The firm advances its growth and specialization strategy with a renewed coordination team in Public Law.
Morais Leitão advances its growth and specialization strategy by welcoming new partners and introducing a refreshed coordination team to lead the development of its Public Law practice.
The firm announces the promotion of Philipp Melcher to Equity Partner and of Diana Ettner, Elmano Sousa Costa, Isabel Valente Dias, Rita Nunes dos Santos, and Vasco Xavier Mesquita to Partners. This decision reflects Morais Leitão’s ongoing commitment to strategic and generational renewal, as well as the strengthening of expertise in areas essential for business development and client needs.
With these promotions, the firm enhances its national and international capabilities, combining technical excellence, legal innovation, and value creation in a market shaped by technological transformation and increasing regulatory complexity.
Diana Ettner and Vasco Xavier Mesquita will also assume coordinating roles within the Public Law Department, reinforcing the firm’s ambition to grow and expand this practice area.
New partners
Philipp Melcher – A specialist in Portuguese and European competition law, he reinforces Morais Leitão's international vocation. He has taken on responsibilities in the telecommunications and technology sectors, contributing to the deepening of these strategic areas.
Diana Ettner – Co-coordinator of the Public Law Department, she has a particular focus on the environment and ESG issues, combining these with a strong focus on innovation and administrative simplification, both in organizations and in companies.
Elmano Sousa Costa – Specializing in financing, including project finance and derivatives, he has been involved in cross-border infrastructure projects, particularly in the oil & gas sector. He maintains strong ties with Latin America, where he has gained professional experience, particularly in Brazil.
Isabel Valente Dias – Recently awarded a PhD in Labor Law, with a thesis dedicated to the important topic of remuneration in the context of employment contracts. She has participated in the most complex projects and transactions, including corporate restructuring processes and labor litigation, and also has extensive experience in providing specialized services in the area of remuneration and benefits.
Rita Nunes dos Santos – A litigator for over ten years, Rita has specialized in banking and financial litigation, an area of growing importance in the national legal landscape.
Vasco Xavier Mesquita – Co-coordinator of the Public Law team, he has been working for over 15 years on various matters related to procedures, contracts, and litigation, developing his activity in the infrastructure, transport, and construction sectors, as well as in the defense and aerospace sectors, which are expanding business areas of high technical complexity.
“Today’s promotions are a source of great pride for the firm. Each of these lawyers has demonstrated exceptional individual merit and a distinctive professional maturity. They exemplify our commitment to deepening specialization and expanding into new areas of practice, while upholding the ethical and professional standards that define Morais Leitão. These partners will play a central role in shaping the firm’s future. Their strategic insight, unwavering dedication to clients, and technical excellence position us strongly for the challenges ahead.” – Martim Krupenski, Managing Partner at Morais Leitão.
Commitment to strategic renewal with a cross-border focus
These promotions are part of a broader plan for the structural renewal of the firm, which includes the development of new competencies, the modernization of internal processes, and continuous investment in technology and legal expertise. This approach ensures that Morais Leitão maintains its leading position in the sector, delivering solutions tailored to business and regulatory challenges and strengthening its presence in international markets.
