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Chambers Europe

Market sources consider this group “one of the front runners for banking matters.” It often deals with demanding and complex transactions, and clients laud the “ace team’s faultless language and negotiation skills.” In line with its high profile, the team recently advised Bank of America on the EUR192 million financing of the IPO for the Freeport Group, which involved the first Portuguese secured bond issue. Other key clients include Caixa - Banco de Investimento, Millennium bcp investimento and Eurohypo.
This firm has long been active in capital markets and “has gained critical know-how by assisting key clients such as BCP and EDP,” both of which the team advises on transactional and day-to-day capital markets matters. Recent highlights include representing EDP - Energias de Portugal in the IPO for its renewable energy assets (EDP Renováveis) in Portugal and abroad, and advising BCP on its EUR1.3 billion offering of new ordinary shares with preferential rights to shareholders; other key clients include REN, Martifer and Morgan Stanley. The group is particularly robust on the equity side, and is also said to be gaining momentum on the debt side.
A powerful combination of “a large team that hosts some of the best lawyers in the country and an impressive client portfolio across different sectors” makes this one of the top firms for competition law matters. Significant work includes assisting Optimus with challenging a Portuguese law that created stamp duty on increases in share capital, and advising TAP on the acquisition of Portugália Airlines. Overall, clients value the team’s “promptness and efficiency in solving problems.”
This corporate/M&A group continues to build on its strong reputation, and its broad remit extends from elements of energy, real estate and tourism to banking and antitrust, with a focus on large, international deals. The team handled the two largest Portuguese capital markets share offerings of the past year, and also advised Sonae Distribuição on its EUR662 million acquisition of 99.9% of the share capital of Carrefour (Portugal). Clients laud the team’s tremendous service, “creative solutions and quick, reliable responses.”
This local team is noted for its high-quality service, with clients reporting that the lawyers offer “creative and bright solutions and rapid, practical responses.” The 38-member team covers the whole range of dispute resolution matters, and is particularly acclaimed for IP litigation and arbitration; its impressive client portfolio includes BPI Pfizer, Philips, Pernod Ricard and Abbott, amongst others.
The employment division is just one of the several highly acclaimed departments at this full-service Portuguese heavyweight. Like the whole firm, the labour department is considered strong all round, with the capacity to handle both consultation and courtroom work. To the delight of its clients, the team combines deep Portuguese employment law knowledge with a keen business sense, and recently demonstrated its skills on a number of restructuring processes. The lawyers’ expertise in handling collective dismissals and downsizings is likely to be sought after in the present economic climate, with such highlight work already including advising Alcoa Fujikura following a factory closure and assisting Carris with collective bargaining matters.
This firm maintains a high profile in the energy sector, in part due to its relationships with prominent clients EDP - Energias de Portugal and REN. Recently, the team advised EDP on an IPO of approximately 25% of EDP’s share capital. The team is also informed from an international perspective: it advised EDP on the negotiation of a strategic partnership with Sonatrach, an Algerian gas supply company. Sources note that this team is “co-operative and productive – the lawyers are excellent at finding solutions to problems.” The team’s “deep knowledge of its clients’ businesses” also wins praise.
The biggest office in Porto in terms of lawyer numbers, this full-service outfit has strong tax and corporate departments and provides first-class advice on employment, TMT, capital markets, dispute resolution and competition. Its clientele speaks for itself, with Sonae, Mota-Engil and Banco Comercial Português all part of the portfolio.
A leading force in many other practice areas, including corporate matters, this firm is devoting considerable resources to building up its IP expertise. The IP department focuses on high-value and complex cases involving patent violation, in addition to authors' rights and trade mark work. It acts for prominent pharmaceutical clients and high-profile sports personalities. The team is currently involved in a case relating to the generic pharmaceutical industry.
The planning team at this full-service domestic heavyweight makes the most of the firm's range of coverage and expertise: besides being part of the umbrella administrative, real estate and urban planning department, the team works in close collaboration with corporate, tax and finance colleagues, as well as the competition desk should the project involve a regulated sector. The firm receives a substantial amount of work from the tourism sector, and recently provided planning and construction advice to Saip, Casa Amiga and Vila Sol.The firm acts on behalf of clients from its bases in Lisbon, Porto and Madeira, and is the Portugal representative in the world’s leading association of independent law firms, Lex Mundi. The firm acts on behalf of clients from its bases in Lisbon, Porto and Madeira, and is the Portugal representative in the world’s leading association of independent law firms, Lex Mundi.
With a strong standing in the Portuguese market and a respected corporate team, this local firm acts for both private equity houses and companies. Clients observe: “It has extensive knowledge of the market and a broad range of specialists covering any area required.” The firm assisted Orey with the restructuring of its corporate group via the incorporation of a private equity fund. Other recent clients include ECS Capital and EDP - Energias de Portugal.
This ten-member group is a favourite choice with clients thanks to its “promptness and total efficiency in solving problems.” Private companies and financial houses are its main source of work in a broad range of projects, including infrastructure projects (particularly motorways), renewable energy and water concessions. The team advised an international syndicate of banks on the EUR450 million financing for one of the bidders for the Tunel do Marão road tunnel concession. Regular clients also include EDP, RBS and BES Investimento. “This is one of the best teams in the country, with an excellent track record,” competitors noted.
The public law team at this full-service firm works in close conjunction with other departments to great effect. A prime example of this was the advice recently provided to the government and NAER - the public entity in charge of the new Lisbon airport - which involved the corporate, banking and projects teams. The competition group is another regular collaborator, especially for matters involving regulated sectors such as electricity and pharmaceuticals. Clients benefit from the firm's membership of the Lex Mundi network, and from wide national coverage, with offices in Lisbon, Porto and Madeira.
This firm attracts clients with its broad range of specialisations and its lawyers' excellent availability and dedication. The real estate department advises on public law and planning, and benefits from a strong track record in construction and tourism matters. It recently advised SAIP on the planning and construction of a tourist resort in Alqueva, in Alentejo, a development that includes four golf courses, three hotels and several residential units.
One of Portugal’s largest tax departments, with two partners and 17 associates, this is a leading choice for advice on fiscal issues. The department has been busy of late with planning matters relating to a new tax law, in addition to litigation and restructurings, mainly in the financial and energy sectors. Recent litigation highlights include representing Borealis in a case before the Supreme Administrative Court that saw the recovery of a significant amount of tax and interest. The team also advised EDP - Energias de Portugal on tax restructuring following its acquisition of Horizon Wind Energy. Other clients include Chevron, Barclays Bank, Mitsubishi and Iverson Group.
“An extremely strong player in TMT,” this firm acts for numerous major clients, including Sonaecom, Impresa and Media Capital. With wide-ranging expertise and excellent resources, it is able to handle the most challenging work in the telecoms, media and IT sectors. Clients also appreciate the full and integrated service on offer here.

Chambers Global

Market sources consider this group “one of the front runners for banking matters.” It often deals with demanding and complex transactions, and clients laud the “ace team’s faultless language and negotiation skills.” In line with its high profile, the team recently advised Bank of America on the EUR192 million financing of the IPO for the Freeport Group, which involved the first Portuguese secured bond issue. Other key clients include Caixa - Banco de Investimento, Millennium bcp investimento and Eurohypo.
This firm has long been active in capital markets and “has gained critical know-how by assisting key clients such as BCP and EDP,” both of which the team advises on transactional and day-to-day capital markets matters. Recent highlights include representing EDP - Energias de Portugal on the IPO for its renewable energy assets (EDP Renováveis) in Portugal and abroad, and advising BCP on its EUR1.3 billion offering of new ordinary shares with preferential right to shareholders; other key clients include REN, Martifer and Morgan Stanley. The group is particularly robust on the equity side, and is also said to be gaining momentum on the debt side. It houses some of the country’s top capital markets lawyers, namely Carlos Osório de Castro and João Soares da Silva.
This corporate/M&A group continues to build on its strong reputation, and its broad remit extends from elements of energy, real estate and tourism to banking and antitrust, with a focus on large, international deals. The team handled the two largest Portuguese capital markets transactions of the past year, and advised Sonae Distribuição on its EUR662 million acquisition of 99.9% of the share capital of Carrefour (Portugal). Clients laud the team’s tremendous service, “creative solutions and quick, reliable responses.”
This local team is highlighted for its high-quality service, with clients reporting that the lawyers offer “creative and bright solutions and rapid and practical responses.” The 38-member team covers the whole range of dispute resolution matters, and is particularly acclaimed for IP litigation and arbitration. Its impressive client portfolio includes BPI Pfizer, Philips, Pernod Ricard and Abbott Laboratories, amongst others.

Legal 500

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is considered ‘an excellent choice’ for banking and finance matters. Its reputation is largely attributed to the calibre of its lawyers, including the formidable Luís Branco, considered ‘ the best Portuguese banking lawyer there is’, partner Filipe Lowndes Marques, and senior lawyer, Pedro Gorjao Henriques. The team advised Eurohype-Lisbon in the refinancing of two shopping centres; the deal, valued at €171.5m, involved using a complex crossed security structure in order to avoid financial assistant issues. The team also advised Bank of America on an acquisition finance matter for Carlyle Group, while other banking clients include Millennium BCP and Norscut. Clients rate the team’s ‘ knowledge, efficiency, performance and integrity’.
Hailed as ‘one of the most brilliant capital markets teams in Portugal’, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados possesses tremendous expertise in this area. Opposite Linklaters LLP, the firm advised EDP on the restructuring of its renewable assets under EDP Renováveis in preparation for an IPO that proved to be one of Europe’s largest, and subsequent listing on Euronext Lisbon. On the debt capital markets side, the team advised Banco Comercial Português (as issuer), Deutsche Bank (as arranger for Banco Espírito Santo) and Morgan Stanley (as arranger for Banco Santander Totta) on the establishment of three of four Portuguese covered bond programmes. This 10-partner department is fielded by João Soares da Silva who, along with Carlos Osório de Castro, is praised as a ‘ pre-eminent capital markets practitioner’, with the team displaying ‘ more knowledge and more commitment to clients’ than others.
With ‘ great leaders and good teams’, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has traditionally been regarded as ‘ the best’ Portuguese firm. The team advised EDP and EDP Renováveis on the IPO of 25% of EDP Renováveis’ share capital, the largest IPO ever made in Portugal. Additional highlights include advising Banco Comercial Poruguês (Millennium BCP) on the €1.3bn offering of new ordinary shares, while Sonae Distribuição instructed the team to advise on the €662m acquisition of 99% of the share capital of Carrefour. With João Soares da Silva leading the department, peers comment, ‘ when we’re against the firm, we know we have a strong competitor’. Carlos Osório de Castro and Nuno Galvão Teles attract praise from clients.
Considered by clients ‘in a league of their own’, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has long been regarded as leaders in this field. Acting for big-ticket clients, such as Pfizer, BP, EDP, Sonae and Abbott, the team attracts some of the most coveted and complex cases within the Portuguese legal market. The team’s capabilities are broad, spanning arbitration, civil, commercial, criminal and labour litigation. António Pinto Leite leads the department, while both José Manuel Galvão Teles and Miguel Galvão Teles have traditionally been hailed as two of Portugal’s leading dispute resolution practitioners.Considered by clients ‘ in a league of their own’, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares Da Silva & Associados has long been regarded as leaders in this field. Acting for big-ticket clients, such as Pfizer, BP, EDP, Sonae and Abbott, the team attracts some of the most coveted and complex cases within the Portuguese legal market. The team’s capabilities are broad, spanning arbitration, civil, commercial, criminal and labour litigation. António Pinto Leite leads the department, while both José Manuel Galvão Teles and Miguel Galvão Teles have traditionally been hailed as two of Portugal’s leading dispute resolution practitioners.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares Da Silva & Associados is home to leading expert Carlos Botelho Moniz, as well as Oporto-based Joaquim Vieira Peres. The team, praised for its ‘ knowledge and commitment’, is extremely active in merger control, judicial antitrust and administrative proceedings. Recent casework includes representing EDP in a filing before the PCA regarding the proposed acquisition of 11 mini-hydroelectric power plants to Babcock and Brown companies, Pebble Hydro and Hidroeléctrica de Janeiro de Baixo. The team also acted for TAP Portugal in a filing before the PCA concerning the acquisition and sole control over regional carrier PGA. Other team members worthy of recognition include Margarida Rosado da Fonseca, Eduardo Maia Cadete and Gonçalo Machado Borges.
The strength of Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados’ corporate practice has led such clients to also seek the advice of its highly regarded employment lawyers. As a result, the team represents some of Portugal’s biggest and most reputable companies, and is seen as a go-to practice for the whole range of employment law matters. According to one client, the team demonstrates ‘ profound knowledge of my issues, knowledge about my company and our way of doing business, and is dedicated and committed to the subjects we ask them to be involved with’. Recently, the team has seen a steady stream of collective dismissal work, judicial employment litigation activity and collective bargaining agreement negotiations. Luís Miguel Monteiro leads a team that inspires ‘ great confidence’ among clients.
Clients feel ‘ greatly confident’ in the technical ability of Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados, and point towards department leaders, António Pinto Leite and Tomáas Vaz Pinto as a solid duo for IP matters. With high-profile clients such as Pfizer, and a steady stream of complex casework involving litigation and trade mark matters, the team is held in extremely high regard.Clients feel ‘ greatly confident’ in the technical ability of Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares Da Silva & Associados, and point towards department leaders, António Pinto Leite and Tomáas Vaz Pinto as a solid duo for IP matters. With high-profile clients such as Pfizer, and a steady stream of complex casework involving litigation and trade mark matters, the team is held in extremely high regard.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados advised an international syndicate of banks on the €471m project finance structure of the Marão Tunnel highway concession, the first to close under the new Portuguese roads legal framework. The team also advised another syndicate of banks on the €557.7m financing of a power plant in Pego. Luís Branco, noted for offering ‘ always brilliant solutions’, leads the department, while Filipe Lowndes Marques is considered a key practitioner. The team ‘ has the expertise and knowledge to provide legal services to a project finance deals for both sponsors and banks’.Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares Da Silva & Associados advised an international syndicate of banks on the €471m project finance structure of the Marão Tunnel highway concession, the first to close under the new Portuguese roads legal framework. The team also advised another syndicate of banks on the €557.7m financing of a power plant in Pego. Luís Branco, noted for offering ‘ always brilliant solutions’, leads the department, while Filipe Lowndes Marques is considered a key practitioner. The team ‘ has the expertise and knowledge to provide legal services to a project finance deals for both sponsors and banks’.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados fields one of Portugal’s largest public law teams, led by the highly revered Fernanda Matoso, who is ably supported by leading practitioners, João Serra, João Pereira Reis and Pedro Gonçalves. The team was instructed by the Portuguese Government and NAER – Novo Aeroporto to advise on the privitization model of ANA and the construction of the new Lisbon Airport, as well as assisting with the drafting of public tender documents. In the education sector, the team is advising Parque Escolar on the drafting and implementation of the contracting model for the process of state school modernization. EDP – Gestão da Produção de Energia remains a key client, with recent instructions including assisting with the negotiating and closing of the public concession contracts concerning various hydroelectric stations and correspondeing dams.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is recognised as having ‘ several very strong clients’, many of which are pulled from the tourism sector. One such client includes SAIP, whom the firm advised on the planning and construction of a tourism real estate venture in Alentejo. The team is also advising Vila Sol on the planning and construction a €320m tourism development. Meanwhile, Sonae Sierra has instructed the firm to advise on real estate matters related to shoppings centres, land use, planning and municipal taxes. Fernanda Matoso heads this 6 fee-earner team that also includes the notable João Pereira Reis.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados’ shipping practice is split across three offices, with António Lobo Xavier in Oporto and Francisco de Sousa da Câmara shared between Lisbon and Madeira. The team advises on management and maintainence procedures for several shipping companies established with the International Business Centre of Madeira (IBCM). The team also assists such clients with the registration of fleet vessels with the International Shipping Register of Madeira (‘MAR’).
Recent highlights for Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados include advising Impresa on its acquisition of several media companies, as well as assisting Sonaecom in a number of high-profile acquisitions, valued at €50m. António Lobo Xavier leads a department that clients praise as ‘ very efficient and very good quality’, citing, ‘ we can always trust on the work done’.
Although Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados saw the departure of Paulo Núncio and Filipa Correia Pinto in 2008, the team also welcomed the arrival of two new associates. Labeled ‘ the best’, the team is involved in some very high-profile tax structures. Recent work includes advising Accenture on the restructuring of accounting and financial services in the health sector, particularly when setting up a special vehicle. In addition to its consulting services, the team conducts tax litigation for a number of multinationals, having recently won an important case at the Administrative Supreme Court for its client Borealis. The team advises a number of banking clients, such as Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank, Barclays Capital, Credit Suisse, Bank of America and the Royal Bank of Scotland. Francisco de Sousa da Câmara is considered by many to be ‘ outstanding’, while Oporto-based António Lobo Xavier is praised for his ‘ capacity, knowledge and commitment to the client’.
‘ Clearly number one’, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is lauded by many as ‘ the best’ firm in Oporto. ‘ Legal genius’ and capital markets specialist Carlos Osório de Castro formed part of the team that advised Banco Commercial Português (Millennium BCP) on its €1.3bn offering of new ordinary shares. Meanwhile, competition expert Joaquim Vieira Peres assisted key client Sonae Distribuiçao with filing the proposed acquisition of Carrefour before the PCA. António Lobo Xavier is considered a ‘ tax guru’, contributing to the team a wealth of financial know-how. Although closely linked to its Lisbon counterpart, the Oporto office caters to a number of local clients, including several international football stars.

IFLR 1000

At the beginning of 2007, Morais Leitão Galvão Teles Soares da Silva & Associados established a strategic partnership agreement with Brazilian firm Mattos Filho Veiga Filho Marrey JR e Quiroga. Commentators believe the agreement will enhance firm’s representation in the Portuguese-speaking country, especially in the capital markets and M&A sectors. The firm is regarded as the one to beat by market rivals, who also praise the firm’s capital markets team for its efficiency and quality of work. “They are at the top of the market” says one rival. It is a very good firm with good loyal clients such as CVP, which generates them a lot of work.” In November 2007, the firm advised EDP Energias de Portugal in its €2 billion issued of fixed-rate 144A note issues under its MTN programme. The firm also advised Millennium BCP on its €25 billion MTN programme. Morais Leitão also acted as counsel on the establishment covered-bond programmes totalling €10 billion, and advised on several issues regarding the programmes’ implementation. In the securitisation market, the firm advised Banco Millennium Investimento in a € 700 million securitisation of a portfolio of consumer loans originated by Millennium BCP. In 2008’s only IPO so far, the firm advised Energias de Portugal in the restructuring of its renewable-energy assets in preparation for the € 1.8 billion listing EDP Renováveis, for which it was retained as lead counsel. In addition, the firm advised Millennium BCP on a € 1.3 billion share offering of preferential rights to the bank’s shareholders. Luís Branco and Filipe Lowndes Marques are particularly popular among clients. “Both Branco and Lowndes are amazing Lawyers – everything seems to go smoothly while I am working with them.”
Morais Leitão Galvão Teles Soares da Silva & Associados is the most consistent team in the rankings, according to clients and rivals. Says one competitor: “They have a great team in banking – they are proactive, trustwhorthy, and have a great lawyer in Luís Branco.” Filipe Lowndes Marques also receives much praise from the market for his banking work, and is regarded by the market as an “exceptional lawyer”. In February 2008, the firm advised RBS on Portuguese law matters in the €40 million financing of the acquisition of the public Swiss company Unilabs. In one of the most important deals in Portugal this year, the team advised Energias de Portugal (EDP) in the negotiation and execution of a $3 billion credit facility for the acquisition of Horizon Wind Energy. In October 2007, the firm advised Eurohyppo in €316 million acquisition and refinancing to both Almada Fórum and Montijo Fórum. In addition, the team advised long-time client EDP in the execution of a revolving credit agreement.
Morais Leitão Galvão Teles Soares da Silva & Associados is among the leading M&A firms in Portugal according to the market commentators. The firm has had a typically strong year, with involvement on some leading mandates such as advising Sonae Distribuição in its €662 million acquisition of the share capital of Carrefour Portugal last year. In another standout deal, the firm advised Automatic Data Processing in the acquisition of high-tech subsidiaries of Salvador Caetano and Entreposto. Morais Leitão Galvão Teles Soares da Silva & Associados is frequently called on for counsel by Energias de Portugal – this year it advised the company in four different transactions this year: the €2.2 billion acquisition of Horizon Wind Energy; a strategic partnership with Algerian state oil company Sonatrach; the €38 million purchase of Pebble Hydro from Babcock & Brown; and the sale of 40% and 27% of shares in Turbogás and Portugen respectively. In addition, the firm advised Millennium BCP in its attempted €16 billion merger with Banco BPI in November 2007. The bank returned to the firm for counsel in relation to a strategic partnership with Angolan oil-and-gas company Sonangol and Banco Privado Atlântic. The negotiations include the disposal of a 49,9% stake in BCP’s subsidiary Banco Millennium Angola to Sonangol.
Morais Leitão Galvão Teles Soares da Silva & Associados’ project finance is respected by competitors for the depth of its knowledge. “It is one of the firms that if you have a deal with them, you always end up learning something”, says one rival. The partner adds: “They have Luís Branco, who is an amazing lawyer, and Filipe Lowndes Marques, also a good lawyer, and are involved in most of the project finance deals in Portugal.” The firm has a strong domestic project finance practice, advising in many of the key Portuguese project finance transactions for this year. In December 2007, the firm advised Banco Espírito Santo in the financing for the first hazardous-materials treatment centre in Portugal. In March 2008, the firm advised a bank syndicate on a €550 million project finance facility to a company held by International Power and Endesa for the construction and development of a natural-gas power plant. A month later, the team advised a bank syndicate in the financing for the Túnel do Marão road tunnel concession. “I think the firm has a deep knowledge and experience in project finance and provides an excellent service to their clients”, comments one client. “Luís Branco has extensive experience in project finance, and is very proactive in trying to solve things and reaching a successful transaction.”

Advogados

Chambers Europe

Luís Branco stands out for his “extremely creative and value-added advice,” and sources attest that he is “a top-notch banking and finance lawyer who is directly and personally involved in every single deal.”
Filipe Lowndes Marques is another notable member of the department. This “hands-on and outstanding” lawyer’s fruitful practice includes banking and finance, PFI and investment funds.
It houses some of the country’s top capital markets lawyers, namely Carlos Osório de Castro and João Soares da Silva. Osório de Castro is highlighted as an excellent lawyer with a wealth of experience in the field.
It houses some of the country’s top capital markets lawyers, namely Carlos Osório de Castro and João Soares da Silva. Soares da Silva is described as “a confident and methodical lawyer who always comes up with creative ideas.”
Filipe Lowndes Marques is also noted as an excellent resource for securitisations work.
Singled out as a first-rate lawyer, Carlos Botelho Moniz has broad expertise, including particular knowledge of the energy sector.
Porto-based Joaquim Vieira Peres is deemed “an unstoppable antitrust lawyer” who has gained amazing experience representing important clients such as Sonae. Commentators say: “The standard of his work is as good as any international competition lawyer.”
Also working in the energy sector, Margarida Rosado da Fonseca attracts attention for “the outstanding quality of her work and responsiveness.”
New to the tables, Eduardo Maia Cadete wins praise for his “outstanding communication skills and practical advice.”
“One of the most respected lawyers in the Portuguese market,” Miguel Galvão Teles continues to win the respect of peers and clients alike, all of whom acknowledge his brilliant reputation. This highly experienced and well-liked practitioner is considered “enduringly excellent in his field.”
Talented lawyer Carlos Osório de Castro is lauded as “technically faultless and an enormous asset at the negotiation table – a perfect combination for M&A work.”
The well-respected head of the corporate department, João Soares da Silva has an excellent reputation as a “truly corporate lawyer.” His expertise covers a broad slice of the corporate spectrum.
Nuno Galvão Teles continues to impress clients as a dedicated M&A practitioner. He has led on some of the most significant privatisation transactions executed in Portugal.
Segismundo Pinto Basto is noted for his exceptional relationships with clients.
Tomás Vaz Pinto is described as “a promising lawyer” who is “enjoyable to work with.”
Sources also praise veteran lawyer José Manuel Galvão Teles as “one of the best litigators Portugal has ever had.”
“One of the most respected lawyers in the country,” Miguel Galvão Teles is admired for his successful advice as both arbitrator and counsel. Peers say he is “a well-rounded lawyer with vast experience and a natural ability to achieve consensus among parties.”
Group head António Pinto Leite is acclaimed not only for his “proficient technical skills” but also for his “outstanding ability to perfectly define the appropriate strategy and work closely with his clients.”
Furthermore, the group houses a robust corporate crime practice; this is led by Rui Patrício, who is highly praised as “one of the most important names in this field.” He covers both corporate crime and commercial litigation.
One satisfied customer spoke highly of the "great energy and positivism" emitted by the team’s leading members, Luís Miguel Monteiro and Joana Almeida. Monteiro is renowned for his analytical approach and clients benefit from his strong academic background.
One satisfied customer spoke highly of the "great energy and positivism" emitted by the team’s leading members, Luís Miguel Monteiro and Joana Almeida. Almeida recently returned to Lisbon after a one-year study programme in London.
Sources speak of Nuno Galvão Teles in glowing terms. “Phenomenally skilled,” he wins particular praise for his expert knowledge of the electricity sector.
Luís Branco is heralded as “an excellent lawyer with great problem-solving capabilities.”
António Lobo Xavier has impressive tax knowledge and is now responsible for developing the Porto TMT department.
Eduardo Verde Pinho, one of the founders of the firm, is another key member of the team and is praised for his in-depth advice.
As former secretary of state for local administration and land use planning, João Pereira Reis naturally packs experience, prestige and a strong contacts list.
Corporate partner Tomás Vaz Pinto deals with private equity matters and is described as “a friendly, organised and dedicated lawyer with strong technical skills.”
Competitors noted, singling out group head Luís Branco as “one of Portugal’s most knowledgeable projects lawyers.” Branco and newly promoted partner Filipe Lowndes Marques lead “an experienced group of lawyers who promote the smooth running of negotiations, focusing on the relevant matters.”
Branco and newly promoted partner Filipe Lowndes Marques lead “an experienced group of lawyers who promote the smooth running of negotiations, focusing on the relevant matters.”
This high quality group is fronted by two respected lawyers, Margarida Olazabal Cabral and Pedro Gonçalves.
This high quality group is fronted by two respected lawyers, Margarida Olazabal Cabral and Pedro Gonçalves.
Young partner Filipe Freitas da Costa enjoys a good reputation in the real estate and tourism sectors.
Lisbon and Madeira head of practice Francisco de Sousa da Câmara is a specialist in international tax and transfer pricing, and “undoubtedly one of the best lawyers in the field.” One source enthused: “He is excellent academically – and that helps to put him ahead of the competition.”
Porto department head António Lobo Xavier splits his time between tax and general business law. He is an “extremely intelligent and amazingly creative lawyer,” with clients remarking on his excellent connections and broad vision.
Carlos Osório de Castro is noted for his capabilities in corporate advisory work, and has great experience of advising telecoms clients on corporate matters.

Chambers Global

Luís Branco stands out for his “extremely creative and value-added advice,” and sources attest that he is “a top-notch banking and finance lawyer who is directly and personally involved in every single deal.”
Filipe Lowndes Marques is another notable member of the department. This “outstanding, hands-on” lawyer’s fruitful practice includes banking and finance, PFI and investment funds.
Osório de Castro is highlighted as an excellent lawyer with a wealth of experience in the field.
Soares da Silva is described as “a confident and methodical lawyer who always comes up with creative ideas.”
Filipe Lowndes Marques is also noted as an excellent resource for securitisations work.
“One of the most respected lawyers in the Portuguese market,” Miguel Galvão Teles continues to win the respect of peers and clients alike, all of whom acknowledge his brilliant reputation. This highly experienced and well-liked practitioner is considered “enduringly excellent in his field.”
Talented lawyer Carlos Osório de Castro is lauded as “technically faultless and an enormous asset at the negotiation table – a perfect combination for M&A work.”
The well-respected head of the corporate department, João Soares da Silva, has an excellent reputation as a “truly corporate lawyer.” His expertise covers a broad slice of the corporate spectrum.
Nuno Galvão Teles continues to impress clients as a dedicated M&A practitioner. He has led on some of the most significant privatisation transactions executed in Portugal.
Segismundo Pinto Basto is noted for his exceptional relationships with clients.
Tomás Vaz Pinto is described as “a promising lawyerwho is enjoyable to work with.”
Miguel Galvão Teles is “one of the most respected lawyers in the country,” and admired for his successful advice as both arbitrator and counsel. Peers say he is “a well-rounded lawyer with vast experience and a natural ability to achieve consensus among the parties.”
Sources also praise veteran lawyer José Manuel Galvão Teles as “one of the best litigators Portugal has ever had.”
Group head António Pinto Leite is acclaimed not only for his “proficient technical skills” but also for his “outstanding ability to perfectly define the appropriate strategy and work closely with his clients.”
Furthermore, the group houses a robust corporate crime practice, led by Rui Patrício, who is highly praised as “one of the most important names in this field.” He covers both corporate crime and commercial litigation.

IFLR 1000

Luís Branco

Leading Lawyer Capital Markets
2009

Carlos Osório de Castro

Leading Lawyer Capital Markets
2009

João Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Capital Markets
2009

Luís Branco

Leading Lawyer Banking
2009

Nuno Galvão Teles

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2009

Carlos Osório de Castro

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2009

João Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2009

Luís Branco

Leading Lawyer Project Finance
2009

Filipe Lowndes Marques

Leading Lawyer Project Finance
2009