"Rightly acknowledged at the top of the Portuguese market; with well-rounded advice, which is sophisticated without need of clarification."
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 insolvency as well as securitisation proceedings. Offers strong cross-border capabilities involving lusophone and francophone Africa. Notable activity in real estate financing.
Strengths
Sources commend the firm's approach, enthusing that the team members are "proactive, responsive and quick."
Other clients note the firm's full service as a plus, reporting that it has "the capacity to handle all types of questions and address a wide spectrum of issues."
Work highlights
Acted for Caixa Geral de Depósitos on the disposal of a non-performing and sub-performing loan portfolio in the context of a wider restructuring project.
Notable practitioners
Benedita Aires frequently assists with major bank resolution proceedings as well as other regulatory concerns. She is described by interviewees as a "fantastic lawyer."
Paula Gomes Freire draws on her expertise in capital markets to advise major banks on securitisation and derivatives mandates. Commentators regard her to be a "fantastic practitioner."
Pedro Cassiano Santos continues to be recognised as "a really strong practitioner." He regularly acts for clients on structured finance mandates, financial services regulation and corporate transactions within the banking sector. He demonstrates further skill in handling cross-border matters.
The "excellent" Tiago Correia Moreira assists both domestic and international banking institutions with various regulatory matters. His expertise extends to fintech issues.
What the team is known for
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 the issuance of covered bonds, share capital increases and the launching of public offers. Has further skill in securitisation mandates as well as regulatory issues. Acts for an impressive list of major Portuguese corporates as well as foreign banks and financial institutions. Notable activity in lusophone Africa.
Strengths
Interviewees confirm that the department is "a five-star team which provides top advice," and further report it to be "among the best for capital markets in Portugal."
Others commend the team's abilities in multi-jurisdictional instructions, reporting that "the firm links well with law firms abroad."
Work highlights
Acted for Banco Português de Investimento, Banco Comercial Português, Novo Banco and Caixa – Banco de Investimento as joint lead managers on a sovereign bond issue for an aggregate value of EUR3.5 billion.
Notable practitioners
Hugo Moredo Santos wins praise for his "deep knowledge of everything related to the banking sector and debt-related transactions."He regularly advises clients on securitisation matters and bond issuances, as well as offering regulatory expertise.
Practice co-head José Pedro Fazenda Martins offers advice on a range of equity transactions, such as share capital increases. He demonstrates additional knowledge of regulatory considerations and is active within the telecommunications and natural resources sectors.
Orlando Vogler Guiné advises issuers and arrangers on matters concerning public offers, share capital increases and covered bonds. Clients report him to be "very knowledgeable and always willing to help."
Paula Gomes Freire demonstrates notable expertise in regulatory matters connected to securities. Clients highlight her skill in this area, adding: "She has a great deal of experience, so she can ally the legal part and the business part to make everything work."
Pedro Cassiano Santos co-leads the department and offers particular expertise in debt capital markets. He regularly assists key domestic banks as well as international financial services providers with debt issues, asset-backed matters and securitisation mandates. Clients describe him as "very technical and easy to work with."
What the team is known for
Highly esteemed department active in a broad range of competition and EU law matters. Notable expertise in merger control, state aid, authority-led cartel investigations and compliance. Acts for an impressive client roster comprised of domestic and international names with activity in the retail, telecoms and banking sectors. Recent lateral hire Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro boosts the firm's capabilities in abuse of dominance and merger control work.
Strengths
Clients pinpoint the team's "dedication and commitment to the client" alongside its "professionalism and detail-oriented analysis of the client's problems."
Other interviewees mention that "they provide high quality and assurance," whilst praising the team's "creative solutions."
Market interviewees report: "They are clearly one of the top firms."
Work highlights
Provided counsel to Banco de Portugal on the implementation of the resolution measure applied to Banco Espírito Santo and represented the client before the EC in relation to the approval of a EUR4.9 billion state aid grant.
Notable practitioners
Sources highlight Miguel Mendes Pereira's "capacity to quickly understand all the different phases of the processes." He draws upon extensive experience assisting a plethora of clients with state aid matters and cartel investigations carried out by the PCA, and EU law-related litigation disputes before both the national and European courts.
Nuno Ruiz draws upon more than 30 years of experience assisting clients from the pharmaceutical, telecoms and banking industries with abuse of dominance cases, merger control procedures and cartel investigations carried out by the PCA. One client enthuses: "I could not have a better opinion of Nuno," adding: "He is one of the best specialists in this area in terms of legal work."
Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro has noteworthy expertise representing clients from the insurance and banking sectors and recently represented clients in the energy, infrastructure and telecoms industries in important merger control cases. Clients highlight "his ability to simplify very complex matters to me as the client" as well as to "provide a coherent argument" on his client's behalf.
What the team is known for
Well-reputed outfit tackling complex and high-profile M&A transactions, as well as joint ventures, corporate governance and restructuring operations. Able to draw on experts in tax, capital markets, labour and other areas to offer comprehensive assistance to clients. Demonstrates strong knowledge of an array of industry sectors, from energy to life sciences, and clients often include financial groups, multinational entities and asset management companies. Offers extensive international capabilities, particularly in Angola, Brazil and Cabo Verde.
Strengths
Interviewees commend the firm's commercial approach, in addition to its "high-quality, sophisticated advice and excellent co-ordination of very complicated mandates."
Another source praises the "sense of collaboration within the firm," noting the "strong co-operation between all the lawyers, helping to obtain a great result for the client."
Work highlights
Acted for ICU Medical on the USD1 billion acquisition of 100% of Hospira Infusions Systems from Pfizer.
Notable practitioners
Cláudia Cruz Almeida offers specialist advice to clients operating within the renewable energy, retail and real estate sectors on a broad remit of corporate matters, including asset acquisitions, corporate finance and reorganisations. Sources say: "She is very practical, dedicated and great to work with."
João Vieira de Almeida remains a well-established figure in the market and boasts an impressive track record in the practice area. His experience includes assistance with joint venture projects and M&A transactions.
Jorge Bleck is widely reputed for his notable skill in the corporate arena and singled out by sources as "one of the top" practitioners in the space. He regularly advises on high-value and complex transactions, and his impressive client base spans the banking, tourism and renewable energy sectors.
What the team is known for
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 and natural resources.
Strengths
Interviewees report that the team is comprised of "very skilful lawyers," adding: "They work very closely with the client and their legal knowledge is superb."
Sources additionally note that the firm is "very proactive in defending the client's goals."
Work highlights
Defended MEO against a claim filed against the client by NOS, in which the latter sought compensation for the damages and loss of profits arising from a breach of regulatory rules.
Notable practitioners
Carla Gonçalves Borges acts on a number of civil litigation matters with further experience in arbitration proceedings. She has particular knowledge of sports law.
The "very knowledgeable" Frederico Gonçalves Pereira represents clients in both litigation and arbitration proceedings. His diverse practice includes insolvency, investment and labour disputes.
Miguel Pinto Cardoso maintains an excellent reputation in the field, demonstrating skill across the full range of litigation and arbitration proceedings, including under ICC rules. He is notably active in major cross-border disputes in the energy and natural resources space.
"The well-known João Medeiros dedicates his practice to handling the full spectrum of complicated and often multi-jurisdictional corporate crime mandates, from embezzlement to corruption. His clients include high-profile individuals as well as important corporates."
Sofia Ribeiro Branco advises on high-profile corporate crime mandates such as corruption, money laundering or extortion. Sources praise her proficiency in handling criminal matters, adding: "She is very attentive and a good strategist who pays attention to all details."
Dispute Resolution - Corporate Crime
What the team is known for
Handles a wide range of employment matters, assisting clients with day-to-day advisory work and collective bargaining agreements. Further strengths include restructurings, pension fund schemes and contract terminations, in addition to the labour ramifications of corporate transactions. Notably active in the pharmaceutical sector.
Strengths
Commentators recommend the team for its provision of "fast responses and good solutions."
Clients also benefit from the firm's full-service offering. One interviewee explains: "The firm provides large teams of lawyers specialised in different subjects, which means an integrated analysis of the different issues."
Work highlights
Represented Hospital CUF Infante Santo in litigation initiated by former employee, relating to a terminated collective bargaining agreement.
Notable practitioners
Tiago Azevedo regularly advises on restructuring operations. Clients value his provision of "alternative solutions with easy-to-understand explanations of the rationale behind them and their pros and cons."
Interviewees are quick to acknowledge Tiago Piló's "deep knowledge of the applicable law, client focus and clear and simple replies." He co-ordinates the team and advises on collective redundancies and corporate restructuring operations.
What the team is known for
Well-established department with strong international capabilities and noted oil and gas expertise. Demonstrates further experience in renewable energy matters with a particular focus on solar, biomass and wind farm projects. Offers a comprehensive service with skill in regulatory and transactional issues as well as project finance matters. Key clients include energy providers, government entities and major banks. Works across lusophone Africa with particular experience in Angola and Mozambique.
Strengths
Another source says that the team is "well equipped to deal with projects involving public entities."
Work highlight
Assisted Banco BPI with the financing for the construction and operation of a 25 MW photovoltaic power plant.
Notable practitioners
Vanda Cascão is hailed by sources as "an excellent lawyer" within the renewable energy sector. She is experienced in regulatory and transactional issues, specialising in solar and wind projects.
Manuel Protásio specialises in acting for lenders in project finance matters in the energy field with a focus on biomass facilities.
What the team is known for
Well-established department with strong international capabilities and noted oil and gas expertise. Demonstrates further experience in renewable energy matters with a particular focus on solar, biomass and wind farm projects. Offers a comprehensive service with skill in regulatory and transactional issues as well as project finance matters.
Key clients include energy providers, government entities and major banks. Works across lusophone Africa with particular experience in Angola and Mozambique.
Strengths
Another source says that the team is "well equipped to deal with projects involving public entities."
Notable practitioners
João Afonso Fialho is active on a range of energy mandates across Angola and Mozambique with particular knowledge of power plants and LNG projects. He gains recognition from sources who underline his focus in natural resources and mining.
Rui Amendoeira is widely recognised for his cross-border capabilities, notably his experience in Angola and Timor-Leste. He represents major oil and gas companies in various environmental issues as well as regulatory matters.
What the team is known for
Well equipped to handle an array of matters in the corporate field. Frequently advises on M&A, corporate finance and restructuring procedures as well as corporate crime. Often assists clients within the energy, manufacturing and transportation industries. Provides further support with public law and employment issues.
Strengths
Clients highlight the team's "capability to understand our necessities and translate them into solutions that are legally sound."
Further sources report that team members "are very pragmatic and experienced lawyers."
Work highlights
Advised Worthington Industries on group policy and compliance procedures, following its acquisition of Amtrol-Alfa.
Notable practitioners
Clients recommend Benedita Fernandes Gonçalves as a lawyer who "fights a lot for the client's interests and is always looking for the best deal." She oversees the firm's labour offering in Porto and advises on collective negotiations, restructuring and disciplinary proceedings.
The "very detail-oriented" Inês Ribera acts for both domestic and international clients. Her experience includes contract negotiations and restructuring proceedings.
Head of the Porto office Isabel Gião de Andrade assists with an array of corporate law issues, including M&A transactions, restructuring processes and corporate governance. Her clients, who hail from the shipping, manufacturing and energy sectors, enthuse: "She has outstanding negotiation skills and is objective and business-oriented when analysing contracts."
Clients rate João Soares Franco's "very clear and objective" style and underline his technical prowess. He advises both private and public companies on an array of public law issues, including liability actions and public procurement procedures.
Vieira de Almeida is a well regarded full-service Portuguese firm with a well-known international focus. This focus extends to the private client practice, which is commended by market insiders for its strength in relocation and residence issues.
The team's particular expertise lies in cross-border matters, including wealth and business structuring and property investment matters. Sources say: "They certainly have commitment and interest in this area."
Notable practitioners
Tiago Marreiros Moreira heads the firm's tax department and is recognised for his work in the private client market. He offers advice on legal and tax structuring of investments and estates to family offices and domestic and international private clients, as well as assisting with succession planning. One source says he is "very professional and a very good lawyer."
What the team is known for
Well-regarded practice with strength in both transactional and litigation matters. Regularly assists with contracts and the development of insurance and reinsurance products, with further capabilities in compliance and regulatory issues, as well as bancassurance and assurfinance. Has a strong presence in cross-border issues, with activity often involving other European or African jurisdictions.
Strengths
The department impresses with its approach, as sources explain: "The lawyers are very dedicated and really try to find the best solution for each case."
Interviewees further underline the team's speed of response.
Work highlights
Assisted Seguradoras Unidas with legal and regulatory matters related to its new health and wellness insurance plan.
Notable practitioners
Helena Vaz Pinto regularly handles sector-related corporate and M&A mandates, in addition to her strong regulatory insurance practice. Her expertise was demonstrated in her advice to CNA Hardy on the creation of a clinical trial insurance product and a casualty policy.
What the team is known for
Highly recommended team adept at handling trade mark, copyright and patent-related matters, including patent infringement proceedings in the pharmaceutical sector. Has experience in licensing processes, anti-counterfeiting measures and management of IP rights, including trade marks and designs. Primarily advises originator pharmaceutical companies or those with activity in the TMT industries.
Strengths
Clients rate the department's approach, reporting it to be "client and business-oriented," and add that the team is comprised of "extremely hard-working lawyers who provide helpful, commercially useful advice."
Sources also highlight the group for its expertise, stating: "The team is very experienced in mandatory patent arbitration."
Work highlights
Assisted Boehringer Ingelheim with mandatory arbitration proceedings in order to enforce its patent rights and prevent the marketing of infringing generic drugs in Portugal.
Notable practitioners
Practice head António Andrade is known as "a good strategist and a very hands-on" practitioner. He advises on mandatory arbitration proceedings concerning pharmaceutical patents, as well as on issues relating to community, national or international trade marks. Interviewees also appreciate his availability.
António de Magalhães Cardoso maintains an excellent reputation for his extensive experience in IP law. Interviewees refer to him as "a great legal strategist, who has a holistic view of projects," and underline his prowess in patent mandates. He is particularly active on behalf of originator companies wishing to enforce pharmaceutical patent rights in Portugal.
What the team is known for
Superb full-service firm advising a vast list of international and national clients. Covers the full range of life science mandates, including antitrust and regulatory work, arbitration cases and litigation. Offers particular strength in patent disputes.
Strengths
Sources are quick to attest that the group "is very knowledgeable of this market. Other interviewees state: "VdA is very good in life sciences, and can provide a full service to pharmaceutical companies."
Work highlights
Represented Novartis in proceedings against the Ministério da Saúde concerning the protection of a second medical use patent held by the client.
Notable practitioners
Intellectual property expert António de Magalhães Cardoso is known as "a great legal strategist, who has a holistic view of projects." He is particularly active representing originator companies in patent disputes against generic companies.
Clients recommend department head Paulo Pinheiro for his "experience, knowledge and results." He advises on public procurement, clinical trials and market access, for a host of important pharmaceutical companies.
What the team is known for
Prominent department with experience of investments across a broad range of industries and sectors, such as insurance, telecommunications, transport and energy. Skilled in the full spectrum of private equity including regulatory and transactional mandates, further to offering significant capacity in venture capital structure investments. Sought out for its expert handling of cross-border transactions.
Strengths
Clients highlight the department's "diligence, vision and protection of its clients' interests."
Sources confirm that the lawyers make "a very strong team."
Work highlights
Assisted New Finerge with the acquisition of a 49% stake in five companies which own wind farms in Portugal.
Notable practitioners
Helena Vaz Pinto is adept at advising on transactional and regulatory mandates relating to private equity or venture capital, including operations with a multi-jurisdictional element. Her expertise was demonstrated in advice to Armilar Venture Partners on the establishment of a technology development and transfer fund with the European Investment Fund.
Jorge Bleck leads the firm's corporate offering and often acts on private equity operations. His client roster includes leading international private equity investors and target companies, including MEO – Serviços de Comunicação e Multimédia, whom he acted for on the sale of equity stakes in its tower business to Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners and Horizon Equity Partners.
What the team is known for
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. Strong domestic-side practice as well as strengths in international work owing to an extensive network of offices across lusophone Africa, including in Angola. Impressive roster of clients includes major financial institutions as well as Portuguese construction companies.
Strengths
Commentators speak highly of the team's skill set and approach, reporting that team members "are available and very quick in responding to our demands."
Clients also note that "the team is well equipped to deal with issues involving public entities."
Work highlight
Advised Banco Santander and European Investment Bank on the financing granted to Fundação Alfredo de Sousa for the construction of a new university campus in Cascais in Portugal.
Notable practitioners
Ana Luís de Sousa represents major Portuguese banks or energy companies in various finance matters within the renewable energy arena, specialising in solar, wind and biomass projects. Commentators single out her experience.
Practice head Manuel Protásio is widely recognised as a market leading practitioner. He frequently acts for lenders in project finance matters within the energy field, including for the construction of domestic renewable energy facilities. His expertise extends to transport, infrastructure and mining projects.
Paulo de Barros Baptista acts for key clients, including project consortiums, on the regulatory and financial elements of infrastructure projects and PPPs. Clients highlight his solution-oriented approach and value his "very friendly personality."
Teresa Empis Falcão advises key clients on major PPPs and project finance matters within the infrastructure, real estate and renewable energy sectors. She offers additional support in corporate and M&A matters.
Clients deem Vanda Cascão to be "very experienced in energy projects." She assists domestic and international banks as well as investment funds and energy companies with the financial and M&A aspects of public works and wind and solar power projects.
What the team is known for
Stellar reputation in the public law market, able to provide a deep bench of recognised individuals. Advises on concessions and PPPs, as well as privatisation processes. Solid presence in the banking, telecommunications, infrastructure and transport sectors. Regularly handles public law arbitration and is additionally active in matters concerning other lusophone jurisdictions. Clients include key public organisations and companies, further to domestic and multinational private entities.
Strengths
Interviewees are quick to praise the team's approach, noting: "The VdA team is very strong in strategy, has deep knowledge and the team-client relationship is great."
Clients value that team members are "available, very quick to respond and support us in a good way."
Work highlights
Represented Banco de Portugal in the sale of Novo Banco.
Notable practitioners
The "client-oriented" Ana Marta Castro advises on mandates relating to the TMT and financial services sectors. Her areas of expertise include public contracts, concessions and privatisation processes.
Mário Esteves de Oliveira earns significant praise for his expertise in public tender procedures. His activity spans the telecommunications and financial services sectors.
Clients value Paulo Pinheiro's "deep knowledge of public law" and his "clarity of explanations." He advises on disputes, regulatory issues and administrative concessions. His clients include key private and public organisations, such as the Governo dos Açores whom he advised on SATA International's privatisation process.
Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira is described as having ''broad knowledge and experience.'' He acted for Portos dos Açores on a public tender for the concession of Praia da Vitória's transhipment terminal. His activity includes regulatory advice as well as representation in contentious proceedings.
What the team is known for
Comprehensive real estate practice offering support in corporate or asset deals through to licensing and construction agreements. Often advises on mandates concerning hotel, residential and office buildings, and regularly instructed by international developers or funds. Particular prowess in development projects.
Strengths
Clients are quick to single out the team's abilities in negotiation, further to its "quick response and strong commercial skills."
Other interviewees praise the department's approach. "The team advised us in a strategic way," reports one source, who adds: "The lawyers are focused, detail-oriented and very experienced in real estate."
Notable practitioners
The "smart, quick and very pragmatic" Miguel Marques dos Santos advises developers and investors from both Portugal and further afield. He is particularly active in mandates relating to retail property or office buildings, including renovation projects. He is well versed in assisting with matters relating to architect or construction agreements, as well as licensing processes.
Interviewees state that Pedro Corrêa d'Oliveira "is enthusiastic and energetic at all times, and always puts the interests of the customer first." He acts on sale, purchase and lease operations.
The "absolutely great" Pedro Ferreirinha leads the team and advises on transactions relating to hospitality, residential and office asset types. He is particularly active in the acquisition of development projects, and offers further expertise in financing and licensing issues.
Pedro Pereira Coutinho draws particular recommendation for his negotiation prowess. He acts for Portuguese and foreign investors on their acquisition of commercial buildings or portfolios. He also advises on engineering, project management and architect agreements.
What the team is known for
Acclaimed full-service practice with substantial experience in debt restructuring and transactions involving distressed assets. Boasts a strong track record in representing clients from the banking and finance sector, in addition to strength advising other key domestic and international companies on both the creditor and debtor side. Able to assist clients with contentious issues. Clients benefit from the firm's full-service offering and availability of tax, real estate and corporate governance experts.
Strengths
Clients are quick to commend the group's "tactics and co-ordination in the negotiation strategy and great ability to manage conflict situations."
Other interviewees enthuse that the team has "very good technical skills and great client care."
Work highlights
Represented Oi in obtaining judicial recognition in Portugal of its Brazilian court-supervised reorganisation judgment.
Notable practitioners
Clients commend Frederico Gonçalves Pereira's "strategic vision of cases." He advises indebted companies and creditors on proceedings relating to the real estate, construction and financial services sectors, including directors' liability claims and liquidation proceedings.
Interviewees praise Teresa Pitôrra's "great technical competence, rigour and scrupulous fulfilment of the deadlines." She advises on court-supervised insolvency proceedings and related disputes.
What the team is known for
Well regarded group advising on complex transactional tax matters for a range of clients, including banking syndicates. Skilled at handling debt issues. Also offers clientele support from a dedicated financial tax team and indirect taxation specialists. Regularly handles international taxation, tax structuring and litigation.
Strengths
The team impresses with its "excellent quality, prompt responses and very business-oriented approach."
Other sources outline the department's "good risk analysis and availability."
Work highlights
Advised J. P. Morgan Securities and Hefesto STC on Évora Finance's securitisation, including assisting with matters relating to VAT, municipal property tax and stamp tax.
Notable practitioners
Clients highlight Conceição Gamito's "knowledge, capacity and availability." She offers particular expertise in indirect taxation, and her practice extends to representation in tax disputes.
Clients highlight Joaquim Pedro Lampreia's technical expertise and state that he "is a problem solver by nature." He focuses his practice on tax disputes, which he combines with expertise in the tax aspects of capital markets transactions and tax restructuring operations.
Samuel Fernandes de Almeida's competencies lie in the tax elements to corporate restructuring operations and capital markets transactions. He also advises on tax disputes.
Tiago Marreiros Moreira leads the practice and is recommended for his "strong relationship with the client." He is experienced in the tax planning of real estate acquisitions and corporate transactions, further to transfer pricing matters. He advised Johnson & Johnson on tax matters relating to the sale of a Portuguese business unit.
What the team is known for
First-rate department handling data privacy and protection issues, with recognised prowess in telecoms mandates. Assists international and national companies active in the aviation, life sciences, food and drink and entertainment industries. Regularly acts on cross-border matters, notably in lusophone countries.
Strengths
Sources regard the department as "excellent," expanding: "It's a multidisciplinary team which can respond in a short period of time, comprised of lawyers who are helpful and understanding of clients' needs."
"The team just blew me away: the lawyers are very attuned to the needs of an international business," enthuses a client.
Work highlights
Assisted BMW Portugal with data processing agreements under the GDPR.
Notable practitioners
Fernando Resina da Silva boasts an impressive TMT practice, with expertise in outsourcing, cloud computing and e-commerce. He also handles data protection issues for a varied roster of clients. "He is a very well-known and high-performing lawyer who is easy to work with, knowledgeable, innovative and instrumental in negotiations," comments a client.
Magda Cocco wins plaudits from clients, who report her to be "an excellent communicator" and enthuse: "She has technical knowledge but she also has a practical approach and can adapt to how things really are to achieve results." She assists clients with transactional operations, GDPR compliance and e-commerce issues, both domestically and in lusophone Africa.
Sources are quick to single out Margarida Couto's "stellar reputation in this area." Couto focuses her practice on the telecoms sphere, assisting clients with transactional mandates and litigious proceedings, and also provides advice on data protection.
Notable practitioners
Clients value José Miguel Oliveira of VdA for his knowledge of the shipping space further to his "organised and proactive approach." His practice includes both contentious and non-contentious shipping mandates, from stevedoring disputes through to the registration of merchant vessels.