Legal 500

VdA is a trusted adviser on regulatory banking and finance matters, as well as on lending and originating transactions at the domestic and international level. The practice also handles matters related to banking recapitalisations and resolutions, NPLs, asset disposals, banking products, fintech and payment services. Practice head Pedro Cassiano Santos covers the full spectrum of banking regulatory issues and the structuring of financing, securitisations and other asset-backed transactions. Hugo Moredo Santos is experienced in takeovers and public offerings, as well as securities and structured finance products, while Benedita Aires focuses on real estate financing, capital instruments and debt issuance and placement. Tiago Correia Moreira is noted for his work on NPL transactions, including related financing and restructuring.

Hall of Fame

• Pedro Cassiano Santos

Leading Partners

• Benedita Aires
• Hugo Moredo Santos
• Tiago Correia Moreira

Practice Head(s)

• Pedro Cassiano Santos

Other Key Lawyers

• Hugo Moredo Santos 
• Benedita Aires
• Tiago Correia Moreira
• Orlando Vogler Guiné
• Maria Carrilho

Testemonials

'The banking and finance team at VdA is exceptionally well-rounded and highly professional. It stands out for its experience across a wide range of matters and for the personal and professional skills of its various team members. The team demonstrates absolute availability in client interactions, always providing prompt and comprehensive responses to all queries.'

Key Clients

• Azorean Regional Government – Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration
• Leadcrest Capital Partners
• FIRST INVESTMENT BANK AD
• Kruso Kapital S.p.A
• ING Bank N.V.

Work Highlights

• Advised ING Bank N.V. as lender on a €80m margin loan transaction entered into with Fosun International Limited as borrower and Chiado (Luxembourg) S.à r.l.

VdA‘s capital markets practice advises on major public and private offerings of debt and equity securities at the national and international level. The team supports securitisation transactions, MTN programmes, rights issues, privatisations, de-listings and restructurings, among others, with recent mandates in sustainability-linked bonds. Practice head Pedro Cassiano Santos covers the full spectrum of capital markets matters, from regulatory issues to financing transactions. Hugo Moredo Santos plays a significant role in green and sustainability-linked bonds, while Orlando Vogler Guiné is active in the Portuguese debt, structured debt and securitisation market.

Hall of Fame

• Pedro Cassiano Santos

Leading Partners

• Hugo Moredo Santos

Leading Associates

• Orlando Vogler Guiné

Practice Head(s)

• Pedro Cassiano Santos

Other Key Lawyers

• Benedita Aires
• Hugo Moredo Santos
• José Pedro Fazenda Martins
• Orlando Vogler Guiné
• Soraia Ussenes
• Tiago Correia Moreira

Testemonials

‘A team with enormous technical knowledge in several areas, very experienced and always available to collaborate in all phases of the processes allocated to them.'

Key Clients

• Banco Santander Totta, S.A., Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A, BNP Paribas, Mizuho Securities Europe GMBH
• Grupo Visabeira, S.A.
• Haitong Bank
• Alantra Corporate Portfolio Advisors International Limited and Banco Santander, S.A.
• Banco Santander Totta, S.A., Banco BPI, S.A., NatWest Markets N.V., Barclays Bank Ireland PLC
• BNP Paribas

Work Highlights

• Assisting in the conversions of the existing covered bonds programs of the Portuguese banking sector into covered bonds programs compliant with the new legal regime of covered bonds approved by Decree-Law no. 31/2022.

Combining ‘deep industry expertise with a highly pragmatic and commercial approach’, VdA advises domestic and international corporates and investors on complex M&A and corporate transactions across sectors as diverse as energy, technology, aviation and healthcare. Cláudia da Cruz Almeida leads the practice and is recognised for her ’strategic vision’ in corporate finance, acquisitions and disposals, private equity and public takeovers and mergers. Jorge Bleck is a key figure, with extensive transactional experience, including high-profile distressed M&A, restructurings and privatisations. Other key members of the ‘impressive’ team are Sofia Bobone, who excels in domestic and international M&A matters, and Maria Cunha Matos, who is active in cross-border M&A, joint ventures, reorganisations and carve-outs.

Hall of Fame

• Jorge Bleck

Leading Partners

• Cláudia Cruz Almeida

Next Generation Partners

• Maria Cunha Matos
• Sofia Bobone

Practice Head(s)

• Cláudia Cruz Almeida

Other Key Lawyers

• Francisco Sá Carneiro
• Jorge Bleck
• Helena Vaz Pinto
• Maria Leonor Piconez
• Maria Cunha Matos 
• Sofia Bobone 
• Paulo Trindade Costa

Testemonials

‘The practice combines deep industry expertise with a highly pragmatic and commercial approach, which sets it apart from more traditional legal advisers. The team understands not only the legal aspects of a transaction but also its financial, strategic, and operational dimensions, allowing them to provide advice that is both technically robust and business-oriented.'

'Clients particularly value the team’s responsiveness, accessibility, and proactive attitude. They are solution-driven, often anticipating issues before they arise and proposing clear, actionable strategies rather than purely theoretical advice.'

'The team stands out for its close collaboration with clients, acting as true business partners rather than external advisors. Their cross-practice coordination ensures a seamless execution of complex transactions.’

‘VdA is a truly impressive team that combines strong technical knowledge with a very practical, client-oriented approach. What makes the practice unique is the level of partner involvement and the personal attention that clients receive throughout the lifecycle of their matters. I particularly value the commitment to tailored solutions and the ability to handle sensitive or complex matters with discretion and efficiency.’

‘The individuals are not only technically skilled but also approachable, pragmatic, and deeply committed to client service. They combine legal expertise and personal dedication and invest time to understand the client’s needs, providing clear, actionable advice rather than theoretical analysis. Clients can be assured that they are in excellent hands.’

Key Clients

• Cepsa
• First Sentier Investors (FSI)
• Fortitude Capital – Sociedade de Capital de Risco, S.A.
• Horizon Equity Partners, S.A.
• LeadCrest Advisory Capital Partners S. A. R. L.
• NKT Cables Group A/S
• Hollard Moçambique Companhia De Seguros S.A.r.l
• Arrow Credit Opportunities II Aggregator SCSp, SICAV-RAIF

Praised for its ‘high level of expertise’ and ‘pro-client approach’, the privacy and data protection team at VdA, which is seamlessly integrated within the firm’s broader information, communication, and technology group, is able to assist on the full gamut of matters. Counting leading players in retail, healthcare, energy, insurance, transport, banking, and gambling among its key clients, the team excels in both domestic and cross-border mandates. Practice head Magda Cocco is a key port of call for companies and public entities across a range of sectors seeking assistance on digital economy legal issues. Inês Antas De Barros is noted for her focus on data economy, data protection, privacy and information security, while Maria De Lurdes Gonçalves stands out for her work on both domestic and international mandates, focusing on privacy and data protection, data economy, cybersecurity and electronic communication-related work.

Leading Partners

• Magda Cocco

Leading Associates

• Maria de Lurdes Gonçalves

Next Generation Partners

• Inês Antas de Barros

Practice Head(s)

• Magda Cocco

Other Key Lawyers

• Francisco Sousa-Pinto
• Iakovina Kindylidi
• Inês Antas de Barros
• Inês Melo
• Laura Sarmento
• Maria de Lurdes Gonçalves
• Rita Gomes Moreira

Testemonials

‘The VdA law firm stands out, firstly, for the high level of expertise of the team, which is reflected in interactions with the client and in the solutions and action plans presented. All approaches suggested by the VdA team are tailored to the company's specific needs and improve the work efficiency of the client's internal team.'

Key Clients

• 321 Crédito
• AGEAS Group
• Altice Group
• APS – Associação Portuguesa de Seguradores
• Banco CTT
• Bial – Portela & Cª, S.A.
• Brisa Group
• Center for Responsible AI
• CTT Group
• CUF
• EDP Group
• European Space Agency (ESA)
• E-REDES – Distribuição de Eletricidade, S.A.
• Fresenius Kabi Pharma PT
• Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian
• Galp Energia, SGPS, S.A.
• Gilead
• IQVIA
• José de Mello Group
• Luís Simões
• Lusíadas Saúde
• Luz Saúde
• MEO – Serviços de Comunicações e Multimédia S.A.
• Mudum
• ProChild Lab
• Sistemas McDonald’s Portugal, Lda.
• Sport Lisboa e Benfica Group (SLB)
• VIA Outlets Portugal
• Vodafone Portugal
• Sonae Sierra S.A.
• Zurich Insurance

Work Highlights

• Advised Lusíadas Saúde Group in the acquisition of a group of dental clinics that belonged to a major Portuguese group of companies, covering all legal and regulatory risks arising from accessing and sharing health data in the context of M&A operations.

VdA’s ‘excellent’ team is lauded for its ’technical competence’ across the full range of civil and commercial litigation and arbitration, including contract, M&A, shareholder, insurance, banking and construction-related disputes. The firm also maintains a presence in Portuguese-speaking African jurisdictions and East Timor and has recently been active in collective actions and private enforcement of competition law. Practice co-heads Frederico Gonçalves Pereira and Carla Gonçalves Borges bring extensive experience in complex, high-profile disputes across multiple jurisdictions. Miguel Pinto Cardoso is a key figure in the Portuguese arbitration and commercial litigation market, while Joana Neves leads corporate litigation matters and is active in collective actions, consumer protection and technology disputes.

Hall of Fame

• Frederico Gonçalves Pereira
• Miguel Pinto Cardoso

Leading Partners

• Carla Gonçalves Borges

Leading Associates

• Joana Neves

Practice Head(s)

• Carla Gonçalves Borges
• Frederico Gonçalves Pereira

Other Key Lawyers

• Catarina Carvalho Cunha
• Joana Neves
• Mariana França Gouveia
• Matilde Líbano Monteiro
• Miguel Pinto Cardoso
• Pedro Pires Fernandes

Testemonials

‘The VdA team has excellent substantive knowledge of complex issues of public and private law, and provides a user-friendly and commercially-focused service.’

‘A highly skilled team, especially strong in defining procedural strategy and possessing a deep understanding of the issues.’

Key Clients

• Arrow Global
• ANA Aeroportos de Portugal
• Banco Comercial Português, S.A
• Bank of Portugal (Fundo de Resolução)
• Brisa
• Caixa Central de Crédito Agrícola Mútuo, Crl
• Caixa Geral de Depósitos, S.A.
• Carrefour
• CTT – Correios de Portugal, S.A.
• Depuy
• Deutsche Bank Portugal Ag - Sucursal Em Portugal
• Fundo 7 Colinas

Work Highlights

• Represented Arrow Group and its subsidiaries, Merecido Exemplo and Tabela Consensual, in a dispute involving a circa €100m investment in the JJW Group.

Praised for its ‘responsiveness’ and ’professionalism’, VdA draws on its ‘deep’ employment law knowledge and multijurisdictional experience to advise on day-to-day matters, collective labour agreements, restructurings and collective dismissals, while continuing to expand its litigation practice. Américo Oliveira Fragoso heads the team and is acclaimed for his ’high level of expertise’ across complex labour and social security matters. Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão is recognised for his extensive experience, including in arbitration proceedings, while the ‘excellent’ Benedita Gonçalves has recently handled restructuring processes and individual and collective negotiations. Tiago Piló is no longer at the firm.

Hall of Fame

• Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão

Next Generation Partners

• Américo Oliveira Fragoso
• Benedita Gonçalves

Practice Head(s)

• Américo Oliveira Fragoso

Other Key Lawyers

• Carolina Cordeiro dos Santos 
• José Fernando Barata
• Marina Costa Cabral
• Rita Rocha 
• Pedro Ferreira de Sousa

Testimonials

'We are fully satisfied with the performance of the VdA team. The level of professionalism demonstrated is consistently high, exceeding our expectations. Their responsiveness is not only quick, but swift and proactive, ensuring that support for our company as a client is never delayed. This combination of speed and accuracy has been fundamental to the effective management of our legal challenges.’

‘Américo Oliveira Fragoso has a high level of expertise, many years of experience and creative as well as pragmatic solutions for implementing complex labour law projects in difficult economic situations. A very pleasant colleague who is enjoyable to work with and who is experienced in working with global teams/colleagues from different countries.'

‘I highlight Benedita Gonçalves, who combines being an extraordinary human being with high professional competence, being an excellent professional who does not limit herself to legal matters, seeking to help our business maintain the harmony and well-being of employees, given her intrinsic knowledge of our organisation.’

'Rita Rocha is recommended for her practical and assertive approach to all the challenges we need to overcome, always seeking to find more and better options that meet our needs or more particular issues. She also shows empathy in delicate situations, while maintaining assertiveness.'

‘José Fernando Barata stands out for his technical knowledge and experience, as well as his ability to find solutions to challenges that not only allow the company to remain compliant with the law but also proactively suggest options that allow us to anticipate situations or resolve challenges more efficiently.'

'Pedro Ferreira de Sousa possesses very significant theoretical and practical experience, built throughout an exemplary career. He is exceptional in procedural and litigation matters, both written and oral, revealing virtually inexhaustible energy and a persistent and determined attitude. He presents an exceptional ethical and deontological sense and a remarkable ability to work as part of a team with the client.’

With extensive experience in advising on development, investment, financing, construction, refinancing, restructuring, and M&A matters, VdA’s energy team is highly sought after by major domestic and international players across the electricity, oil and gas, and mining sectors. Manuel Protásio specialises in project, acquisition, and structured finance across the energy and infrastructure sectors. Ana Luís de Sousa, head of the energy and natural resources practice, focuses on the development and implementation of energy projects, and excels in greenfield project structuring and finance, while João Afonso Fialho leads on oil and gas matters. Vanda Cascão offers extensive expertise in energy and sustainable investments in Portugal and Lusophone Africa. Inês Maltez Fernandes, who recently joined the firm, adds valuable experience in energy projects and regulatory matters.

Hall of Fame

• Vanda Cascão

Leading Partners

• Ana Luís de Sousa

Practice Head(s)

• Ana Luís de Sousa
• João Afonso Fialho
• Manuel Protásio

Oter Key Lawyers

• Inês Maltez Fernandes
• Marta Stock da Cunha

Praised for its ‘dedication’ and ’in-depth knowledge’, VdA is active in major competition litigation, antitrust investigations, merger control and State aid matters. The team is led by the ‘extremely competent’ Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro, who stands out for his breadth of experience in high-profile competition cases across the banking, health, sports, telecoms and insurance sectors. Nuno Ruiz is a senior partner experienced in merger control and misdemeanour proceedings in cartel and abuse of dominant position cases. Cláudia Coutinho da Costa stands out for her ’extensive experience’ in multijurisdictional merger control and competition matters in Portuguese-speaking African jurisdictions.

Hall of Fame

• Nuno Ruiz

Leading Partners

• Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro

Leading Associates

• Cláudia Coutinho da Costa

Practice Head(s)

• Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro

Other Key Lawyers

• Bruno Zêzere Barradas
• Ricardo Filipe Costa 

Testimonials

‘I would like to highlight Ricardo Bordalo Junqueiro, whose knowledge of the issues and clients, strategic vision, experience, and constant concern for providing the best possible service are traits that make him one of, if not the best, competition lawyers in the country. Cláudia Coutinho da Costa's availability, dedication, and expertise leave any client completely confident that they will be very well supported and advised.’

‘The availability and professional dedication demonstrated by VdA are unparalleled.’

‘The team possesses technical expertise that places it at the top of the market and is equipped with resources that allow for continuous monitoring of issues and a quick response time to any questions. The team is capable of understanding any issues, regardless of their complexity, and developing precise and efficient strategies for handling the matters entrusted to it.’

‘The VdA team is a very solid team with in-depth knowledge of the market and the legal framework, always available to find solutions and achieve the desired result. The fact that they have maintained the same very stable team over the years gives us a great advantage in any new matter that arises.’

‘By far the best department in Portugal for competition law matters. They are at the forefront in terms of knowledge of competition law issues, and have been involved in all the major competition law cases in Portugal in recent years, both with the Competition Authority (AdC) and the Tax Court (TCRS), which is an undeniable advantage over other departments.’

‘They provide personalised, extremely competent, and determined service, always maintaining close contact with clients. They differ from others primarily through their competence and the successful results they achieve.’

Noted for its ‘availability, technical knowledge and close client management’, the team at VdA handles the full gamut of regulatory and criminal investigations for its diverse roster of clients. Operating across a myriad of sectors, including but not limited to, sports, financial services, telecoms, energy and media, the team handles matters pertaining to regulatory investigations, money laundering and corruption cases, and search and seizure procedures. Leading the team is Sofia Ribeiro Branco, whose expertise lies in regulatory offence cases, where she applies her in-depth knowledge across various industries. Elsewhere in the team, Joana Bernardo brings extensive expertise in criminal law, excelling in both misdemeanour cases and regulatory litigation, while Inês Sotto Mayor is noted for her expertise in commercial litigation matters.

Leading Partners

• Sofia Ribeiro Branco

Practice Head(s)

• Sofia Ribeiro Branco 

Other Key Lawyers

• Beatriz Duarte Santos
• Joana Bernardo
• Inês Sotto Mayor
• Patrícia Lemos Peixoto

 Testimonials

‘A highly experienced and professional team, reliable, very knowledgeable about procedural rules, and with great rigour in analysing the facts of each case.’

‘The VdA team is composed of highly specialised professionals, such as Beatriz Duarte Santos, a senior associate who has demonstrated unparalleled ability in managing complex processes. Rigour and attention to detail in document analysis and process preparation. Knowledge of practical solutions to advance the process. Regular monitoring and updates. Ability to respond quickly.’

‘Beatriz Duarte Santos demonstrates technical rigour and mastery of criminal procedure, with a special focus on economic crime and cybercrime. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Proactive and providing continuous support, demonstrating availability and attention to detail at all stages of the process.’

‘VdA combines specialised technical knowledge with practical field experience. These cases are typically very complex, involving criminal, tax, corporate, and financial law, requiring a rigorous and in-depth reading of the law. At the same time, experience in litigation and investigations with authorities and regulators gives the firm the ability to find effective solutions and protect clients' interests in high-pressure situations.’

‘Sofia Ribeiro Branco and Patrícia Lemos Peixoto's team has demonstrated a solid technical command of the law, strategic ability to anticipate scenarios, rigour and attention to detail, clarity in communication, agility in reasoning, ethics and professional commitment, as well as empathy and human sensitivity in assisting clients.’

‘The team has recognised competence and, regarding availability, we consider it to be at the highest level. It provides high-quality support to the processes entrusted to it, acquiring detailed knowledge of them with remarkable speed and efficiency.’

 Key Clients

• Altice
• REN
• ENGIE/Movhera
• Futebol Clube do Porto
• DOYEN
• Clube de Futebol Marítimo
• CTT
• Caixa de Crédito Agrícola
• EDP
• Montepio

 Work Highlights

Well-regarded for its expertise across a wide range of matters, the restructuring and insolvency team at VdA excels in financial restructuring, distressed asset negotiations, voluntary business recovery, special revitalisation processes, and insolvency proceedings. The practice is jointly steered by Frederico Gonçalves Pereira, a seasoned commercial litigator and corporate restructuring expert and Paulo Olavo Cunha, who is frequently engaged in significant projects, transactions, and group restructuring operations. Teresa Pitôrra is a key figure for both creditors and debtors, with a strong focus on restructuring and insolvency cases in sectors like banking and telecoms, while Catarina Carvalho Cunha specialises in restructuring and insolvency matters across Portugal and Portuguese-speaking African countries, assisting clients in the telecoms, banking, and energy sectors.

Hall of Fame

• Frederico Gonçalves Pereira

Leading Partners

• Teresa Pitôrra

Practice Head(s)

• Frederico Gonçalves Pereira
• Paulo Olavo Cunha

Other Key Lawyers

• Catarina Carvalho Cunha 
• Madalena Salazar
• Paulo Trindade Costa
• Teresa Pitôrra

Key Clients

• Valeo Systèmes de Contrôle Moteur
• Banco de Portugal
• Menzies Aviation
• Millennium BCP

Work Highlights

• Advised the Portuguese State and Parpública – Participações Públicas (SGPS), S.A. on the privatisation of EFACEC Power Solutions SGPS, S.A. (Efacec) in favour of Mutares Iberia, S.L.

Fielding a team lauded for its ‘technical competence, availability and knowledge of the sector’, VdA reinforces its position as a leading Portuguese firm, handling a comprehensive range of IP matters. From patent, trade mark, design, and copyright issues to complex litigation and arbitration, the practice covers both contentious and non-contentious aspects of intellectual property law with depth and expertise. Steering the practice is Marta Alves Vieira, who is noted for her focus on matters involving pharmaceutical patents and supplementary protection certificates. António de Magalhães Cardoso concentrates his practice on pharmaceutical patent enforcement and dispute resolution.

 Hall of Fame

• António de Magalhães Cardoso

Next Generation Partners

• Marta Alves Vieira

Practice Head(s)

• Marta Alves Vieira

Other Key Lawyers

• António de Magalhães Cardoso
• Ana Falcão Afonso
• André Marques Piteira
• Tiago de Oliveira

 Testimonials

‘Technical competence, availability and knowledge of the sector.'

 Key Clients

• AstraZeneca
• Bristol-Myers Squibb
• Cloudflare
• Daiichi Sankyo
• Johnson & Johnson / Actelion

 Work Highlights

• Provided NOVARTIS comprehensive legal and strategic assistance in various patent and SPC pre-litigation and litigation matters in Portugal.

VdA stands ‘out for its personalised approach and commitment to excellence’, assisting clients with municipal planning, licensing and the negotiation of complex contracts. Jointly led by Raul Mota Cerveira and Miguel Marques dos Santos, the team acts for a varied client base that features multinational tech conglomerates, public entities, investment funds and real estate developers. Cerveira is an administrative law specialist, who is experienced in planning matters across Portugal and Lusophone African jurisdictions, most notably São Tomé e Príncipe. Santos, who was promoted to department co-head in January 2024, focuses on real estate matters. Pedro Ferreirinha excels in the development of prime real estate projects.

 Leading Partners

• Raul Mota Cerveira

Practice Head(s)

• Raul Mota Cerveira

Other Key Lawyers

• Lisa Ventura Lopes
• Pedro Ferreirinha

Testemonials

'Its professionals know how to understand the specific needs of the client and deliver tailored solutions that balance technical rigour and pragmatism.'

Key Clients

• Bodyholiday Algarve, Unipessoal, Lda
• Fundação Oriente
• Malanza Development, S.A.
• TotalEnergies
• Neptune Charisma, Lda.

Work Highlights

• Assisting Natural Dividend, a trust based in the Isle of Man, which operates hotel units and develops philanthropic initiatives related to human rights, sustainable development, environmental protection and the well-being of the community on Principe Island.  

Variously praised for its ‘vast technical-legal knowledge’ and ’cohesive, client-focused approach’, VdA fields a skilled Porto-based team adept at handling a diverse range of legal matters, including corporate and M&A, tax, employment, public law, dispute resolution, white-collar crime, TMT, data privacy, and real estate. Active across sectors such as manufacturing, energy, automotive, telecoms, and technology, the team is further commended for its cross-border expertise. João Velez de Lima, who heads the tax practice, specialises in judicial and administrative tax litigation and international taxation issues. Labour and employment expert Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão stands out for his expertise in contentious matters, while Miguel Reis has extensive knowledge of domestic and international tax law. Isabel Gião de Andrade advises clients on corporate governance and M&A transactions, and Benedita Gonçalves focuses on labour and social security law.

Leading Partners

• João Velez de Lima
• Isabel Gião de Andrade
• Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão
• Miguel C. Reis

Next Generation Partners

• Benedita Gonçalves
• João Velez de Lima

Leading Associates

• Inês Sotto Mayor
• Pedro Duarte Batista

Practice Head(s)

• João Velez de Lima

Other key lawyers

• Benedita Gonçalves
• Carolina Cordeiro dos Santos
• Isabel Gião de Andrade
• Inês Sotto Mayor
• João Soares Franco
• Maria da Conceição Cabaços
• Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão
• Miguel González Amado
• Miguel C. Reis
• Pedro Duarte Batista
• Pedro Ferreira de Sousa
• Salomé Corte-Real

Testimonials

‘What makes this firm unique is the vast technical-legal knowledge, rigour in resolving issues, strategy and planning, critical sense, excellent oral and written communication, availability and diplomacy in relationships.'

Key Clients

• ACA Group
• ACM Group
• Acquinex
• AGPL – Empresa de Trabalho Portuário Douro e Leixões
• ATEP AMKOR
• Casais
• Cellnex Telecom
• DS Smith Paper Viana, S.A.
• Coindu
• ENGIE
• Fabor
• Finerge Group
• First Sentier Investors (UK) Funds Limited
• Forcit

Work Highlights

• Advised Iberdrola on the more than €2bn joint investment with Norwegian sovereign wealth fund, managed by Norges Bank Investment Management.

A popular choice for lenders, sponsors and operators, VdA is a point of reference for the development and financing of significant infrastructure projects in Portugal and African Portuguese-speaking countries. Manuel Protásio, a project finance specialist, leads a team of ‘high-quality professionals who combine excellent technical skills with a broad business vision’. Vanda Cascão works predominantly on the development side, with a particular focus on energy, water and infrastructure projects both in Portugal and abroad. Teresa Empis Falcão leverages her government experience to advise on PPPs and privatisation procedures. Paulo de Barros Baptista stands out for his longstanding experience in project development and knowledge of the transport sector, while Ana Luís de Sousa focuses on the implementation of energy projects.

Hall of Fame

• Manuel Protásio 
• Vanda Cascão

Leading Partners

• Ana Luís de Sousa
• Paulo de Barros Baptista
• Teresa Empis Falcão

Testemonials

'The team that advises us contributes as part of our management team, not just as external consultants. They help to think about everything.'

Key Clients

• Brisa-Auto-Estradas de Portugal, S.A.
• APL Europe | Newcon40, Unipessoal, Lda. (vehicle)
• Trafigura Pte. Ltd, Mota-Engil Engenharia e Construção África, S.A. and Vecturis S.A.

Work Highlights

• Advising on the drafting, negotiation and execution of the concession agreements related to the operation and management of the Angolan portion of the Lobito Corridor.

A go-to choice for support on complex public law matters involving the energy, financial, infrastructure and telecoms sectors, VdA uses its ‘multidisciplinary skills and know-how’ to advise domestic and international clients. Co-head Paulo Pinheiro is lauded for his broad skillset and proficiency in matters concerning public procurement, public contracting and regulatory issues. Fellow co-head Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira excels in administrative litigation. Ana Marta Castro is noted for her ’extraordinary ability to permanently support the client’ with public law matters, predominantly focusing on regulation and concessions.  André Gaspar Martins works with entities based in Portugal and Lusophone Africa on public procurement, concessions and administrative disputes.

Hall of Fame

• Paulo Pinheiro

Leading Partners

• Ana Marta Castro
• Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira

Next Generation Partners

• André Gaspar Martins
• João Soares Franco

Leading Associates 

• João Soares Franco

Practice Head(s)

• André Gaspar Martins
• Paulo Pinheiro

Other Key Lawyers

• Ana Marta Castro
• João Soares Franco
• José Miguel Vitorino
• Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira

Testimonials

'The quality of the service provided is excellent from a technical and legal perspective, which gives the company confidence and security as a client.'

 Key Clients

• Group EGF – Environment Global Facilities
• Madeira Regional Government
• MEO – Serviços de Comunicações e Multimédia, S.A.
• NAV Portugal, E.P.E.
• Novartis AG and Novartis Farma, S.A.
• Ordem dos Contabilistas Certificados
• Parpública
• Portuguese Government
• Portuguese Government (Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Economy)

Work Highlights

• Represented Banco de Portugal in over 600 legal proceedings related to the resolution measure that was applied to Banco Espírito Santo.

The real estate arm of VdA excels in M&A work as well as the implementation of long-term property development projects. Led by Miguel Marques dos Santos, the ‘commercially minded and technical team’ is equipped to handle the full spectrum of real estate matters across the corporate, tourism and residential sectors. Santos brings extensive experience in guiding clients through the entire lifecycle of real estate projects, from acquisition to licensing and development. Pedro Ferreirinha shines in project development, real estate finance, asset and portfolio deals, and matters related to real estate investment funds. Pedro Pereira Coutinho, praised for being 'always inviting, clear and instructive in his approach', is recognised for his work in the hospitality and leisure sectors, while the 'highly qualified and professional' Pedro Corrêa d’Oliveira, a key figure in the Porto office, is noted for experience in the setting up of condominium structures.

Hall of Fame

• Miguel Marques dos Santos
• Pedro Ferreirinha

Next Generation Partners

• Lisa Ventura Lopes
• Pedro Corrêa d'Oliveira
• Pedro Pereira Coutinho

Practice Head(s)

• Miguel Marques dos Santos

Other Key Lawyers

• José Mário Barreto
• Lisa Ventura Lopes
• Martin van Zeller Bettencourt
• Pedro Corêa d'Oliveira
• Pedro Ferreirinha
• Pedro Morais Vaz
• Pedro Pereira Coutinho

Testimonials

'Extremely commercially minded and technical in their problem solving.'

Key Clients

• ALTAYA (Group Castel)
• Avenue
• AXA
• BTG Pactual
• Caixa Geral de Depósitos
• EMGI – Investment Group

Work Highlights

• Advised Caixa Geral de Depósitos on the acquisition of its new headquarters, known as “WellBe Project”.

Housing an ‘extremely professional, diligent and knowledgeable’ tax team, VdA stands out for its ability to advise on the entire spectrum of tax-related matters, ranging from high-stakes transactions to day-to-day compliance. Particularly active in the energy, real estate, infrastructure, life sciences, IT, and financial sectors, the group regularly supports banks, insurers, funds, and fintech companies with complex mandates. Leading the practice is Francisco Cabral Matos, who brings expertise in corporate restructuring, banking and finance, and tax litigation. Tiago Marreiros Moreira is proficient in international and local tax matters, with a distinct focus on Portuguese-speaking jurisdictions. Miguel Reis and Joaquim Pedro Lampreia are highly regarded for their tax litigation acumen, and adept at managing a comprehensive range of disputes. Other notable individuals include João Velez de Lima, a trusted adviser to international and domestic clients across the energy, industrial, real estate, and telecoms sectors, and counsel Conceição Gamito, a name to note for VAT matters.

Leading Partners

• João Velez de Lima
• Joaquim Pedro Lampreia
• Miguel C. Reis
• Tiago Marreiros Moreira

Next Generation Partners

• Francisco Cabral Matos

Leading Associates

• Conceição Gamito

Practice Head(s)

• Francisco Cabral Matos

Other Key Lawyers

• Conceição Gamito
• Filipe de Vasconcelos Fernandes
• Joaquim Pedro Lampreia
• João Velez de Lima
• João Riscado Rapoula
• Miguel C.Reis
• Tiago Marreiros Moreira

Testimonials

'This firm does not limit itself to responding to its clients' queries, but rather anticipates their needs and offers innovative and personalised solutions. This proactivity is essential in a constantly changing fiscal scenario, where agility and the ability to adapt are crucial.'

Key Clients

• Brisa
• Eutelsat, S.A.
• Finerge Group (Finerge, S.A. and IGNEO)
• Iberdrola Group
• José de Mello Group
• Igneo Infrastructure Partners
• Leadec

Work Highlights

• Advised IGNEO on the sale of a 25% interest in Finerge.

Well-regarded for its ability to combine ‘in-depth legal knowledge with a practical understanding of the complexities of the TMT sector’, VdA showcases a strong track record in transactional, regulatory, and contentious matters across the media, entertainment, technology, cybersecurity, aerospace, and the digital economy segments. Steering the practice is Magda Cocco, who is recommended for her expertise in telecoms, media, aerospace, and data protection, earning praise for her ’strategic and focused approach'. Elsewhere in the team, Fernando Resina da Silva is lauded for his ability to ‘understand both legal nuances and technological challenges’, while Tiago Bessa focuses on regulatory issues in electronic and postal communications. Margarida Couto and principal consultant Helena Correia Mendonça stand out for their in-depth knowledge of technology-related fields, including blockchain, AI, and outsourcing.

Hall of Fame

• Magda Cocco

Next Generation Partners

• Tiago Bessa

Practice Head(s)

• Magda Cocco

Other Key Lawyers

• Joana Pacheco
• Rui Gordete Almeida
• Tiago Bessa

Testimonials

‘VdA stands out in the national legal market for its ability to combine in-depth legal knowledge with a practical understanding of the complexities of the TMT sector. The team is made up of excellent professionals who closely monitor constant technological changes.'

Key Clients

• Tata Communications (Portugal), Lda.
• CTT – Correios de Portugal, S.A.
• MEO – Serviços de Comunicações e Multimédia, S.A
• ESA (European Space Agency)

Work Highlights

• Acting as part of the Center for Responsible AI Consortium, which comprises 25 Portuguese entities, including 10 start-ups specialising in AI.

The transport team at VdA combines expertise in finance, public law, M&A, and other key areas to provide comprehensive support across the aviation and shipping sectors, road and rail infrastructure, and urban transport systems. The group is well placed to advise on project development and financing, as well as the drafting and negotiation of concession agreements, regulatory matters, litigation, and contractual matters. Practice head Paulo de Barros Baptista acts for sponsors, construction companies, and operators in domestically and internationally significant infrastructure projects. Administrative law specialist Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira regularly handles regulatory disputes and transactions in the transport sector, while Teresa Empis Falcão shines in project finance.

Leading Partners

• Paulo de Barros Baptista

Next Generation Partners

• José Miguel Oliveira

Practice Head(s)

• Paulo de Barros Baptista

Other Key Lawyers

• José Miguel Oliveira
• Teresa Empis Falcão

Key Clients

• Brisa-Auto-Estradas de Portugal, S.A.
• Trafigura Pte. Ltd, Mota-Engil Engenharia e Construção África,S.A. and Vecturis S.A.
• ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, S.A.
• Estradas do Zambeze, S.A.

Work Highlights

• Advising Menzies Aviation on the acquisition of a majority stake (50.1%) in the share capital of SPdH – Serviços Portugueses de Handling, S.A. by means of an investment in Groundforce as part of a recovery plan within its insolvency proceeding.

VdA has a strong presence in the Angolan energy market and is also active across various infrastructure projects, real estate transactions and disputes. João Afonso Fialho, José Miguel Oliveira and Paulo Trindade Costa lead the ‘trustworthy and reliable’ team, with ’excellent in-depth knowledge’ of local legislation and business practices. Fialho is an oil and gas specialist with experience across multiple African jurisdictions, acting for major stakeholders in matters involving procurement, asset acquisition and contractual disputes. Oliveira works out of Luanda and boasts a wealth of knowledge in maritime law and the Angolan shipping market. Costa is an M&A specialist, active in the real estate, telecoms and banking industries.

Leading Partners

• João Afonso Fialho

Next Generation Partners

• José Miguel Oliveira

Testimonials

'It has excellent in-depth knowledge of the Angolan oil, gas and mining sectors based off decades of experience.

Key Clients

• ANGOFLEX Industrial Lda.
• BIOCOM
• Halliburton Overseas Limited
• KT – Kinetics Technology, SPA
• Montepio Holdings, S.A.
• Mota-Engil

The Mozambique practice at VdA is recognised for its strength in handling oil and gas, energy, banking and finance, and infrastructure matters. Operating in conjunction with local partner firm GDA Advogados, the team is sought after by international companies to assist with project development work, and is adept at advising on corporate, tax, licensing and regulatory issues. Arbitration and litigation are other core strengths for the group. José Miguel Oliveira fields expertise in the energy and transport sectors, and co-heads the practice with Teresa Empis Falcão, who focuses on infrastructure and mobility matters, as well as handling international project finance and capital markets transactions. Manuel Protásio is a name to note.

Practice Head(s)

• José Miguel Oliveira
• Teresa Empis Falcão

Other Key Lawyers

• Manuel Protásio
• Magda Cocco
• Vanda Cascão

Testimonials

‘In-depth knowledge of Mozambique and its bureaucratic processes.’

Key Clients

• Standard Bank of South Africa
• Mota- Engil, Engenharia e Construção África, S.A. (Mota-Engil África)
• Exor Petroleum
• Puma Energy Moçambique, Limitada

Work Highlights

• Advised Hollard Moçambique Companhia De Seguros S.A.r.l on the acquisition of Absa’s insurance businesses in Mozambique via the acquisition of a 100% stake in Global Alliance Seguro.