"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 securitisation proceedings. Offers strong cross-border capabilities involving other lusophone countries, including Timor-Leste. Notable activity in real estate financing. Additionally, handles crowdfunding regulatory matters.
Strengths
Clients enthuse about the firm's know-how, praising its "availability and capacity to give answers in complex, hard situations."
Others highlight the team's client service, drawing attention to the lawyers' "customer proximity and fast response."
Work highlights
Assisted Imopólis – Sociedade Gestora de Fundos de Investimento Imobiliário with the negotiation and structuring of a sale and purchase agreement for the acquisition of a target company.
Notable practitioners
Benedita Aires represents clients in the financing of acquisitions, especially of real estate portfolios. Clients attest that she has "excellent knowledge of the area and great technical capacity.“
Clients consider Paula Gomes Freire to be a "very experienced lawyer with a deep knowledge of the area." She focuses her practice on NPL deals, acquisition finance and securitisation transactions.
Pedro Cassiano Santos is dubbed a "pioneer of banking in Portugal" by interviewees, who detail his great experience in the area. He provides advice on the full spectrum of banking and finance matters, including NPL transactions, regulatory matters and debt refinancings.
Tiago Correia Moreira has experience in the registration of crowdfunding platforms with the CMVM. He also deals with securitisation matters.
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 bond issuances, public debt and the launching of public offers. Has further skill in securitisation mandates as well as regulatory issues. Additionally, advises on derivatives transactions. Acts for an impressive list of major Portuguese corporates as well as foreign banks and financial institutions. Notable activity in lusophone Africa.
Strengths
Clients report that the firm's service is "fantastic," suggesting that the lawyers are "always available and ready to give answers."
Others explain that the lawyers "work well, with a nice rhythm and work capacity."
Work highlights
Advised the arranger, JP Morgan Securities, on the securitisation of an NPL portfolio valued at EUR580 million.
Notable practitioners
Hugo Moredo Santos is recognised by clients for his "great proximity to the client, knowledge of the area and technical capacity." He possesses extensive expertise in public offerings, bond issuances and securitisation.
Clients value José Pedro Fazenda Martins for his regulatory experience and add that he is "very knowledgeable and always available." He is active in debt capital markets, assisting clients with bond issuances and restructurings, in addition to handling structured finance deals.
Paula Gomes Freire is proficient at handling securitisations, especially those relating to NPL portfolios. She also advises on note issuances.
Satisfied clients report that Pedro Cassiano Santos is "always available in cases that are difficult to resolve." He specialises in dealing with securitisation and DCM matters, including bond issuances.
Orlando Vogler Guiné focuses his practice on debt capital markets, particularly note issuances. Clients highlight him for his "knowledge of the area."
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 comprising domestic and international names with activity in the retail, telecoms and banking sectors. Additionally advises clients on cases involving abuse of dominance and handles matters relating to dawn raids.
Strengths
The department wins plaudits for its advice; clients emphasise: "Answers and replies are structured and solid."
Other interviewees suggest the team is "always available."
Work highlights
Advised CTT – Correios de Portugal on an investigation by the Portuguese Competition Authority involving allegations of abuse of dominance.
Notable practitioners
Nuno Ruiz is experienced in handling cases regarding abuse of dominance, dawn raids and state aid. He is praised for his "good communication" with clients.
Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro is proficient in handling antitrust investigations, dawn raids and merger control matters. He also advises on the competition law aspects of M&A and joint venture transactions. He serves as the head of the firm's competition and EU practice.
What the team is known for
Well-reputed outfit tackling complex and high-profile M&A transactions, as well as corporate governance and restructuring operations in the energy, telecommunications and real estate industries. Leverages expertise in tax, capital markets, labour and other areas to offer comprehensive assistance to clients. Clients often include financial groups, multinational entities and asset management companies. Boasts extensive international capabilities, particularly in Angola and Cabo Verde.
Strengths
Interviewees know the team to be "extremely friendly, very personable and very creative in tackling problems."
Clients value the lawyers' dedicated approach and "strong commitment."
Work highlights
Advised Carlsberg on the EUR200 million acquisition of a 28.5% stake in VIACER.
Notable practitioners
Cláudia Cruz Almeida often advises on transactions in the infrastructure and renewable energy sectors. Clients describe her as "extremely experienced and unflappable.“
João Vieira de Almeida enjoys lengthy experience in the corporate arena. He is well placed to advise on transactions in the food and drink industry.
Interviewees praise Jorge Bleck for being "extremely strategic in his thinking." He has notable expertise in M&A and private equity deals, as well as joint ventures, and frequently assists with mandates arising from the telecommunications, cosmetics and food and drink sectors.
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, construction, insurance and natural resources.
Strengths
Clients appreciate the firm's cross-border capabilities, detailing the team's "knowledge and experience in several African countries, combined with experience in several European courts."
Sourcesfurther value the "high technical competence of the lawyers, as well as the commitment with which they act."
Work highlights
Represented Petróleos de Portugal in an ICC arbitration concerning breach of a FIDIC contract.
Notable practitioners
Carla Gonçalves Borges is known for being "highly experienced in arbitration." She is adept at handling disputes in the sports, banking and telecommunications industries.
Singled out for his "technical knowledge," Frederico Gonçalves Pereira showcases expertise in the areas of telecommunications, banking and infrastructure projects. He is further adept at handling arbitrations before the ICC.
Interviewees report that Miguel Pinto Cardoso is "known for his skills in the tribunal." He possesses expertise in arbitrations for clients in the energy, infrastructure and banking spheres and has particular activity in lusophone Africa.
Dispute Resolution – Corporate Crime
Notable practitioners
João Medeiros has a strong focus on criminal litigation and frequently assists with mandates including sports corruption, embezzlement, forgery and fraud. Clients hail him as "a lawyer who listens.“
Sofia Ribeiro Branco enjoys extensive expertise in cases involving money laundering, cybercrime and tax fraud. She has additional experience in mandates relating to corruption and IP infringement.
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
One client appreciates that the firm demonstrates "in-depth technical knowledge and diversity in the teams.“.
Sources further value the team's "focus on the customer's needs."
Work Highlights
Advised Deutsche Bank on the transfer of 334 employees to Abanca, following the sale of the client's private and commercial banking business in Portugal.
Notable practitioners
Clients praise Américo Oliveira Fragoso for his availability and add that he is "very creative." He advises on workforce restructurings and the termination of senior executives.
Tiago Cochofel de Azevedo assists with collective redundancies and employment litigation. Interviewees praise his technical skill.
Tiago Piló advises on workforce transfers, terminations and employment disputes, frequently acting on behalf of companies in the life sciences and financial services sectors. Clients draw attention to his "accumulated experience."
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. Handles structurings, financings and acquisitions and joint ventures within the sector. Key clients include energy providers, government entities and major banks. Works across lusophone Africa, with particular experience in Angola and Mozambique.
Strengths
The team gains recognition for its accessibility. Clients enthuse: "They always make themselves available when needed."
One source appreciates that the lawyers are "very proactive."
Work highlights
Acted for Lusoamoreiras - Sociedade Imobiliária on the financing, construction and implementation of a large microalgae production unit.
Notable practitioners
Ana Luís de Sousa is recognised for her "technical knowledge and ability to negotiate." She frequently assists clients with acquisitions, joint ventures and renewable energy projects.
Manuel Protásio is proficient in handling the structuring of financings for renewable energy and oil and gas projects. He is specialised in advising on matters relating to biomass fuels and solar photovoltaic energy.
Vanda Cascão is active in the energy sphere, working on single asset and portfolio financing and refinancing matters in the sector. She also advises on health and transport projects as well as on related regulatory matters.
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. Handles structurings, financings and acquisitions and joint ventures within the sector. Key clients include energy providers, government entities and major banks. Works across lusophone Africa, with particular experience in Angola and Mozambique.
Strengths
The team gains recognition for its accessibility. Clients enthuse: "They always make themselves available when needed."
One source appreciates that the lawyers are "very proactive."
Work highlights
Acted for Lusoamoreiras - Sociedade Imobiliária on the financing, construction and implementation of a large microalgae production unit.
Notable practitioners
João Afonso Fialho focuses his work on international mandates across Europe, Timor-Leste and Africa. He handles transactions, restructurings and regulatory matters within oil, gas and mining.
What the team is known for
Well equipped to handle an array of matters in the corporate field. Frequently advises on corporate finance and restructuring procedures, with a particular focus on contract law. Often instructed by clients from sectors such as energy, manufacturing and transportation. Provides further support with public law and employment issues.
Strengths
Sources value the team's client service, asserting that "they truly inspire confidence; we know they always do their best to defend us."
Work highlights
Assisted C.RO Ports Porto with the reorganisation of its Portuguese operations, involving obtaining operating licences and liaising with the port authorities.
Notable practitioners
Isabel Gião de Andrade commands a solid reputation in the Porto corporate ambit, with one interviewee highlighting her "broad, comprehensive view of business." She also receives praise from clients, one of whom enthuses: "She is an impressive lawyer and a very strong strategist. She is tremendous in her ability to translate complex legal questions into simple, non-technical language."
Benedita Fernandes Gonçalves receives effusive praise from clients, one of whom appreciates that "she really throws herself into the work." Another client describes her as "very pragmatic, precise and knowledgeable on the intricacies of Portuguese law."
"Efficient and detail-oriented" Inês Ribera boasts experience in M&A and restructuring procedures. She is singled out by one client for "her great understanding of our business and what we need to achieve."
João Soares Franco is noted by one source for his "very good work on public procurement and tender procedures." A client asserts that "he has a great success rate."
What the team is known for
Top-tier insurance department spanning work in sale and purchase agreements, transactions, disputes, and regulatory and compliance advice. Has further capabilities in bancassurance and assurfinance products. Has consolidated experience in cross-border mandates, which extends to both European and African jurisdictions.
Strengths
Clients attest that the firm "has a business approach and is very incisive in the operations."
The team further impresses with its "quick and practical answers."
Work highlights
Represented MAPFRE España in a number of ongoing civil liability claims before the Portuguese courts.
Notable practitioners
Clients commend Helena Vaz Pinto for her "simple answers and relevant in-depth knowledge." She has significant expertise in regulatory insurance mandates, including the review of policies and compliance with the Insurance Distribution Directive.
What the team is known for
Potent IP practice group with a refined experience in patent infringement proceedings, settlement agreements, trade mark enforcements, and anti-counterfeiting measures. Experience includes work with key players in the pharmaceutical and telecommunication sectors, as well as in the technologies industry.
Strengths
Sources state that the firm is "rightly acknowledged at the top of the Portuguese market; with well-rounded advice, which is sophisticated without need of clarification."
Clients are content with the team's "initiative, availability and knowledge."
Work highlights
Assisted Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson with arbitration proceedings for the enforcement of patent rights, and in actions for patent protection.
Notable practitioners
António de Magalhães Cardoso is praised by interviewees who call him "an extraordinary specialist in patents."His
knowledge encompasses litigation and arbitration, as well as licensing and settlement agreements.
What the team is known for
Much-admired full-service firm with broad capabilities within the life sciences field. Expert team is regularly instructed by major international pharmaceutical companies to assist with regulatory matters relating to clinical trials, advertising and corporate deals. Adept at leading both arbitration and litigation cases.
Strengths
An interviewee says: "I feel very reassured when working with the team - they know the market very well, they have a good sense of urgency and client service."
Another source highlights the lawyers' "deep knowledge and experience in the life sciences industries."
Work highlights
Provided regulatory advice to Johnson & Johnson regarding the sale of business units in the medical devices sector.
Notable Practitioners
According to sources, António de Magalhães Cardoso is "a very reputed name in the field" due to his expertise representing multinational pharmaceutical companies in both litigation and arbitration cases. He offers noted strength in strategic patent enforcement mandates.
A client describes Paulo Pinheiro as "an excellent lawyer who has great technical knowledge and a lengthy track record," while another agrees, adding: "He is very pragmatic and has exceptional expertise." Pinheiro has a comprehensive practice spanning regulatory advice and litigation.
What the team is known for
Premier team with capability across the hospitality, technology, energy and insurance sectors. 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
The department is seen as a "leader in venture capital," according to sources.
Clients further praise the team for its "quality of work, exceptional availability and sense of urgency."
Work highlights
Acted for Certares Management on a EUR250 million share capital increase relating to a Portuguese company.
Notable practitioners
Helena Vaz Pinto represents clients from the technology and hospitality sectors in complex share capital transactions. Clients know her to be "very practical and pragmatic."
Jorge Bleck leads the department and frequently advises on share capital transactions. Interviewees dub him "a powerhouse."
Notable practitioners
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. Offers additional capabilities in the transport and healthcare spaces. Strong domestic-side practice as well as strengths in international work owing to an extensive network of offices across lusophone Africa, including in Mozambique. Impressive roster of clients includes major financial institutions as well as Portuguese construction companies.
Strengths
One satisfied client praises the firm's knowledge of projects, suggesting that the lawyers "go beyond the legal scene," and further "know very well how the system works."
Other sources recognise the team for its "deep knowledge and commitment."
Work highlight
Assisted a lending syndicate including UniCredit with the EUR240 million refinancing of the indebtedness of six port operators.
Notable practitioners
Ana Luís de Sousa devotes her practice to assisting clients in the energy and natural resources sector. She is also experienced in administering project financing and funding.
Department head Manuel Protásio wins plaudits from clients for his "dedication and knowledge." He is specialised in handling energy-related projects.
Paulo de Barros Baptista is proficient in handling infrastructure projects, including in the construction and healthcare sectors. Clients emphasise his "availability and speed."
Teresa Empis Falcão demonstrates expertise in concession agreements, public tenders and project financing. She frequently assists clients in the transport, energy and infrastructure sectors.
Vanda Cascão showcases capabilities in project financing in the energy and natural resources sector. She is also adept at handling projects involving lusophone Africa.
Manuel Protásio - Band 1
What the team is known for
Stellar reputation in the public law market with the ability to provide a deep bench of recognised individuals. Active in matters concerning Portugal and other lusophone jurisdictions. 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 also represents clients in litigation mandates. Clients include key public organisations and companies, as well as domestic and multinational private entities.
Strengths
Clients praise the team's work on disputes, emphasising their "excellent technical skills and extensive experience, particularly in public litigation and arbitration." Others highlight the firm's "technical rigour."
Work highlights
Advised Auto-Estradas do Baixo Tejo on the submission of an arbitration claim relating to a road concession.
Notable practitioners
Ana Marta Castro frequently assists clients with privatisation processes and public procurement procedures. Her other areas of work include planning.
Paulo Pinheiro is characterised as a "proficient lawyer who is always available to support." He possesses expertise in disputes and arbitrations, as well as public procurement procedures and public tenders.
Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira is experienced in handling concession agreements, public procurement as well as related litigation and arbitrations. He is depicted by interviewees as "technically good and quick in resolving issues."
What the team is known for
Well-reputed domestic outfit with extensive experience in large real estate acquisitions, and sale and purchase agreements. Often advises on mandates involving hotel, residential and office buildings, and regularly instructed by international developers or funds. Provides additional assistance with corporate governance and M&A.
Strengths
Clients say they are "always reliable and professional with a constructive approach."
Other clients praise the team's strength in depth, saying: "Staff support was excellent.“
Notable practitioners
Miguel Marques dos Santos advises domestic and international investors on complex real estate acquisitions and
sales, as well as construction lease agreements and licensing. Clients say he provides "thoughtful advice," and
also note his "strong negotiation skills and deep market knowledge."
Practice head Pedro Ferreirinha assists clients with the acquisition of assets, loans and big portfolio sales. He is well known for his international expertise in markets such as Angola, where he advises on real estate transactions.
According to interviewees Pedro Pereira Coutinho is "very pragmatic, with great experience of real estate." He undertakes a range of work in the area, with notable experience of tourism-related projects.
Sources appreciate Pedro Corrêa d'Oliveira's "strong work capacity." He advises on sales and acquisitions of real estate projects.
What the team is known for
Heavyweight full-service firm regularly retained to deal with an array of restructuring and insolvency issues. Boasts expertise advising on both the creditor and debtor sides, with particular prowess assisting banking clients with debt recovery and the restructuring of credit, as well as contentious proceedings, including cases of maladministration. Highly familiar with cases of a multi-jurisdictional nature, including cross-border corporate reorganisations and related M&A processes.
Strengths
Clients underline the team's "quality" and the lawyers' "enormous competence and qualifications," adding that this is "combined with dedication, commitment and remarkable professionalism."
Other interviewees say: "It's a big team, which makes things easier. The lawyers are able to facilitate good relationships and are technically very capable."
Work highlights
Assisted Barclays Bank as creditors of Banco Espírito Santo (BES) and Grupo Espíritu Santo's (GES) insolvency proceedings, in a matter valued at over EUR21 million.
Notable practitioners
Filipa Cotta is endorsed by clients as "extremely committed and dedicated, providing a 360° view of the case." Cotta has extensive experience handling the acquisition of distressed companies, as well as litigation proceedings. Interviewees further endorse: "Filipa was able to keep us motivated throughout the process, with positive expectations, which were met."
Clients assert that Frederico Gonçalves Pereira is noted for his expertise in the restructuring and litigation matters field. Gonçalves Pereira co-heads the firm's department.
Satisfied clients laud Teresa Pitôrra as a practitioner that shows "great technical capacity and profound knowledge" in this area, adding that "she is very experienced in questions of litigation."
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 and offers clientele support from a dedicated financial tax team and indirect taxation specialists. Regularly handles international taxation, tax structuring and litigation and adept at advising corporates on the tax aspects of public offers, disposals and securitisations.
Strengths
A client commends the way the team provides bespoke advice, saying: "They designed a winning strategy that was outside of the box and tailor-made to our specific case."
Another client emphasises the depth of the team's expertise: "They are tax experts and understand the tax authority; they achieve positive results in complex areas and they have a strong team."
Work highlights
Advised Banco Comercial Português, Caixa Geral de Depósitos and Novo Banco on the renegotiation of some terms and conditions of the framework agreement entered into by and between these banks and the Teixeira Duarte Group for the reconfiguration of the group's debt.
Notable practitioners
Conceição Gamito is an established practitioner with expertise in indirect tax. She is particularly active on matters involving VAT issues.
Joaquim Pedro Lampreia is a prominent figure in the market and is highly regarded to his tax disputes practice. One client comments: "He has wide experience and knowledge and is up to date with current tax news," while another notes: "His complete mastery of tax litigation allows him to deliver results beyond expectations."
Samuel Fernandes de Almeida is a well-regarded practitioner who often acts for clients on tax disputes as well as audits and the tax issues relating to corporate transactions. He is described by a client as "a good strategist, versatile and very efficient."
Head of department Tiago Marreiros Moreira is recognised as "a very solid tax lawyer" by market commentators, one client describing him as "reachable, reactive and creative when you work with him," going on to add: "He doesn't just give you a standard answer." He regularly assists clients with the tax aspects of real estate and corporate transactions.
Managing associate Francisco Cabral Matos is described by one client as "a top tax adviser." He often assists clients with tax issues relating to a variety of transactions, and a further interviewee notes: "He can easily adapt himself to have an effective communication style."
What the team is known for
First-rate department handling data privacy and protection issues, with recognised prowess in telecoms mandates. Provides a tailored service to clients who wish to assess possible GDPR risks to their businesses. 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
Clients attest: "The knowledge with which VdA deals with processes is unique."
Sources underline the team's "in-depth knowledge of IT materials."
Work highlights
Advised EllaLink on the operation and deployment of an underground cable system providing telecoms connectivity between Portugal, Spain and Brazil.
Notable practitioners
Fernando Resina da Silva has notable experience in telecoms transactions, technology agreements and GDPR mandates. Sources attest: "He is sensitive to client difficulties and shows innovative thinking."
Magda Cocco has a strong yield of knowledge in the IT sector including GDPR and e-commerce issues, overseas internet projects and licensing for telecoms satellites. Interviewees value Cocco for being "adaptable and flexible to the clients' needs."
Long-standing telecoms expert Margarida Couto provides specialised advice on data privacy issues, as well as transactions involving telecoms clients. Interviewees hail her as "extremely knowledgeable and experienced."
Notable practitioners
José Miguel Oliveira has experience in cross-border and domestic maritime matters. He advises on a variety of shipping issues including disputes and shipping finance.