"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
Longstanding 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. Significant expertise in corporate and real estate financing matters. Additionally handles crowdfunding regulatory matters.
Strengths
The department wins praise from reputable international clients for its "great professionals with good technical capabilities and capacity for negotiation."
Interviewees further laud the team for its "rapid responses, market knowledge and client dedication."
Work highlights
Assisted Morgan Stanley with the financing of the acquisition of an NPL portfolio in Portugal.
Notable practitioners
Benedita Aires regularly acts on real estate finance deals, NPL acquisitions and facility agreements. She represents international investors, retailers and banks.
Paula Gomes Freire is an expert at handling matters including acquisitions of NPL portfolios and derivatives. Interviewees emphasise her "solid knowledge of the market."
Pedro Cassiano Santos is praised for his ability to lead the firm's expansive banking and finance team while maintaining his outstanding market activity. His expertise covers the full range of banking and finance matters, including regulatory advice, negotiations regarding facility agreements, sales of assets and financial restructurings.
Tiago Correia Moreira frequently advises clients on the purchase of NPL portfolios and registration of crowdfunding platforms. He frequently represents clients from the banking and energy sectors.
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
"The lawyers have a deep theoretical and practical knowledge of the market and are always available for the client," one source highlights.
Another client enthuses: "We were extremely happy with them: the way they work is quick and they have the ability to solve issues in a way that shows they have a commercial mindset."
Work highlights
Advised Caixa Geral de Depósitos on the issuance of senior non-preferred capital instruments valued at EUR500 million.
Notable practitioners
Hugo Moredo Santos is praised by clients for his "technical knowledge and client-oriented approach." He often advises on cross-border securitisations, public offerings, retail and green bond issuances.
Clients describe José Pedro Fazenda Martins as "a perfectionist who provides work of high technical quality." His experience includes bond issuances and restructurings as well as share purchase agreements.
Paula Gomes Freire represents financial institutions and domestic banks on matters concerning the issuance of notes. She is further well known for advising on debt related mandates and securitisations and is highlighted by one client for her "in-depth experience".
Pedro Cassiano Santos assists a range of high-profile international and domestic clients with the full range of capital market matters. He has considerable experience in securitisation and regulatory mandates, with additional expertise on bond issuances and derivatives-related transactions.
Orlando Vogler Guiné is an adept at handling securitisations and bonds issuances, with additional experience in capital share listings. One client enthuses: "He is very organised, available and well informed to the point that he is able to advise on any matter."
What the team is known for
Highly esteemed department active on 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.
Notable practitioners
Nuno Ruiz is experienced in handling cases regarding abuse of dominance, dawn raids and state aid.
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 and labour 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
Clients highlight the team's dedication, with another enthusing: "Their availability is amazing and they have the capacity to work under a lot of pressure."
Other clients appreciate the lawyers' collaboration, stating: "The firm works very well as a whole team."
Work highlights
Advised GHO Capital Partners on an acquisition of 49.93% of FairJourney Biologics, valued at EUR50 million.
Notable practitioners
Advancing in the rankings, Cláudia Cruz Almeida is described by clients to be a "very much hands-on lawyer who demonstrates seniority." She frequently assists clients with acquisitions in the energy and environmental sectors.
João Vieira de Almeida is an experienced lawyer in the corporate sphere, frequently acting on joint ventures and cross-border transactions.
Jorge Bleck is well-versed in handling acquisitions, disposals, auctions and private equity deals. He often advises clients in the telecommunications, banking and hospitality 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 are quick to point out the firm's "high level of knowledge of the technical matters present in criminal proceedings, ability to work in teams and proximity to the client."
Another source states: "My overall evaluation of them is exceptional, they are fantastic."
Work highlights Represented Scania Portugal in private enforcement claims following the European Commission's decision to fine Scania EUR880 million for its participation in the truck cartel.
Notable practitioners
Carla Gonçalves Borges is recognised for her focus on disputes in the banking and finance sector. She additionally handles clients facing allegations of anti-competitive behaviour as well as breach of regulatory duties in the telecommunication sector.
Frederico Gonçalves Pereira boasts a strong track record of handling disputes within the construction, telecommunications and banking sectors. He is described as "very responsive" by clients, who further appreciate him for "answering all questions in a timely manner.“
Miguel Pinto Cardoso frequently assists clients with both commercial and investor state disputes in the infrastructure, telecommunications and energy sectors. Client further profit from his extensive experience in sensitive, multi-jurisdictional mandates handled under ICC, ICSID and EDF rules.
Dispute Resolution – Corporate Crime
Notable practitioners
João Medeiros dedicates his practice to the full range of corporate crime disputes, including embezzlement, abuse of power and tax fraud as well as corruption cases in the sports sector. He is characterised by clients as "a person with integrity; he is committed, intelligent and able to introduce strategic thinking in addressing problems.“
Sofia Ribeiro Branco is best known for her activity on complex corporate crime matters, ranging from corruption and fraud cases to cyber crime investigations. One client endorses her as "a great lawyer, she is someone who is dedicated to the client."
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
"VdA showed total availability and deep knowledge both of the legislation and of the best practices and policies in the market," a satisfied client states.
Another client enthuses: "The work done by VdA has been excellent in all aspects."
Work highlights
Advised Unitel on the negotiation and implementation of a collective bargaining agreement relating to the calculation of salaries as well as employee benefits.
Notable practitioners
Américo Oliveira Fragoso climbs up the rankings after gathering extensive market and client recognition, one of the latter exalting: "Américo is an excellent professional with deep knowledge of his area and many resources to provide solutions. His relations with customers are extremely cordial and inspire confidence from the first moment." He focuses his practice on collective redundancies, restructurings and transactional advice on employment matters.
Tiago Azevedo administers lay-off and restructuring procedures as well as advising on collective redundancies and acquisition matters. Clients consider him to be "knowledgeable and always available.“
Tiago Piló is described by one client as "business and client oriented, building trusting relationships with empathy and creativity." His remit stretches from lay-off and collective redundancy procedures to employment dispute proceedings and restructuring processes.
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, 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
One client enthuses: "They are extraordinary and extremely proactive. They know all the legal frameworks for different areas and are well informed, know what is going in the market and are always looking for new opportunities."
Another client highlights the team's international capabilities and further states: "Above all they are capable of finding alternative solutions, while maintaining a client-focused and business-oriented approach."
Work highlights
Assisted Redes Energéticas Nacionais with the EUR170 million financing of the infrastructure of its electricity transmission.
Notable practitioners
Ana Luís de Sousa is described by clients as "very attentive to the client, proactive and very available. She is able to identify transactional risks to the client without losing the focus." She frequently assists with a variety of matters including joint ventures, project finance, acquisitions and renewable energy projects.
Manuel Protásio provides expert advice on both renewable and non-renewable energy matters. He regularly assists international and domestic clients with project financing and project permit agreements negotiations, with special expertise in cross-border matters.
Vanda Cascão stands out for supporting clients on complex single-asset and portfolio financing and refinancing matters. She further assists client with joint ventures and 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, 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
One client enthuses: "They are extraordinary and extremely proactive. They know all the legal frameworks for different areas and are well informed, know what is going in the market and are always looking for new opportunities."
Another client highlights the team's international capabilities and further states: "Above all they are capable of finding alternative solutions, while maintaining a client-focused and business-oriented approach."
Work highlights
Assisted Redes Energéticas Nacionais with the EUR170 million financing of the infrastructure of its electricity transmission.
Notable practitioners
João Afonso Fialho specialises in cross-border matters in lusophone African nations, in Timor-Leste and across Europe. He is well versed in oil and gas topics, energy project restructurings and contractual issues as well as regulatory matters.
Notable practitioners
Isabel Gião de Andrade is "skilled, sharp and motivated," enthuses one of her clients. She possesses broad expertise in handling restructuring and refinancing mandates and further represents clients in litigation proceedings.
Benedita Fernandes Gonçalves focuses her work on collective dismissal cases, terminations, salary and compensation disputes. "Her advice was always prompt, commercial and to the point," one client says.
Clients attest that Inês Ribera "presents great skills and has always been a pleasant person to work with." She often assists clients with corporate restructurings, acquisitions and investment matters.
Clients profess that João Soares Franco "has the firm knowledge and experience to support clients." He acts for clients on administrative proceedings and public procurement procedures.
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
"The advice and availability of the team members are excellent," reports one happy client.
Another interviewee highly appreciates the team's "good knowledge of insurance matters."
Work highlights
Advised Grupo Trofa Saúde and Planicare on the regulatory aspects related to the distribution of health insurance products in hospitals.
Notable practitioners
Clients highly value Helena Vaz Pinto's "vast knowledge of the insurance market" and describe her as a "very strong and reliable lawyer." She is most active on regulatory insurance mandates, such as the review of policies and compliance with the Insurance Distribution Directive.
What the team is known for
Strong IP practice group with 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 telecommunications sectors, as well as in the technologies industry.
Strengths
Clients state that the team benefits from "very good know-how acquired from working with big multinationals, which accentuates their value."
Interviewees further praise it as "a technically strong firm with enthusiastic and client-oriented people,"and add: "In the context of cross-border and international elements the team is acutely aware of clients' needs and is able to present information succinctly and obtain results quickly."
Work highlights
Advised Novartis on a subpoena against the Ministry of Health, which is currently under appeal in the Administrative Courts, seeking the protection of a second medical use patent held by Novartis.
Notable practitioners
António de Magalhães Cardoso has a broad practice that takes in litigation and arbitration, as well as licensing and complex infringement cases. One client describes him as "the guru of this area" and adds: "He is excellent technically and understands the needs of the market.“
Managing associate Sara Nazaré enters the rankings due to strong client endorsement and visibility on arbitration and litigation proceedings related to patent rights. One client highly values her "prodigious ability to do hard work," adding: "She is a great advocate and has the ability to effectively lead complex cases and teams of lawyers to get the desired outcome."
What the team is known for
Strong IP practice group with 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 telecommunications sectors, as well as in the technologies industry.
Strengths
Clients state that the team benefits from "very good know-how acquired from working with big multinationals, which accentuates their value."
Interviewees further praise it as "a technically strong firm with enthusiastic and client-oriented people,"and add: "In the context of cross-border and international elements the team is acutely aware of clients' needs and is able to present information succinctly and obtain results quickly."
Work highlights
Advised Novartis on a subpoena against the Ministry of Health, which is currently under appeal in the Administrative Courts, seeking the protection of a second medical use patent held by Novartis.
Notable practitioners
Paulo Pinheiro regularly assists prominent multinationals including pharmaceutical companies. He represents clients in litigation and provides regulatory guidance.
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
Clients highlight the team's "commitment and availability."
Work highlights
Assisted GHO Capital Partners with the EUR50 million acquisition of a 49.93% stake in FairJourney Biologics.
Notable practitioners
Helena Vaz Pinto maintains a strong profile in advising funds investing in the health, energy and technology sectors. She is experienced handling sizeable cross-border share deals.
Jorge Bleck leads the department and remains busy with an array of private equity deals. He assists leading telecoms services providers with high-value share transactions.
VdA is capable of advising both domestic and international high net worth clients on cross-border tax, succession and wealth structuring. "They are one of the best firms in Portugal," states an interviewee, and another reports: "They are very good and solid lawyers with lots of international connections."
"They are a highly respected law firm in Portugal," says a source, before continuing: "My overall impression is that they provide more than good solutions and are at the entire disposal of the client. They are also proactive and always reachable." Another source highlights the firm's strengths as "their reactivity, the quality of their job and the various languages they speak."
Notable practitioners
Tiago Marreiros Moreira is recognised as a trusted adviser to high net worth clients who focuses his practice on international tax matters. "He is amazing," says a source, adding: "He has had a long career in tax and is recognised as a tax expert." Another source notes: "He is a very experienced lawyer with a deep knowledge of international tax and private clients matters that enables him to deal with complex high net worth individuals' issues, especially the ones involving sportsmen and sportswomen."
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. Boasts further expertise in a number of sectors such as telecommunications and healthcare. 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
"The lawyers are very attentive to clients' needs and are well informed about the market," enthuses a client.
The department attracts further attention for being "client-focused and very business-oriented."
Work highlights
Assisted REN with the financing for the upgrade of its energy transmission framework.
Notable practitioners
Ana Luís de Sousa demonstrates valuable knowledge of renewable energy-related projects, including those regarding wind, biomass and solar energy. "She is very attentive to the client and proactive," clients outline.
Manuel Protásio is well known for his historic reputation and outstanding market knowledge. He represents banks and international companies in a variety of energy and infrastructure-related mandates.
Paulo de Barros Baptista is singled out for his good market knowledge, being described as a "very good infrastructure lawyer“ by market commentators. He regularly advises on public tenders and subconcession agreements.
The "very experienced and knowledgeable“ Teresa Empis Falcão stands out for her "good relationship with clients," an interviewee states. She is proficient in handling both financing and refinancing for projects arising in the renewable energy sector.
Vanda Cascão is experienced at handling project financing in the energy and natural resources sphere. She regularly assists with cross-border projects, often in lusophone Africa.
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 often advises on privatisation processes, as well as assisting with the implementation of urban development projects. One client says she is "quick in her response and able to solve complex issues," and further comments: "She is able to understand what we want to do as a business and innovate the approach."
Paulo Pinheiro is highlighted by one client who reports: "He shows a great ability to understand the problems and the possible ways of solving them." He provides expert advice to clients from the public and private sectors on complex administrative litigation and arbitration proceedings related to public procurement procedures.
Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira has a wealth of experience handling arbitration proceedings in relation to concession agreements and administrative litigation cases, as well as providing advice on environmental regulation. One client describes him as "technically knowledgeable" and further highlights: "He is creative in proposing alternative solutions."
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
One client enthuses: "They analyse the queries that are presented and are very rapid in their thinking and in negotiations."
Work highlights
Assisted Ageas Portugal with the acquisition of the Expo Tower building.
Notable practitioners
Miguel Marques dos Santos has an outstanding reputation in the market due to his ability to advise on complex real estate acquisitions, sales and project development. "He is very diligent, has a 360-degree vision on all aspects of the transaction and has a very strong business sense as well," enthuses a client.
Pedro Ferreirinha retains an impressive practice advising on both the financial and corporate aspects of real estate transactions. He often represents property developers and financial advisers.
Pedro Pereira Coutinho rises in the rankings due to his increasing visibility in the market. He is proficient at assisting clients with the sale and acquisition of retail assets and also provides advice on notable projects in the tourism sector.
Pedro Corrêa de Oliveira regularly assists property developers and investors with the acquisition and sale of real estate assets.
What the team is known for
Heavyweight full-service firm regularly retained to assist with an array of restructuring and insolvency issues. Boasts expertise advising both creditors and insolvent estates. Offers particular prowess assisting banking clients with debt recovery and the restructuring of credit, as well as with contentious proceedings, including cases of maladministration. Notable experience in cases of a multi-jurisdictional nature, including cross-border corporate restructurings and distressed M&A processes.
Strengths
"VdA delivers a very good job with a highly motivated team," one satisfied client reveals, going on to comment: "The lawyers have been very responsive throughout the process and deliver first-class advice."
An additional client highlights the team's "good communication, attention and consideration for the customer."
Work highlights
Advised Banco de Portugal on the judicial liquidation proceedings of Banco Espírito Santo.
Notable practitioners
Filipa Cotta joined the firm in the summer of 2020. She has experience in the acquisition of distressed companies and litigation proceedings within the insolvency realm. She further acts on matters relating to the transposition of EU insolvency directives.
Frederico Gonçalves Pereira is proficient at handling liquidation processes, invalidity declarations and restructuring proceedings. He additionally assists with compliance with EU insolvency law and domestic regulatory changes.
Teresa Pitôrra rises in the rankings on the back of positive feedback from her clients, one of whom states: "She is a brilliant, responsive and hard-working lawyer," and adds that she "presents a practical approach to problems, making it easier for her clients and their counterparties to navigate." She advises clients on the disposal of businesses and restructuring procedures.
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
Clients praise the department's ability to provide "great client service and top-quality delivery. They took care of our tax problems as if they were their own."
According to another interviewee, "VdA has a very strong knowledge of the law, is client-oriented and also very supportive," and they further enthuse: "The lawyers are able to understand our questions very easily and are able to give their feedback in a very practical manner."
Work highlights
Represented Idealmed before the ECJ regarding the VAT exemptions of private hospitals and healthcare centres with covenants, valued at EUR5.3 million.
Notable practitioners
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 demonstrates solid knowledge of international taxation, income and transfer pricing related issues. "He is able to think outside the box and manages client expectations in a very efficient way," enthuses one client, highlighting his "strong knowledge of the market and the customers.“
Tiago Marreiros Moreira draws praise from clients for his ability to advise on a large variety of fiscal matters. His expertise covers several areas such as real estate and corporate tax law, including cross-border matters.
Conceição Gamito is valued by clients for being "very knowledgeable and very hands-on." She is uniformly acknowledged for her expertise in VAT.
Francisco Cabral Matos stands out for his knowledge, with one client exalting: "He impresses anyone with his deep knowledge of all matters relating to his practice. His contributions are invaluable." He is capable of advising on a range of tax matters including M&A and corporate issues.
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.
Notable practitioners
Fernando Resina da Silva has notable experience in telecoms transactions, technology agreements and GDPR mandates.
Magda Cocco has a strong supply of knowledge in the IT sector including GDPR and e-commerce issues, overseas internet projects and licensing for telecoms satellites.
Margarida Couto provides specialised advice on data privacy issues, as well as transactions involving telecoms clients.
Notable practitioners
José Miguel Oliveira represents clients in disputes arising from cargo losses, vessel arrests and charter party claims, further assisting with mortgage registrations. He is regularly involved in cross-border mandates.