"VdA's team is always very well coordinated and easy to work with under pressure, with tight deadlines and complex issues."
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.
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.
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."
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.
Notable practitioners
Advancing in the rankings, Cláudia Cruz Almeida is described by clients as "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.
Corporate M&A Foreign Expertise
José Miguel Oliveira is proficient in advising on corporate matters in the energy sector, especially on oil and gas-related mandates. He is additionally dual-qualified in Angola and Portugal.
Paulo Trindade Costa focuses his work on advising on foreign investments in Angola. He frequently assists clients with corporate governance, restructuring and regulatory matters.
Raul Mota Cerveira has considerable experience handling corporate and regulatory mandates in São Tomé e Príncipe. He further acts on matters relating to the telecommunications and food and drink sectors.
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.
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 telecommunications 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. Clients further profit from his extensive experience in sensitive, multi-jurisdictional mandates handled under ICC, ICSID and EDF rules.
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.
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.
Projects Foreign Expertise
João Afonso Fialho has extensive experience in handling matters regarding Angola. He regularly advises clients in the energy as well as oil and gas sectors.
Market-leading independent firm with a formidable reputation in the cross-border transactional space. The Lisbon-based practice has a burgeoning international profile with teams covering 13 jurisdictions, including integrated services in lusophone Africa, Franco-Africa and Timor-Leste. The firm is particularly highlighted for its strong presence in Angola. For multi-jurisdictional work which extends beyond the firm's footprint, it engages with trusted co-counsel, drawing upon its non-exclusive list of partnership firms across Europe, America and Africa. VdA frequently collaborates with highly rated firms from the UK and USA, which also includes the regular secondment of lawyers.
Its superb transactional offering, with leading expertise in M&A, private equity and capital markets, is much sought after by multinational corporations and asset managers. It also houses a top-ranked banking team that is regularly instructed by international financial institutions on the complete range of transactional and regulatory matters. The firm also boasts an impressive disputes practice covering cross-border commercial litigation, international arbitration and white-collar crime cases. The team is further singled out for its strong international capabilities in outbound project finance, particularly within the oil and gas sector.
Strengths One client praises the firm's ability to advise on markets relating to Angola: "I had support in respect of dealings in the Angolan market and the response from VdA was excellent.“
Discussing an international matter handled by VdA, another client reports: "The firm were excellent in cross-border elements and understanding different legal systems."
VdA Legal Partners offers integrated legal services across its network of associated law offices, providing access to comprehensive local knowledge to allow its members to successfully navigate individual challenges across different markets. The network possesses considerable reach across lusophone Africa, with further coverage of the continent derived from its member firms in francophone jurisdictions. In addition, its international office in Timor-Leste and its administrative head office in Lisbon, Vieira de Almeida, provide the network with support and capability beyond the African continent. Inter-office collaboration is employed to provide the best level of service for clients engaging the network on cross-border mandates. The network utilises employee rotation and training to strengthen inter-office relationships and shared knowledge. Lisbon-based managing partner João Vieira de Almeida is a key contact.
Well-known Portuguese outfit with considerable resources dedicated to transactions across lusophone Africa, particularly Angola, Mozambique and Equatorial Guinea. Noted strength assisting with the privatisation of state-owned entities, as well as investments into infrastructure development. Deep experience in a number of key industries, including the energy and power sectors, as well as financial services and manufacturing. Increasingly active in francophone jurisdictions.
Strengths "The team at VdA has very useful on-the-ground experience," reflected one client, explaining: "It is one thing to know the law, and another how to approach things and interact with government departments to provide the best result."
Work highlights Advised the Government of Cabo Verde on the privatisation process of state-owned electricity and water provider Electra.
Notable practitioners
Lisbon-based partners Jorge Bleck and Paulo Trindade Costa act as key contacts for clients.
Lisbon-based Rui Andrade is an accomplished and well-respected contentious practitioner with a notable footprint in lusophone Africa. He is sought out by corporate clients, particularly those from Portugal and lusophone countries, for his counsel in litigation, arbitration, investigations and judicial review proceedings. The energy and oil and gas sectors are two notable areas of activity.
Well-established Portuguese firm that possesses considerable expertise in lusophone Africa, most significantly in Angola and Mozambique, with further strengths in francophone jurisdictions. Possesses a significant presence in the oil and gas sector, where it represents major international companies and development banks. In addition to providing counsel on development and financing mandates, the group handles corporate issues such as restructurings and transactions in the space.
Strengths Sources say the team is "technically well versed all across the pipeline," highlighting its "commitment to presenting results to clients."
Notable practitioners
Manuel Protásio is based in Lisbon and is a key contact.
Well-respected Portuguese firm with considerable experience and activity operating in lusophone Africa. The team is well positioned to assist with regulatory concerns, as well as the development of legislation in the space. It has further expertise in the financing and construction of communications infrastructure, with notable dispute resolution capabilities. In addition to representing private companies in the telecoms and technology sectors, the firm possesses extensive experience acting for public sector bodies and associations.
Strengths Clients state: "VdA has excellent professionals; you can rely on their work completely. They are independent and provide the best advice even under pressure," adding that the team is "very friendly and reachable," before concluding: "You can always count on them.“
Work highlights Assisted the International Telecommunications Union with the analysis of financing mechanisms for universal access/digital inclusion, as well as regulatory framework models, in a number of Portuguese-speaking countries, including Mozambique, Guinea Bissau, Equatorial Guinea and Cabo Verde.
Notable practitioners
Based in Lisbon and head of the firm's ICT practice, Magda Cocco is a key contact for clients.
Foreign Expertise based abroad in Portugal
Well-regarded team that is highlighted for its work on behalf of companies from the energy and natural resources space. Adept at handling corporate, tax and finance mandates for clients with interests in Angola, notably for those involved in the oil and gas sector. Clients also benefit from the firm's on-the-ground presence via its association with local firm ASP - Sociedade de Advogados R.L.
Strengths One source said: "It's hard to find a better set of lawyers that know Angola like they do.“
Lisbon-based João Afonso Fialho is regarded as a leading figure for his expertise in commercial matters in Angola. He is often singled out for his experience advising on issues concerning the energy and natural resource sector, with particular knowledge of the mining industry. He is often sought out by multinational companies to assist with sophisticated corporate matters.
The up-and-coming José Miguel Oliveira was promoted to the partnership in January 2021. He is well regarded by market observers for his experience in the oil and gas sector, and is skilled at assisting clients with banking and foreign investment mandates in Angola from the firm's Lisbon office.
Foreign Expertise based abroad in Portugal
Headquartered in Portugal, this team has expertise in corporate matters, in addition to knowledge of regulatory issues. It also capably handles matters arising under OHADA law.
Head of the firm's OHADA practice, Matthieu Le Roux 's experience focuses on corporate litigation. He possesses considerable experience of tax disputes, corporate restructuring and employment.
Olivier Bustin is based in the firm's Lisbon office, with a great deal of knowledge of Congo Brazzaville. He is regularly engaged by international clients in the oil and gas sector.
Foreign Expertise based abroad in Portugal
VdA, based in Lisbon, is a renowned firm with an established presence in DRC. It provides in-depth expertise in the oil and gas sector, including the accompanying regulatory framework. The group counsels clients in various sectors such as energy, telecommunications, aerospace and infrastructure. The team has recently been active on telecommunications matters.
Olivier Bustin is highly regarded for his expertise in the energy and natural resources sector in DRC.
Foreign Expertise based abroad in Portugal
Vieira de Almeida (VdA) is a Lisbon-headquartered firm that is recognised as a leading expert in the energy and oil and gas sector. Its team also has capabilities in labour law, litigation and arbitration, including in regional matters, and frequently advises global clients on transactional due diligence. It also actively advises on local regulatory frameworks, including matters concerning foreign exchange rules and banking.
Maria Araújo is a managing associate of the firm based in Lisbon. She is recognised for her specialised practice within the oil and gas sector, and her wider M&A practice. Her Equatorial Guinea experience includes assisting oil services companies with several cross-border operations. She also advises on private investment, corporate and real estate law.
Foreign Expertise based abroad in Portugal
This Portuguese firm has unique knowledge of the Gabonese market, with recognised experience across francophone Africa and West Africa. It possesses established expertise in corporate and banking and finance law. It regularly advises on restructuring, financing and tax-related issues. It has a particular focus on the oil and gas and energy sectors.
Matthieu Le Roux, with prior experience living in Gabon for five years, is a key contact at the firm.
Foreign Expertise based abroad in Portugal
This well-regarded Lisbon-based group advises clients on sophisticated mandates arising within the natural resources sector. Clients also benefit from the its experience handling regulatory and finance mandates. The firm's local footprint is affirmed through its association with local firm TSK Legal.
Head of department Fernando Resina da Silva is a key contact for client.
Foreign Expertise based abroad in Portugal
Admired team handling both contentious and non-contentious matters in Mozambique. Skilled in assisting with complex public law, project finance, corporate and real estate mandates. Also recognised for its presence on significant cases arising from the energy and natural resources sector. Clients benefit from the firm's local presence through its partnership with Guilherme Daniel & Associados.
Strengths Clients report that they are satisfied with the firm due to its "experience in public law matters.“
Notable practitioners
Teresa Empis Falcão joins the rankings this year earning recognition for her dynamic presence in the local legal market. She is highlighted by clients for her "in-depth knowledge of the legal framework of PPPs, domain of legislation and contractual documents." Her experience includes acting on high-level energy and public law mandates.
Foreign Expertise based abroad in São Tomé e Príncipe
This multidisciplinary Lisbon-based firm is highly regarded for its experience assisting with matters related to corporate, real estate, tax and environmental law. Sources attest that the team can "solve persistent corporate problems in different fields and contexts," and are pleased with "the proximity, speed and technical quality of the service provided." Clients also benefit from the group's expertise advising on dispute and tourism issues. The firm is associated with local law firm VNA Law.
Raul Mota Cerveira is recognised for his work assisting international companies with public law, corporate and financing matters. Interviewees agree he is "very professional and focused on solutions," while other sources say that "he is a really good objective and structured lawyer." He is based in Lisbon but often visits São Tomé e Príncipe. One client enthused: "He always finds time to meet with us."
Respected practice in Dili, supported by its offices in 11 other lusophone or francophone jurisdictions. Principally handles oil and gas and telecoms mandates, and also offers expertise in banking, M&A and tax, among other areas. Acts for a number of government entities as well as private sector clients, including banks and oil and gas companies.
Strengths
An interviewee characterises this as an increasingly prominent team which is notably "getting work on the oil and gas side" and whose lawyers are "skilled, friendly to work with and doing a good job."
Notable practitioners
Lisbon-based Catarina Pinto Correia is a key contact for clients.