, including banking syndicates and notable financial institutions. Skilled at handling debt issues and transfers of financial assets. Also offers clientele support from a dedicated financial tax team. Regularly handles international taxation, tax structuring and litigation, as well as indirect taxing.

Strengths  Interviewees praise the team's responsiveness and high level of client care. One client appreciates its "prompt and quick replies" and describes the firm as a "very respected player in the market." Further sources hail the team as "very knowledgeable" and add that "the lawyers are always able and available to talk."

Work highlights  Advised WiZink on the Portuguese law aspects of the EUR950 million transfer of the Barclaycard insurance mediation portfolio.

Assisted a banking syndicate comprising Banco Português de Investimento, Caixa Banco de Investimento, Novo Banco and Banco BPI as arrangers with the issuance of treasury bonds by the Portuguese Republic, valued at EUR4.45 billion.

Notable practitioners

Tiago Marreiros Moreira heads the firm's tax practice and has a wealth of experience in cross-border tax matters. He regularly advises clients in the healthcare, pharmaceutical and real estate sectors. He recently advised Aupec - AE Energy Consulting on tax-related disputes regarding oil revenues.

A client lauds Conceição Gamito as "very experienced," adding that she provides "strong analysis that covers all the bases." She regularly advises clients on VAT matters.

Joaquim Pedro Lampreia is praised by sources for his "excellent work in tax litigation." He advises companies from a broad range of industries on contentious tax matters. He recently acted for TrustEnergy and TrustWind in the acquisition by TrustWind of the Generg Expansão Group and its wind farm portfolio in a transaction valued at EUR237 million.

Samuel Fernandes de Almeida is a respected tax litigator with experience representing clients before judicial and arbitral courts. He has notable expertise in international taxation matters involving African countries. Of late, he successfully represented two Dutch pension funds in tax litigation proceedings for the recovery of tax paid on dividends obtained in Portugal.

  • Tiago Marreiros Moreira - Band 2
  • Joaquim Pedro Lampreia - Band 3
  • Samuel Fernandes de Almeida - Band 4
  • Conceição Gamito - Band 3

What the team is known for  First-rate department handling data privacy and protection issues as well as regulatory matters and emerging technology-related mandates. Acts for both international and domestic companies and for public authorities. Regularly acts on cross-border matters, with notable activity involving lusophone countries.

Strengths  Clients appreciate: "The lawyers always deliver on time and are always available. They learn the business of the client, and they're able to translate our own specifics into legal language."

Sources report that the team's advice is "very detailed and clear, which makes it easier to comprehend."

Work highlights  Assisted Sakthi Group with the contractual aspects of creating the Centre for Innovation and Technology N. Mahalingam, valued at EUR50 million.

Acted for A4AI - Alliance for Affordable Internet on the design of ICT regulation concerning infrastructure sharing and open access for Ghana and Mozambique.

Notable practitioners

Margarida Couto is held in high regard for her market-leading expertise in telecoms, within which she frequently advises on regulatory issues. She is additionally experienced in data privacy matters. "She's very smart, has a lot of experience and is a very good lawyer," reports one interviewee.

Magda Cocco is described as "an impressive and dedicated person who is highly skilled and knowledgeable." She is further noted for her proficiency in data protection matters, as part of a broader TMT specialism which covers cybersecurity and telecommunications. She is additionally active in aerospace law.

According to one client, Fernando Resina da Silva is "very proactive and full of energy." This source further appreciates that he is "always trying to understand clients' needs and is focused on delivering a tailored solution." He is adept at handling an array of TMT issues, with notable expertise in IT, outsourcing and emerging technology matters. He assists an impressive portfolio of multinational and domestic clients and regularly advises on cross-border projects.

  • Margarida Couto - Star Individual
  • Magda Cocco - Band 1
  • Fernando Resina - Band 1

Vieira de Almeida is a well-regarded full-service Portuguese firm with a strong international focus. This focus is reflected in its private clients practice, which typically acts for international clients and family offices on relocation and residence issues, cross-border wealth and business structuring and property investment matters, as well as tax and succession planning.

Market insiders say the team is "very strong at this level and well prepared to service private clients." The firm is seen as an innovative player in the Portuguese legal industry, and interviewees had praise for its overall strength in this market.

Notable practitioners

  • Tiago Marreiros Moreira is a key contact for this practice.