The ‘outstanding’ team at VdA Vieira de Almeida is ‘dynamic and innovative when handling complex transactions’.
Fielding a strong team that is highly regarded for its ability to cover the full scope of banking and finance matters, VdA is praised by clients for its ‘impressive know-how and problem-solving capacity, combined with quick responses’. The team is consistently engaged in sophisticated lending deals and complex regulatory matters. Possessing the ability to ‘adapt quite easily to the issues and specificities of different types of processes’, the team has notable expertise in assisting banks in NPL deals and their deleveraging strategies. Team lead Pedro Cassiano Santos is noted for his expertise in all debt and regulatory issues, including capital markets matters. A litany of national and international financial players turn to Hugo Moredo Santos for his knowledge of debt and hybrid securities, covered bonds, and asset-backed transactions. Recommended for his ‘very dynamic vision’, Tiago Correia Moreira regularly advises credit institutions, financial companies and payment services providers, while Benedita Aires focuses on issuances and placements of debt, equity and regulatory capital instruments and other financial products.
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‘The team is very well prepared and understands the client’s language and, above all, their needs. Impressive know-how and problem-solving capacity, combined with quick responses.’
‘The team led by Tiago Correia Moreira has a very dynamic vision and points out constructive solutions for the client by identifying the associated risks.’
‘Tiago Correia Moreira is recommended for his quality in advising fintechs.’
‘Versatile team, with the speed and quality required. They can adapt quite easily to the issues and specificities of different types of processes. They understand the client and their fears and try to be more precise in their responses.’
‘Tiago Correia Moreira is very accessible and available to help or intervene whenever necessary.’
‘Sebastião Nogueira – very accessible and available. Very diligent and never fails to respond in a timely manner.’
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The team at VdA, noted for its ‘cordiality, competence and availability’, enjoys an excellent market reputation for its involvement in consequential capital market transactions, including the national and international placement of both debt and equity. Covering the entire scope of capital markets matters, the practice effectively taps into the firm’s banking and finance expertise to provide comprehensive guidance to a diverse client base, composed of financial institutions and corporations across various sectors. At the helm sits Pedro Cassiano Santos, who is actively engaged in the structuring of several transactions involving debt, equity and hybrid instruments; he also boasts in-depth knowledge of securitisations and structured finance. With a strong track record in both domestic and cross-border deals, Hugo Moredo Santos advises on public offerings and private placements of equity, debt and hybrid securities, covered bonds and asset-backed transactions. Clients across financial and non-financial sectors seek Orlando Vogler Guiné's expertise in a variety of capital markets mandates, including derivatives and securities issues.
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‘VdA stands out to us for its availability to the client, its excellent communication, high level of specialisation, its proactivity, and decisive and effective approach to matters.’
‘Carlos Couto stands out as great expert in this field. He is efficient and very dedicated.’
‘The team stands out for its cordiality, competence and availability.’
‘Availability, proximity, professionalism, and problem-solving ability.’
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Well-regarded for its ability to marry a ‘strong knowledge’ with a ‘great proactive’ approach, the corporate and M&A team at VdA acts for an array of clients across the telecoms, energy, healthcare, infrastructure, technology, and aviation sectors. The group works with various domestic and international corporates on the full spectrum of high-value corporate transactions. Leading the team is Cláudia da Cruz Almeida , who is a key port of call for clients hailing from the energy, infrastructure, aviation and tourism sectors seeking assistance with M&A, private equity matters and reorganisations. Restructurings, private equity investments and M&A are all key areas of activity for Paulo Trindade Costa. Jorge Bleck continues to advise on high-profile distressed M&A and restructurings, earning praise from clients, with one describing him as ‘one of the most experienced lawyers in Portugal’. Sofia Bobone is regularly engaged by domestic and international corporates on a host of M&A transactions, while dual qualified Maria Cunha Matos is noted for her cross-border expertise, advising international corporates and private equity clients.
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‘Leading firm in Portugal and strong knowledge of the market and different actors in corporate and M&A practice.’
‘Sofia Bobone has unparalleled experience in M&A and capital markets, in different geographies (Portugal, Angola, Mozambique). High availability.’
‘Jorge Bleck: unparalleled experience in M&A, particularly in privatisations and highly complex processes. One of the most experienced lawyers in Portugal.’
‘Great proactive approach to finding solutions to enable transactions. Excellent understanding of the nature of the business. Direct involvement of partners and rest of the team.’
‘VdA is a prominent law firm in Portugal, recognised for its excellence in the area of corporate law and M&A. The team offers a high quality legal service, focused on an in-depth understanding of its clients’ needs and goals.’
‘The corporate and M&A team is fully dedicated to providing effective and strategic solutions, adapted to the specificities of each transaction.’
‘Paulo Trindade da Costa: extensive experience in M&A, in-depth knowledge of the Portuguese business environment, good knowledge of the economic framework in Angola.’
‘The corporate and M&A team is fully dedicated to providing effective and strategic solutions, adapted to the specificities of each transaction.’
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Recognised as a ‘leading law firm’, VdA‘s privacy and data protection team seamlessly integrates into the larger information, communication, and technology group. Praised for its ability to ‘provide truly remarkable solutions’, the team comprises specialised practitioners in specific industries, who adeptly support clients across sectors such as retail, healthcare, energy, insurance, transport, banking and gambling. The practice is steered by Magda Cocco, who has in-depth knowledge and experience in innovative technological projects in the electronic communications industry, is a key name in the market for data transfers, data breaches and compliance issues. Focused on data protection compliance programmes in Portugal and Africa, Inês Antas De Barros is noted for her work across the IT, insurance, banking, transport, pharmaceuticals, distribution and retail sectors. Managing associate Maria De Lurdes Gonçalves is also part of the core team focused on data protection and cybersecurity mandates.
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‘VdA is a leading law firm. It has been absolutely remarkable to witness, as a long-time client, that each year VdA is dedicated to innovation and enhancing the already excellent service it consistently delivers.’
‘They provide truly remarkable solutions. The team is incredibly fantastic, in terms of knowledge, experience, creativity and innovation.’
I highlight Magda Cocco and Inês Antas de Barros for the incredible work they do with their team(s). I consider and testify to their enormous skills and sense of responsibility, making them a great reference in the market for me and, thus, justifying my loyalty as a client.’
‘We have been working with VdA for several years now and the reliability of the service provided has always been excellent.’
‘The team is made up of people with high knowledge and the ability to listen and understand the client’s specific problems. They are committed to finding the best solution.’
‘Total focus on the client and their operational needs combined with high-quality technical expertise in the matters in which legal advice is requested.’
‘Magda Cocco, Inês Antas de Barros, and Maria de Lurdes are all noted for their technical knowledge and availability.’
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As one of the core focuses of the firm, VdA‘s dispute resolution team fields a broad practice that covers civil and commercial litigation and arbitration. As well as handling shareholder, M&A, distribution and construction disputes, the practice, noted for its ‘in-depth technical knowledge’, experienced a recent increase in instructions concerning collective actions and private enforcement cases. Frederico Gonçalves Pereira is a recognised restructuring and insolvency litigator and leads the team alongside Carla Gonçalves Borges, who is active in commercial arbitration and boasts niche expertise in sports-related disputes. With extensive experience in international arbitration, Mariana França Gouveia is active in cross-border disputes. Miguel Pinto Cardoso is a seasoned arbitrator, particular within the energy, construction and telecoms industries. Joana Neves shines in investor-State disputes, while Matilde Líbano Monteiro is experienced in investment arbitration. Pedro Pires Fernandes has experience before various courts and arbitral tribunals and Catarina Carvalho Cunha advises clients from various Portuguese-speaking countries.
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‘Excellent preparation of all subjects from a technical-legal perspective, showing high scientific and practical quality. Very good study of the dossiers and intervention in an extremely effective discussion and trial hearing. Excellent availability.’
‘Frederico Gonçalves Pereira and Joana Neves combine a personal posture of high sympathy and personal education.’
‘The quality of the team, availability, in-depth technical knowledge and responsiveness make VdA’s litigation department a very strong player in this very competitive sector.’
‘Frederico Çonçalves Pereira, Carla Gonçalves Borges and Joana Neves constitute a very well-articulated team with the capacity to respond to questions or topics of great responsibility.’
‘Great experience, planning the procedural strategy, taking into account all possible variables. Frederico Gonçalves Pereira’s leadership inspires great confidence and possible tranquility, in a particularly challenging judicial system.’
‘In-depth knowledge of the matters in question and procedural matters. Strategic vision. Close monitoring of the client at all stages of the processes, anticipating needs and always protecting the company’s interests.’
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Well-regarded for its ‘in-depth knowledge’ and ‘strategic vision’, the energy and natural resoruces team at VdA boasts a strong track record in joint ventures, project finance, M&A, bond issuances and refinancings. The group’s expertise extends to advising on concession issues, bidding procedures, and a broad spectrum of regulatory matters. Counting oil and energy companies and financial institutions, among its key client roster, the team earns further praise for its cross-border expertise. Manuel Protásio specialises in project, acquisition, and other structured financings particularly in the energy, mining and water sectors. Practice head Ana Luís de Sousa focuses on the development and implementation of projects within the energy sector, while João Afonso Fialho, who heads up the firm’s oil and gas team, is noted for his cross-border capabilities. Vanda Cascão is particularly active in the financing, structuring and implementation of projects in the energy sector. Assunção Cristas, who has held several positions in public office, joined in 2022 to head the firm's ESG Integrated Services Platform.
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‘Comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of the complex legislation surrounding these matters. The counseling has always been very good and well supported.’
‘Professional attitude and the ability to quickly grasp the main points to focus on. I would particularly highlight partner Ana Luís de Sousa.’
‘Technical knowledge, organisation and team management.’
‘Manuel Protásio stands out for his professionalism, technical knowledge, organisation and team management skills.’
‘In-depth knowledge of the matters in question and the sector. Strategic vision. Close monitoring of the client, anticipating needs and always protecting the company’s interests.’
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The ‘robust’ competition team at VdA consistently attracts instructions from major domestic companies and leading international players for its expertise in all manner of merger clearance mandates, investigations, state aid and litigation mandates, earning praise for its ‘diversity of specialists in different areas of competition’. Steering the practice is Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro , who possesses a strong reputation in the market for his ‘knowledge, ability to define strategy and outstanding presence in court’. Nuno Ruiz shines in high-profile antitrust investigations and cartel cases at both the domestic and EU level. Managing associate Cláudia Coutinho Da Costa is recommended for her ability to act for a variety of clients, from banking to infrastructure players, in merger control proceedings, domestically and internationally.
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‘The team is accessible and responsive.’
‘Cláudia Coutinho da Costa and Bruno de Zêzere Barradas were helpful, responsive and solution-oriented. There was a great deal of camaraderie, which was welcomed.’
‘The Vda competition team conveys great confidence from the beginning. Throughout the entire process I always felt a unique team spirit and collaboration, which allowed strong security even in times of stress.’
‘I would like to recommend Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro for his knowledge, ability to define strategy and outstanding presence in court.’
‘The VdA team has provided us with support on a subject of great complexity and relevance, which stands out for its commitment and the depth and quality of the analysis provided.’
‘I believe that VDA provides a service of excellent quality. I highlight their great proximity to the client. They have great knowledge of the sector of activity in which I operate and we have maintained a partnership of around 10 years.’
‘The best competition law department in the market, with Nuno Ruiz and Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro clearly being the most successful names in the sector.’
‘It is a robust team that combines experience with a diversity of specialists in different areas of competition, particularly regulatory litigation. The enormous experience of its main partners guarantees not only theoretical knowledge of regulation, but also practical knowledge of the countless cases previously handled.’
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VdA draws considerable praise from clients, who turn to the team for its ‘depth of analysis’ and ‘vast knowledge’ on the full gamut of regulatory and criminal investigations. The practice assists clients from the sports, financial services, telecoms, energy and media sectors on matters pertaining to regulatory investigations, money laundering and corruption cases, and search and seizure procedures. The team is spearheaded by Sofia Ribeiro Branco who is noted for her focus on regulatory offences cases across a wide range of sectors. Branco is supported by managing associate Joana Bernardo, who boasts considerable experience in criminal cases and misdemeanour and regulatory litigation.
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‘The team has unique expertise in the Portuguese market. Sofia Ribeiro Branco is an excellent professional, with great experience in the area. She combines very solid legal knowledge, sagacity and great availability, involvement and commitment to the cases she works on.’
‘Depth of analysis and the team searched for alternatives with persistence.’
‘VdA has a team that is very available and focused on providing the best client advice.’
‘I highlight the availability and holistic vision of Sofia Ribeiro Branco, as well as the professionalism and thoughtful attitude of Joana Bernardo.’
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VdA is highly regarded for its advice to corporate clients on financial restructuring, distressed asset negotiations, voluntary business rescue processes, special revitalisations, and insolvency proceedings. Frederico Gonçalves Pereira, who founded the firm’s litigation and arbitration department, and is a seasoned commercial litigation and corporate restructuring practitioner, oversees the department. Teresa Pitôrra, a key contact for both creditors and debtors, focuses on restructuring and insolvency proceedings in an array of sectors, notably banking and telecoms. Managing associate Catarina Carvalho Cunha has advised clients from the telecoms, banking, and energy spaces in restructuring ad insolvency matters in Portugal and Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa. Former practice co-head Filipa Cotta is no longer at the firm.
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Drawing considerable praise from clients for its ability to marry its ‘deep knowledge of legislation’ with a ‘client-oriented’ approach, the team at VdA handles the entire spectrum of IP matters, ranging from patent, trade mark, design, and copyright non-contentious issues, to complex litigation and arbitration. Spearheading the team is Marta Alves Vieira, who has notable strength in IP litigation, regularly handling high-profile matters for a range of pharma clients. With over four decades of experience, António de Magalhães Cardoso is a reference for dispute resolution in this space, including pharmaceutical patent enforcement. Managing associate Sara Nazaré is a key port of call for clients within the pharmaceutical sector, offering regular counsel on patents.
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The team is multidisciplinary and has a client-oriented approach.’
‘VdA’s IP team stands out for the quality, consistency and innovation of the legal advice it provides, combining in-depth knowledge of legislation, doctrine and jurisprudence. They are always one step ahead in defining defence strategies and proposing solutions, with demonstrated gains in effectiveness and success in resolving problems and conflicts.’
‘I particularly recommend Sara Nazaré for her critical sense, solid knowledge, analytical skills, very effective, innovative and results-oriented strategic vision, combined with remarkable clarity of reasoning and presentation of proposals to the client.’
‘Beatriz Lima has stood out for her dedication to the client; very professional, solid, competent, timely performance; and ability to present ideas orally and in writing in a concise, clear and very effective way.’
‘Great breadth and depth in patent litigation and pharmaceutical regulatory matters.’
‘Beatriz Lima has excellent knowledge of Portuguese patent litigation procedures and Portuguese pharmaceutical product regulations. She provides well-crafted, clear, prompt advice on multiple issues.’
‘Very helpful team with good technical quality in responding to questions asked.’
‘Marta Alves Vieira is very diligent and technically competent. Always available to help the client find the most appropriate solution.’
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VdA fields a robust Porto-based team, enriched with extensive expertise in ‘several areas of law’, spanning corporate and M&A, tax, employment, public law, dispute resolution, white-collar crime, TMT, data privacy, and real estate. The team is active across the manufacturing, energy, automotive, telecoms and technology sectors, and earns further praise for its cross-border capabilities. Focused on tax law, practice head João Velez de Lima regularly acts for clients in judicial and administrative tax litigation, international taxation issues and compliance work. Labour and employment specialist Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão is noted for his experience in contentious matters, including arbitration. Miguel Reis excels in domestic and international taxation issues, while Isabel Gião de Andrade works closely with clients in corporate governance issues and M&A deals. Recently promoted partner Benedita Gonçalves undertakes a range of labour and social security law work.
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'At VdA, the labour law team in Porto demonstrates a great focus on analysing the problems raised.’
‘The team, most notably Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão, demonstrates enormous care and attention in analysing the situations presented, as well as important practical and current knowledge, particularly in complex topics such as collective relations and collective dismissals.’
‘The team is easily available, professional and easy to talk to.’
‘VdA has a team with extensive knowledge in different business areas that allows it to meet the different needs of its customers.’
‘Pedro Ferreira de Sousa is our point of contact in the labour and litigation areas and has provided us with high quality legal advice. I would highlight his availability, ease of exposure and technical expertise.’
‘Miguel Reis is experienced, a team influencer and has a lot of knowledge of law and jurisprudence.’
‘João Velez Lima has great knowledge of legislation and a fantastic ability to argue.’
‘This firm is experienced in several areas of law, where its lawyers and technicians are highly specialised, providing a proximity service and prompt responses.’
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Recommended for its ‘deep knowledge’ of the energy, oil and gas, infrastructure, and transport sectors, VdA caters to a diverse client base, which includes sponsors, financiers, construction companies and operators. Practice head Manuel Protásio specialises in project and structured finance, with a special emphasis on the energy, mining, and water segments. Ana Luís de Sousa and Vanda Cascão concentrate on the energy sector, showcasing experience in the financing and development of greenfield projects. Teresa Empis Falcão is distinguished for her work in infrastructure and energy-related project finance and development at the domestic and international levels, while João Afonso Fialho is a name to note for oil and gas, mining, and infrastructure projects in Africa.
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‘The team is very attentive and helpful. Client care is perhaps one of their strongest points.’
‘They take on the weight of the clients, ensuring good results.’
‘They have deep knowledge of the subjects, the ability to integrate the specificities of the client’s activity, availability, and commitment.’
‘Vanda Cascão has knowledge of the energy sector and the national context of the sector.’
‘The team has experience in project finance of renewable assets. They are available for clarifications and able to find solutions.’
‘Great commitment, dedication and resilience in the projects in which they are involved. Great ability to analyse and view problems from different angles.’
‘I clearly recommend Manuel Protásio for the experience he brings to projects and for his confidence in the solutions he presents.’
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VdA stands out for its sector-specific acumen, notably in banking, telecoms, healthcare, energy, and infrastructure. Led by Paulo Pinheiro and Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira, the ‘exceptional team’ is a go-to adviser for public concessionaires and service licensees seeking guidance in public procurement, dispute resolution and privatisation procedures. Co-head Pinheiro, 'an unmissable name in the market', excels in administrative litigation and concessions in Portugal and Angola, while fellow co-leader Esteves de Oliveira handles concessions, litigation, and public procurement with a particular focus on the banking and infrastructure sectors. Other key individuals include Ana Marta Castro, who often advises on public procurement, litigation, and privatisations in the defence and aviation segments, and Catarina Pinto Correia, whose broad expertise covers public procurement, regulatory and contentious matters.
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‘VdA sets itself apart by approaching and serving clients in a warm and almost familial manner, while still maintaining the highest standards of rigour and professionalism.’
‘Ana Marta Castro’s competence, availability, empathy and permanent search for the best solutions gave us an unparalleled sense of security.’
‘VdA has an exceptional team at the technical, strategic and subject management levels. Paulo Pinheiro is an unmissable name in the market, combining technical solidity and sagacity with the ability to listen and meet the client’s objectives. ’
‘The VdA team is very experienced and complementary in all areas of public law.’
‘Paulo Pinheiro and André Gaspar Martins are particularly noteworthy.’
‘Excellent responsiveness, flexibility and quality of deliveries.’
‘Catarina Pinto Correia stands out for her legal knowledge, friendliness, professionalism, prestige and recognition.’
‘Paulo Pinheiro’s strengths include agility, availability, and client orientation, while Ana Marta Castro’s strengths include availability, delivery capacity, and strong work ethic.’
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VdA’s robust real estate team is well versed in the entire spectrum of real estate matters, standing out for its strong track record in M&A, financings and project development in the hospitality, retail, and commercial spheres. Noted by clients for being ‘highly knowledgeable about the real estate market’, Pedro Ferreirinha demonstrates deep expertise in the acquisition, sale, and leasing of various projects, including office, residential, leisure, and retail properties. Team members Miguel Marques dos Santos and Pedro Pereira Coutinho concentrate on transactional work and on the management of real estate projects, including construction supervision services agreements. Pedro Corrêa d’Oliveira, who oversees the real estate team based in Porto, is another name to note for real estate M&A, sale and leasebacks and project development.
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'The firm is recognised by the market for its professionalism, technical knowledge and the quality of its lawyers.’
‘They have experience and in-depth knowledge of aspects related to urban planning, real estate and construction.’
‘Pedro Ferreirinha is highly knowledgeable about the real estate market and is good at defining the best strategy for each situation. Pedro Corrêa de Oliveira has good responsiveness and good knowledge of all aspects necessary to implement real estate projects.’
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Well-regarded for its ability to offer clients a ‘high-quality service’ and an ‘in-depth knowledge of tax laws and regulations’, VdA‘s tax group possesses the capabilities to advise on the entire spectrum of tax-related matters, including both transactional and day-to-day matters. The team is particularly strong in the energy, real estate, infrastructure, life sciences, IT and financial sectors, regularly assisting banks, insurers, funds and fintech companies. The practice is steered by Tiago Marreiros Moreira, who is recommended for the international tax structuring of major transactions in Portugal and in Portuguese-speaking countries. Both Miguel Reis and Joaquim Pedro Lampreia are highly regarded tax litigators, noted for their ability to advise on the full scope of tax disputes. The ‘very dedicated’ João Velez de Lima is a key port of call for international and domestic companies hailing from the energy, industrial, real estate and telecoms sectors. Francisco Cabral Matos is regularly involved in corporate restructuring, banking and finance, international tax planning and tax litigation matters, while counsel Conceição Gamito excels in VAT advice.
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‘VdA is a renowned law firm in Portugal, with a strong reputation in the tax area. VdA’s tax area stands out in the national legal market for several reasons that highlight its uniqueness and excellence.’
‘VdA offers a high quality service in the tax area, characterised by precision, technical expertise and in-depth knowledge of tax laws and regulations. VdA’s tax team is recognised for its ability to provide creative and personalised solutions for its clients, aimed at tax optimisation and compliance with current laws.’
‘VdA’s tax team is made up of highly qualified lawyers, many of whom specialise in different aspects of tax legislation. The team is recognised for its ability to deal with complex tax issues, offering solid and strategic advice that meets clients’ needs and objectives.’
‘I would recommend Conceição Gamito for her solid knowledge and vast experience in VAT and tax processes and Joaquim Pedro Lampreia for his solid knowledge and vast experience in IRC and Stamp Tax.’
‘João Velez de Lima – very dedicated, available, and competent in the tax area.’
‘Very balanced team. There are lawyers with valuable experiences that complement each other. They work with a focus on the client and their needs, providing a tailor-made service. Availability to collaborate and meet deadlines.’
‘João Velez de Lima: great capacity for work; the non-conformist who always looks for solutions; ambitious and very hardworking.’
‘Salomé Corte Real – work capacity, dedication, knowledge, involvement and meeting deadlines.’
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VdA is noted for its ability to ‘comprehensively and effectively address a wide range of legal issues’, providing clients with a fully comprehensive TMT service. The team has demonstrable experience in transactional, regulatory, and contentious matters, catering to clients from the worlds of media, entertainment, science, technology, cybersecurity, telecoms, aerospace and digital economy. The practice is steered by Magda Cocco who is recommended for her expertise in telecoms, media, aerospace and data protection. Fernando Resina da Silva, is renowned for his wide-ranging focus on information and communication technologies, outsourcing, cloud computing, and IP. Regulatory issues surrounding electronic and postal communications form the basis of Tiago Bessa‘s caseload. Margarida Couto is also noted. Principal consultant Helena Correia Mendonça is singled out for her knowledge of technology-related matters, covering blockchain, AI, software and outsourcing, while Isabel Ornelas is particularly active in transactions involving the telecoms sector in Portugal and Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa.
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‘VdA is a leading law firm. They provide an excellent and remarkable service.’
‘The team is incredibly fantastic, in terms of knowledge, experience, creativity, ethical attitude, responsibility, agility and availability.’
‘I would like to mention Magda Cocco for her incredible work. I testify to her enormous skills and sense of responsibility, making her a great reference in the market.’
‘VdA’s commitment to delivering exceptional legal services is at the core of its ethos. Every team member is dedicated to providing the highest level of competence.’
‘VdA distinguishes itself by adopting a holistic approach to serving its clients, offering legal solutions that align with clients’ strategic objectives.’
‘The VdA team is made up of lawyers with extensive experience in different areas of law. This diversity of knowledge and experience allows them to comprehensively and effectively address a wide range of legal issues, even the most complex ones.’
‘The partners and associates are exceptional technically and have excellent knowledge of the national and international market.’
‘The VdA team has been providing us with assistance in terms of technology for many years, and has been entrusted with several crucial and highly relevant processes within our company. The response has been unsurpassed, despite the very considerable volume of work entrusted to the same team.’
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At VdA, the employment practice acts for an impressive client roster, featuring leading companies from the banking, technology, life sciences, and energy sectors across Portuguese-speaking countries. At the helm of the team is Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão, a veteran labour practitioner based in Porto with a wealth of experience in national and international arbitration. In Lisbon, Américo Oliveira Fragoso provides comprehensive advice to a diverse client base on all aspects of labour and social security law, including litigation. The ‘exceptional‘ Benedita Gonçalves, who sits in the Porto office, focuses on corporate restructuring, lay-offs, labour negotiation, and employment law training. Both Fragoso and Gonçalves were promoted to the partnership in 2023.
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‘The services provided by the firm are of excellent quality, characterised by a high technical level, outstanding writing style, promptness in handling requests, rigorous adherence to mandated obligations, and exceptional availability and kindness in client interactions.’
‘Tiago Piló stands out for his exceptional leadership skills, professionalism, and constant availability, making it easy to reach him for support.’
‘VdA’s team possesses broad knowledge across various business sectors, enabling it to cater to the diverse needs of their clients.’
‘Pedro Ferreira de Sousa provides high-quality legal advice, notable for his availability, clear communication, and technical expertise.’
‘Américo Oliveira Fragoso is distinguished by his deep understanding of technical aspects and market operations, along with his constant availability, empathy, and communication skills.’
‘They are always available, extremely supportive, and credible, providing a sense of security whenever VdA’s support is involved.’
‘Benedita Gonçalves is exceptional, combining extensive knowledge with a friendly and humorous demeanour.’
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Bringing together expertise in project finance, regulatory issues, PPP and dispute resolution, VdA offers a comprehensive service offering to clients operating in the shipping, aviation, rail and road sectors. At the helm of the practice, Paulo de Barros Baptista focuses on infrastructure and mobility matters, playing a key role in transactions involving the road segment. Specialised in public law, Catarina Pinto Correia is noted for her expertise in procurement, PPPs and concessions in the transport sector. José Miguel Oliveira leverages deep maritime industry expertise, particularly in African markets, to assist shipowners, brokers, and operators with various wet and dry shipping matters.
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‘VdA stands out for its footprint in many of the Portuguese-speaking jurisdictions in Africa. VdA was instrumental in ensuring our Angola JV setup was in compliance with local law.’
‘The people we work with are excellent professionals and deeply knowledgeable oft all matters related to maritime transport.’
‘The team has experience in maritime transport and in-depth knowledge of national and international legislation that applies to this sector.’
‘José Miguel Oliveira is an asset to the maritime transport sector as an expert in merchant marine legislation.’
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At VdA, the planning group is geared to assist clients with due diligence in the context of real estate deals, as well as zoning, land use and environmental issues. Pedro Ferreirinha, who focuses on real estate matters, oversees the practice alongside Raul Mota Cerveira, a planning law expert, who is well versed in projects in the infrastructure, water, sanitation, energy and port sectors in Portugal and Lusophone Africa.
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VdA offers expertise across a spectrum of sectors, notably in oil and gas, mining, banking, and finance, as well as telecoms and agriculture. The firm’s experience in Angola further extends to competition and anti-trust, public law, insurance, and construction. João Afonso Fialho, José Miguel Oliveira, and Paulo Trindade Costa lead the practice, while Fialho heads the firm’s oil and gas practice group, with knowledge of the mining and shipping sectors. Oliveira specialises in corporate M&A, oil and gas, and transport, while Costa focuses on corporate restructuring, and finance transactions.
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‘They give expert and insightful sector advice – framed within an understanding of commercial realities.’
‘João Afonso Fialho is excellent and is more than a legal advisor due to his experience in commercial matters.'
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With an ‘exceptional combination of legal expertise and cultural fluency’, VdA’s Mozambique practice specialises in the areas of oil and gas, energy, infrastructure, and banking. Collaborating closely with its local partner firm GDA Advogados, the group provides wide-ranging legal expertise, spanning regulatory, corporate, tax, licensing, and employment issues. Teresa Empis Falcão concentrates on infrastructure and mobility matters, with a robust background in national and international project finance and capital markets transactions. She leads the team with José Miguel Oliveira, who is highly experienced in the transport, oil and gas, and energy spaces.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers
Testimonials
'VdA stands out for its exceptional combination of legal expertise and cultural fluency, making it an invaluable partner for clients navigating complex international matters.’
‘The individuals at VdA truly set the firm apart in terms of their depth of knowledge, dedication, and client engagement.’
Key clients:
Work highlights