"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
Leading law firm with an expansive bench and an impressive reputation, VdA has a solid client roster which includes major domestic and international banks and other financial institutions. The team advises on the full scope of transactional and regulatory matters, with outstanding expertise in debt restructurings and securitisation mandates. The firm handles applications to the Portuguese financial services regulator for the authorisation of new securitisation and venture capital companies. It also offers strong cross-border capabilities involving Lusophone Africa.
Notable practitioners
Benedita Aires is skilled in advising lenders on real estate financing and refinancing mandates. She has further experience in handling debt refinancings.
Francisco Sá Carneiro specialises in retail finance-related transactions. He is also adept at handling refinancings.
Paula Gomes Freire is the managing partner at VdA. She is best recognised for her expert handling of securitisation matters.
"Paula Gomes Freire is a strong leader and commercial lawyer."
Pedro Cassiano Santos leads VdA's banking practice and handles the full range of banking and finance matters. He is frequently seen advising prominent domestic and international clients on financial restructurings.
"Pedro Cassiano Santos is a great lawyer, very knowledgeable and easy to interact with."
"Pedro has a deep knowledge of the Portuguese market."
Tiago Correia Moreira advises originator banks, issuers and investors on all transactional and regulatory matters arising in relation to securitisations.
"Tiago Correia Moreira has a great level of legal knowledge and experience. Tiago is a lawyer who embraces the client challenges every step of the way."
Strengths
"VdA has very good strength right across the range of qualifications, from senior partners to junior associates."
"VdA is a one-stop shop. The team can handle any type of request."
"The lawyers provide very good service and prompt replies."
Work highlights
VdA assisted Deutsche Bank, acting as an arranger, with a EUR75.3 million debt refinancing of a group of Portuguese companies.
What the team is known for
VdA offers a highly regarded capital markets practice praised for its first-rate expertise in DCM. The team regularly assists international investment banks with their role as managers and underwriters of Portuguese bond issuances, including retail and green bonds. The lawyers also have extensive experience acting on the underwriter side of capital increases carried out by major Portuguese energy or construction companies. The law firm advises on securitisations, acting for an impressive list of originator banks, issuers and investors.
Notable practitioners
Hugo Moredo Santos plays a leading role in many of the firm's major equity and debt capital market mandates. He acts for international banks and Portuguese corporate issuers, including sports clubs.
"Hugo Moredo Santos is a very solid lawyer, strongly committed to the client and the project. He is focused on the delivery of the expected results."
José Pedro Fazenda Martins is experienced in equity capital markets and bond issuance matters. He also provides regulatory advice.
Paula Gomes Freire is best known for her advice on securitisation transactions. She routinely advises originator banks on the STS-compliant securitisation of auto-loan portfolios.
Pedro Cassiano Santos assists a range of high-profile international and domestic clients with the full range of capital market matters. His expertise covers securitisations and a variety of debt and equity capital market deals.
Orlando Vogler Guiné plays a key supporting role in many of the firm's debt and equity capital matters. He assists with green bond issuances, securitisation and derivatives transactions.
"Orlando is very good technically."
Strenghts
"The lawyers are very assertive. They are always working ahead and anticipating the bottlenecks."
"The VdA team offers very prompt responsiveness and good commercial thinking."
Work highlights
VdA assisted Greenvolt with its EUR205.5 million IPO on Euronext Lisbon.
What the team is known for
VdA maintains its position as one of the leading competition law firms in Portugal. The team stands out for its expertise in behavioural investigations, often in relation to horizontal agreements, and for assisting clients with appeals against Portuguese Competition Authority decisions. The team also has experience in merger clearance filings, including before the Angolan competition authorities, and state aid issues. It is a popular choice with clients from the financial services, sports, telecommunications and transportation sectors.
Notable practitioners
Nuno Ruiz is highly regarded for his longstanding experience in competition law investigations and state aid issues.
Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro frequently represents clients in behavioural investigations and in challenges to PCA decisions. He also advises on market inquiries and merger clearance mandates.
"Ricardo is always on the solution side to every problem."
"He is a great support on all competition issues."
Strengths
"The lawyers have great technical knowledge."
"The team brings innovative strategies to the action."
Work highlights
VdA represented Zurich Insurance in an appeal against a EUR54 million fine imposed by the PCA.
What the team is known for
VdA is a well-reputed outfit tackling complex and high-profile M&A transactions, as well as corporate governance and restructuring operations in the energy, telecommunications and manufacturing industries. The team leverages expertise in tax, capital markets and labour to offer comprehensive assistance to clients. Its clients often include financial groups, multinational entities and asset management companies. The law firm also boasts extensive international capabilities, particularly in Angola and Cabo Verde.
Notable practitioners
Cláudia Cruz Almeida frequently assists prominent domestic and international clients with a broad range of complex M&A. She also assists shareholders with reinvestment deals.
"Cláudia Cruz Almeida is a very experienced M&A legal counsel."
"She is the most complete lawyer and I have good references of her."
Francisco Sá Carneiro demonstrates longstanding expertise in corporate and M&A matters.
João Vieira de Almeida is an experienced lawyer in the corporate sphere, frequently acting on joint ventures and cross-border transactions.
Jorge Bleck provides expert advice on a variety of corporate matters, including restructuring and cross-border M&A deals. He also offers advice on shareholder mandates.
Paulo Trindade Costa joins the rankings this year following market recognition. He is experienced at handling variety of corporate and M&A matters. He also regularly advises on foreign investment in Angola.
"Paulo Trindade Costa is extremely knowledgeable, masters his industry and leads the negotiations."
"You want Paulo on your side when negotiating with the counterparty and you rest assured that your interests are strongly protected."
Inês Gomes Ferreira assists prominent domestic clients with M&A deals and corporate governance topics. She is recognised for her ability to handle complex transactions.
Cristina Melo Miranda has notable experience in handling cross-border transactions. She is well-versed in share deals.
Strengths
"The team is experienced, has profound knowledge of the matters, and responds in a timely manner, whilst being able to hold an excellent relationship with the client."
"The lawyers at VdA go an extra mile by drawing attention to things that clients are not normally focused on."
"They are a top-tier firm in terms of client service and provide great help, the type of lawyers you would want by your side."
"VdA's team is highly experienced in complex transaction structures and has perfect understanding of the risk-balanced approach that clients should consider in each step of the deal."
Work highlights
VdA assisted Schwarz Group with its EUR1.13 billion acquisition of Ferrovial's Environmental Services business in Spain and Portugal.
What the team is known for
VdA has a sizeable and multidisciplinary practice with the capacity to handle varied commercial disputes, including international arbitration. The team advises on debt recovery proceedings, corporate disputes and claims arising from the termination of distribution agreements. It has further experience in the enforcement of arbitral awards in Portugal. The lawyers provide support across Portuguese-speaking jurisdictions including Angola, Mozambique and São Tomé and Príncipe, assisting with diverse matters ranging from environmental claims to investor-state arbitration. The team also offers impressive expertise in white-collar crime, advising clients on corruption, tax fraud and money laundering mandates.
Notable practitioners
Carla Gonçalves Borges often advises on commercial disputes arising for clients in the financial services sector. She has proven experience in litigation and arbitration proceedings.
"Carla Gonçalves Borges is an amazing lawyer."
Frederico Gonçalves Pereira has a strong track record of handling disputes within the banking, telecommunications, transportation and pharmaceutical sectors. His extensive recent case load includes commercial litigations, enforcement proceedings and class actions.
Miguel Pinto Cardoso has standout experience in complex cross-border arbitrations, including ICC commercial arbitration and investment treaty cases brought against African states. He acts for construction companies and for clients operating in the banking and energy sectors.
Filipe Rocha Vieira has experience assisting clients with enforcement proceedings as well as domestic and international arbitrations, including those under ICC rules.
Dispute Resolution – Corporate Crime
Notable practitioners
João Medeiros remains widely recognised for his extensive expertise in handling corporate crime proceedings, including those relating to embezzlement, abuse of power and fraud. He defends football clubs, infrastructure concessionaires and the executives of energy companies in high-profile proceedings.
Sofia Ribeiro Branco makes it to the top of the rankings this year following glowing client feedback and her involvement in corporate crime mandates. She is proficient in handling complex matters across the gamut of criminal proceedings, frequently representing high-profile clients in the energy and telecommunications sectors.
"Sofia Ribeiro Branco is an excellent litigation strategist, always providing a comprehensive analysis and extremely attentive to details."
"Sofia is very practical and proactive."
Strengths
"VdA has a team of sophisticated lawyers who are used to work on transnational complex matters. They create a good work environment, and they are able to work in a team with firms from other jurisdictions."
"The VdA team has strong capacity to take several matters on board simultaneously, still providing a very sophisticated analysis and high-quality documents."
Work highlights
VdA team assisted MEO with proceedings against NOS and pertaining to the payment delay for mobile interconnection services provided by MEO
What the team is known for
VdA handles a wide range of employment matters, assisting clients with collective redundancy procedures and the labour ramifications of corporate transactions. The law firm's further strengths include restructuring and issues around pension funds, as well as contract terminations and lay-offs. It also represents companies in contentious cases around unfair dismissals and disciplinary proceedings. VdA is notably active in the energy sector.
Notable practitioners
Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão is highly regarded for his longstanding activity in the employment area. He has considerable experience in handling employment disputes as well as employment restructurings.
"Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão is an excellent lawyer."
Tiago Piló is experienced dealing with lay-offs and collective redundancy procedures as well as employment law support on M&A transactions. He is also well placed to assist with TUPE proceedings.
"Tiago Piló is technically good. He serves the clients very well. He has an excellent technical point of view."
Américo Oliveira Fragoso focuses his practice on restructuring and employment advice on transactional matters. He offers further advice on collective redundancies, pension funds and employment-related disputes.
"Américo Oliveira Fragoso is a very complete lawyer, who dominates the themes, even the most complex ones that unlock the right to work."
"Américo is always available, has a flexible posture and is focused on solutions."
Tiago Azevedo advises on restructuring proceedings and collective redundancies, as well as assisting with the employment aspects of acquisitions, including the transfer of employees.
"Tiago Azevedo has a good technical point of view."
"He is an excellent lawyer. He has great technical quality and maturity."
Strengths
"The VdA team that advises us is highly flexible, available, and anticipates problems with excellent solution proposals."
"The lawyers have deep knowledge of the legislation and business atmosphere."
Work highlights
The team at VdA assisted SBM Production Contractors with establishing labour relationships with local and expatriated staff as part of its market entry and expansion in Portugal.
What the team is known for
VdA has a well-established practice with strong international capabilities and noted oil and gas expertise. The firm has further experience handling renewable energy projects, with a particular focus on solar, biomass and wind. It offers a comprehensive service, with strengths in regulatory work, M&A and corporate structuring mandates as well as project finance. Key clients include energy providers, government entities and major banks in Lusophone Africa, particularly in Angola and Mozambique.
Notable practitioners
Ana Luís de Sousa advances in the rankings following market support. She assists with a variety of energy-related issues including joint ventures, project finance and development, as well as acquisitions.
Vanda Cascão stands out for her wide-ranging expertise in energy projects. She regularly advises on project finance arrangements, and further assists with joint ventures and regulatory matters. She also has experience advising on mandates in Angola and Cape Verde.
"In energy, Vanda Cascão demonstrates a good capacity of work, knowledge and availability that make her one of the best in the sector."
"She is available and client-oriented, focused on delivering on the tasks at hand and providing a good service."
Strengths
"They lawyers at VdA are always responsive on every challenge."
"The team is knowledgeable on the technical side and solution-oriented."
"VdA shows the ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters particularly in relation to cross-border arrangements by establishing frameworks to harmonise operations with different legal regimes."
VdA has a very skilled and experienced team."
Work highlights
VdA acted for Greenvolt on its GBP246.5 million acquisition of biomass power plant.
What the team is known for
VdA has a well-established practice with strong international capabilities and noted oil and gas expertise. The firm has further experience handling renewable energy projects, with a particular focus on solar, biomass and wind. It offers a comprehensive service, with strengths in regulatory work, M&A and corporate structuring mandates as well as project finance. Key clients include energy providers, government entities and major banks in Lusophone Africa, particularly in Angola and Mozambique.
Notable practitioners
João Afonso Fialho has notable cross-border experience relating to mandates in Lusophone Africa and Timor-Leste. He is well versed in oil and gas topics, including project restructurings and an array of contractual and regulatory work.
"João Afonso Fialho is a very strong and reliable person with significant knowledge and experience."
"He is an expert in his field and a strong negotiator."
Vanda Cascão stands out for her wide-ranging expertise in energy projects. She regularly advises on project finance arrangements, and further assists with joint ventures and regulatory matters. She also has experience advising on mandates in Angola and Cape Verde.
"In energy, Vanda Cascão demonstrates a good capacity of work, knowledge and availability that make her one of the best in the sector."
"She is available and client-oriented, focused on delivering on the tasks at hand and providing a good service."
What the team is known for VdA has a well-regarded FinTech practice in Portugal. The team regularly acts for non-banking financial institutions, and often handles matters relating to anti-money laundering regulation, crypto assets and non-fungible tokens.
Strengths
"VdA is a very focused law firm with strong expertise in several areas, including the recent topics related to financial innovation. VdA is always focused on client needs and seeking to be at the forefront of innovation and knowledge."
"The firm has lawyers that specialise in all areas in which we have required assistance in the past. Whenever it is necessary, they can draw on their team's expertise to handle any matters that may be considered out of the ordinary."
Notable practitioners
Tiago Correia Moreira leads the firm's FinTech team. He regularly advises his clients on VASP registration, NFTs and token issuance, and regulatory compliance.
"Tiago Correia Moreira's strengths include strong knowledge, reliability and customer focus."
What the team is known for
VdA boasts a highly-experienced tax team with considerable experience in tax structuring matters. The employment law team has the capacity to handle collective changes to working conditions, collective redundancies and litigation relating to individual dismissals. The firm's corporate lawyers have experience in significant restructuring processes, while individuals focusing on public law matters advise on disputes over construction contracts.
Notable practitioners
João Velez de Lima is one of the key members of the firm's tax team advising clients with ongoing tax management and aspects of M&A mandates. He also assists with tax audits and corporate restructurings.
"João Velez de Lima is a great and dedicated professional."
Isabel Gião de Andrade is a focused corporate law practitioner. She advises on corporate restructurings and transactions, including significant cross-border mandates that entail the sale of some business lines and the intra-group transfer of others. She also has experience in the negotiation of supply and distribution contracts.
Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão has considerable experience in temporary redundancies and collective dismissals made as part of corporate restructuring processes.
Miguel Reis' move to join the team at VdA provides a significant boost to the firm's tax law capabilities. He provides advice on complex tax assessments and audits.
"He demonstrates dedication and commitment."
Benedita Fernandes Gonçalves provides employment law support in relation to corporate transactions. She also handles standalone mandates relating to the implementation of collective redundancies and the introduction of new flexible working policies as well as contentious mandates related to labour accidents and termination of contracts.
"Benedita Fernandes Gonçalves has all the skills and fights a lot for the client's interest."
João Soares Franco assists public companies with varied advisory and litigation mandates relating to their provision of services in Porto. He also acts for construction companies on disputes with government authorities in relation to varied projects.
Strengths
"I am very satisfied with VdA's level of commitment, service quality and responsiveness."
"All subjects are quickly solved, treated with impressive priority and full responsibility."
"The team is very experienced and has a very wide range of skills and expertise."
Work highlights
VdA advised Engie on corporate and employment mandates relating to the restructuring of its company in Portugal.
What the team is known for
VdA houses a top-tier insurance department spanning work in sale and purchase agreements, transactions, disputes, and regulatory and compliance advice. The practice has further capabilities in bancassurance and assurfinance products. With offices in Lisbon, Porto, and a suite of African offices including Mozambique and Angola, the group has consolidated experience in cross-border mandates extending to both European and African jurisdictions.
Notable practitioners
Head of department Helena Vaz Pinto is most active on regulatory insurance mandates, such as the review of policies and compliance with the Insurance Distribution Directive. She is well placed to assist clients from the healthcare sector, as well as both domestic and international insurers.
"She has a huge availability and ability to find the best solutions, whilst being very knowledgeable of insurance law matters."
"Helena Vaz Pinto is definitely one of the local gurus of the insurance sector."
Strengths
"VdA's lawyers have really deep know-how about what is going on in the market and the position of the local regulator."
"The team is very knowledgeable and multidisciplinary."
Work highlights
A VdA team led by Helena Vaz Pinto advised Grupo Trofa Saúde on its incorporation of health insurance provider Planicare and its product distribution in healthcare facilities.
What the team is known for
VdA has a market-leading IP practice group with notable experience in patent infringement proceedings, including disputes around supplementary protection certificates and the marketing of generic products. The team also advises on trade mark enforcement proceedings and the negotiation of settlement agreements. The law firm's experience includes work with key players in the pharmaceutical and telecommunications sectors, as well as in the technologies industry.
Notable practitioners
António de Magalhães Cardoso is a popular choice with clients from the pharmaceutical sector for advice on the enforcement of patent rights and on disputes around the prevention of marketing for generic products.
Marta Alves Vieira is recognised for her work in patent litigation, including advising on SPC matters and disputes around the marketing of generic products. She frequently represents pharmaceutical companies.
"Marta Alves Vieira is very helpful and very responsive."
Sara Nazaré is well regarded for her work in patent enforcement, acting for clients from the telecommunications and pharmaceutical sectors. She also regularly handles trade mark disputes.
Strengths
"VdA provided an excellent depth of knowledge across the team in pharma and biotech matters. The lawyers are very responsive."
"The lawyers' expertise and tailoring of communication to the target audience added high value to the work."
Work highlights
The team assisted AstraZeneca with setting up a strategy for the marketing and promotion of breakthrough products in Portugal for respiratory diseases.
What the team is known for
VdA has a market-leading IP practice group with notable experience in patent infringement proceedings, including disputes around supplementary protection certificates and the marketing of generic products. The team also advises on trade mark enforcement proceedings and the negotiation of settlement agreements. The law firm's experience includes work with key players in the pharmaceutical and telecommunications sectors, as well as in the technologies industry.
Notable practitioners
Paulo Pinheiro regularly advises prominent multinationals, including pharmaceutical companies, on commercial disputes. He also represents clients in litigation and provides regulatory guidance.
"Paulo Pinheiro is a very good lawyer, with excellent knowledge of the life sciences and a very good ability to respond."
Francisca Paulouro is recognised for her regulatory work in the life sciences sector. She also assists clients from the pharmaceutical industry with commercial agreements and pricing matters.
"Francisca Paulouro is a very strong lawyer in the life sciences sector in both Portugal and the EU."
Strengths
"VdA provided an excellent depth of knowledge across the team in pharma and biotech matters. The lawyers are very responsive."
"The lawyers' expertise and tailoring of communication to the target audience added high value to the work."
Work highlights
The team assisted AstraZeneca with setting up a strategy for the marketing and promotion of breakthrough products in Portugal for respiratory diseases.
What the team is known for
VdA's highly respected M&A lawyers are often instructed on transactions that have a significant asset management angle. The firm assists funds and their portfolio companies with add-on acquisitions of Portuguese infrastructure concessionaires or manufacturing companies. It acts for institutional investors on the divestment of shares. The firm also handles venture capital deals, including direct subscriptions of funding rounds and secondary investments into foreign funds.
Notable practitioners
Helena Vaz Pinto's experience in financial services sector M&A transactions spans insurance sector and private equity deals. She is also well-versed in growth capital transactions.
Jorge Bleck has an established reputation among market commentators as a market-leading M&A lawyer with proven experience in asset management deals. He offers high-level, strategic input on some of the firm's key transactions.
Strenghts
"The VdA team has demonstrated great quality and profound knowledge in all the necessary matters."
Private Equity client
Europe
Work highlights
VdA assisted Visabeira Group with EUR200 million in growth capital from Goldman Sachs Asset Management.
What the team is known for VdA's tax team provides wealth, succession and estate planning services. It also has a strong international tax network and regularly advises private banks and multi-family offices as well as ultra-high net worth individuals.
Notable practitioners
Tiago Marreiros Moreira heads the tax department at VdA, with a primary focus on international tax planning, advising international family offices, private banks, and high net worth and ultra high net worth individuals.
What the team is known for
VdA's first-class department is active in the energy and infrastructure sectors. The law firm is experienced in the corporate and financial aspects of various road concessions, renewables, waste and water projects. It also boasts further expertise in the healthcare sector. The team benefits from a strong domestic-side practice as well as strengths in international work owing to an extensive network of offices across lusophone Africa, including in Mozambique. The lawyers advise an impressive roster of clients including major financial institutions as well as Portuguese construction companies.
Notable practitioners
Ana Luís de Sousa demonstrates solid knowledge of renewable energy projects, including those regarding wind, hydro and solar energy. She has experience in both national as well as cross-border mandates.
Manuel Protásio boasts a longstanding reputation and outstanding market knowledge. He represents banks and international companies in a variety of energy and infrastructure-related mandates.
"Manuel Protásio's vast legal knowledge and commercial knowledge are only surpassed by his fantastic personality."
Paulo de Barros Baptista stands out for his extensive knowledge of significant road infrastructure projects. He has additional experience in project financings and sub-concession agreements.
Teresa Empis Falcão is proficient at handling both financing and refinancing for projects arising in the renewables and infrastructure sectors. She frequently represents eminent energy players and financial institutions, often advising on international deals.
"Teresa Empis Falcão is very experienced and aware of current market practices, which adds significant value to deals."
Vanda Cascão is frequently seen advising on the setting up of energy and water supply projects. She regularly assists with cross-border projects often involving lusophone Africa.
"Vanda Cascão demonstrates a good capacity of work, knowledge level and availability."
Strenghts
"VdA has a very dynamic team, cohesive and very varied in legal matters."
"The lawyers always have the time and spirit to go deep on each issue."
"The team is very knowledgeable and experienced in the specific business sector, which is of considerable complexity."
Work highlights
VdA acted for Auto-Estradas do Baixo Tejo on the complex renegotiation of a road sub-concession agreement.
What the team is known for
VdA has a stellar reputation in the public law market with the ability to provide a deep bench of recognised individuals that are active in matters concerning Portugal and other lusophone jurisdictions. The team advises on concessions and public procurement, as well as privatisation processes. Possesses a 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.
Notable practitioners
Ana Marta Castro is a respected lawyer who frequently assists clients with restructurings and privatisation mandates. She also advises on administrative disputes and public procurement.
Paulo Pinheiro provides expert advice to clients on public restructurings, public procurements and privatisations. He also acts on administrative disputes and arbitration proceedings.
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 and public tenders.
Strengths
"VdA's lawyers have a very sound knowledge of European laws, processes and network."
"The public law department in VdA is very senior with a lot of experience and knowledge on public law matters."
Work highlights
VdA team represented Banco de Portugal in proceedings before the Supreme Administrative Court and concerning the 2014 EUR4.9 billion resolution measure applied to Banco Espírito Santo.
What the team is known for
A well-reputed domestic outfit, VdA holds extensive experience in large real estate acquisitions and sale and purchase agreements. The law firm often advises on mandates involving hotel, residential and office buildings, and is regularly instructed by international developers or funds.
Notable practitioners
Miguel Marques dos Santos has an outstanding reputation in the market due to his ability to advise on complex real estate acquisitions and project developments. He assists a prominent list of asset managers and real estate funds.
"Miguel Marques dos Santos has significant market knowledge and experience. He is a resourceful negotiator, technically innovative and has the capacity to view the full picture with great deal-making skills."
"He helps clients with excellent negotiation and communication skills. He is one of the most outstanding lawyers we have met."
Up-and-coming lawyer Pedro Corrêa d'Oliveira regularly assists property developers and investors with the acquisition and sale of real estate assets.
"Pedro Corrêa d'Oliveira is enthusiastic and energetic at all times, always putting the interests of the customer first, understanding clients' needs and offering the most professional services."
"He is organised, with good knowledge of all phases of development of a real estate project."
"Pedro has a great knowledge of our business, and his skills have unblocked many obstacles in operations."
Pedro Ferreirinha maintains an impressive practice advising on both the financial and corporate aspects of real estate transactions. He often represents domestic property developers.
"Pedro Ferreirinha is simply amazing, sharp and sophisticated in his reflection."
"He is a great connoisseur of the real estate market, with high capacity for strategy and great experience in the development of complex schemes, combining a strong command of all legal aspects."
Pedro Pereira Coutinho is proficient in assisting clients with the sale and acquisition of retail assets and also provides advice on notable projects in the tourism sector, as well as residential property. He frequently assists hotel chains and real estate investors.
Strengths
"We find the lawyers to be very reliable and balanced in their risk and opportunity approach."
Work highlights
VdA advised Vanguard Properties on its acquisition and development of Castilho 203, a luxury residential urban development in Portugal.
What the team is known for
VdA is a heavyweight full-service firm that regularly assists clients with an array of restructuring and insolvency issues, with expertise in advising both creditors and insolvent estates. It offers particular prowess assisting clients with debt recovery and the liquidation of assets, as well as with contentious proceedings, including cases of maladministration. The law firm has a notable experience in cases of a multi-jurisdictional nature, including cross-border corporate restructurings and distressed M&A processes.
Notable practitioners
Filipa Cotta has experience in the acquisition of distressed companies and litigation proceedings within the insolvency realm. She further acts on matters relating to insolvency and the liquidation of assets, debt restructuring plans and debt recovery.
"Filipa Cotta is a lawyer with extensive experience in restructurings and is also extremely practical."
Frederico Gonçalves Pereira is proficient at handling liquidation processes and insolvency proceedings. He also assists clients with litigation procedures.
Teresa Pitôrra advises clients on judicial liquidation, insolvency and restructuring procedures, including cross-border matters. She also assists with EU and Portuguese regulatory matters.
"Teresa Pitôrra has technical maturity and a deep cross-cutting knowledge of insolvency proceedings, combined with the ability to have discussions with all stakeholders."
"Her willingness to solve problems is one of her strongest points."
Strengths
"The lawyers' responses to all the challenges that emerge throughout the life of the projects is immediate, solutions are always found and no emphasis is given to problems."
"The team at VdA is agile, ensuring an expeditious and practical response to the needs emerge."
Work highlights
VdA advised EIB on the restructuring proceedings of its debtor.
What the team is known for
VdA is a renowned practice group advising on complex tax matters. The team's expertise includes assisting with the tax structuring of corporate, capital markets and real estate transactions. It is particularly experienced in handling the tax aspects of multi-jurisdictional project financing matters, often in the energy sector.
Notable practitioners
Francisco Cabral Matos moves up the rankings this year following his involvement in the firm's key deals. He regularly assists clients with the tax aspects of corporate transactions, as well as with corporate income tax matters.
"Francisco Cabral Matos is always very responsive and provides the client with clear advice."
Joaquim Pedro Lampreia is recognised for advising clients on the tax aspects of securitisation transactions and acquisitions, as well as on corporate income tax matters.
Miguel C. Reis regularly assists clients from the energy sector with tax matters such as restructurings and tax audits.
Samuel Fernandes de Almeida is recognised for his experience in tax assessment matters, as well as advising on the tax structuring of corporate transactions and energy sector projects.
Tiago Marreiros Moreira is well positioned to advise clients on the introduction of new tax regimes, as well as the tax structuring of loans and real estate transactions.
"Tiago Marreiros Moreira is able to provide technical solutions and advice at the international and local level."
Conceição Gamito leads the indirect tax team of the practice. She advises clients on the VAT and customs aspects of real estate transactions and cross-border energy projects.
"Conceição Gamito is a professional with a wealth of experience. She has strong technical skills, combined with client focus and a practical approach."
Strengths
"All of the lawyers at VdA are involved, with a level of knowledge and vision that allow them to reach the best and most strategic solution."
"There is not a complex matter that cannot be handled by VdA. It is not only a matter of technical skills, which are strong, it is the attitude VdA has when it tackles any issue."
Work highlights
VdA team advised GreenVolt on the tax aspects of its share capital increase.
What the team is known for
VdA is a first-rate department handling data privacy and protection issues, with recognised prowess in telecoms mandates. The law firm provides a tailored service to clients who wish to assess possible GDPR risks to their businesses. The practice assists multinationals and domestic companies active in the energy, technology, public sector, and gaming industries. The lawyers regularly act on cross-border matters, notably in lusophone countries.
Notable practitioners
Fernando Resina da Silva has a longstanding expertise in the TMT market, including advising clients on complex regulatory mandates.
Magda Cocco assists with the full range of TMT services, including transactional, contentious and regulatory matters.
"Magda Cocco is an inspiration for her assertiveness and vision."
Margarida Couto provides specialised advice on regulatory mandates working mainly with prominent domestic telecom companies.
Isabel Ornelas assists with a variety of telecom and mobile regulatory matters, with notable experience in data protection.
Strengths
"The multidisciplinary skills, experience and reputation of the team members at VdA are exemplary."
Work highlights
VdA team advised Vodafone Portugal on a number of issues, including cybersecurity products for the B2B market as well as implementation of 5G in Portugal.
What the team is known for
VdA maintains an extensive market recognition for its work in the shipping arena, having particular prowess in cross-border mandates involving Angola. The team offers a diverse range of services for chartering companies, transportation and logistic companies, ports and banks in domestic and cross-border issues. It additionally handles dispute resolution matters such as cargo and vessel accidents, as well as regulatory issues, including for the transportation of oil and gas. VdA also assists clients with shipping finance mandates.
Notable practitioners
José Miguel Oliveira represents clients in disputes arising from cargo losses, vessel arrests, accidents and charterparty claims, further assisting with mortgage registrations. He is particularly active in mandates involving lusophone African countries.
"José Miguel Oliveira is very good at finding solutions to issues presented by his clients."
Work highlights
A VdA team led by José Miguel Oliveira assisted Shelf Drilling Holdings with the chartering of two oil platforms to Chevron in Angola.