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Chambers Europe

Lauded for its “fantastic energy expertise,” this firm maintains its strong position in the market thanks largely to its relationship with chief national energy client EDP. Indeed, it is through working for this key client that the firm has been able to develop its energy experience outside Portugal. For example, the practice represented EDP in the EUR2 billion acquisition of Horizon Wind Energy, the third major renewable energy operator in the USA. Sources commented: “This firm is totally deserving of a place in the top tier - it has accumulated significant knowledge working with EDP and also a strong presence in renewable projects.” The firm is a member of the Energy Law Group. Clients/Work Highlights: The lawyers advised EDP on the negotiation of a strategic partnership with Sonatrach, an Algerian gas supply company, relating to gas and power-generation businesses. The firm acted for REN and the Portuguese government on REN’s IPO and the first phase of its privatisation. The firm also assisted EDP Produção-Bioeléctrica with the implementation of a strategic partnership with Caima Energia.
Two partners and nine associates make up the administrative, real estate and urban planning department at this large firm. Working with both public and private clients, the team enjoys a solid reputation among peers and is praised by clients for its “deep knowledge and timely response.” Clients/Work Highlights: The team continues to advise Spanish group Abertis Infrastructures on the construction of a 150-hectare logistics platform near Lisbon. It is also active in the tourist sector, where it is advising SAIP on the planning and construction of a EUR900 million venture in the Alentejo region. Other notable clients include international shopping centre specialist Sonae Sierra and the famous hotel chain Hilton International.
Widely known for its long-standing relationship with EDP, one of the most important energy players in Portugal, this “top-rated” team shows a wealth of experience and fine grasp of the sector, according to sources. Its involvement in the growing energy market is illustrated by members of the firm advising EDP on the EUR720 million sale of its shareholding in Galp Energia to Américo Amorim Group. On the regulatory side, the firm acted for EDP on legal issues concerning electricity tariffs and jurisdiction of the Portuguese regulatory authority. This firm was a favourite among clients for its “extraordinary legal and sector know-how and high availability.” Clients/Work Highlights: The firm represented Rede Eléctrica Nacional (REN) in the EUR945 million sale to Amorim Energia of its 18.3% shareholding in Galp Energia. The team advised REN and the Portuguese government on its IPO. Other notable clients are EBM; Enernova; NQF Energia; Portgás; Águas de Portugal; MECI and Tagusgás.
This full-service firm houses a large practice group covering administrative law, real estate and planning. The team has considerable expertise in the area of planning for industrial, commercial and residential real estate and regularly assists the government and municipalities with urban operations. Recent highlights include advising Sociedade Alentejana de Investimentos & Participações (SAIP) on the planning and construction of a EUR900 million tourism real estate venture in the Alentejo, and assisting the public ministry of construction, transport and communication with the Portugal Logístico project. Clients/Work Highlights: The team advised Vila Sol on the planning and construction of a EUR40 million five-star tourist resort and golf course in the Algarve. Sonae Sierra instructed the group on licensing, land use and planning issues related to the construction of shopping centres. The practice also advised clients on a number of expropriation matters for projects such as Metro Sul do Tejo’s construction of the surface subway system on the south bank of the Tagus River. Other clients include Câmara Municipal de Cascais; Câmara Municipal do Cartaxo; Jerónimo Martins; Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation; Lusoponte and Lusotur.
This firm maintains a high profile in the energy sector, in part due to its relationships with prominent clients EDP - Energias de Portugal and REN. Recently, the team advised EDP on an IPO of approximately 25% of EDP’s share capital. The team is also informed from an international perspective: it advised EDP on the negotiation of a strategic partnership with Sonatrach, an Algerian gas supply company. Sources note that this team is “co-operative and productive – the lawyers are excellent at finding solutions to problems.” The team’s “deep knowledge of its clients’ businesses” also wins praise.
The planning team at this full-service domestic heavyweight makes the most of the firm's range of coverage and expertise: besides being part of the umbrella administrative, real estate and urban planning department, the team works in close collaboration with corporate, tax and finance colleagues, as well as the competition desk should the project involve a regulated sector. The firm receives a substantial amount of work from the tourism sector, and recently provided planning and construction advice to Saip, Casa Amiga and Vila Sol.The firm acts on behalf of clients from its bases in Lisbon, Porto and Madeira, and is the Portugal representative in the world’s leading association of independent law firms, Lex Mundi. The firm acts on behalf of clients from its bases in Lisbon, Porto and Madeira, and is the Portugal representative in the world’s leading association of independent law firms, Lex Mundi.
This firm attracts clients with its broad range of specialisations and its lawyers' excellent availability and dedication. The real estate department advises on public law and planning, and benefits from a strong track record in construction and tourism matters. It recently advised SAIP on the planning and construction of a tourist resort in Alqueva, in Alentejo, a development that includes four golf courses, three hotels and several residential units.
This firm's excellent reputation extends to its planning group, which, as part of the public law department, benefits from the input and expertise of a variety of practitioners. Whilst the team's bread-and-butter work comes from the tourism sector, it has been diversifying and branching out into logistics and business parks of late. The practice continues to advise SAIP on the planning and construction of Alentejo leisure venture Alqueva, and was also instructed by regular client Sonae Sierra on real estate and construction matters relating to retail centre plans.
The real estate practice at this highly regarded firm is integrated into the planning section of the public law department. It advised Eiffage on the planning and construction project for the Barreiro Retail Planet, and assisted regular client Sonae Sierra Group with real estate and construction matters linked to shopping centres. The team wins praise for building strong relationships with its clients through the high quality of its work, and its dedication to getting to know clients' business and interests.
This large Portuguese firm remains a number-one choice for energy work. The strong group comprises eight fee earners working from within the corporate department, combining commercial expertise and regulatory advice. In addition, the firm has an autonomous environmental team housed within the public law practice. The firm strikes a good balance between national and international clients, with major energy companies at the core of its clientele. In a recent highlight, the team advised EDP - Energias de Portugal and Hidroeléctrica del Cantábrico on the acquisition of Ente Vasco de Energia's 29.3% share in Naturgas. The practice handles a large number of international cases and cross-border transactions and is key to the global expansion of its clients. Sources say: "It is a hard-working, knowledgeable team with excellent links to different law firms around the globe. It can comfortably handle multi-jurisdictional transactions."
The planning practice at this Portuguese giant is drawn from the firm's public law and real estate teams, with three partners and five associates active in the area. The group advises on various sectors such as tourism, logistics and construction, and its clients include domestic players such as Sonae Sierra, Abertis Logística and Depomor
This team focuses on corporate real estate, tourism and urban planning, and its areas of expertise include finance, planning and litigation. The group has a multidisciplinary team of nine practitioners, each of whom offers different skills; however, clients invariably report commercial awareness and a practical approach to be common to all the firm's lawyers. Sources say: "Part of the Portuguese magic circle.
The planning team at this leading Portuguese firm is housed in the public law department. It handles urban planning, licensing and environmental issues and assists a diverse client base including private sector entities, public institutions and architects. Major recent highlights include acting for SAIP on the construction of a key tourist development in Alentejo worth over EUR1 million, and advising Sonae Sierra on land use and licences relating to shopping centres.
This traditional full-service firm enjoys a sterling reputation and receives many of the most prominent energy mandates in the market. The team handles transactional and regulatory work on behalf of well-known clients such as REN, Abertis Infraestructuras, Repsol and EDP - Energias de Portugal. Recent highlights include assisting the Portuguese government with the sale of a 21.35% stake in EDP, and advising BP on the sale of its LPG business in Portugal. Sources say: "The lawyers understand our business and I feel safe in their hands. They find good solutions but don't create false expectations – they are always clear."
This sophisticated domestic firm enjoys an outstanding reputation in planning law. It advises on a variety of related matters, from land use, municipal taxes and construction licensing to litigation. Recently, the team advised long-standing client EDP – Gestão da Produção de Energia on the construction licensing of a hydroelectric installation in the River Távora. Showcasing its prowess in litigation and strength with municipalities, the lawyers represented the municipality of Cascais in an urban planning dispute. Sources say: "The lawyers have proved to be extremely knowledgeable, prompt and pragmatic." "They take a structured and straightforward approach to problem solving."
Full-service Portuguese giant offering a breadth of expertise across all planning issues. Frequently advises on municipal land use and the construction of retail, tourism and industrial sites. "We have an excellent opinion of the firm and appreciate its great professionalism."
Full-service Portuguese giant offering a breadth of expertise across all planning issues. Frequently advises on municipal land use and the construction of retail, tourism and industrial sites. "We have an excellent opinion of the firm and appreciate its great professionalism."
Well-known firm in the market with an outstanding team able to provide comprehensive planning advice. Skilled in assisting with urban regeneration, high-profile tourist and development projects. Able to advise on licensing procedures, land use plans, environmental impacts and a variety of contentious matters. Clients highlight the firm's standing in the market, saying: "Taking into account the high reputation of the firm nationally and internationally, it is a service of excellence, providing answers in good time with the highest degree of professionalism."
 What the team is known for:  Prolific firm with an outstanding team able to provide comprehensive planning advice. Skilled in assisting with high-profile tourist ventures and industrial development projects, and regularly sought after for its advice on urban regeneration operations. Able to advise on licensing procedures, land use plans, environmental impacts and a variety of contentious matters.  Strengths:  The team members are "very accurate in the analysis they do, especially for a very specific question or subject," according to a client, who further says: "They know what they are talking about with urban planning."

Experienced department able to provide comprehensive planning advice. Skilled in assisting with tourist ventures and residential development projects, and regularly sought after for its advice on urban regeneration operations, including related tax benefits. Able to advise on land use plans and offers additional expertise in environment law. Activity extends to representation in planning disputes. Clients highlight the team's "expertise, knowledge and availability."

Experienced department able to provide comprehensive planning advice. Skilled in assisting with tourist ventures and residential development projects, and regularly sought after for its advice on urban regeneration operations, including related tax benefits. Able to advise on land use plans and offers additional expertise in licensing. Also offers support on joint ventures and purchases. Activity extends to representation in planning litigation. One client praises the team's "turnaround timings and thorough knowledge of planning legislation," adding: "They have been instrumental to our activity so far." Another interviewee highlights the team's "wide range of knowledge and experience."

"The lawyers at Morais Leitão show proficiency in the relations with local authorities, excellent knowledge in urbanism and related legal matters."

"The team shows in-depth knowledge about the procedures and timings of the local authorities while dealing with delicate issues. They always have a positive hands-on attitude."

"The lawyers' ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters is the reason to work with them."

Legal 500

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is ‘very good for real estate advice’, and its sharp focus on the tourism sector has brought a flow of work. Led by Fernanda Matoso, the group also features João Pereira Reis, who recently advised Logoálapega on the planning and construction of tourism real estate ventures valued at €310m. Elsewhere, Pereira Reis acted for Sonae Sierra on real estate and construction matters surrounding the development of shopping centres.
The ‘outstanding’ Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is universally agreed to have top-tier skills in this area. The team, including the ‘very good’ Rui de Oliveira Neves, recently advised EDP and Hidroeléctrica del Cantábrico on its €617m acquisition of Ente Vasco de Energia’s share in Naturagas. Energy expert Nuno Galvão Teles is highly recommended, along with environment specialists Fernanda Matoso and João Pereira Reis. Reis is advising Sonae Sierra on environmental impact studies and litigation, and acting for Sovena Group on its €90m acquisition of the Portuguese companies of SOS Corporácion Alimentaria. Casa Amiga, SAIP and Abertis are also clients.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has expertise spanning financing, planning and litigation, and it provides ‘very high-quality service’. Filipa Arantes Pedroso continues to advise Abertis on matters relating to its investments in Portugal, and Lusoponte on maintenance issues regarding the 25 de Abril bridge in Lisbon. João Pereira Reis advises on zoning, planning, environmental and contentious matters, including assisting SAIP in the planning and construction of a tourism and leisure complex in the Alentejo region.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has a superb reputation in this space, particularly for being ‘number one in electricity’. Clients include EDP, REN Group, Sonae Sierra, SAIP, Casa Amiga and Sovena Group. On the energy side, Nuno Galvão Teles has ‘deep experience’, with Fernanda Matoso and João Pereira Reis handling environmental matters. Rui de Oliveira Neves is also recommended.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is ‘without doubt one of the leading firms for energy work’. Nuno Galvão Teles and Rui de Oliveira Neves advised EDP on the disposal of a stake in EDP Renováveis Portugal to a company in the China Three Gorges group, and also advised the Portuguese Republic and Parpública on the eighth phase of the reprivatisation of EDP, worth $3.4bn. ‘One of the most active and respected energy lawyers’, Neves has ‘extensive experience handling complex transactions in the energy arena’. On the environmental side, Fernanda Matoso and João Pereira Reis act for Sonae Sierra, Abertis and Respol Resinas.
At the ‘excellent’ Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados, João Pereira Reis has ‘in-depth knowledge across administrative, urban planning and environmental law’, and provides ‘excellent, authoritative and well-researched written legal opinions’. Reis is advising Sonae Capital on land use, licensing and planning matters. Filipa Arantes Pedroso advised Zara Portugal on the €73m acquisition of Massimo Dutti Portugal from the Regojo Group, and is also acting for Ponte Gadea on the acquisition of a building in Lisbon. Other clients include Eurohypo and Solaris Portugal. Senior associate Rita Ferreira Vicente is also recommended.
A top provider’ of ‘high-impact service’, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is ‘number one in electricity’. Nuno Galvão Teles and associate Ricardo Andrade Amaro are highly regarded energy practitioners. Fernanda Matoso and João Pereira Reis are names to note on the environmental side. The firm continues to advise the Portuguese state in relation to the privatisations of EDP and REN. Rui de Oliveira Neves has moved to an in-house position with Galp.
One of the most respected law firms in Portugal’, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados’ strengths include development, logistics and car parks. Senior partner and urban development expert João Pereira Reis and senior associate Rui Ribeiro Lima are ‘outstanding professionals with strong knowledge and experience’. Variously head of corporate, tourism and real estate, Filipa Arantes Pedroso advised the Danish subsidiary of Babcock & Wilcox on a €26m waste-to-energy project on the island of Terceira in the Azores. Rita Ferreira Vicente advised Hypothekenbank Frankfurt’s Lisbon entity on restructuring the financing of various real estate projects. Other clients include Espirito Santo Group, Vinci Group and Câmara Municipal de Cascais.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados provides ‘a high standard’ of service. Nuno Galvão Teles and senior associates Ricardo Andrade Amaro are advising EDP – Energias de Portugal on electricity tariffs. Tomás Vaz Pinto heads the energy practice. João Pereira Reis, who heads the environment team, is advising Sonae Sierra on environmental impact studies.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados combines its planning practice with its public law and environment departments, and frequently advises on tourism projects. João Pereira Reis and senior associate Rui Ribeiro Lima advised Sonae Capital on land use plans and the licensing of urban operations.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados combines public law and environmental expertise with planning law. The team recently advised Living Amoras on attaining licenses for a student housing project with over 200 apartments, and assisted Sonae Sierra with land use planning matters. João Pereira Reis and managing associate Rui Ribeiro Lima are the names to note.

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associado brings public law expertise to the table and continued to assist key client Sonae Sierra in land use planning and municipal tax matters related to its real estate properties and construction developments. João Pereira Reis and managing associate Rui Ribeiro Lima are the names to note.

Lawyers

Chambers Europe

With a distinguished background in public administration, João Pereira Reis is widely regarded as an authority on planning law in Portugal. Described by one source as a "very well-known and high-performing lawyer," he has over 30 years of experience and accumulated knowledge that makes him a valued adviser to clients such as Sonae Sierra and the Municipality of Cascais. He was mandated by Azimutescolha on the licensing of several urban regeneration projects in Lisbon.
Planning expert João Pereira Reis is well known in the market as "a specialist in the areas of urban planning and environment." He is noted for his background in public administration, with one source enthusing: "He is very experienced and respected; for me he is the best."

Rui Ribeiro Lima

Associates to watch Planning
2016

João Pereira Reis

Band 1 Planning
2016
Leading practitioner João Pereira Reis is highlighted by peers for his long-standing experience: "He has a name in this market."
Senior associate Rui Ribeiro Lima is a highly active team member and specialises in the installation of alternative energy power plants.
João Pereira Reis is lauded by market commentators for his pragmatism and depth of expertise: “He has extensive knowledge and helps us find the right way to proceed in negotiations. He is direct and pragmatic," say interviewees. He recently advised landscape design company Biodesign on four municipal land use plans in the Algarve.
Rui Ribeiro Lima enjoys a burgeoning practice and elicits “complete trust” from clients.
Nuno Galvão Teles is a well-established corporate lawyer with ample experience in the sector.
Finance specialist Luís Branco supports the energy team on large transactions in the energy area.
Sources recognise department head João Pereira Reis as a market leader, highlighting his experience, strong personal relationships and expertise in the planning area.
Associate to watch Rui Ribeiro Lima is an important team member who advises a number of key clients.
Senior partner Nuno Galvão Teles heads the department and is universally recognised by the market as a true energy expert. Interviewees praise his "extensive network, ample sector understanding and ability to put a strong team together to assist his clients."
Luís Branco is a towering figure in project finance and plays a key role in energy transactions
João Pereira Reis leads much of the firm's work in the sector and recently advised SAIP on planning and construction in the tourism sector. He has valuable experience in public administration, having occupied various positions over the years.
Commentators see partner João Pereira Reis as a point of reference in the field, and value his “thoughtfulness and analytical skills, which cover a wide range of areas.”
Corporate lawyer Nuno Galvão Teles co-ordinates the practice and is recognised for his considerable expertise in the electricity industry, mostly through advising EDP. He builds strong relationships with his "great dedication to clients, unparalleled technical knowledge, negotiating skills and good honest advice on problem resolution."
“Excellent” project finance practitioner Luís Branco is recognised as a player in the energy sector, where he has mainly acted on the side of banks in energy projects.
As former secretary of state for local administration and land use planning, João Pereira Reis naturally packs experience, prestige and a strong contacts list.
This high quality group is fronted by two respected lawyers, Margarida Olazabal Cabral and Pedro Gonçalves.
This high quality group is fronted by two respected lawyers, Margarida Olazabal Cabral and Pedro Gonçalves.
Partner in charge of the firm’s energy group, Nuno Galvão Teles is a “magnificent corporate lawyer with great negotiating skills.” Peers also singled out his “excellent track record in the energy sector advising star client EDP.”
Head of department is partner João Pereira Reis. His former position as secretary of state for local administration and land use planning ensures his high profile, as well as his status as a reference, in the field.
Peers acknowledge that the team benefits enormously from the depth of experience of João Pereira Reis, a former secretary of state for local administration and land use planning. “One of the best lawyers around,” he boasts a “vast, highly specialised knowledge of the area” and provides clear advice, according to interviewees. He recently assisted Spanish client abertis logística with the planning and construction of a EUR400 million 150-hectare logistics platform near Lisbon.
Head of the energy practice group, Nuno Galvão Teles is endorsed as “almost an in-house lawyer for EDP.” Branded as a corporate lawyer, he is in addition recognised for his regulatory skills. Clients furthermore highlighted his “outstanding work capacity and ability to lead his team.”

Legal 500

João Pereira Reis

Leading Lawyer Planning Law
2019

Rui Ribeiro Lima

Next Generation Lawyer Planning Law
2019

João Pereira Reis

Leading Lawyer Planning Law
2018

Rui Ribeiro Lima

Next Generation Lawyer Planning Law
2018

João Pereira Reis

Leading Lawyer Planning Law
2017

Rui Ribeiro Lima

Next Generation Lawyer Planning Law
2017