What the team is known for : Exceptional practice that offers a wide scope of expertise across regulatory matters and transactions, including contentious proceedings. Its dedicated department assists key clients in the energy sector, including major operators. Prominent in the renewable energy sector, advising on biomass, hydropower and both onshore and offshore wind projects. Offers cross-border capability and international presence with a recognised network of alliances in Angola, Macau and Mozambique, assisted by the firm's dedicated Africa and Asia teams.  Strengths:  Sources enthuse that the team offers "flexibility, availability, excellent knowledge of the electricity market and skill in understanding clients' needs." Interviewees further commend the department for being "very focused and time sensitive."

What the team is known for:  Excellent reputation in the market for full-service counsel, including complex M&A transactions and general corporate advice. Offers a multidisciplinary service and provides cross-practice expertise, leveraging support from teams specialised in tax or dispute resolution. Acts for a variety of high-profile corporations and entrepreneurs. Offers multiple foreign desks and international alliances to facilitate cross-border instructions. Strengths  Clients: appreciate that the team is "very complete" and add: "There are experts for all the areas we require and they are very client-oriented: it's a very personalised service." Sources appreciate that the lawyers “use their initiative and are tremendously available.”

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados provides ‘an excellent service’ on all commercial matters, including venture capital work. Practice head João Soares da Silva and Eduardo Paulino advised Montepio Geral on the acquisition of a 49% stake in the share capital of Residências Montepio, a residential centres business for senior citizens. Carlos Osório de Castro, Nuno Galvão Teles and Segismundo Pinto Basto are also recommended.

Nuno Galvão Teles is recognised for his extensive expertise in the energy sector. Sources report: “He is a very experienced and solid professional. He gives clients great confidence when he's at the table.”

João Soares da Silva enjoys an excellent reputation in the field for M&A work, within which he focuses on the banking sector. Sources regard him as "one of the best M&A lawyers in Portugal" and highlight his "dedication and availability to the client."

Carlos Osório de Castro's practice includes advice on M&A and joint ventures. He is widely recognised in the market as an “excellent lawyer.” Sources additionally note his “strong reputation in devising creative solutions, problem-solving skills and intelligence.”

Segismundo Pinto Basto has experience in dealing with a range of corporate matters, with particular activity in the aviation and agribusiness sectors. Interviewees describe him as "proactive, with deep knowledge of his specialism."

Eduardo Paulino regularly advises on cross-border M&A and joint ventures. Sources enthuse: “He has extremely sophisticated technical skills, is always available and shows unwavering support.”

Catarina Brito Ferreira specialises in the energy sector, within which she advises on M&A, joint venture transactions and public tender bids. Clients report: “She is very skilled and hands-on, and she knows how to get matters moving."

Catarina Brito Ferreira is singled out for her negotiation skills. Her work covers transactional and regulatory matters within the energy sector and she is particularly active in renewables.

Nuno Galvão Teles is recognised as a "very resourceful lawyer and a great negotiator." His clients include important energy companies.

Bernardo Maria Lobo Xavier is recognised as a talented practitioner in M&A and real estate transactions. He is described by a source as a "very good lawyer who's strong on real estate issues." He led the team for Sonae MC - Modelo Continente, advising on the due diligence as well as the negotiation of the documents concerning the client's acquisition of a 51% capital share of Go Well – Promoção de Eventos, Catering e Consultoria.

Interviewees agree that Carlos Osório de Castro"is a standout figure in the market" and further describe him as a "very clever lawyer." A long-time expert in capital markets and M&A transactions, he is a prominent and trusted practitioner who represents major national and international clients. Of late, he led the team advising Gestifute Group on the negotiation of sale and purchase and investment/shareholder agreements with Fosun International.

Jorge Simões Cortez is an established M&A lawyer with a solid track record in company restructuring operations and corporate transactions. He advised Riopele in proceedings initiated by former managers, who claimed the payment of EUR2 million in compensation, and a former distributor who claimed over EUR1.77 million.

Eduardo Verde Pinho is a recognised figure, described as "very strong on M&A and general corporate issues" by one interviewee. He co-ordinates the firm's Africa team and regularly represents clients in Angola and Mozambique on restructuring of organisations and their finances.