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Chambers Europe

The Firm

Renowned outfit with a sizeable office providing a wide range of services to international corporate as well as high-profile domestic clients and local businesses. Extensive tax support encompassing corporate tax, indirect tax and litigation. Solid corporate offering with further expertise in capital markets and competition matters. Interviewees credit the solid support provided by the office: "We see them as partners, who are available, effective and loyal." A further source reaffirms: "They provide a good support and we are very pleased with the work as they provide a partnership with us."
Full range of experience of maritime issues, including assisting clients with ship registration and sale of vessels. Further noted for its work in contentious matters, detention of vessels and contractual issues. One client states that they are "always impressed with the work" of the team. A further sources says: "I am satisfied with their performance, especially as it is reliable and all tasks have been done in an accurate and timely manner."
Cross-departmental aviation practice with experience in finance, insurance and labour law. Particularly active on civil and military aviation, providing advice to clients within the fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter fields. Frequently advises leading air carriers and international aircraft suppliers on licensing, registration, insurance and purchase agreements. Interviewees appreciate the team's thorough approach: "They are very organised and very careful with the preparation of the process." One source describes the firm as "knowledgeable and diligent."
Respected TMT practice, specifically in related litigation. Further notable experience in data protection and privacy issues, especially in the electronic communications sector. Also handles technological matters including outsourcing solutions and network updates. One client highlights the team's "strong skills and knowledge advising and drafting agreements for business, licensing and rights distribution, providing the right support to protect our company."
Highly regarded practice handling a wide range of tax matters, noted particularly for tax litigation and international tax planning. In addition to maintaining a solid reputation across its Lisbon, Porto and Madeira offices, it also has an increasing presence throughout emerging markets. Team also handles property taxes and transfer pricing. According to clients, "essentially, the performance of the MLGTS team stands out because of the depth of the technical analysis they carry out and the very close follow-up with the client."
Remarkable strength in restructuring matters, including out-of-court negotiations and special revitalisation processes. Also assists clients with national and cross-border insolvency cases. Offers multidisciplinary teams to assist Portuguese and international clients often drawn from the financial services, healthcare and construction sectors. Sources comment on the "very professional" ethos and "high quality" of the team.
Experienced team specialised in transactional real estate matters, supported by corporate law strength. Advises on real estate M&A, joint ventures and portfolio transactions. Offers expertise in urban planning, with highlighted skill in rehabilitation for investment in residential and commercial property. Also advises on the acquisition of land plots for hotels, office space and industrial developments. Sources appreciate the practice's skill in this area, calling it "a great team and very efficient."
Market-leading team of impressive lawyers covering the full range of public law mandates. Practice regularly handles regulatory, public works contracts, public procurement and public tenders for clients in a range of industry sectors including energy, life sciences, transport and construction. Sources highlight "their work capacity and ability to answer questions and solve problems, as well as the rigour with which they work. Throughout the years, they have always handled every situation presented with motivation and responsibility." Further impressed clients remark: "They help us in a wide range of simple and complex matters, including public procurement. They are extremely experienced, responsive and trustworthy."
Market-leading firm adept at handling the full range of project finance matters in energy, construction and infrastructure. Its comprehensive service encompasses activity in lusophone jurisdictions, including Angola, Mozambique and Brazil. Benefits from co-operation with supporting departments, including finance. Sources commend the fact that the team "offers expertise in matters related to road PPPs." Clients note the high quality of service provided by the team, saying: "They are practical, knowledgeable and available."
Multidisciplinary firm covering a range of private equity transactions, including acquisitions, incorporations and transfer of participation units. Advises on the structuring of national and international financing operations. Also handles regulatory issues. Clients appreciate the team's structure and expertise: "They have a good reputation and an experienced senior team, which is a driver for recruiting quality young attorneys. They are outstanding on client focus and specialists on corporate law: transactions, M&A and debt funding." Other sources remark: "They maintain a very high standard, being quick, very informative, available and giving advice even without us asking. Their advice is very complete, with a global view."
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."
Recognised team for patent litigation, particularly active on behalf of key pharmaceutical clients. Also advises major media clients on copyright and trade mark issues, as well as technology companies on adapting to the new copyright levy regime in Portugal. Clients remark: "They are very informative and have quick responses. Also very available and proactive in advising; they provide very complete advice with a global view." Other sources comment on their experience with the firm: "They are very strong in the negotiation process related to trade marks. The advice is always specific for the particular client and sensitive to the precise situation and its objectives. We use their services due to the quality of work, expertise, efficiency and reasonable costs."
Recognised team for patent litigation, particularly active on behalf of key pharmaceutical clients. Also advises major media clients on copyright and trade mark issues, as well as technology companies on adapting to the new copyright levy regime in Portugal. Clients remark: "They are very informative and have quick responses. Also very available and proactive in advising; they provide very complete advice with a global view." Other sources comment on their experience with the firm: "They are very strong in the negotiation process related to trade marks. The advice is always specific for the particular client and sensitive to the precise situation and its objectives. We use their services due to the quality of work, expertise, efficiency and reasonable costs."
Outstanding and experienced insurance team, skilled in advising on both transactional and contentious insurance matters. Well known for representing clients in M&A deals in the area, as well as restructurings and regulatory work. Also assists clients with insurance and reinsurance products and insurance litigation. Offers a strong insurance tax practice. Highly popular with domestic and international insurers. Interviewees highlight the firm's knowledge of the sector: "It is an excellent firm and our first choice in Portugal for insurance law as we have extremely high regard for the abilities of the team." Further sources confirm: "The insurance team covers all of our needs - knowledge, availability and quality of work."
Exceptional practice that offers a scope of expertise across regulatory matters and transactions. Its dedicated department assists key clients in the energy sector, including main operators. Prominent in the renewable energy sector, active of late advising on onshore and offshore wind projects. Offers cross-border capability and international presence with a recognised network of alliances in Angola and Mozambique, assisted by the firm's dedicated Africa and Asia teams. The firm is praised for its support with sources saying: "They are top performers in this area, in energy they are particularly resourceful with one of the top teams in terms of expertise." Another source confirms: "One of the leading firms in renewable energy, they are very knowledgeable and have a clear vision of the sector."
Exceptional practice that offers a scope of expertise across regulatory matters and transactions. Its dedicated department assists key clients in the energy sector, including main operators. Prominent in the renewable energy sector, active of late advising on onshore and offshore wind projects. Offers cross-border capability and international presence with a recognised network of alliances in Angola and Mozambique, assisted by the firm's dedicated Africa and Asia teams. The firm is praised for its support with sources saying: "They are top performers in this area, in energy they are particularly resourceful with one of the top teams in terms of expertise." Another source confirms: "One of the leading firms in renewable energy, they are very knowledgeable and have a clear vision of the sector."
Excellent practice providing a comprehensive service encompassing corporate restructurings, collective dismissals, collective agreements and business transfers. Particularly strong in employment-related litigation. Adept at advising a range of clients, including major players in the financial services, energy and communications sectors. Interviewees highlight the "good expertise and strong employment team" offered by the firm. One client notes: "This employment department provides a high standard of service, with a clear focus on the results and clients' needs." One source confirms: "The firm has a team of competent, capable and knowledgeable lawyers" able to assist with employment matters.
Portuguese powerhouse with a sizeable and expanding department, highly skilled in the full range of commercial and corporate litigation. In addition, offers a dedicated team for white-collar crime, contentious administrative and regulatory cases. Further areas of expertise include restructuring and insolvency, pharmaceutical litigation and international arbitration involving Portuguese-speaking jurisdictions such as Angola and Mozambique. Clients praise the team's standing in the market: "It is the best firm in Portugal. Their knowledge even in the most complex and specific matters is very high and their availability and qualification to solve problems is well known in the country. The partners of the firm are highly regarded in Portugal which gives a lot of confidence." Another source notes: "They demonstrated very good industry knowledge with a high quality team."
Excellent reputation in the market for full-service counsel, including complex M&A transactions and general corporate advice. Offers a multidisciplinary team able to provide specialist expertise from cross-practice support, particularly involving the finance, energy and pharmaceutical sectors. Acts for a variety of high-profile clients in addition to an increasing number of entrepreneurs. Offers well-established alliances, particularly with firms in Africa. "An excellent law firm. They put a lot of effort into the client’s satisfaction. This is reflected not only in the good work done, but also in the excellent relationship established with the client." "They are very competent and very business-oriented."
Market-leading practice noted for advising on high-value domestic and international matters. Wide range of advice includes competition disputes, state aid, merger control cases and antitrust investigations. Advises major clients from a variety of industries, including financial services, TMT and energy. Interviewees note the dedication of the team, saying: "They have rigour, professionalism and attention in everything they do and they inform us constantly about all legal points of view." Another source appreciates "their business acumen, deep and extensive knowledge and their willingness to go the extra mile for their clients."
Full service firm with an outstanding reputation in the capital markets sphere, particularly noted for its leading debt capital markets practice. Highly experienced transactional practice with additional coverage of capital and hybrid matters as well as handling the full scope of regulatory issues. Noted for its capabilities in domestic and international matters. The team is praised by sources for its responsiveness and commitment to clients: "My team of choice; they are knowledgeable, supportive and understand urgency. They provide useful legal insight." One client considers them: "One of the best. They have a lot of experience in capital markets and give good advice."
Widely reputed team with a multidisciplinary approach, handling the full scope of banking and finance matters. Frequently acts for lenders on acquisition finance and restructuring matters. Additional focus on private equity financing, regulatory and project financing issues. Active in cross-border matters involving Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Angola. Sources credit the firm's presence in the market and consistent quality: "A good firm with an extensive area of expertise." Another source confirms: "A very well established firm in Portugal that provides a good quality of service."

Lawyers

Ricardo Andrade Amaro regularly assists clients with setting up funds. He advised EDP - Energias de Portugal on the incorporation of a private equity fund and manager for the purposes of bidding to a public tender.
Claudia Santos Cruz is praised by sources for having "always provided exemplary and inventive advice in challenging situations." She has recently advised on a range of issues, including detention of vessels and customs issues.
Department head Segismundo Pinto Basto is the key contact for clients.
Cátia Henriques Fernandes has recent experience assisting United European Car Carriers with registration issues concerning fleet vessels registered with the International Shipping Register of Madeira. One client praises her as "very skilful," while others add that she is "immensely supportive" and "unflappable in times of stress and tight deadlines."
Nuno Peres Alves is recognised by peers for his work in the field, particularly in TMT-related litigation. He assisted NOS with administrative procedures before ANACOM regarding renewals of rights of use. Clients say: "He understands the implications of the business and technical decisions, which is remarkable."
Bruno Santiago has a strong presence handling the tax aspects of contentious matters, as well as cross-border investments and transfer pricing.
António Lobo Xavier leads the tax team in Porto and is viewed in the market as an "excellent lawyer." His clientele is both Portuguese and international, coming from varied industry sectors such as telecoms and finance.
"Top" lawyer Francisco de Sousa da Câmara focuses on corporate taxation and restructurings. He also handles tax litigation and arbitration cases.
Rita Ferreira Vicente has expertise in the development of office parks, shopping centres and negotiating real estate contracts. Clients describe her as "on the ball and available." Recently, she advised ING on the financing of a EUR79 million term loan granted to refinance the development of Alegro Setúbal Shopping Centre.
Department head Filipa Arantes Pedroso regularly assists clients with major real estate transactions, such as asset and share deals, sale and leasebacks and tourism projects. She is lauded by sources for her "global comprehension and deep understanding of the national and international real estate sector."
Nuno Peres Alves continues to handle public works contracts as well as litigation in the public law field. Sources highlight his hands-on approach.
Margarida Olazabal Cabral maintains an impressive practice in public procurement, advising both private companies and public entities. Clients highlight her "great knowledge in the area of ​​administrative law, great negotiation skills and full availability."
Miguel Nogueira de Brito remains a known and respected practitioner for public procurement, constitutional and administrative law.
Based in the firm's Porto office, Pedro Costa Gonçalves frequently handles administrative law and is noted for his impressive academic prowess.
Filipa Morais Alçada is observed by sources to be "very solid and well-liked by clients." She is active in project financing matters, representing both lenders and sponsors, commonly in the areas of energy, infrastructure and waste.
Filipe Lowndes Marques is endorsed for his project finance expertise. He advises on a range of complex projects including those in the infrastructure and renewable energy sectors. Sources say that "he has a lot of experience in project finance" and "very good knowledge of the issues and a practical approach."
Cláudia Castanheira dos Santos is a key member of the projects team. She regularly assists with projects in the energy sector and road concessions. Clients highlight that she is "always supportive" and "very helpful" on matters.
Banking and finance expert Luís Branco receives great praise from sources who consider him "one of the most experienced lawyers in Portugal for projects." His wide-ranging practice encompasses both structured and project finance, and he has been active in a range of refinancing mandates.
Tomás Vaz Pinto is highly experienced in private equity M&A and assists various clients in this sector, who appreciate his "dedication, technical capacities and negotiation skills."
Ricardo Andrade Amaro has significant experience in securities and corporate and commercial law. He often provides everyday regulatory advice to private equity funds.
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."
Vasco Stilwell d'Andrade focuses mainly on trade mark, patent and copyright litigation, as well as IP licensing topics. Sources say: "He is very strong in the negotiation process for trade mark oppositions and trade mark consent agreements. He is a very valuable asset."
Margarida Lima Rego maintains an excellent reputation in the market as having "considerable knowledge in the area of insurance." She is highlighted for her depth of expertise in insurance law. She regularly assists with transactions and other non-contentious matters in the sector and is also skilled in insurance litigation. Sources describe her as "remarkable" and "experienced."
The "talented" Luísa Soares da Silva leads the insurance, reinsurance and pension funds team at the firm. She is well recognised in the market due to her transactional strength. She regularly advises insurers and pension funds and offers expertise in the sector on M&A, capital markets transactions and restructurings.
Joaquim Vieira Peres offers significant expertise in competition and EU law, and is deemed "extremely knowledgeable on antitrust law" and widely recognised for his experience. He is active on merger control procedures and often handles matters in the retail and distribution sector.
Corporate practitioner Eduardo Verde Pinho has broad experience in the arena, being particularly active on M&A transactions and restructurings. Clients appreciate his support, with one saying: "He has been proposing solutions very proactively."
Jorge Simões Cortez frequently handles M&A and restructuring operations, with notable expertise in the telecoms sector.
Star individual Carlos Osório de Castro is widely admired by clients and peers alike for his extensive experience in the corporate arena. He offers expertise in capital markets and M&A, and is praised as "remarkable," "a very bright lawyer" and "one of the best in Portugal."
Bernardo Maria Lobo Xavier rises in the rankings due to solid market feedback. He co-ordinates a corporate and commercial team and is active on M&A and real estate transactions. Sources praise him for his strength in commercial contracts and highlight his "assertiveness, knowledge and experience."
Tax expert António Lobo Xavier maintains an excellent reputation as "a top lawyer for tax matters," recognised as "very reputed" in the market. He leads a tax group in the office focused on corporate income tax, double taxation treaties and issues arising from M&A and restructurings.
Nuno Galvão Teles is considered by market commentators to be "one of the best lawyers in Portugal." He offers long-standing expertise in the energy sector alongside his role as managing partner of the firm. He is praised as "extremely competent and a good leader."
Catarina Brito Ferreira is highlighted by sources for her dedication. Interviewees also credit her negotiation skills and "extremely hard-working and knowledgeable" approach. Her practice encompasses transactional and regulatory support.
Peers observe Helena Tapp Barroso to be a knowledgeable member of the team. She is noted for her expertise in the TMT sector and frequently assists clients from the telecoms market. Her practice encompasses employment contracts and litigation.
Head of department Pedro Pardal Goulão has a broad practice encompassing collective and individual employment law and social security issues. He is well known in the market and offers particular expertise in sports issues.
Market leader Luís Miguel Monteiro continues to be highly respected as "a very well-known lawyer in labour law." A source acknowledges him as "solid and experienced, which makes him a strong, trustable professional, able to balance solutions with risks." He is active on restructurings, collective dismissals and litigation.
Filipe Vaz Pinto is a valued member of the team, highlighted by sources as "a very promising lawyer." He is praised for his approach: "He's very experienced and focused on every detail of a process."
Head of the litigation and arbitration department António Pinto Leite is a well regarded presence on civil and commercial disputes. He offers additional expertise in IP and pharmaceutical litigation. One source reports: "He is highly regarded in Portugal due to his character and unusual capacity to deal with and find solutions to complex problems. He is a consistent strategist and an outstanding lawyer."
Head of the litigation and arbitration department António Pinto Leite is a well regarded presence on civil and commercial disputes. He offers additional expertise in IP and pharmaceutical litigation. One source reports: "He is highly regarded in Portugal due to his character and unusual capacity to deal with and find solutions to complex problems. He is a consistent strategist and an outstanding lawyer."
Head of the civil and criminal litigation practice group, Rui Patrício is a prominent figure on criminal disputes, widely endorsed for his prowess in the area of corporate crime. Sources acknowledge: "He's experienced and is one of the top names in the area; a brilliant lawyer in criminal law."
Head of the civil and criminal litigation practice group, Rui Patrício is a prominent figure on criminal disputes, widely endorsed for his prowess in the area of corporate crime. Sources acknowledge: "He's experienced and is one of the top names in the area; a brilliant lawyer in criminal law."
José Manuel Galvão Teles maintains a reputation as "the most respected name in the dispute resolution market." His depth of expertise is noted by sources, who praise his command of civil and commercial litigation.
Francisco Cortez is widely respected among sources for his experience in civil, corporate and commercial litigation. He is observed as "very hard-working, attentive and committed." A source notes: "He has a lot of presence and efficiency in the way he approaches problems, which is very valuable."
Tomás Vaz Pinto advises clients on privatisations, M&A transactions and private equity. He offers expertise in deals within the energy sector. Peers note his "very good reputation in the local market as a reliable lawyer." A client adds: "He understands the client as a whole, and is available and proactive."
Head of department João Soares da Silva is considered a "very good M&A lawyer." He is known for his expertise in deals in the financial services sector, often representing banking institutions.
Segismundo Pinto Basto frequently deals in venture capital work for start-ups as well as on a range of corporate matters for clients within the healthcare, agribusiness and aviation industries.
Carlos Osório de Castro is held in high regard as "very pragmatic, with a lot of experience and knowledge in corporate law and M&A." His practice covers various sectors, including sports.
Managing partner Nuno Galvão Teles is particularly well known for his work on deals within the energy sector. His extensive experience covers privatisations, M&A transactions and joint ventures.
Market leader Joaquim Vieira Peres is said to offer "assertiveness and experience" when advising on merger control cases and state aid matters. In addition he frequently represents clients before the European courts. He is active in a wide range of industries and is noted for his expertise in the retail and distribution sector.
Eduardo Maia Cadete is experienced in representing clients before the European commission and the Portuguese and EU competition courts. Interviewees praise "his superb knowledge and attention to detail, which make it easy to work with him."
Inês Gouveia is acknowledged for her solid abilities in competition matters and is noted as "an accomplished lawyer and very able." She is active in merger control cases, restrictive practices and cases related to abuse of dominant position. She offers experience in the retail and distribution sectors.
Pedro de Gouveia e Melo impresses market commentators: "He's very confident with a comprehensive know-how of competition matters." He is active in the energy, financial services and food and beverages sectors.
Head of department Carlos Botelho Moniz offers a wealth of experience in competition matters and is undoubtedly recognised among peers as a leading practitioner. His wide-ranging practice covers merger control cases, state aid and antitrust issues.
Head of M&A and capital markets Luísa Soares da Silva offers experience in privatisations, share capital increases, public offerings and takeovers. She is well-regarded in debt transactions and frequently advises financial institutions. She is praised by sources for her "helpful, innovative and reliable" approach. Another source appreciates her "great expertise in capital markets as well as loan markets - both national and international. She is hands-on and gets personally involved."
Head of the corporate department João Soares da Silva remains a visible practitioner in the capital markets arena. He is particularly noted for his expertise in equity matters.
Eduardo Paulino is active in public offerings, project finance and privatisations, in addition to M&A transactions. A client comments: "I really enjoyed working with him; he took the lead, was very strong, hands-on and with a quick turnaround." Another source appreciated that "his dedication and personal treatment of the project was 100%."
Star individual Carlos Osório de Castro is recognised as "one of the best capital markets lawyers in Portugal," noted for his "experience and knowledge." He assists domestic and international clients, active in the area of capital markets and M&A.
Ricardo Andrade Amaro is a key member of the team, noted for his activity in the energy sector: "He is very good in the assistance of capital markets work where it meets the energy framework as he has good expertise in the energy market." He has recently assisted with securities issues.
Filipe Lowndes Marques is particularly well regarded for his expertise in project finance. He is praised as a "very constructive and dedicated person, he is always there to find solutions to problems that arise." He is active in the infrastructure sector and provides further acumen in securitisations.
Star practitioner Luís Branco continues to be endorsed by peers and clients alike: "He is very reputable; we tend to follow his lead because he has the background." He is a visible presence on structured finance and project finance matters, advising domestic banking institutions and investment funds. Another source confirms that he "has deep knowledge of all the teams and sectors, one of the most knowledgeable lawyers in Portugal - he has a strategic view."

Patrons of the Serralves Foundation's National Contemporary Art Collection