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About Us

The Firm

‘They summarised the aspects that we should perfectly consider as most important and clarified all the legal doubts that our lawyers raised.’

‘The team is always available; I particularly recommend Luis Branco and Elmano Sousa Costa.’

‘The quality of the service provided is exceptional. The team’s main capabilities include availability, pragmatism, speed in responses, mastery of the topics covered and the support given in the negotiations of complex documents such as ISDAs.’

‘Always concerned with understanding the client and their particularities in order to achieve the best outcome.’

‘Prestigious team with clear client orientation. With technological and innovative equipment to facilitate the process of closing transactions.’

'The high quality of the service provided combined with permanent availability, accessibility and the high personal qualities of the team members make Morais Leitão stand out in the sector.’

‘Morais Leitão excels in the field of capital markets.’

‘The team is composed of highly qualified, experienced and dedicated professionals, who have a deep understanding of the dynamics of the financial market and the legal complexities involved in capital market deals.’

‘The excellence in the service provided by the team is reflected, from the outset, in the personalised and strategic approach adopted for each client. The team is known for its technical rigour, innovation and ability to anticipate and resolve complex legal issues.’

‘They are up to date with the latest trends, practices and developments in this field, allowing them to offer informed and strategic advice to clients.’

‘The team has a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating closely with other departments within the firm, such as M&A, corporate law, tax, and others, ensuring a holistic and comprehensive view of capital market transactions.’

‘The team I work with at Morais Leitão (M&A, regulatory energy) is one of the best teams in the market. They have experience, a very practical approach, great negotiators, and they are strong technically speaking, and always available.’

‘Proximity to the client and in-depth knowledge of the challenges posed to the business model and operations.’

‘The firm stands out for its exclusive focus on corporate law and M&A, which allows them to have a much more in-depth understanding of client needs in this specific field. The team has a proven track record of closing M&A deals efficiently and on time, which is rare in the national legal market.’

‘Morais Leitão is one of the top firms in Portugal. They have strong practices in all areas and a great combination of seasoned senior partners and hands-on partners.’

‘They have a deep knowledge of the market and usually take a commercial and practical approach, which is greatly appreciated by international clients.’

‘The Morais Leitão team can handle the most complex, sophisticated M&A transactions for national and international clients.’

‘The Morais Leitão team led by Magda Viçoso has a 360 vision that is very aligned with the client’s objectives. Very competent and dynamic.’

‘Very diverse team. They work with a large number of clients in many sectors, which allows it to have a broad view of the solutions to the questions posed to them.’

‘The team possesses great knowledge, provides ease and clarity and is completely available.’ 

‘I highlight the absolute willingness of its partners to serve the client at any time of the day, establishing original and imaginative procedural strategies under current legislation that surprised the lawyers representing the opposing party.’

‘Morais Leitão has a unique quality in the national legal market. The work is of very high quality.’

‘I highlight Partner Sofia Vaz Sampaio: legally speaking, she is an excellent lawyer, she investigates all issues in depth, with excellent results in the extremely complex processes that are handed to her.’

‘Morais Leitão is a multidisciplinary firm that provides excellent legal service with an international scope of practice. The ability of its members to respond to requests stands out, often in short periods and under great pressure, taking into account the importance and complexity of the matters entrusted to them.’

‘The quality of lawyers at Morais Leitão is very high.’

‘I highlight the competence, technical knowledge, consistency and professionalism of its teams. I also highlight its international aspect, as well as its knowledge and connection to experts from the most diverse areas, not only law but also other areas of knowledge that can technically reinforce its opinions and processes.’

‘I would clearly recommend all the partners and associates with whom I have worked more directly, in particular: Filipe Vaz Pinto and Ricardo Nascimento Ferreira. Among the qualities that I value most, I note their competence, diverse technical knowledge, professionalism, consistency and confidence.’

‘Deep knowledge of the various branches of law, particularly banking and financial business. Permanent availability, with deadlines met. Respect for ethical principles relating to the practice of law and business conditions.’

‘What sets this firm apart is the technical quality of the labour law and corporate law/M&A teams. Technical knowledge, client-oriented solutions and quality of services are, without a doubt, differentiators in the market.’

‘The quality of Helena Tapp Barroso’s work is unquestionable. The versatility of the solutions presented and the intelligent way in which she perceives the needs of each client make Helena stand out as an excellent professional.’

‘Paula Ponces Camanho shows exceptional dedication to clients, doing everything she can to win. Helena Tapp Barroso is enormously calm in trials and has great emotional intelligence and results. José Amorim Magalhães is very focused on solving problems in an assertive way, with excellent results.’

‘An exceptional team led by Luis Miguel Monteiro that combines legal knowledge with the search for practical solutions that interest companies.’

‘The team of lawyers is highly specialised and dedicated, offering effective legal solutions based on careful analysis and tailored strategies.’

‘Experienced and multidisciplinary professionals. The knowledge and experience of lawyers allow for a comprehensive vision and innovative solutions.’

 

‘Most of the work carried out by Morais Leitão had a high degree of complexity due to our own structure. They are an excellent team. Even dealing with complex work, they always kept a practical and realistic approach.’

‘In my view, the team with whom I work at Morais Leitão (M&A, Regulatory Energy) is one of the best teams in the market. They have experience, they have a very practical approach, are great negotiators, and always available.’

‘I have 100% trust in their work and that is why I chose and continue to choose Morais Leitão.’

‘In general, the response time, access to digitalisation to resolve issues more common to other clients, promotes a timely and assertive response to the issues that we have taken to ML for resolution.’

‘The firm provided excellent support to an M&A transaction, with flawless coordination with the M&A and regulatory teams. The team was extremely reactive and provided excellent services.’

‘Very experienced and efficient team, with great availability, ability to listen to client concerns, providing a quick and direct response to questions asked. A team of excellence in the Portuguese market.’

‘Total availability and in-depth knowledge of the sector and the national and European legal framework. They possess the ability to understand complex topics and elaborate on them with enormous value, finding very important angles of analysis.’

‘What makes this team exceptional is its professionalism, integrity, attention and analysis of the client’s situation in allaspects.’

‘Exceptional quality of service provided. Great availability of partners, and we receive a very personalised service despite being a firm with many lawyers.’

‘Morais Leitão is one of the most reputable Portuguese firms, with a team of excellent lawyers, extremely competent, dedicated and professional. They use appropriate technology for your needs and billing is perfectly reasonable when compared to the competition.’

‘The team has great knowledge of subjects and legal standards.’

‘The lawyers are extremely qualified to carry out the work.’

‘They are extremely polite, attentive and are always available. ’

‘This team stands out for the very solid training and great practical experience of the vast majority of its lawyers, as well as for the ability to create lasting relationships of trust.’

‘The team is very professional. Their work is very neat and that is their selling point. They are helpful, supportive, responsive and easy to work with.’

‘They are very knowledgeable of the pharmaceutical sector. They are also very good in procedural matters, so we are happy to work with them in litigation. They always offer a practical solution, weighing up the potential costs and not just looking at the legal aspect.’

‘I have been working with Ricardo do Nascimento Ferreira since 2020 on patent litigation in Portugal in the field of pharmaceuticals. Everything has been great and we are very happy with his work. He is very responsive.’

‘We have really enjoyed working with the MLGTS IP team over the past few years as they are very easy to work alongside. We particularly appreciate their responsiveness and procedural creativity, as well as the fact that they are very good on the technical side.’

‘We work most closely with Ricardo Nascimento Ferreira and he is a great lawyer, very sensible with great judgment plus extremely personable and easy to get along with.’

‘What makes this firm unique is its multidisciplinary approach to law. They are not only competent jurists, but also consultants in business, technology and ethics. The team stands out for its in-depth knowledge of technology law and intellectual property, a rarity in the national legal market. They have a notable commitment to diversity and inclusion, with a department dedicated to these issues.’

‘ML’s planning team is crucial for advising international investors. They are incredibly knowledgeable of Portuguese planning law, which is essential for mitigating risks in deals.’

‘Morais Leitão stands out for its team’s client engagement, vast knowledge of the market, and local contacts with municipal bodies.’

‘The urban planning team stands out for its availability, quality service, timely compliance, and a pragmatic approach. It offers in-depth market knowledge and integrated solutions across various areas.’

‘The team, led by João Pereira Reis and Rui Ribeiro Lima, is a market reference in urban planning. They demonstrate extensive technical and legal expertise.’

‘They provide invaluable, professional, timely, and transparent support.’

‘MLGTS is a reference firm; we highlight the quality of its service, availability, responsiveness and concern for the interests of its clients, offering global and comprehensive coverage, with innovative solutions.’

‘The general level of service is excellent, as they have a team that demonstrates good knowledge and in-depth understanding of the legal framework, high technical competence, professionalism and great negotiation skills.’

‘They place the client’s interest at the centre of the analysis and resolution of each problem. Moreover, the team is always available and able to give their opinion and work within demanding deadlines.’

‘I am very satisfied with the legal support provided by the Morais Leitão & Associados team.’

‘The team is always available, flexible and possesses great knowledge of the matters under discussion. Close relationship with the client.’

‘The teams are very knowledgeable of the market and the legal risks that projects may face. They demonstrate a high capacity to find solutions to mitigate the risks in question, and great ease in drafting clear and coherent contracts.’

‘They have a level of experience, negotiation skills, and availability to be in meetings with the client.’

‘Knowledge of client needs and anticipation of problems. Good personal relationship between the parties. Experience in the sector and market practice.’

‘The team of lawyers has a lot of knowledge and technical competence.’

‘They show availability, flexibility, professionalism, subject matter expertise, and commitment.’

‘Morais Leitão is exemplary in ​​public law, standing out for the excellence of its services and the exceptional capabilities of its team, which includes specialists in administrative and regulatory law.’

‘Remarkable team with both an excellent legal skillset and strong business understanding.’

‘Excellent skills in the real estate area, both in the transaction component and in real estate monitoring.’

‘The real estate transaction team at ML is first class.’

‘ML has a deep knowledge of real estate law and real estate transactions in Portugal. The lawyers act in a solution-oriented and pragmatic manner.’

‘Availability and quality of intervention.’

‘Technical knowledge, client-care skills, quick response and pro-business.’

‘I recommend the firm for the quality of the team, its knowledge of the subject and the ability to assess the tax impacts of the transactions under analysis.’

‘The team has in-depth technical knowledge and monitoring of national and European tax regulations, having lawyers specialised in the various areas of tax law such as IRC, IRS and VAT, and experience in matters that apply to economic groups across the board, allowing full monitoring of matters.’

 

‘The MLGTS team has very solid experience in providing legal support to its clients and exemplary dedication, which clearly distinguishes it from others in the market.’

‘Speed, competence and efficiency.’

‘The team’s use of technology has really helped us with a global project spanning 30+ jurisdictions. They have been our quarterbacks on this, and done well managing deadlines across contexts, while layering on their more technical industry expertise in fintech, digital assets and data protection.’

‘The team has significant ship finance and litigation experience and offers a streamlined service in all of the jurisdictions.’

‘Claudia Santos Cruz is the Shipping Team head at Morais Leitão and is considered in the international legal market as one of the leading shipping and maritime lawyers in Portugal. She is also qualified to practice in Mozambique and a foreign expert for Angola.’

I consider them to be the leading firm in Portugal and Lusophone Africa. They have a very strong project finance practice supported by well-developed contacts and experience working across from Government which means they know how things work in practice.

An impressive combination of legal skills and commercial awareness. Broad experience in key Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa.

They are very commercial and provide extremely high-quality advice.

Lawyers

Filipe Lowndes Marques

Leading Individuals Banking and Finance
2024

Cláudia Castanheira dos Santos

Next Generation Partner Banking and Finance
2024

‘Elmano Sousa Costa is an expert in his area, with a great vocation to serve the client where he makes available all his exhaustive knowledge of Portuguese legislation and aspects that concern us in the negotiations of our contracts. He has great capacity to find suitable solutions, work under pressure and meet deadlines.’

The team is always available; I particularly recommend Luis Branco and Elmano Sousa Costa.’

‘I would recommend Maria Soares do Lago and Elmano Sousa Costa.

‘I would recommend Maria Soares do Lago and Elmano Sousa Costa.

'Maria Soares do Lago – great knowledge of the banking sector and ability to reach consensus.’

Claudia Santos Cruz

Other Key Lawyers Banking and Finance
2024

Luís Branco

Other key lawyers Banking and Finance
2024

João Honorato – very knowledgeable of the business and client. He can defend his clients like no one else. 

Pedro Gorjão Henriques

Other key lawyers Banking and Finance
2024

‘Eduardo Paulino and Maria Cortes Martins are professionals with high knowledge, behaviour and ethics well above average.’

‘Eduardo Paulino, partner at Morais Leitão and responsible for the capital markets area, combines expertise in the area with a long professional experience, always guided by great openness, proactivity and innovation in approaching the questions asked by clients.’

 

Isabel Carneiro Kahlen

Other key lawyers Capital Markets
2024

Marisa Larguinho

Other Key Lawyers Capital Markets
2024

‘Eduardo Paulino and Maria Cortes Martins are professionals with high knowledge, behaviour and ethics well above average.’

Pedro Capitão Barbosa

Other key lawyers Capital Markets
2024

Ricardo Andrade Amaro

Other key lawyers Capital Markets
2024

Carlos Osório de Castro

Hall of Fame - Leading Individuals Commercial, Corporate and M&A
2024

Tomás Vaz Pinto

Other key lawyers Commercial, Corporate and M&A
2024

‘Partner Luis Roquette Geraldes is recognised for his negotiation skills and business acumen, characteristics that are particularly valuable in M&A situations.’

Eduardo Paulino

Leading Individuals Commercial, Corporate and M&A
2024

Marta Pereira Rosa

Rising Star Commercial, Corporate and M&A
2024

Isabel Carneiro Kahlen

Other Key Lawyers Commercial, Corporate and M&A
2024

‘The Morais Leitão team led by Magda Viçoso has a 360 vision that is very aligned with the client’s objectives. Very competent and dynamic.’

 

Vítor Pereira das Neves

Other key lawyers Commercial, Corporate and M&A
2024

‘Tiago Félix da Costa stands out for his professionalism, availability, competence, excellent knowledge of the subject, and client skills.’

Maria da Assunção da Cunha Reis

Rising Star Data Privacy and Data Protection
2024

‘Helena Tapp Barroso has great ease in understanding the business and procedures, which combined with in-depth knowledge of the law, helps us obtain solid and safe answers.’

‘Helena Tapp Barroso is very competent and works on consistent and realistic solutions for the client.’

‘Helena Tapp Barroso – detailed and solid knowledge; rigour; pragmatic approach to client requests; delivery with a focus on the client and their activity.’

 

‘I would clearly recommend all the partners and associates with whom I have worked more directly, in particular: Filipe Vaz Pinto and Ricardo Nascimento Ferreira. Among the qualities that I value most, I note their competence, diverse technical knowledge, professionalism, consistency and confidence.’

‘I highlight Partner Sofia Vaz Sampaio: legally speaking, she is an excellent lawyer, she investigates all issues in depth, with excellent results in the extremely complex processes that are handed to her.’

Mariana Soares David

Other key lawyers Dispute Resolution
2024

‘I would clearly recommend all the partners and associates with whom I have worked more directly, in particular: Filipe Vaz Pinto and Ricardo Nascimento Ferreira. Among the qualities that I value most, I note their competence, diverse technical knowledge, professionalism, consistency and confidence.’

An exceptional team led by Luis Miguel Monteiro that combines legal knowledge with the search for practical solutions that interest companies.’

‘The quality of Helena Tapp Barroso’s work is unquestionable. The versatility of the solutions presented and the intelligent way in which she perceives the needs of each client make Helena stand out as an excellent professional.’

'Helena Tapp Barroso is enormously calm in trials and has great emotional intelligence and results.'

Pedro Pardal Goulão

Leading Individuals Employment
2024

Isabel Valente Dias

Other key lawyers Employment
2024

'José Amorim Magalhães is very focused on solving problems in an assertive way, with excellent results.’

‘Paula Ponces Camanho shows exceptional dedication to clients, doing everything she can to win. Helena Tapp Barroso is enormously calm in trials and has great emotional intelligence and results. 

‘I have 100% trust in their work and that is why I chose and continue to choose Morais Leitão. I usually work with Ricardo Andrade Amaro and Helder Mourato.’

Catarina Brito Ferreira

Leading Individuals Energy and natural resources
2024

‘I have 100% trust in their work and that is why I chose and continue to choose Morais Leitão. I usually work with Ricardo Andrade Amaro and Helder Mourato.’

Joana Alves de Abreu

Other key lawyers Energy and natural resources
2024

Vítor Pereira das Neves

Other key lawyers Energy and natural resources
2024

‘Inês Gouveia and Joaquim Vieira Peres – specialised and solid knowledge; rigor; pragmatic approach to customer requests; delivery with a focus on the customer and its core business’

‘The team led by Dr. Vieira Peres has extensive experience at international level. She is very competent and knowledgeable about client dynamics.’

Pedro de Gouveia e Melo

Next Generation Partners EU and Competition
2024

‘Inês Gouveia and Joaquim Vieira Peres – specialised and solid knowledge; rigor; pragmatic approach to customer requests; delivery with a focus on the customer and its core business’

Carlos Botelho Moniz

Other key lawyers EU and Competition
2024

‘I recommend Eduardo Maia Cadete for his work, involvement and availability necessary to achieve the results expected by his client.’

‘Luís Nascimento Ferreira and Dzhamil Oda provided us with great support throughout our merger filing process.’

Philipp Melcher stands out for his quality in advice and litigation on EU law. He is very good value for money for litigation in the Court of Justice of the European Union, and a very knowledgeable and qualified lawyer in particular on State aid, competition law and transport law.’

‘Rui Patricio is an excellent and exceptional lawyer with limitless human value.’

‘I recommend for Rui Patrício and Tiago Geraldo.’

 

‘I recommend for Rui Patrício and Tiago Geraldo.’

Duarte Santana Lopes

Other Key Lawyers Fraud and White Collar Crime
2024

João Matos Viana

Other key lawyers Fraud and White Collar Crime
2024

'Nuno Gundar da Cruz’s qualities include trust, availability, discretion, and ethics.’

Carlos Osório de Castro

Other key lawyers Insolvency and Restructuring
2024

Catarina Martins Morão

Other key lawyers Insolvency and Restructuring
2024

Pedro Gorjão Henriques

Other key lawyers Insolvency and Restructuring
2024

Filipe Lowndes Marques

Other key lawyers Insolvency and Restructuring
2024

‘Vasco Stilwell d’Andrade has a unique ability to present complex arguments in an understandable way, making him extremely valuable in large-scale cases.’

‘Vasco Stilwell D’Andrade is superb. He integrates well with our client teams and provides flawless and unique advice often seamlessly transitioning and modifying our US Strategy for compliance with the laws and practice norms of the European Union. Most importantly, Vasco is a swift and effective communicator.’

 

 

Maria Luísa Cyrne

Other key lawyers Intellectual Property
2024

Maria Almeida e Silva

Other key lawyers Intellectual Property
2024

‘The team, led by João Pereira Reis and Rui Ribeiro Lima, is a market reference in urban planning. They demonstrate extensive technical and legal expertise.’

‘Rui Ribeiro Lima is an excellent communicator and very well respected in the industry.’

‘Rui Ribeiro Lima is an exceptional professional and an excellent person with integrity.’

‘The team, led by João Pereira Reis and Rui Ribeiro Lima, is a market reference in urban planning. They demonstrate extensive technical and legal expertise.’

‘In urban planning law, Rui Ribeiro Lima’s decisive role in our processes has been highly effective, earning him strong recommendations and positive feedback from our real estate investor clients.’

Bernardo Maria Lobo Xavier

Leading Individuals Porto: Leading Commercial Firms
2024

 

‘João Anacoreta Correia – in-depth knowledge of the company’s needs and fully available to provide support in all necessary activities.’

Paulo Rendeiro

Next Generation Partners Porto: Leading Commercial Firms
2024

Paula Ponces Camanho

Next Generation Partners Porto: Leading Commercial Firms
2024

Filipa Godinho Duarte

Other key lawyers Porto: Leading Commercial Firms
2024

Gonçalo Andrade e Castro

Other key lawyers Porto: Leading Commercial Firms
2024

Jorge Simões Cortez

Other key lawyers Porto: Leading Commercial Firms
2024

‘Isabel Santos Fidalgo – closeness and commitment.’

José Amorim Magalhães

Other key lawyers Porto: Leading Commercial Firms
2024

 

‘Cláudia Castanheira dos Santos and Filipe Lowndes Marques stand out for their availability, technical skills, ability to meet deadlines, and organisation of processes.’

Filipa Morais Alçada

Rising Star Projects and Project Finance
2024

‘Cláudia Castanheira dos Santos and Filipe Lowndes Marques stand out for their availability, technical skills, ability to meet deadlines, and organisation of processes.’

‘Elmano Sousa Costa is knowledgeable of subjects and promotes a good working environment.'

João Honorato

Other key lawyers Projects and Project Finance
2024

‘Margarida Olazabal Cabral has in-depth knowledge of the laws and a lot of experience.’

‘Margarida Olazabal Cabral has deep knowledge of the subjects, the local legal system, and the sector.’

Pedro Costa Gonçalves

Hall of Fame Public Law
2024

Diana Ettner

Rising Star Public Law
2024

 

‘Miguel Nogueira de Brito has in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge, understanding his clients’ industries well.’

‘Vasco Xavier Mesquita provides top quality support and excellent quality advice, making us feel like a truly valued client.’

‘João Torroaes Valente has a deep knowledge of the real estate market, is deal-oriented, and is outstanding when it comes to negotiating transaction agreements.’

‘João Torroaes Valente has great business experience, in-depth knowledge of the sector, and the ability to anticipate problems.’

‘João Torroaes Valente is outstanding and goal-oriented. He was able to mediate in difficult situations with the buyer side.’

‘João Torroaes Valente is a super experienced, very creative, and truly problem solver lawyer.’

'João Fitas has excellent dedication and high quality of output, and is very reliable.’

'Andreia Bento Simões is very available and always focused on achieving the client’s goals.’

'Andreia Bento Simões is truly impressive.’

Maria Carolina Gonçalves

Other key lawyers Real Estate and Construction
2024

 

Francisco de Sousa da Câmara

Hall of Fame Tax
2024

 

‘Isabel Santos Fidalgo – closeness and commitment.’

‘Ricardo Moura: knowledge, ability to analyse and respond in a timely manner.’

Joana Duro

Other key lawyers TMT
2024

Inês Ferrari Careto

Other key lawyers TMT
2024

João Tiago Silveira

Other key lawyers Transports
2024

Claudia Santos Cruz

Leading Individuals Transports
2024

‘More than once I have worked with Bruno Xavier de Pina. He is very consistent with his opinions, is an excellent professional, and gives you the confidence required to trust his advice regarding business matters.’

‘Irina Neves Ferreira is amazing, she is very sharp and savvy.' 

‘André de Sousa Vieira has an excellent appreciation of the requirements of the international market and combines that expertise with a first-class understanding of Portuguese law. This is particularly useful in jurisdictions such as Angola and Mozambique.’