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Chambers Europe

This Portuguese powerhouse has an impressive team of 48 lawyers fully dedicated to corporate advice and M&A transactions. Despite the recent market downturn the team continues to be involved on high-profile mandates such as the takeover bid of Cimpor by the Brazilian corporation CSN - Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional. The group advises international and national clients from all sectors, but is particularly strong in the energy arena. The firm's Porto office also handles M&A transactions. Sources say: "Its technical capability is outstanding and it excels thanks to its excellent client support and international connections."
This Portuguese heavyweight is undoubtedly one of the top-choice destinations for capital markets advice. The 12-strong group is active on debt and equity capital markets mandates, and also advises on securitisation. The bulk of the team's clientele is made up of major Portuguese banks and listed companies. Lawyers recently assisted EDP - Energias de Portugal with the issue of EUR1 billion 3.25% notes, and represented Redes Energéticas Nacionais in the start-up of its MTB programme. Sources say: "Has in-depth knowledge of IPOs and finds creative and innovative solutions."
The powerful competition department at this major Portuguese player remains solidly at the top end of the rankings. It is an autonomous practice that works closely with the firm's corporate, litigation and public law teams, and is divided between the Lisbon and Porto offices. The group covers all areas of the discipline – European law, merger control, antitrust and state aid – and its impressive geographical reach makes it a first choice for private clients and public entities. The group is representing the Portuguese state before the ECJ in several proceedings, and also advised Abbott Laboratories on alleged cartel accusations concerning tender procedures before hospitals. Sources say: "The quality of the team is unquestionable at every level. From trainees to senior partners, the service is attentive and you know that you are in good hands."
This domestic powerhouse is acclaimed by its clients as “the best firm for dispute resolution matters in Portugal.” The litigation and arbitration practice is not only one of the largest in the market, but is also part of a group broad enough to include specialists in corporate and commercial litigation, IP, corporate crime, labour law and national and international arbitration, amongst other areas. The team handles complex dispute resolution, and has been involved in major litigation and arbitration cases.
This firm has a well-established, top-tier employment practice, which features a highly recommended labour litigation team. The team is divided between the firm's Lisbon and Porto offices, and provides assistance with matters across the sector. Thanks to the excellent reputation that it has established, the group continues to attract new clients.
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 IP department of this prestigious firm handles contentious and non-contentious mandates and advises on trade marks, patents, copyrights and image rights. Apart from its heavy workload in the pharmaceutical sector, the group is also strong in media and entertainment. The team can draw upon the firm's selection of high profile lawyers. In 2010, disputes partner António Pinto Leite acted as sole arbitrator for the first national arbitration at ARBITRARE, the Arbitration Centre for Industrial Property.
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
The private equity desk at this domestic major straddles the firm's banking and finance division and its corporate M&A and securities market department. It strength lies in the fact that the group is a market leader for corporate finance, and the private equity team is best recognised for its M&A work. It also provides regulatory and consultancy advice while two recent work highlights have come in fund formation. The team assisted the ECS in establishing the FCR II (Fundo Recuperação II, the second in the recovery funds series), and advised Group EVP Finance (Ridge Solutions) on setting up the Emerging Angola Fund, a platform for investment in Angola.
The project finance team at this Portuguese powerhouse is part of the wider corporate department and stands out for its exceptional full-service offering. The team particularly focuses on the renewable energy sector, notably wind farms and photovoltaic projects. The group also regularly handles PPP projects for road concessions and hospitals. Large banks and financial institutions are the bulk of the team's clientele, and it recently advised Banco Espírito Santo on the financing of the construction, installation and operation of a wind farm located in Cinfães. Sources say: "The team is proactive and has a deep bench of talents in all areas. Definitely one of the best project groups in Portugal."
The ten-strong public law department at this renowned domestic player draws on the firm's multidisciplinary resources and vast experience, enabling it to represent both government bodies and private companies in public law issues across the board. Its client portfolio includes the Ministry of Economy, the national tourism company (ENATUR), the public company in charge of the new Lisbon airport (NAER), and companies from various regulated industries, such as Abbott, Sanofi Pasteur, Sonaecom, EDP, and Somincor. Sources say: "Very active and undoubtedly excellent."
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.
This domestic firm houses a multidisciplinary group of five partners and eight lawyers, providing expertise on all aspects of restructuring and insolvency. The team is primarily focused on creditor counselling and recovery of outstanding accounts, and also advises insolvent companies on restructuring agreements. The bulk of the team's clients are domestic companies, mainly from the finance and industry sectors. Sources say: "It is without a doubt one of the leading firms in the country."
This market-leading firm is highly regarded in the tax arena for its innovative solutions. The large practice is divided between the firm's Lisbon, Funchal and Porto offices. It is particularly strong in national and international tax planning, but offers a wide range of tax services, including arbitration and litigation.
This large domestic firm has a multidisciplinary TMT practice, with practitioners from the administrative, regulation, competition, corporate/M&A and litigation groups all contributing where appropriate. The team aims to give full-service, specialised advice on all aspects of transactional and regulatory work. A key client is Sonaecom Group, which regularly instructs the firm on a broad range of mandates and which lawyers recently assisted with legal action against the Portuguese state regarding administrative rules of the new model for regulatory fees. Media and technology highlights include advising SIC on the digital dividend derived from the transition from analogue to digital TV, as well as assisting Media Zoom with the acquisition of Infoportugal.
This renowned Portuguese firm leads the market in many corporate, commercial and contentious areas, laying the foundations for its robust maritime practice. It provides high-quality advice on a wide range of shipping matters both domestically and internationally. The group recently worked with Ince & Co. on various maritime files.
THE FIRM The Porto office of this long-established firm offers a full service across a number of disciplines. The group is renowned for transactional work, particularly in capital markets and M&A. Clients include large domestic companies in the north of Portugal, as well as international corporations based in the region. The team stands out for its cross-border mandates and recently advised BA Vidros on its acquisition of a stake in a major Spanish industrial company. Sources say: "The quality of the advice is exceptional and, despite being one of the largest firms in the country, it offers a very personalised service."
The two-partner team at this award-winning Portuguese player provides counsel on all aspects of banking and finance. The group is especially active on acquisition finance, international lending, restructuring and real estate finance mandates for a client base including domestic and international banks and companies. It recently advised a syndicate of Portuguese banks on a corporate credit facility and security agreement entered into with Sport TV Portugal.

Chambers Global

Band 1

Banking and Finance

2011
Band 1

Capital Markets

2011
Band 1

Corporate / M&A

2011
Band 1

Dispute Resolution

2011

Legal 500

Without a doubt at the top,’ Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados remains the most prominent firm in Oporto, with capabilities in numerous areas. As ‘one of the best lawyers in the country’, the ‘outstanding’ Carlos Osório de Castro excels on corporate deals and capital markets work, and in 2010 advised Teixeira Duarte on its €970m sale of a stake in Cimpor to Camargo Corrêa. Eduardo Verde Pinho is also recommended for his business acumen in corporate work. The group’s telecoms experts regularly advise Sonaecom Group. Joaquim Vieira Peres is the primary contact for complex EU and competition work, and acts for ZON TV Cabo Portugal and Sonae Investimentos. António Lobo Xavier is highly recommended for tax work, and is advising Barclays Capital on an intragroup financing project worth €1.7bn.
"Undoubtedly a top-tier practice", Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has a very strong banking and finance team, and recent experience of large financing deals. In early 2010, the team advised a syndicate of lenders, including Banco Espírito Santo and Caixa Geral de Depósitos, on financing for Sport TV Portugal. It also advised on the debt restructuring of Controlinveste Group through a €224m secured bond issuance guaranteed by Banco Comercial Português. EDP is also a key client. Practice head Luís Branco is ‘excellent’ and Filipe Lowndes Marques is also highly regarded.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados’ capital markets practice is very highly rated by clients, with the ‘very bright’ Oporto-based Carlos Osório de Castro consistently praised as ‘a leading lawyer’ in the field. This ‘excellent’ team also includes João Soares da Silva and Nuno Galvão Teles. The practice is well known for its work for Banco Comercial Português, recently assisting the bank with its €15bn commercial paper programme and on various floating-rate bond issuances. The practice has an exceptionally strong reputation for both issuer and borrower representations. On the equity side, it is advising Douro Azul on plans for an IPO on Euronext Lisbon. Luísa Soares da Silva and Rui de Oliveira Neves are also recommended.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is widely regarded as the ‘best law firm in Portugal’, and it has a ‘fantastic’ corporate practice. The group advised Cinveste on the €155m sale of its stake in Cimpor to Votorantim and, similarly, Teixeira Duarte on selling its Cimpor stake to Camargo Corrêa for €970m. The group provides ‘very good quality service and advice’ and is extremely active, acting for many companies and banks. Nuno Galvão Teles advised EDP on its €330m acquisition of gas distribution and supply assets from Gas Natural, while Tomás Vaz Pinto has been assisting Pfizer on absorbing the Portuguese subsidiaries of Wyeth. Practice head João Soares da Silva is recommended, along with Carlos Osório de Castro, Oporto-based Bernardo Lobo Xavier, Luísa Soares da Silva, Segismundo Pinto Basto and Rui de Oliveira Neves.
Definitely a first-tier firm’ for dispute resolution, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados’ fantastic reputation extends to work across several sectors, with notable experience in IP, employment and white-collar criminal litigation. The 20-partner team fields some of Portugal’s best-known litigators, and continues to advise Pfizer and BP on several cases, as well as others including Apple, Lusoponte and Auchan Group. The highly regarded Miguel Galvão Teles acted for REN in an arbitration case brought by Galp concerning a breach of a natural gas asset agreement, and is representing REN in ICC arbitration against Amorim Energia. António Pinto Leite is ‘a top name in disputes’, and is currently representing Philips IP. António Sampaio Caramelo is a ‘most knowledgeable’ arbitrator, and José Manuel Galvão Teles is also recommended.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados’ EU and competition practice recently represented the Portuguese government in two infringement proceedings before the European Court of Justice concerning the government’s golden shares in Galp and EDP. It also represented Abbott regarding its alleged participation in a cartel, succeeding in reducing the client’s €7m fine to €3m. The group also assists the litigation, IP and corporate practices with related advice. The ‘fantastic and efficient’ Carlos Botelho Moniz heads the practice, while Oporto-based Joaquim Vieira Peres is also recommended.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has a ‘very good team’ that offers ‘high-quality service’ regarding employment law. Luis Miguel Monteiro, who is praised as a leader in the field, continues to advise Pfizer on its dismissal proceedings and Santander Totta Group on a merger between private and commercial banking groups. Helena Tapp Barroso, who made partner in 2010, and António Pinto Leite advised BP Portugal on restructuring and relocating its accounting services centres from Lisbon to Bangalore. Associate Joana Almeida advised Mondial Assistance on collective dismissal proceedings and subsequent litigation.
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 excels in traditional insolvency work and preventive counselling, and acted on several matters in 2010. The group advised AWB in a claim relating to Oleocom’s insolvency, and assisted Cai International and Sky Container Trading as creditors in the insolvency of Linhas de Navegação do Atlântico. Carlos Osório de Castro and Helena Soares de Moura are recommended.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is a ‘top name’ in project finance, with practice head Luís Branco enjoying a superb reputation as regular adviser to major Portuguese banks. The ‘excellent’ energy expert Filipe Lowndes Marques advised Banco Espírito Santo on the €30.25m construction, installation and operation of a wind farm in Cinfães. Marques also assisted EIB Facilities on financing for a portfolio of 23 wind farms. Banco Santander Investment, BPI and Caixa – Banco de Investimento are also clients.
The ‘excellent’ Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has a substantial presence in the public law arena, and its spread of work across public and private sectors continued to attract a steady flow of instructions throughout 2010. Highlights included advising the Lisbon airport company, NAER, and the government on the transaction model for the construction of the city’s new airport (albeit now suspended), and advising Parque Escolar on implementing a €90m model to modernise state schools. The team acts for clients in major industries including the pharmaceuticals, telecoms and energy sectors, among them Pfizer, Sonaecom and EDP. Practice head Fernanda Matoso is recommended, along with the ‘highly qualified and very skilled’ Pedro Gonçalves and Magarida Olazabal Cabral, who represents the government and other public bodies. Miguel Nogueira de Brito and Nuno Peres Alves are also recommended.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has developed notable expertise in commercial real estate, where zoning expert João Pereira Reis continues to advise Sonae Sierra on shopping centres. The team advised Eurohypo on the €24m refinancing of Arrabida Shopping, and is assisting a domestic bank with the €350m sale of seven shopping malls. The group also handles wider real estate instructions encompassing contentious
António Lobo Xavier and Francisco Sousa da Câmara co-head the transport group at Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados, which is particularly expert in shipping law. Clients include Single Buoy Moorings and United European Car Carriers. Senior lawyer Manuel Freitas Pita provides support from the Madeira office, and advises international shipping companies on registering fleet vessels.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is another ‘major player’ in the TMT arena and has substantial experience advising on commercial matters, advertising and regulatory disputes. Helena Tapp Barroso regularly represents SIBS Processos. Tomás Vaz Pinto advises beverage distributor Pernod Ricard Portugal on all media and advertising matters. Other clients include Impresa and Sonaecom. Oporto-based António Lobo Xavier heads the practice.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has an excellent tax group, featuring ‘one of the best tax specialists in Portugal’, Francisco de Sousa da Câmara, who is ‘really something else’. The team advises clients such as Mota-Engil, Nobre Alimentação and EDP on their ongoing tax needs, and also has expertise in taxes relating to M&A and financing. The team advised Barclays Capital on the Portuguese element of an intragroup financing operation worth €1.7bn. António Lobo Xavier leads in Oporto, and acted for the Grupo Jerónimo Martins on various tax liquidation claims.
Practice co-head Tomás Vaz Pinto at Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is an experienced IP transactional lawyer who advises on advertising and copyright issues. António Pinto Leite is recommended for his advice on patent law. In 2010, Leite conducted the first national arbitration in Portugal’s new specialist IP arbitration centre. The team represents clients across the pharmaceuticals, media, telecoms and retail sectors, including Pfizer, Impresa, Sonae, Benetton, Procter & Gamble and new client Euronext Lisbon.

IFLR 1000

The capital markets and corporate offering at Morais Leitão was slightly reduced last year as Maria Antonia Cardoso de Menezes left in May 2009. The firm has a strong reputation in capital markets and is seen by the market as a major player. "Our closest competitor is Morais," says one peer. This reputation is played out by the firm's deal list. On the debt side, one of the firm's biggest clients is Banco Comercial Português (BCP) and in August 2009 the team acted on its €7.5 billion debt issuance programme. Specifically the team advised on the issue of a series of deeply subordinated notes with a combined value of €900 million. The bank also called in the team to act on its €25 billion EMTN programme including the issuance of floating and fixed rate notes. EDP also called in the firm to act on a substantial debt issuance programme. Led by Luisa Soares da Silva the team acted on various aspects of a €12.5 billion programme, including floating and fixed rate issues and a US offering under the 144A/Reg S rule. Soares da Silva was also active for another energy company Redes Energéticas Nacionais (REN) on its ¥1 billion (€8.8 billion) issue of 2.71% notes as part of the company's €5 billion EMTN programme. On the structured finance side the firm received further work from BCP advising on its €10 billion covered bonds programme including issuance and an update in March 2010. Similar work came from Morgan Stanley who called on the team to advise over Banco Santander Totta's €5 billion covered bonds programme. In equity, although IPO's have generally been low on the ground in Portugal recently the team did act for Douro Azul on the preparation work for its offering on the Euronext Lisbon. Led by partner Carlos Osório de Castro, the deal is expected to be the first tourism IPO on the Euronext in Lisbon. Osório de Castro was also involved as the firm advised Papeles y Cartones De Europa on its delisting from the Euronext Lisbon. In the securitisation area the team acted for EDP subsidiary EDP - Serviço Universal (EDP SU). The deal saw EDP SU sell the rights to the capital produced by the positive adjustment to the electricity tariff estimated to be worth €447 million, to Tagus - Sociedade de Titularização de Créditos (Tagus). On the banking side, Morais Leitão's reputation is also well established. "Morais is counsel to BCP, the biggest bank in Portugal they also have a few international banks, certainly they deserve the tier one ranking," says one rival. When it comes to finance matters at the firm, peers and clients alike specifically highlight Luis Branco: "He's very knowledgeable, quite straightforward and he listens to the concerns that you have and doesn't rush to the banks immediately, he tries to find a way out for everyone involved," says one client. Branco led the team last year when the firm advised MSF in connection with a €55 million facility agreement for the acquisition of stakes in various infrastructure companies. Branco was also called in by Caixa Geral de Depósitos in its acquisition of credits, valued at €23 million, owed to several companies of the Portugal Telecom Group. One of the firm's largest transactions last year involved Filipe Lowndes Marques acting for the lenders, including Banco Espírito Santo and Banco Comercial Português on a €155 million corporate credit facility and security agreement for Sport TV Portugal.
The M&A team at Morais Leitão Galvão Teles Soares da Silva & Associados is well respected by peers and clients alike. "The lawyers they have working on our teams are mainly the top tier lawyers and so we are very pleased with the level of experience," says one client. Others appreciated the firm's sector specific knowledge. "They have one or two lawyers who have specific knowledge, particularly in software and telecoms," says one client. The team's capacity was reduced slightly in May 2009 with the departure of Maria Antónia Cardoso de Menezes. A highlight of the firm's work last year saw them advise two separate parties in actions connected to the market-defining Cimpor transaction. In one, a team led by João Soares da Silva and Carlos Osório de Castro acted for Teixeira Duarte on the sale of its 22.1% stake in Cimpor for €970 million. Osório de Castro and Luísa Soares da Silva did similar work for Cinveste advising on the sale of its 3.93% stake for €155 million. João Soares da Silva was appreciated by clients. "Generally his knowledge of Portuguese law and capital markets regulation and his extensive experience is always appreciated," says one. In the energy sector, Nuno Galvão Teles was busy advising EDP on the €330 million acquisition of gas distribution, transmission and supply assets in Spain from Gas Natural. Galvão Teles was active in the renewable sector. EDP again came calling in July 2009 as the firm advised two subsidiaries, Distribuição - Energia and Inovação, in the incorporation of a joint partnership for ocean wave energy projects. The team also advised a consortium of buyers on the €250 million acquisition of Qimonda Solar. In the banking sector, João and Luísa Suares da Silva were called in by Banco Comercial Português to act on its agreement to sell a 95% stake in Millennium Bank in Turkey to Credit Europe for €61.8 million. The team also acted for Pfizer on the Portuguese aspects of its worldwide merger with Wyeth including the co-ordination of various subsidiaries.
"They are very close to certain companies who are active in this market so in that context it's common to see them in this area" is one peer's view of the project finance team at Morais Leitão Galvão Teles Soares da Silva & Associados. With the renewable sector still thriving, it is perhaps unsurprising to find that one of Morais Leitão's largest projects last year saw them work on the financing for the construction of 23 wind farms with a combined capacity of 480MW. The team advised the European Investment Bank (EIB), who is partly financing the deal, with facilities valued at €498 million. Another substantial energy deal saw a team led by Luis Branco and Filipe Lowndes Marques advising a consortium of banks over the refinancing of 30 existing wind farms and the construction of four new ones. The total value of the facilities was over €1 billion. Photovoltaic is one of the biggest areas of renewable energy activity and last year the team had a hand in a €37 million financing of a plant in Ferreira do Alentejo, again advising a consortium of banks as the lenders. Outside of energy, the firm also acted for the banks on a €82 million PPP (public-private partnership) for the construction of a new hospital building in the Lourdes area.
Morais Leitão Galvão Teles Soares da Silva & Associados often acts for the creditors in insolvency proceedings and a clear highlight last year saw the firm act for AWB last year as a creditor of Oleocom, an importer of cereals, in its insolvency proceedings. A key figure at the firm is Helena Soares de Moura and last year she acted for Abbott as a creditor of pharmaceutical distributor CJ Sousa Andrade in its insolvency proceedings. Soares de Moura was also advised two creditors, CAI International and SKY Container Trading, on the insolvency proceedings of Linhas de Navegacao do Atlantico (LNA).

Lawyers

Chambers Europe

Carlos Botelho Moniz co-ordinates the practice and is described as "one of the best competition practitioners in Portugal" by sources.
Porto-based partner Joaquim Vieira Peres is praised for "his ample knowledge of European law and determination to always find the best solution".
João Soares da Silva heads the department and is praised for his ample experience in handling complex legal matters.
Carlos Osório de Castro's "total availability and creative solutions" are a hit with clients. His recent workload includes advising Cinveste on the sale of its 3.93% stake in Cimpor.
Miguel Galvão Teles is a veteran of the Portuguese legal market and has been involved in many of the most important and historic transactions in the country.
Nuno Galvão Teles co-ordinates the corporate and M&A team working on high-yield transactions.
Partner Segismundo Pinto Basto is admired for his confidence and experience in real estate matters
Luís Branco is a towering figure in project finance and plays a key role in energy transactions
"Excellent" partner Luís Branco is undoubtedly the team's star attraction, with clients lauding his "in-depth knowledge and business acumen."
Partner Filipe Lowndes Marques is also highly praised, receiving particular mention for his exceptional English skills and renewable energy knowledge.
Clients see department head João Soares da Silva as a first-class adviser. He represents Banco Comercial Português on a regular basis.
Standout lawyer Carlos Osório de Castro has a stellar reputation for his specialism in the field and prestigious academic background.
Sources confirm that Filipe Lowndes Marques has a solid presence in the capital markets sphere, as well as being a financing practitioner
Partner Luisa Soares da Silva impresses with her experience and thorough knowledge of the area.
Tomás Vaz Pinto provides expertise in private equity
The team handles complex dispute resolution, and has been involved in major litigation and arbitration cases. For instance, it has been representing REN in a Paris-based ICC international arbitration against Amorim Energia. This case is being led by public and international law department head Miguel Galvão Teles, who has a terrific reputation in the litigation and arbitration arena.
Also a strong name on the market, José Manuel Galvão Teles manages exceptionally complex dispute resolution cases.
Prestigious practice head António Pinto Leite has a strong track record in international arbitrations and representing high-profile clients from the telecommunications, energy, automotive and pharmaceutical industries. He is currently leading advice to Pfizer on its industrial property and pharmaceutical litigation.
Rui Patrício is acclaimed for his litigation proficiency and commended as “one of the best lawyers for corporate crime.”
Luís Miguel Monteiro leads the department and is highly recommended by sources, who attest that he "ensures continuity in the quality of service, and understands perfectly the nature of our business and our needs. He goes out of his way to find the best solutions, is always available, and is particularly skilled at clearly explaining the issues at hand to all parties, establishing an environment that facilitates negotiation."
Joana Almeida is recognised for her considerable experience and high-quality advice.
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."
Tomás Vaz Pinto is one of the team's leading figures and market sources admire his "solid business acumen and technical knowledge."
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.
Tomás Vaz Pinto typifies the practice with his all-round M&A and corporate finance expertise. "Besides strong legal skills, he's very easy to deal with, always available and constantly involved supervising his team and revising its work," enthuse clients.
Filipe Lowndes Marques is another well-regarded member of the team and he recently advised the European Investment Bank on the financing of the construction and development of a portfolio of 23 wind farms by ENEOP.
"Extremely experienced and incredibly knowledgeable" Margarida Olazabal Cabral advises clients on public tenders and the negotiation and implementation of projects.
Pedro Gonçalves is both a highly recommended public law practitioner and a professor at the prestigious Coimbra University law school.
Nuno Peres Alves, another well-respected name in the market, recently acted on matters for NAER and Sonae.
Carlos Osório de Castro is an expert in this area and was involved in the drafting of the recent Portuguese Insolvency Code.
Senior associate Helena Soares de Moura is an impressive litigator specialising in insolvency.
Leading the practice in Lisbon and Funchal is prestigious lawyer Francisco de Sousa da Câmara, who comes highly recommended for complex corporate tax matters.
António Lobo Xavier co-ordinates the Porto practice. He is commended for his “deep understanding of the Portuguese tax system and real dedication to clients.”
Capital markets specialist and multi-talented lawyer Carlos Osório de Castro stands out for his transactional expertise and sector experience.
Senior associate Nuno Peres Alves is particularly focused on electronic communications and advises important market players before the regulatory authority.
Madeira-based lawyer Cátia Henriques Fernandes is recommended for her knowledge of offshore cases and her “prompt and thorough assistance.”
Carlos Osório de Castro is the star of the group and his acclaimed areas of expertise include capital markets, corporate and M&A.
António Lobo Xavier is a recognised tax specialist and clients highlight his "ample knowledge of all areas of the law."
Eduardo Verde Pinho is an experienced and widely recognised corporate lawyer
Peers admire Jorge Simões Cortez for his "solid knowledge and acumen."
Talented young lawyer Eduardo Maia Cadete specialises in competition matters.
Leading light Francisco de Sousa da Câmara heads the team in Lisbon and Madeira and is hailed for his tax litigation skills.

Chambers Global

Luís Branco heads the firm's banking and finance team. Sources appreciate his innovative ideas and execution and champion him as "the best lawyer for project finance in Portugal." He recently advised Eurohypo AG regarding credit facility agreements for three commercial properties.
Filipe Lowndes Marques is strong in both project finance and capital markets. He has close links to the UK as an Oxford graduate and director of the British Portuguese Chamber of Commerce.
Sources praise Carlos Osório de Castro for his ability to balance his profound legal knowledge with a deep understanding of market realities and his clients' underlying objectives.
João Soares da Silva heads the department and wins praise for his extensive work across the sector, helping to develop the significant standing of the firm in the wider market. He has recently been advising Banco Comercial Português on a range of capital markets activities.
Filipe Lowndes Marques is recognised for his securitisation prowess and as a corporate finance all-rounder, strong in banking, capital markets and project finance.
João Soares da Silva receives praise from clients for being “very efficient in structuring solutions to complex legal matters.” He advised Banco Comercial Português on the sale of its stake in Millennium Bank in Turkey.
Carlos Osório de Castro also stands as a leading figure in the sector thanks to his ability to rapidly "analyse complex legal matters and provide creative solutions.”
Having led on some of the key deals in the market, Miguel Galvão Teles has attained a status as one of the key names in the Portuguese legal environment.
Rui de Oliveira Neves receives praise as someone who is prepared to go “beyond the call of duty to help his clients.” He specialises in the energy sector and often works together with Nuno Galvão Teles. A case in point saw the pair advise EDP - Energias de Portugal on the drafting, negotiation and execution of a joint partnership agreement for ocean wave energy development projects.
Clients draw confidence from Segismundo Pinto Basto's experience in the sector.
Tomás Vaz Pinto is praised by sources for his ability to find “effective solutions to problems.”
Catarina Levy Osório is also a member of the firm’s Angola desk and regularly advises clients on general commercial and foreign investment matters. She was born in Angola and is a member of the Angolan and Portuguese Bar Associations.
Practice head António Pinto Leite is likewise considered a leading market figure. He has experience representing clients across a range of industry sectors and has a particular focus on the international arena. His recent work has seen him advise Pfizer and Philips in IP litigations.
José Manuel Galvão Teles advises the firm's leading full-service clients on particularly complex dispute proceedings. He has been extensively involved counselling BP in litigation proceedings concerning its joint venture operations in Europe.
Miguel Galvão Teles has built an enviable track record in dispute resolution and is universally acknowledged as a lawyer of unsurpassed expertise. He is a high-status figure in the domestic and international arenas and is sought out by clients such as REN, who he advised on a number of complex arbitrations relating to energy assets.
Sources praise Patrício unreservedly for his expertise, experience and effectiveness.

IFLR 1000

Luís Branco

Leading Lawyer Project Finance
2011

Filipe Lowndes Marques

Leading Lawyer Project Finance
2011

João Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2011

Nuno Galvão Teles

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2011

Luís Branco

Leading Lawyer Banking and Capital Markets
2011

Carlos Osório de Castro

Leading Lawyer Banking and Capital Markets
2011

Carlos Osório de Castro

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2011

João Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Banking and Capital Markets
2011