21.07.2025
Ana Robin de Andrade comments on Advocatus | Morais Leitão's strategic focus on the Asian market
The July issue of Advocatus devoted a special feature to the internationalisation of law firms, giving particular prominence to Morais Leitão's strategy in the Asian market. The article emphasises the opening of its own office in Singapore in 2023 — a strategic step that will strengthen the firm's presence in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
In an interview with the magazine, Ana Robin de Andrade, Morais Leitão's international director, explained that this move aims to strengthen relations with Asian clients interested in investing in Portugal and Portuguese-speaking African markets. The firm has a strong presence in these markets through the Morais Leitão Legal Circle network.
According to Ana Robin de Andrade, the choice of Singapore was a natural decision, given the city-state's political and legal stability, robust business environment, and its attractiveness as a strategic financial hub in the APAC region. This location enables integrated regional action and the capacity to support investment flows in both directions.
The article also highlights the challenges of operating in a highly competitive legal market where large international law firms and stringent regulatory requirements coexist. “We want to go further and prove ourselves locally, close to the client,” said the director.
Morais Leitão has strengthened its presence in Asia through strategic partnerships, such as the agreement signed with JLA Advogados in Timor-Leste in 2024. This partnership enables us to explore joint opportunities in the growing market, particularly within the sectors of mineral resources, energy, real estate, and tourism.
According to Ana Robin de Andrade, in a context of growing global instability, the Asia-Pacific region stands out for its resilience and economic dynamism, with high strategic potential. The firm's long-term vision for strengthening its international operations includes a continued focus on the region, which has had positive and sustained impacts.
Read the full article attached [only available in Portuguese].
