"VdA's team is always very well coordinated and easy to work with under pressure, with tight deadlines and complex issues."
Market-leading independent firm with a formidable reputation in the cross-border transactional space.
The Lisbon-based practice has a burgeoning international profile with teams covering 13 jurisdictions, including integrated services in lusophone Africa, Franco-Africa and Timor-Leste. The firm is particularly highlighted for its strong presence in Angola. For multi-jurisdictional work which extends beyond the firm's footprint, it engages with trusted co-counsel, drawing upon its non-exclusive list of partnership firms across Europe, America and Africa.
VdA frequently collaborates with highly rated firms from the UK and USA, which also includes the regular secondment of lawyers.
Its superb transactional offering, with leading expertise in M&A, private equity and capital markets, is much sought after by multinational corporations and asset managers. It also houses a top-ranked banking team that is regularly instructed by international financial institutions on the complete range of transactional and regulatory matters. The firm also boasts an impressive disputes practice covering cross-border commercial litigation, international arbitration and white-collar crime cases. The team is further singled out for its strong international capabilities in outbound project finance, particularly within the oil and gas sector.
Clients entrust the firm with a broad range of cross-border work around the globe. One interviewee who works with the firm across Europe and Africa says:
"Their main strength is how they approach the client, the advice they give to the client – which is not purely legal. They try to understand the business of the client and they provide different alternatives."
Another says: "What stands out the most is the knowledge and experience in several African countries, combined with the experience in several European courts. I consider this mix of knowledge the biggest differentiator and with added value." Lawyers at international firms also regard it highly for its effective co-ordination on multi-jurisdictional matters.
One says: "They came across as being very responsive in providing the feedback. There are a lot of aspects to cover, they know all areas of law and they are quickly available."
What the team is known for Long-standing leader with expansive bench strength and an impressive reputation. Solid client roster includes major domestic and international banks and other financial institutions. Advises on the full scope of transactional and regulatory matters, with outstanding expertise in restructuring and securitisation proceedings. Offers strong cross-border capabilities involving other lusophone countries, including Timor-Leste. Notable activity in real estate financing. Additionally, handles crowdfunding regulatory matters.
Notable practitioners
Clients consider Paula Gomes Freire to be a "very experienced lawyer with a deep knowledge of the area." She focuses her practice on NPL deals, acquisition finance and securitisation transactions.
Pedro Cassiano Santos is dubbed a "pioneer of banking in Portugal" by interviewees, who detail his great experience in the area. He provides advice on the full spectrum of banking and finance matters, including NPL transactions, regulatory matters and debt refinancings.
Benedita Aires represents clients in the financing of acquisitions, especially of real estate portfolios. Clients attest that she has "excellent knowledge of the area and great technical capacity."
Tiago Correia Moreira has experience in the registration of crowdfunding platforms with the CMVM. He also deals with securitisation matters.
Highly regarded team praised for its first-rate expertise in debt capital markets with additional abilities in equity. Regularly handles a wide range of matters including bond issuances, public debt and the launching of public offers. Has further skill in securitisation mandates as well as regulatory issues. Additionally, advises on derivatives transactions. Acts for an impressive list of major Portuguese corporates as well as foreign banks and financial institutions. Notable activity in lusophone Africa.
Notable practitioners
Hugo Moredo Santos is recognised by clients for his "great proximity to the client, knowledge of the area and technical capacity." He possesses extensive expertise in public offerings, bond issuances and securitisation.
Clients value José Pedro Fazenda Martins for his regulatory experience and add that he is "very knowledgeable and always available." He is active in debt capital markets, assisting clients with bond issuances and restructurings, in addition to handling structured finance deals.
Paula Gomes Freire is proficient at handling securitisations, especially those relating to NPL portfolios. She also advises on note issuances.
Satisfied clients report that Pedro Cassiano Santos is "always available in cases that are difficult to resolve." He specialises in dealing with securitisation and DCM matters, including bond issuances.
Orlando Vogler Guiné focuses his practice on debt capital markets, particularly note issuances. Clients highlight him for his "knowledge of the area."
Well-reputed outfit tackling complex and high-profile M&A transactions, as well as corporate governance and restructuring operations in the energy, telecommunications and real estate industries. Leverages expertise in tax, capital markets, labour and other areas to offer comprehensive assistance to clients. Clients often include financial groups, multinational entities and asset management companies. Boasts extensive international capabilities, particularly in Angola and Cabo Verde.
Notable practitioners
João Vieira de Almeida enjoys lengthy experience in the corporate arena. He is well placed to advise on transactions in the food and drink industry.
Interviewees praise Jorge Bleck for being "extremely strategic in his thinking." He has notable expertise in M&A and private equity deals, as well as joint ventures, and frequently assists with mandates arising from the telecommunications, cosmetics and food and drink sectors.
Cláudia Cruz Almeida often advises on transactions in the infrastructure and renewable energy sectors. Clients describe her as "extremely experienced and unflappable."
Paulo Trindade Costa regularly advises on foreign investment in Angola. He assists clients in the manufacturing and banking sectors with restructuring, corporate governance and regulatory matters.
Raul Mota Cerveira regularly advises foreign corporates on corporate and regulatory mandates involving São Tomé e Príncipe. He has experience in the telecommunications and food and drink sectors.
José Miguel Oliveira is adept at handling corporate matters in the energy sector, particularly those concerning oil and gas. He is dual-qualified in Angola and Portugal.
Sizeable and multidisciplinary practice covering the full range of civil and commercial disputes as well as domestic and international arbitration. Offers impressive expertise in white-collar crime cases involving corruption, tax fraud and money laundering. Provides support across Portuguese-speaking jurisdictions including Angola and Cabo Verde. Clients include banks and companies with activity in telecommunications, construction, insurance and natural resources.
Notable practitioners
Singled out for his "technical knowledge," Frederico Gonçalves Pereira showcases expertise in the areas of telecommunications, banking and infrastructure projects. He is further adept at handling arbitrations before the ICC.
Interviewees report that Miguel Pinto Cardoso is "known for his skills in the tribunal." He possesses expertise in arbitrations for clients in the energy, infrastructure and banking spheres and has particular activity in lusophone Africa.
First-class department active in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Experienced in the corporate and financial aspects of various road concessions, renewables, waste and water projects. Offers additional capabilities in the transport and healthcare spaces. Strong domestic-side practice as well as strengths in international work owing to an extensive network of offices across lusophone Africa, including in Mozambique. Impressive roster of clients includes major financial institutions as well as Portuguese construction companies.
Notable practitioners
Ana Luís de Sousa devotes her practice to assisting clients in the energy and natural resources sector. She is also experienced in administering project financing and funding.
Department head Manuel Protásio wins plaudits from clients for his "dedication and knowledge." He is specialised in handling energy-related projects.
Paulo de Barros Baptista is proficient in handling infrastructure projects, including in the construction and healthcare sectors. Clients emphasise his "availability and speed."
Teresa Empis Falcão demonstrates expertise in concession agreements, public tenders and project financing. She frequently assists clients in the transport, energy and infrastructure sectors.
Vanda Cascão showcases capabilities in project financing in the energy and natural resources sector. She is also adept at handling projects involving lusophone Africa.
João Afonso Fialho has strong knowledge of the Angolan market, particularly in dealing with energy projects. He often advises clients in the oil, gas, minerals and mining businesses.
About this network: VdA Legal Partners offers integrated legal services across its network of associated law offices, providing access to comprehensive local knowledge to allow its members to successfully navigate individual challenges across different markets. The network possesses considerable reach across lusophone Africa, with further coverage of the continent derived from its member firms in francophone jurisdictions. In addition, its international office in Timor-Leste and its administrative head office in Lisbon, Vieira de Almeida, provide the network with support and capability beyond the African continent. Inter-office collaboration is employed to provide the best level of service for clients engaging the network on cross-border mandates. The network utilises employee rotation and training to strengthen inter-office relationships and shared knowledge. Lisbon-based managing partner João Vieira de Almeida is a key contact.
What the team is known for
Well-established Portuguese firm that possesses considerable expertise in lusophone Africa, most significantly in Angola and Mozambique, with further strengths in francophone jurisdictions. Possesses significant presence in the oil and gas sector, in which the company represents a series of major international companies and development banks. In addition to providing counsel on development and financing mandates, the group is well-versed handling corporate issues such as restructurings and transactions in the space.
Strengths
The firm is especially well regarded in the market for its "vast, detailed knowledge of Angolan legislation," and sources comment that "the firm has been consistently excellent.“
Work highlights
Acting for Kinetics Technology on the expansion of the Luanda Refinery in Angola in order to quadruple its output, assisting with commercial and contractual issues, as well as licensing and funding.
Lisbon-based Rui Andrade is highly active in international litigation and arbitration in lusophone Africa. He has a strong international client following, with notable examples in the oil and gas sector. Clients depict him as "an excellent strategist, technically very solid and versatile. He is very persuasive and has an enormous ability to simplify seemingly complex situations.”
This Portuguese firm enjoys a good reputation for its work in Angola, with a client roster consisting of major players in technology, oil and gas and telecommunications. The team ably acts on sophisticated corporate, tax and finance matters. The group has an established association with local practice RLA, Sociedade de Advogados assuring its presence in the country.
João Afonso Fialho is held in high esteem by his clients, who say that he offers "vast, detailed knowledge of Angolan legislation as well as its standing under international laws," in addition to "expertise in the complexities of mining legislation." He benefits from strong capabilities advising on all manner of corporate matters, notably for clients in the energy and natural resources space.
José Miguel Oliveira assists clients with key corporate, tax and regulatory mandates. One satisfied client stated: "He is available, assertive and gives me the answers almost immediately. He totally delivers."
Headquartered in Portugal, VdA garners recognition for its "attention to detail and understanding of the regional legal framework." The team has expertise in corporate matters, in addition to knowledge of regulatory issues. It also capably handles matters arising under OHADA law.
Head of the firm's OHADA practice, Matthieu Le Roux 's experience focuses on corporate litigation. He possesses considerable experience in tax disputes, corporate restructuring and employment. Observers appreciate that he is "a hands-on lawyer."
Olivier Bustin is based in the firm's Lisbon office, with a great deal of "country expertise" in the two Congos, according to interviewees. He is well known for his expertise in the oil and gas sector. Sources emphasise that "he's very aware of regulatory issues and the steps that need to be taken in order to get an oil and gas project off the ground.”
VdA, based in Lisbon, is a renowned firm with an established presence in DRC. It provides in-depth expertise in the oil and gas sector, including the accompanying regulatory framework. The group counsels clients in various sectors such as energy, telecommunications, aerospace and infrastructure. A source acknowledged it is "a good firm well connected with strong local partnerships."
Olivier Bustin is highly regarded for his expertise in energy and natural resources sector in DRC. Interviewees say he is "incredibly efficient, knowledgeable and practical in his advice." Another acknowledged that he is "an excellent professional, extremely responsive and very pragmatic. He understands the reality of our business and how it's structured."
Vieira de Almeida (VdA) is a Lisbon-headquartered firm that is recognised as a leading expert in the energy and oil and gas sector. Its team also has capabilities in labour law, litigation and arbitration, including in regional matters, and frequently advises global clients on transactional due diligence. It also actively advises on local regulatory frameworks, including matters concerning foreign exchange rules and banking. Sources note the firm's successes, including its "good network of clients" and "interesting assignments."
Maria Araújo is a managing associate of the firm based in Lisbon. She is recognised for her specialised practice within the oil and gas sector, and her wider M&A practice. Her Equatorial Guinea experience includes assisting oil services companies with several cross-border operations. She also advises on private investment, corporate and real estate law. An interviewee acknowledged her to be "really involved" in the country and affirmed that she "really understands the country and business situation."
This Portuguese firm has unique knowledge of the Gabonese market, with recognised experience across francophone Africa and West Africa. It possesses established expertise in corporate and banking and finance law. It regularly advises on restructuring, financing and tax-related issues. It has a particular focus on the oil and gas and energy sectors. Matthieu Le Roux, with prior experience living in Gabon for five years, is a key contact at the firm.
This well-regarded Portuguese firm is recognised for its experience assisting with energy, oil and gas and telecommunications mandates. Clients highlight the firm for its "excellent knowledge of the local law." (...) Head of department Fernando Resina da Silva is the key contact for clients.
This well-regarded Portuguese firm is known for its solid track record of representing multinational companies in technology, labour and customs mandates. The firm has a strong local presence through its partnership with respected firm Guilherme Daniel & Associados.
This multidisciplinary Lisbon-based firm is highly regarded for its experience assisting with matters related to corporate, real estate, tax and environmental law. Sources attest that the team can "solve persistent corporate problems in different fields and contexts," and are pleased with "the proximity, speed and technical quality of the service provided." Clients also benefit from the group's expertise advising on dispute and tourism issues. The firm is associated with local law firm VNA Law Firm.
Raul Mota Cerveira is recognised for his work assisting international companies with public law, corporate and financing matters. Interviewees agree he is "very professional and focused on solutions," while other sources say that "he is a really good objective and structured lawyer." He is based in Lisbon but often visits São Tomé e Príncipe. One client enthused: "He always finds time to meet with us."
Respected practice in Dili, supported by its offices in 11 other jurisdictions, comprising Portugal and ten lusophone or francophone African nations. Principally handles oil and gas and telecoms mandates, and also offers expertise in banking, M&A and tax, among other areas. Acts for a number of government entities as well as private sector clients, including banks and oil and gas companies.
Strengths Clients note
"They provide great legal knowledge and they understand the laws of Timor-Leste.". Another source confirms that the team "acts for large clients and has excellent local knowledge."
Notable practitioners
Lisbon-based Catarina Pinto Correia is a key contact for clients.