Nuno Galvão Teles reflects on the challenges and opportunities of Morais Leitão’s internationalisation

Nuno Galvão Teles, Chairman of the Board of Morais Leitão, shares in an opinion article published on Link to Leaders the firm’s internationalisation strategy as a process grounded in tailored legal solutions, carefully adapted to the specificities of each market and client. The focus lies on moving beyond standardised models and developing differentiated legal approaches — particularly relevant in emerging markets.

Over the past 15 years, Morais Leitão has steadily expanded its international presence with the dual goal of supporting its clients in cross-border investments and overcoming the natural limitations of the Portuguese legal market. The establishment of Morais Leitão Legal Circle — with offices in Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Singapore and Timor-Leste — reflects this ambition, further reinforced by active participation in international networks such as Lex Mundi.

The firm’s cross-border work is supported by mixed teams composed of lawyers from different legal backgrounds, ensuring a strong combination of local insight and international coordination. This approach enables Morais Leitão to deliver consistent, integrated legal support in complex matters, while also enriching internal development by offering legal experience in diverse jurisdictions.

Morais Leitão thus positions itself as an international law firm headquartered in Lisbon, committed to a legal practice aligned with the highest global standards, while maintaining a strong connection to its origins and promoting Portuguese legal talent.

In this context, Nuno Galvão Teles summarises the firm’s international identity by stating that Morais Leitão is “an international law firm headquartered in Lisbon” that works with its clients “to design and build bridges for growth, innovation and success in any market, while maintaining a strong connection to our roots and core values, both in Portugal and internationally.” This approach, he notes, reflects “the essence of Portuguese internationalisation: open to the world, yet firmly grounded — a path we proudly embrace.”

Read the full article on the Link to Leaders website.