The ‘outstanding’ team at VdA Vieira de Almeida is ‘dynamic and innovative when handling complex transactions’.
With an excellent lender perspective of the market practice and relevant precedents, VdA advises on the entire spectrum of regulatory issues and transactions across the banking and finance space. The group, which stands out for its expertise in assisting banks in NPL deals and their deleveraging strategies, continues to act for Banco de Portugal and the Resolution Fund in matters involving the BES resolution and disposal of Novo Banco-related assets. The robust department is also called upon to advise on landmark financing deals, including sustainability-linked instruments, sectorial M&A and governance, fintech and payment services-related mandates. Chairing the group is Pedro Cassiano Santos, who enjoys a strong reputation among peers, clients and market regulators. He manages a balanced workload which features a mix of capital markets deals, structured finance and securitisations, and also leads the firm’s private banking arm. Hugo Moredo Santos is a key contact for banks and other credit institutions in the context of their ongoing activities in Portugal and Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa; he also focuses on structured and asset finance. Paula Gomes Freire, who was elected as the firm’s new managing partner in February 2022, is also active in the practice, while Pedro Simões Coelho heads up the investment funds and collective investment entities department, as well as the aviation group. Structured products, classic financings and asset-backed transactions are core areas of activity for Benedita Aires. Tiago Correia Moreira assists in fintech-related matters and NPL transactions.
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‘Very clear explanation of options and consequences when working on restructuring projects. Excellent engagement with Portuguese regulator. Top-level deadline management, last-minute workloads and interaction with UK counsel.’
‘Extremely professional but also personable. Great Portuguese NPL expertise. Special mentions to Tiago Correia Moreira and Sebastião Nogueira.’
‘I highlight the professionalism, know-how, proximity to the client and ability to simplify complex problems. This team/firm stands out from its competitors for its responsiveness and “uncomplicated” bureaucracy, in addition to its proximity to the client.’
‘Hugo Moredo dos Santos, Orlando Vogler Guiné possess a high level of knowledge of the subjects, ability to work and respond, flexibility and proximity.’
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VdA houses a seasoned capital markets team, which is recognised for its strong credentials in all types of security work, including the national and international placement of both debt and equity. The group, which is closely tied in with the banking and finance practice, acts for an impressive roster of financial institutions and major companies across an array of sectors. Noted for its track record in asset-backed securities and securitisation transactions, the team was recently engaged in the two latest IPOs executed in the country, and a number of market-first deals, including the first issuance of green and sustainability-linked bonds in Portugal. Recent highlights also saw the department advise on share capital increases and rights issuances by listed entities. Pedro Cassiano Santos marries in-depth knowledge of debt, hybrid and equity instruments with significant experience in securitisations and structured finance transactions. He manages the practice with key support coming from Hugo Moredo Santos, who is singled out for his wealth of experience in retail bond issuances. Equity capital markets is an area of focus for José Pedro Fazenda Martins, who also advises on the admission to listing of financial instruments in the Portuguese market. Tiago Correia Moreira, a key contact for fintech-related matters and financial services regulatory issues, is especially active in NPL transactions, while managing associate Orlando Vogler Guiné maintains a broad practice, covering securities issues, derivatives and undertakings for collective investment.
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'Hugo Moredo Santos stands out.’
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'A firm of enormous quality‘, VdA fields an ‘outstanding‘ corporate and M&A practice, whose ‘depth of services‘ and ‘responsiveness‘ are widely praised by clients. The group is routinely engaged in blockbuster M&A deals in a variety of industries, having reported a recent uptick in transactional mandates within the telecoms, energy (including renewables), healthcare, infrastructure, and aviation sectors. Cláudia da Cruz Almeida, who is highly reputed in the fields of corporate acquisitions, disposals, reorganisations, privatisations and private equity, is now managing the corporate and M&A practice, replacing senior partner Jorge Bleck in the leadership seat in February 2022. The group was recently bolstered by the arrival of Maria da Conceição Cabaços, who joined the Porto office in October 2021 from PLMJ, and the highly regarded Francisco Sá Carneiro, who left Campos Ferreira, Sá Carneiro & Associados in January 2022, a law firm where he was one of the founding partners. Transactional and restructuring mandates feature heavily on Paulo Trindade Costa‘s workload, which is further populated by cross-border deals involving Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa. Acting for both sellers and buyers in private and public M&A, Helena Vaz Pinto stands out for her knowledge of the insurance sector, while Maria Cunha Matos, who is a qualified solicitor in England and Wales, and a registered foreign legal consultant in Brazil, is a name to note for cross-border matters. Recently promoted partner Sofia Bobone plays a prominent role in the practice, especially in the most innovative and high-profile deals handled by the firm. Former managing partner João Vieira de Almeida continues to supervise key M&A deals and joint ventures.
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'I think the practice is outstanding and a good sign of that is how we always relie on VdA for our transactions in Portugal.’
‘Top notch in terms of technical expertise, availability and attitude during long projects which have been extremely demanding physically.’
‘Depth of services and team. Responsiveness in demanding timings.’
‘VdA is a firm of enormous quality. It provides excellent services and has a very good team.’
‘ I would like to highlight Maria Cunha Matos who is highly professional.’
‘Helena Vaz Pinto and Sofia Bobone stand out.’
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At VdA, the privacy and data protection team sits within the broader information, communication and technology group. With specialised practitioners in specific industries, the practice is well equipped to assist clients in the retail, healthcare, energy, insurance, transportation, banking and gambling sectors. In addition to its proven track record in advising on privacy compliance programmes, the team is also sought after to handle the data protection aspects of corporate transactions as well as cybersecurity incidents and related contentious matters. With over 27 years of experience acting for domestic and international clients in international data transfers, data breaches and compliance work, Magda Cocco oversees the practice. Recently promoted partner Inês Antas de Barros is a key contact for the implementation of data protection compliance programmes in Portugal and Africa. Another name to note is managing associate Maria De Lurdes Gonçalves.
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'VdA is an office that embodies innovation, endowed with excellent professionals focused on the client. As a client, I have experienced an exceptional service with the firm and I intend to continue working with the team!’
‘Magda Cocco and Inês Antas de Barros, in addition to the excellent reputation they have in the market, provide excellent service, demonstrating assertive and pragmatic leadership. They seek to understand the client’s business, providing opinions and legal advice of excellent quality. My experience with both continues to be absolutely exceptional!’
‘I value its proximity, availability and focus on finding the best solution for the client.’
‘The jurists I have worked with have deep technical knowledge and intelligently seek to know the client’s business so that their contribution is full and efficient.’
‘I emphasise the quality of Magda Coco, Ines Antas de Barros and Maria de Lurdes Gonçalves.’
‘Magda Cocco, Inês Antas de Barros and Maria de Lurdes Gonçalves are recommended.’
‘Excellent technical competence and availability.’
‘Magda Coco for her technical competence.’
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VdA‘s dispute resolution team represents prominent companies and financial institutions in high-profile complex litigation and arbitration cases across a wide range of practice areas, spanning white-collar crime, restructuring and insolvency, IP, banking, M&A, competition law and insurance. Prominent in an array of sectors, including energy, life sciences, telecoms and real estate, the group is particularly active in cross-border disputes, notably in Portuguese-speaking African countries such as Angola, Mozambique and Cabo Verde. Leading the group are Frederico Gonçalves Pereira and Miguel Pinto Cardoso; Gonçalves Pereira is noted for his significant trial experience and expertise in complex civil and commercial disputes, and Pinto Cardoso focuses on domestic and international arbitration, especially commercial and investor-state disputes. Carla Gonçalves Borges is often sought after to advise on disputes in the banking, technology and sports industries.
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‘VdA has its clients at the centre of its attention, which allows it to develop a relationship based on mutual trust. There is a clear understanding by all members of the firm of the client’s priorities and objectives. The team always seeks the best legal framework to achieve the client’s goals.’
‘The VdA team is very well prepared. I would highlight the commitment and excellence of its professionals, who have a broad knowledge of various areas of specialisation, which results in successful outcomes in complex multidisciplinary matters.’
‘At VdA, lawyers effectively communicate with each other, which results in the good management of matters on a timely manner.’
‘Frederico Gonçalves Pereira and Miguel Pinto Cardoso are noted for their excellence, know-how and experience. Filipe Rocha Vieira and Miguel Lourenço e Silva are noted for their effort, sacrifice, resilience and dedication.’
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VdA‘s labour offering was boosted by the arrival of key practitioners in its Porto office, including new practice head Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão, who joined the firm in September 2021 from PLMJ, bringing more than 40 years of experience in domestic and international arbitration as well as employment matters. Other key arrivals include managing associates Maria Cavaleiro Brandão, Marta Silva and Pedro Ferreira de Sousa. With ‘excellent professionals for both court and out-of-court proceedings’, the group acts for domestic and international clients across the oil and gas, banking, healthcare, technology and retail industries. Rui Andrade is the name to note for labour litigation and arbitration, while collective dismissals and corporate restructurings are areas of expertise of Tiago Piló. Recently promoted partner Américo Oliveira Fragoso excels in collective bargaining negotiations, industrial actions and pension fund matters.
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‘Dedication, availability, quick response and practical sense in the proposed decisions.’
‘The services provided to us are almost exclusively performed by Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão and Pedro Ferreira de Sousa. Excellent quality. I recommend both lawyers to anyone who needs services within the scope of labour matters.’
‘Pedro Ferreira de Sousa is our point of contact and a clearly distinguished lawyer. He demonstrates great availability and proximity as well as the ability to develop structured plans to address our problems. He is a lawyer that every member of our company likes to work with.’
‘Americo Oliveira Fragoso combines an in-depth knowledge of the law with a practical and effective approach to solving the problems that are handed to him.’
‘A team with a lot of experience in different jurisdictions and capable of presenting alternative and creative solutions to the client.’
‘Rui Andrade for his technical knowledge, proven experience, availability, ability to understand the client’s needs and adjust legal solutions to the client’s problems.’
‘I would highlight the excellent quality of the advice provided, the very good level of service, the team’s availability and its proactivity. Excellent professionals for both court and out-of-court proceedings. The team delivers extraordinary results.’
‘Excellent professional, with unique personal qualities and unsurpassed dedication. Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão and Pedro Ferreira de Sousa are brilliant lawyers and negotiators. I highlight their rigour, professionalism and knowledge. Excellent expertise in all labour matters.’
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Notable for its ‘highly competent lawyers and broad experience’, VdA is a port of call for large oil and gas, mining and energy companies as well as major financial institutions. In addition to its strong track record in M&A, joint ventures, project finance, refinancings and bond issuances, the group also excels in regulatory matters, concession issues, bidding procedures and project development. A particular area of strength for the practice is cross-border deals, especially those with ties to African countries such as Angola, Cabo Verde, Mozambique and Timor-Leste. Ana Luís de Sousa focuses on greenfield projects, acquisition financing and project finance transactions. She oversees the department alongside João Afonso Fialho, whose practice covers construction and procurement contracts, mining projects and cross-border deals. Vanda Cascão is sought after for her extensive experience handling projects in the energy, water and sewage and infrastructure sectors. Other key names include financing expert Manuel Protásio and José Miguel Oliveira, who is noted for oil and gas matters.
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‘It is a law firm that is ahead of the market. Commitment to its clients, human relations, technical and social innovation and training.’
‘Ana Luís de Sousa is experienced and emphatic. She has great technical and negotiation skills.’
‘It is an office with highly competent lawyers and broad experience. The size of the office and the range of operations in which it is involved allow the application of best practices and the achievement of excellent results for all parties.’
‘Ana Luís de Sousa has extensive experience in the energy sector and is able to understand the objectives of all parties involved, which always leads to the best solutions.’
‘Marta Stock da Cunha combines sectoral knowledge with availability and technical skills.’
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VdA‘s competition and EU practice is consistently engaged by some of the biggest domestic companies and leading international players in high-stakes regulatory, transactional, and contentious matters. The ‘extremely responsive‘ group excels in competition litigation cases, merger control and State Aid mandates on behalf of clients from a broad range of industries (inc. TMT, sports, banking, insurance, healthcare, infrastructure and energy), and showcases particular strength in articles 101 and 102 TFUE investigations. Under the leadership of Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro, the team has managed to secure a leading position in the market when it comes to handling cases before the European Commission, European Courts and in other jurisdictions, most notably Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa. Practice head Bordalo Junqueiro and the highly regarded Nuno Ruiz have represented numerous clients in high-profile antitrust investigations and cartel cases at both the domestic and EU levels. Managing associate Cláudia Coutinho Da Costa is a key contact for merger control and antitrust proceedings involving the banking, telecoms, infrastructure and aviation sectors, while Nuno Carrolo dos Santos – ‘an extremely capable associate who provides strategic advice‘ in cross-border competition matters – stands out for his experience in antitrust investigations and merger control in the pharmaceuticals space.
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‘Extremely responsive and always willing to discuss fees.’
‘Ricardo Junqueiro has empowered his associates to get on with it. Nuno Carrolo dos Santos is an extremely capable associate who provides strategic advice.’
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VdA‘s investigations and white-collar crime practice handles complex investigations and sensitive criminal cases in a wide range of industries, most notably sports, financial services, telecoms, energy and media. The group is noted for its strong track record in cross-border cases, especially those involving Portuguese-speaking African countries and Timor-Leste. Recently, the team has been engaged in regulatory investigations, money laundering and corruption cases, and search and seizure procedures. João Medeiros is seasoned in high-profile criminal cases involving corporate crime and medical liability. He co-leads the department with Sofia Ribeiro Branco, who is recommended for advice on regulatory offences and white-collar crime matters.
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I’d highlight João Carlos Medeiros and Rui Costa Pereira.’
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VdA houses a dedicated corporate restructuring and insolvency practice with specialist lawyers, which attracts a roster of premier financial institutions, fund managers, corporates, board members and public sector clients. Known in the market for his extensive experience in high-profile insolvency cases, Frederico Gonçalves Pereira, who founded the firm’s litigation and arbitration practice, co-heads the department alongside restructuring and insolvency specialist Filipa Cotta, who has a strong track record in cross-border cases involving Switzerland, Luxembourg and Brazil. With a strong background in restructuring and insolvency matters in the financial services and telecoms sectors, Terresa Pitôrra is another key practitioner. Also recommended is managing associate Catarina Carvalho Cunha.
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Praised for its ‘excellent knowledge of life sciences regulatory and patent infringement matters’, VdA is a popular destination for high-profile pharmaceutical companies and stands out for its proven track record in complex patent litigation and arbitration. Founded by António de Magalhães Cardoso and led by of counsel Marta Alves Vieira, the practice has extensive experience in trade mark, design, copyright and unfair competition disputes. Vieira is highly experienced in IP litigation and arbitration cases, with a strong focus on pharmaceutical patent matters. Other key practitioners include managing associates Sara Nazaré, who excels in IP litigation, and Joana Piriquito Santos, whose practice covers the management of IP portfolios and patent prosecution matters.
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‘Broad depth of legal knowledge across the team, including excellent knowledge of life sciences regulatory and patent infringement matters.’
‘I highlight Sara Nazaré, who offers high-quality advice.’
‘Service provided with quality and in a timely manner.’
‘I particularly highlight Ana Falcão Afonso.’
‘Good knowledge of contentious IP proceedings in the field of life sciences.’
‘Marta Alves Vieira is is always available to help. She has a good knowledge of IP law and life sciences.’
‘Beatriz Lima and Joana Piriquito Santos are recommended.’
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The planning team at VdA offers assistance with zoning and land use regulations, planning instruments, due diligence and environmental impact assessments, among other matters. With a strong presence in African Portuguese-speaking countries such as Angola and São Tomé and Principe, the practice is jointly led by Pedro Ferreirinha, who is sought after to advise on acquisitions and disposals of residential, commercial, hospitality and retail properties, and Raul Mota Cerveira, whose practice covers projects in the infrastructure, water, sanitation and energy sectors.
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‘I believe that what makes VDA’s service unique is the easy access to its professionals, regardless of their level of seniority. Partners are always available to meet when needed.’
‘Specialists in all sectors of activity. Quick responses and very well documented.’
‘Raul Mota Cerveira is recommended.’
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Known for its ‘collaboration and excellent communication’, VdA‘s Porto office is active across a wide range of sectors, most notably manufacturing, energy, automotive, telecoms and technology. Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão manages the group and is the leading practitioner in the labour and employment practice. With extensive experience handling investment projects and corporate restructuring on behalf of domestic and international clients, Isabel Gião de Andrade is a key contact in the governance team. Maria da Conceição Cabaços focuses on cross-border M&A and corporate matters. Miguel Reis and João Velez de Lima are recommended for tax matters, including judicial and administrative tax litigation, international taxation issues and compliance work. Also noted is managing associate Benedita Gonçalves, who is specialised in labour and employment matters, including collective dismissal proceedings.
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High-quality multidisciplinary team.’
‘VdA has vast knowledge of the sectors in which it provides legal advice, which transmits a lot of confidence to its clients. The team demonstrates extensive international experience, always using an objective and comprehensive approach.’
‘I particularly recommend João Soares Franco for his maturity and for his knowledge transmitted in simple language, which leads to excellent results.’
‘Collaboration and excellent communication.’
‘Knowledge and proximity.’
‘The team always keeps the client updated. Always concerned in finding the best solutions. João Velez de Lima and Salomé Corte Real are recommended.’
‘The reason for us to continue choosing Miguel Reis has to do with three factors: his knowledge of our company, his high technical capacity and his pragmatism, transparency and objectivity. Lawyers who stand out are Miguel Reis and João Velez de Lima.’
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At VdA, the infrastructure, energy and natural resources group possesses exceptional industry coverage and continues to advise Portuguese and foreign entities on the most sophisticated financing transactions and projects across the energy, airports, toll roads, ports, mining and sanitation sectors. Its impressive client roster features a host of sponsors, construction companies, operators, financiers, government agencies, and multilaterals, who regularly seek guidance throughout all stages of domestic and international projects. Recent areas of growth for the team include the refinancing and acquisition of energy projects and assets, as well as the renegotiation of PPP-like structures in the infrastructure and transport segments. Chairing the department, Manuel Protásio brings more than two decades worth of experience in project finance and M&A in the energy, mining and water sectors. Ana Luís de Sousa is best known for her capabilities in the development and implementation of energy projects, a sector in which Vanda Cascão is a key figure to note. Teresa Empis Falcão is also recommended for energy-related project finance and development. Oil and gas, mining and infrastructure projects in Africa are among João Afonso Fialho's core specialisms, while Paulo de Barros Baptista, a development expert, oversees work pertaining to the road sector.
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VdA has a strong presence in a wide range of highly regulated industries, including banking, telecoms, energy, infrastructure and technology. A popular choice for concessionaires, public service licensees and government bodies, the team is typically sought after to advise on state aid matters, administrative disputes, litigation and arbitration, and privatisations. On the international front, the practice has been increasingly active across Lusophone Africa and French-speaking African countries. The department is jointly led by Paulo Pinheiro, and Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira; Pinheiro focuses on administrative litigation, concessions and regulatory matters, while Esteves de Oliveira is often retained by banking and infrastructure clients to handle administrative proceedings. Catarina Pinto Correia is noted for her track record in advising African states on privatisations and PPPs. Also recommended is Ana Marta Castro, whose practice covers public contracts, concessions and administrative litigation.
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The real estate and construction practice at VdA is highly regarded for its ‘vast experience and know-how in all aspects related to real estate and urban planning matters’. With a proven track record in project development work, the group excels in assisting clients in the implementation of medium- and long-term investment operations and financing. Leading the department is Pedro Ferreirinha, who draws on more than 25 years of experience advising on acquisitions and sale and leaseback transactions involving residential, office, hotel and retail projects. Miguel Marques dos Santos acts for major national and foreign investors and developers. Pedro Pereira Coutinho is particularly active in the hospitality and leisure sectors, while Pedro Corrêa de Oliveira is especially sought after to handle project development matters in the retail, residential and tourism segments.
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'Vast experience and know-how in all aspects related to real estate and urban planning matters. Ability to provide legal support in all phases of a project’s development. When necessary, VdA has “in-house” skills and competences in areas complementary to real estate, managing to provide support in an integrated manner. Good network in Portugal, both in the private and public sectors.’
‘Extraordinary follow-ups on a daily basis. Very fast responses. High capacity for argumentation.’
‘Lisa Ventura Lopes has great knowledge of the real estate market and all the regulations in force. Strong commercial sense. Great ability to close deals. Result oriented.’
‘Pedro Pereira Coutinho is empathetic in commercial relationships and focused on closing deals.’
‘Pedro Ferreirinha has great knowledge of the real estate market, with a high capacity for strategy and extensive experience in the development of complex projects. Strong domain in all legal aspects of real estate and urban planning.
‘Pedro Corrêa de Oliveira is very organised and has extensive knowledge of all areas and schemes for implementing real estate projects.’
‘Raul Mota Cerveira has a good sense of urgency and is very competent in the field of real estate and urban planning. Good network, including public sector entities.’
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Covering transactional matters, litigation, corporate tax, VAT and other indirect taxes, the 'well-trained' tax team at VdA underscores its reputation with a steady stream of high-profile instructions for some of the largest corporates and financial institutions in Portugal. With significant experience in the energy, real estate, infrastructure, life sciences, IT and financial sectors, the team is subdivided into different areas of expertise: a group focused on advising financial players - such as banks, insurers, funds and fintech companies - on transactional and day-to-day matters; a team dedicated to private wealth management issues; and a practice that is fully devoted to indirect tax mandates. The firm, which was strengthened by the addition of the former PLMJ Porto-based tax department in September 2021, also showcases a strong track record in litigation and arbitration proceedings. Department leader Tiago Marreiros Moreira specialises in the international tax structuring of major investments in Portugal and Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa; he is regularly sought after by international funds and real estate players in both transactions and disputes. Highly regarded tax litigator Joaquim Pedro Lampreia, Miguel C. Reis, who brings together expertise in M&A tax structuring, litigation and estate planning, and Samuel Fernandes de Almeida, whose specialisms include tax arbitrations and international taxation, are other key individuals. The recently promoted Francisco Cabral Matos manages a balanced workload of corporate and finance transactions, tax litigation and private wealth matters. Sitting in the Porto office, João Velez de Lima is a name to note for energy, industrial, real estate and telecoms clients, while senior counsel Conceição Gamito, who excels in VAT disputes, leads the indirect tax team.
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‘A law firm with a well-trained team for any tax or commercial matter. Excellent quality of work and support, always available to solve what the client needs. They provide face-to-face or online support.’
‘Samuel Fernandes Almeida is an excellent lawyer with excellent tax and general knowledge.’
‘I have been working with the VDA tax area for over 20 years. The team provided a high quality service, technical knowledge, superior strategic capacity, security, trust and common sense.’
‘Joaquim Pedro Lampreia stands out for his ability to define a winning strategy, his superior intelligence, his wisdom and common sense. He is a reference in the tax area in Portugal and outside the Portuguese market as well.’
‘Excellent knowledge of the sector of activity, which allows it to positively identify the client’s problems, any associated risks, and present solutions adjusted to the real needs of the company, which effectively adds value to the business. Francisco Cabral Matos is recommended.‘
‘In addition to expertise and experience in tax matters, the VdA has excellent knowledge of our sector of activity, which allows it to positively identify the client’s problems, any risks associated therewith, presenting solutions adjusted to the real needs of the company, which effectively adds value to the business.’
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VdA‘s information, communication and technology group is typically engaged in the most complex and high-profile matters across the media and entertainment, science and technology, cybersecurity, telecoms, aerospace and digital economy fields. Offering a full service spanning transactional, regulatory, advisory and contentious work, the team is co-led by Fernando Resina da Silva and data protection, TMT and aerospace expert Magda Cocco. Resina da Silva has a strong background in tech matters and is well versed in emerging technologies, outsourcing and IP. Margarida Couto is recommended for large infrastructure projects and public procurement matters in regulated and non-regulated sectors, while Tiago Bessa focuses on the regulation of electronic and postal communication and is a go-to adviser for leading telecoms companies. Names to note at the managing associate level include Marília Frias and Isabel Ornelas, who are noted for their strong backgrounds in cross-border deals and large projects involving submarine cables and 5G implementation.
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‘The technical quality, availability and proximity, always working with a focus on the best solution for the client.’
‘I don’t know anyone in the market who beats Magda Cocco and her strategic vision.’
‘Our partnership with this office has lasted for several years, having been maintained thanks to the exceptional knowledge shown by its lawyers and the ability to manage multiple processes simultaneously without losing the quality of work.’
‘Fernando Resina da Silva, Laura Sarmento, David Coimbra de Paula and Isabel Ornelas are recommended.’
‘Close relationship with the client. Constant follow-ups.’
‘Marília Frias is an outstanding lawyer and the main reason for keeping our long relationship with VdA.’
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At VdA, the transport team is a part of the firm’s wider infrastructure and mobility department and features multidisciplinary expertise across banking and finance, public law, competition law, IT and energy. Prominent in financings, PPPs, public tenders and disputes in the shipping, aviation, rail and road segments, the practice is led by Paulo de Barros Baptista, who is a go-to adviser for transport infrastructure companies. Other key lawyers in the team include public law expert Catarina Pinto Correia; Pedro Simões Coelho, who leads on finance and lease operations; and José Miguel Oliveira, who is seasoned in regulatory matters.
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‘The VdA team has good knowledge of the aviation industry and responds quickly.’
‘I enjoy working with Carlos Couto, Pedro Simões Coelho and Diogo Bordeira Neves.’
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VdA is recognised for its ‘significant experience and know-how in handling matters in Angola’. The group often advises on high-profile transactions across key sectors of the economy, with a focus on oil and gas, mining, energy, telecoms and banking. João Afonso Fialho heads the oil and gas practice and is recommended for projects in Portuguese-speaking countries and Francophone Africa. José Miguel Oliveira covers corporate and M&A as well as shipping and energy matters. Paulo Trindade Costa is frequently retained to handle M&A, restructurings and corporate finance transactions, while Hugo Moredo Santos is a key practitioner in the banking and finance team, often acting for financial intermediaries, issuers and investors. Another key name is Magda Cocco, who leads the information, communication and tech practice.
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'The team has significant experience and know-how in handling matters in Angola.’
‘José Miguel Oliveira is a high-profile practitioner in the market, Angolan qualified and has an in-depth knowledge of the local markets.’
‘Senior associate Maria Inês Costa is responsive, always available and sharp.’
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VdA‘s ‘very experienced’ Mozambique group is noted for its wealth of experience in the oil and gas, energy, banking and construction sectors, where it handles a broad spectrum of tax, finance, licensing and corporate matters. Teresa Empis Falcão, who draws on more than 25 years of experience advising on project finance, acquisitions and structured finance transactions, leads the practice alongside José Miguel Oliveira, who is often engaged in transactions in Angola, Mozambique and Portugal and is a key contact for oil and gas, energy and transportation clients. E-commerce, data protection and privacy matters are areas of expertise for Magda Cocco, while Samuel Fernandes de Almeida is recommended for tax litigation and arbitration. Oil and gas expert João Afonso Fialho is another key practitioner
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‘Complete availability to answer the client’s requests and explain the details of the law. They do not only read the law to us but spend time to explain the background and applicability.’
‘Very experienced in all areas that we have requested information.’
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