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 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

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.

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.

Luís Branco is a towering figure in project finance and plays a key role in energy transactions

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."

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.