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A Sociedade

Chambers Europe

This traditional Portuguese firm has long been at the forefront of banking and finance matters in the country. Its ten-strong team handles structured finance, investment funds, derivatives, insurance and project finance issues on behalf of local and international banks and investment funds. In addition to the influence it enjoys in Portugal, the firm has strong ties to law firms in Angola, Brazil and Macau. Sources say: "The lawyers always have their eye on the goal. Technically sound and very well organised."
This colossus of the Portuguese legal scene remains a choice for capital markets work. Its 16-strong multidisciplinary team advises on debt and capital issues, hybrid instruments, IPOs and takeovers, and recently represented EDP in its EUR250 million public offering. Other highlights include assisting Banco Comercial Português with the repurchase of EUR918.6 million of bonds issued under its EUR10 billion covered bonds programme. Major clients include Redes Energéticas Nacionais, Morgan Stanley, UBS, and Barclays Capital.
This leading competition practice is widely regarded as one of the key market players. It handles merger control, state aid and EU litigation for an impressive raft of domestic and international clients such as TAP, Optimus and Millennium bcp. In a key mandate, the lawyers advised EDP - Energias de Portugal on the competition issues associated with its privatisation. Sources say: "The team was extremely efficient in both the analysis and execution of the deal. We could have been in big trouble had the lawyers not been so sharp and diligent."
This traditional firm maintains its robust position in the market. Its 33-strong corporate team has a wealth of experience advising local and international companies, and assisted Sonae Capital with the EUR37 million sale of its 50% stake in Sociedade Térmica Portuguesa to its partner Enel Green Power. Drawing from continual cross-practice support, the lawyers provide clients with a custom service to fit their needs. Sources say: "Rigorous, technically strong and highly practical. The team's work is outstanding."
With 49 lawyers dedicated to corporate crime, litigation and arbitration, this prestigious player houses one of the largest dispute resolution practices in the country. The team acts on behalf of household names from the pharmaceutical, financial and energy industries, and recently represented Philips in IP litigation. Further highlights include acting as counsel on an ICC international arbitration between Heliávia and Dassault Aviation. Pfizer, Banco Comercial Português, BP and EDP - Energias de Portugal are other notable clients of the firm. Sources say: "One of the best firms for dispute resolution. Proactive, knowledgeable and solution-oriented."
From its Lisbon and Porto offices, this sizeable employment team advises many major Portuguese and international clients from the banking, media and distribution sectors. The group has been busy with restructuring work of late, with labour disputes accounting for around a third of its workload. Interviewees point to the lawyers' pragmatic approach and international outlook as key strengths. BP, BNP Paribas and Santander Totta Bank are some of the high-profile institutions that instruct the group on these matters. Sources say: "The best: this firm offers good expertise and value for money."
This traditional full-service firm enjoys a sterling reputation and receives many of the most prominent energy mandates in the market. The team handles transactional and regulatory work on behalf of well-known clients such as REN, Abertis Infraestructuras, Repsol and EDP - Energias de Portugal. Recent highlights include assisting the Portuguese government with the sale of a 21.35% stake in EDP, and advising BP on the sale of its LPG business in Portugal. Sources say: "The lawyers understand our business and I feel safe in their hands. They find good solutions but don't create false expectations – they are always clear."
This Portuguese powerhouse offers a six-partner IP practice which advises on contentious and transactional matters as well as patent prosecution. Recent highlights include representing Teva in a patent litigation case, and advising Philips on anti-counterfeiting issues. Pfizer, Nintendo and ANA-Aeroportos de Portugal are other clients of note.
This sophisticated domestic firm enjoys an outstanding reputation in planning law. It advises on a variety of related matters, from land use, municipal taxes and construction licensing to litigation. Recently, the team advised long-standing client EDP – Gestão da Produção de Energia on the construction licensing of a hydroelectric installation in the River Távora. Showcasing its prowess in litigation and strength with municipalities, the lawyers represented the municipality of Cascais in an urban planning dispute. Sources say: "The lawyers have proved to be extremely knowledgeable, prompt and pragmatic." "They take a structured and straightforward approach to problem solving."
This Portuguese titan offers collective talent in banking and finance, capital markets, regulatory and corporate law, providing clients with a tailored approach to private equity issues. Recently, the lawyers assisted Vallis Capital Partners with the incorporation of a EUR1 billion investment fund in Luxembourg. Other clients of note include ECS, EDP - Energias de Portugal, Banco Comercial Português and Espírito Santo Capital. Sources say: "Technically excellent."
This multi-disciplinary team of ten is integrated within the firm's corporate department, which also includes the banking and finance groups. The lawyers represent high-profile banking clients in energy and infrastructure projects across Portugal and lusophone Africa. Recent mandates include the construction of a shopping centre, the construction and operation of several wind farms, and the restructuring of an infrastructure project. Sources say: "First-class service. The lawyers are technically solid and experienced, and their multidisciplinary advice has proved very helpful."
This seven-partner public law practice is often cited amongst the players in the market, largely as a result of its depth and breadth of expertise. The group is also highlighted for its detailed knowledge of the energy, pharmaceutical and telecoms industries, exemplified by its representation of clients such as EDP - Energias de Portugal, REN and Abbott Laboratories. In a recent highlight, the firm acted for Administração do Porto de Lisboa in a public tender for the future operation of the Lisbon Multi-Purpose Terminal. In a contentious matter, AgustaWestland and AWILL instructed the group in a civil liability suit for damages arising from the operation of a helicopter supplied by AWILL.
Clients commend the work performed by this highly regarded Portuguese firm. The real estate practice is divided into two groups, one focusing on corporate matters and the other on urban planning. This ensures that the department is able to handle everything from transactional work and real estate financings to planning and zoning advice. The team has expertise in the tourism, retail and parking sectors, amongst others, and recently represented Ponte Gadea in its EUR18.5 million acquisition of the Eurolex Building in Lisbon. Sources say: "I want to highlight the permanent availability of the lawyers and their continual focus on creating new solutions for very complex transactions."
The litigation department at this reputable Portuguese firm houses its 14-strong restructuring and insolvency team. The group represents creditors and companies in financial distress, and its varied clientele includes names in the energy, pharmaceutical and finance sectors. In a recent work highlight, the lawyers represented the creditor Fundo Recuperação in the insolvency proceedings of Madeira Golden Age Residence. EDP – Serviço Universal, Shinsei Bank, ES Capital and Abbott Laboratories are other clients of note. Sources say: "A multidisciplinary team which puts different technical skills and knowledge together." "The lawyers are really knowledgeable and experienced. It is always easy for them to find a solution."
This well-established Portuguese firm houses its tax team within the public law and international law department. Operating out of Lisbon, Porto and Funchal, the 20-strong group offers a one-s service covering international and domestic tax law. Its client list includes Accenture, Barclays, EDP - Energias de Portugal and Lusoponte. Sources say: "A standout firm with a very good and reputable team." "The best tax lawyers in Portugal."
This firm gets excellent feedback across the board. It works in IT, media and telecoms, advising on everything from competition, data protection and outsourcing to regulatory work. The team represents some of the biggest names in the market and regularly handles extremely sensitive cases. It recently advised Optimus on the regulatory issues associated with the launch of 4G services, and assisted EDP Comercial with data protection matters arising from a joint commercial campaign with Modelo Continente Hipermercados. Other big-name clients include Pfizer, ADP Dealer Services Portugal and Sage. Sources say: "Excellent quality and value for money."
With offices in Brazil, Angola, Mozambique and Macau as well as several outposts across Portugal, this first-class firm is well equipped to handle multi-jurisdictional matters. Its team of four maritime experts advises on vessel registration, regulations and compliance, mortgage enforcement, pollution claims and bills of lading. Notable clients include United European Car Carriers and DnB NOR Bank.
The scope and size of this national powerhouse's Porto office make it a clear leader in the region. It has 35 lawyers across a number of departments dedicated to specific practice areas. The lawyers are most active in corporate and tax matters, and also advise on competition, employment, litigation, IP and administrative law. The firm acts for an array of national and international clients including BNI, BPN and Mota-Engil. Sources say: "The firm really understands our company; it has really got to know the ins and outs of our business."

Chambers Global

Band 1

Banking and Finance

2013
Band 1

Capital Markets

2013
Band 1

Corporate / M&A

2013
Band 1

Dispute Resolution

2013
Band 1

Projects

2013

Legal 500

‘One of the best firms in Oporto’, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados maintains its significant position in the market, and is a recognised leader across a number of key areas. Highlights for Carlos Osório de Castro included advising a Portuguese bank on regulatory issues following the international bailout assistance given to the country in 2011, and advising Sonae Capital on the €37m sale of its stake in TP – Sociedade Térmica Portuguesa to Enel Green Power España. Elsewhere, consultant Paula Ponces Camanho handles employment matters; and, on the corporate side, Eduardo Verde Pinho is recommended along with the ‘totally committed’ Jorge Simões Cortez, who has ‘deep technical knowledge’. António Lobo Xavier leads on the tax side, and counts Turbogás and media group Cofina as key clients. For EU and competition matters, Joaquim Vieira Peres is singled out and acts for clients including ZON TV Cabo Portugal.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is highly recommended for its domestic financing work. Luís Branco’s team counts Banco Comercial Português, Banif – Banco de Investimento, Eurohypo and Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria among its clients. It is active in advising key banks on debt restructuring matters, while other recent work includes assisting with the structuring of an aircraft lease agreement, and advising on a term loan facility agreement granted to an Angolan corporation. The ‘very good’ Filipe Lowndes Marques is ‘a sound lawyer’ noted for his ‘great gravitas and experience’.
Best in class’, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados’ ‘excellent’ securities team includes João Soares da Silva in Lisbon and Oporto-based Carlos Osório de Castro, who are both praised for their ‘all-round effectiveness and highly relevant knowledge’. A ‘clear problem-solver’, Castro has ‘vast experience’. Rui de Oliveira Neves provides ‘innovative solutions’, and recently advised INAPA on a share capital increase through an issue of preferential shares. Luísa Soares da Silva advised EDP on a €1bn facility agreement with China Development Bank Corporation and on a €250m offering of debt instruments; and also advised three Portuguese banks as joint lead managers on Brisa – Concessão Rodovíaria’s €150m notes issuance under its EMTN programme. Nuno Galvão Teles is ‘very technical and well informed’, and senior associate Ricardo Andrade Amaro is ‘focused on clients’ needs’. The team is also noted for its ‘extremely fast response times’ and its ‘knowledge of different legal jurisdictions in Europe’.
‘Simply outstanding’, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados demonstrates ‘a perfect command of client briefs’ and provides ‘thorough and innovative solutions to complex regulatory issues’. Nuno Galvão Teles and Rui de Oliveira Neves were appointed to act for the Portuguese state, Parpública and EDP in the eighth reprivatisation phase of EDP, and are noted for their ‘intellect and interpersonal skills’. The team also acted for the state and Parpública on the second reprivatisation phase of REN. In Oporto, the highly rated Carlos Osório de Castro is advising La Seda de Barcelona on the €30m sale of Artenius Portugal to Control PET. Eduardo Verde Pinho in Oporto and Liliana Malheiro Tomás have experience in the Angolan market. Segismundo Pinto Basto is ‘always on top of all issues’; Eduardo Rui Paulino is ‘totally committed’; and João Soares da Silva, Luísa Soares da Silva and Tomás Vaz Pinto are also recommended.
António Pinto Leite’s team at Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is an undisputed leader in litigation and arbitration. Leite continues to advise Pfizer in 150 proceedings filed against generic drug companies, and also acted as the sole arbitrator in a dispute between Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (INPI) and a private company. Miguel Galvão Teles is advising DST Group in arbitration and litigation proceedings relating to a fibre-optic telecoms network in Oporto, and Miguel de Almada is acting in a Paris-seated arbitration relating to the performance of aircraft sales agreements. Francisco Cortez and Rui Patrício are ‘incisive and clear’. Cortez is representing ZON TV Cabo in a dispute against PT Comunicações, and Patricio acts for Medipress and BCP. António Sampaio Caramelo, José Manuel Galvão Teles and Luís Miguel Monteiro are also recommended. Other clients include Sonae, Sierra Management Portugal, BP, Abbott, EDP, and Santander.
The ‘extremely professional’ team at Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has ‘deep knowledge’, and delivers ‘well-thought-out legal strategies’, with experience across antitrust investigations, merger control, state aid cases and matters before the ECJ. Carlos Botelho Moniz has an ‘outstanding capacity to analyse various legal challenges’, and recently acted for EDP on competition matters related to its privatisation process. ‘Top lawyer’ Joaquim Vieira Peres is advising EDP, Sonae Investimentos and others in claims regarding stamp duty collected in alleged breach of an EU directive. Among the senior associates, Eduardo Maia Cadete ‘easily solves difficult competition problems’, and Gonçalo Machado Borges is also recommended.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados’ practice is led by the very experienced Luís Miguel Monteiro, and acts for clients in the pharmaceuticals, telecoms, publishing, financial services, and aviation sectors. António Emílio de Vasconcelos is noted for his expertise. Helena Tapp Barroso continues to represent Impresa Group in areas including social security and litigation. Senior associates Maria João da Luz and Pedro Pardal Goulão, associate Joana Almeida and Oporto-based consultant Paula Ponces Camanho are also recommended.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is ‘without doubt one of the leading firms for energy work’. Nuno Galvão Teles and Rui de Oliveira Neves advised EDP on the disposal of a stake in EDP Renováveis Portugal to a company in the China Three Gorges group, and also advised the Portuguese Republic and Parpública on the eighth phase of the reprivatisation of EDP, worth $3.4bn. ‘One of the most active and respected energy lawyers’, Neves has ‘extensive experience handling complex transactions in the energy arena’. On the environmental side, Fernanda Matoso and João Pereira Reis act for Sonae Sierra, Abertis and Respol Resinas.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados delivers a ‘high level’ of service in insolvency and restructuring matters, and is praised for its ‘knowledge, toughness and negotiation strategies’. ‘Very meticulous’ senior lawyer Helena Soares de Moura is ‘an expert in the area’, and provides ‘quick and objective responses’. Moura is advising several insolvent companies in matters related to the Alqueva project, the largest artificial lake in the Alentejo region, and continues to advise EDP on the insolvency of Entigere. Eduardo Verde Pinho handles corporate and financial restructuring.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados’ team is led by António Pinto Leite and Tomás Vaz Pinto, who has ‘profound knowledge’. The group provides ‘extremely sound and straightforward advice on complex issues’, and has a strong track record in contentious patent work. Leite continues to represent Pfizer in over 150 proceedings filed against generic drug companies, and Pinto is advising Nintendo of Europe on IP and media law issues in Portugal. Other clients include Philips IP and Champagne Louis Roederer. Associate Vasco Stilwell d’Andrade is also recommended.
One of the best firms for project finance work’, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has particular experience in renewable projects in Portugal and Portuguese-speaking Africa. The team is also involved in the restructuring of credit facilities for a shopping centre development. Clients include Banco Santander Investment, the European Investment Bank, and Group Espírito Santo. Luís Branco is ‘very good’, and Filipe Lowndes Marques and senior associate Pedro Gorjão Henriques are recommended.
Top Portuguese firm’ Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is renowned for its ‘quality service’, and provides ‘assertive, appropriate and concise advice’ in public law, particularly in the pharmaceuticals, telecoms, energy and healthcare sectors. The ‘outstanding’ team of ‘very experienced, extremely qualified and client-focused’ lawyers is led by Fernanda Matoso and Margarida Olazabal Cabral. It also includes arbitrator Pedro Costa Gonçalves; and Miguel Nogueira de Brito and Nuno Peres Alves, who both made partner in June 2012 and have ‘in-depth knowledge’. Matoso is representing AgustaWestland Portugal and AWILL in a civil liability lawsuit, and Cabral continues to advise Pfizer and other pharmaceuticals companies on public procurement. Alves is advising Auchan Group on the new framework governing supermarket opening hours, and Brito and Cabral are advising REN on public procurement. Senior lawyer Bernardo Almeida Azevedo provides support from Oporto.
At the ‘excellent’ Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados, João Pereira Reis has ‘in-depth knowledge across administrative, urban planning and environmental law’, and provides ‘excellent, authoritative and well-researched written legal opinions’. Reis is advising Sonae Capital on land use, licensing and planning matters. Filipa Arantes Pedroso advised Zara Portugal on the €73m acquisition of Massimo Dutti Portugal from the Regojo Group, and is also acting for Ponte Gadea on the acquisition of a building in Lisbon. Other clients include Eurohypo and Solaris Portugal. Senior associate Rita Ferreira Vicente is also recommended.
Responsive and commercially aware’, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados provides ‘an excellent service’. On the shipping side, manager of the Madeira office Francisco de Sousa da Câmara, Manuel Freitas Pita, and senior associate Cátia Henriques Fernandes advise shipping companies and banks. Aviation matters are handled by Lisbon-based Luís Miguel Monteiro; Segismundo Pinto Basto, who ‘understands clients’ needs’; the ‘very attentive and trustworthy’ Tomás Vaz Pinto; and João Serra. TAP and Omni are clients.
Providing ‘a complete service’ and ‘extremely reliable advice’, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has ‘outstanding knowledge’ and ‘a deep understanding of clients’ needs’. Experienced telecoms practitioner Nuno Peres Alves advised Optimus – Comunicações in relation to the 4G spectrum auction. Joaquim Vieira Peres is representing Optimus in a private antitrust enforcement claim against PT, seeking €11.2m in compensation. António Lobo Xavier, based in Oporto, heads a team that includes João Alfredo Afonso, who has data protection experience, and Helena Tapp Barroso, who advised Sonae Investimentos on a software compliance review. Among the senior lawyers, Gonçalo Machado Borges is ‘very methodical’, and Eduardo Maia Cadete is also recommended. Teresa Morais Leitão left the firm in July 2012.
The ‘extremely competent, reliable and responsive’ team at Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados provides ‘outstanding advice and representation in tax disputes’. Francisco de Sousa da Câmara advised Abbott on its global split into two public companies, and is assisting Barraqueiro Transportes in a corporate income tax arbitration against the Portuguese state. Oporto-based António Lobo Xavier acts for Barclays Bank. Isabel Santos Fidalgo ‘takes all possible scenarios into consideration’, António Côrte-Real Neves is ‘very meticulous and assertive’, and Nuno de Oliveira Garcia is ‘excellent’.

IFLR 1000

One of the few firms to take a top ranking across all three practice areas, Morais Leitão is simply put one of the premier financing firms in Portugal. With Luís Branco at the helm of the banking and project finance teams and João Soares da Silva guiding the capital markets team, the firm has two premier operators. Elsewhere in the financing department, Filipe Lowndes Marques is another active and highly regarded name spanning both bank and projects work. "Morais Leitão is by far the best firm. They have continued to approach us. They spend a lot of time with us, they make sure we are good," says one client. While the practice is fairly broad, the team is most often active on the bank side. Deals: On the bank side Luis Branco and Filipe Lowndes Marques acted for Banco Comercial Portugues, Banco Espírito Santo and Caixa Geral de Depósitos on the €3 billion financing of the public offer for Brisa Auto-Estrada de Portugal by Tagus Holdings. Branco also assisted China Development Bank on a $70 million loan granted to Angolan company Unitel for the payment of equipment. In the capital markets space, the firm has been involved in various matters related to bank recapitilisations, advising the likes of Banco Comercial Portugues. Luísa Soares da Silva also advised the bank on updates to its €25 billion EMTN programme and its €12.5 billion covered bonds programme. Soares da Silva also advised Deutsche Bank as the dealers on a similar deal for Banco Espírito Santo. The team has also advised EDP on various debt issuances. On the equity side Nuno Galvão Teles has advised the banks on the preparation of IPOs for the likes of Efacec Capital and TIM.
Despite problems in recent years, renewable energy is still an active sector in Portugal and last year the firm picked up two notable wind farm deals. In one Lowndes Marques advised the European Investment Bank (EIB) on the €260 million financing of 14 windfarms by ENEOP 2 and in a similar matter the same partner acted for the Government of Cape Verde on the €45 million project financing for a series of wind farms on the islands. Elsewhere in the financing department, Filipe Lowndes Marques is another active and highly regarded name spanning both bank and projects work.
Morais Leitão's top tier ranking in Portuguese M&A is well earned. While the market's have not been 'on fire' the firm has still picked up notable mandates. Clients commend the team's general and international offering: "We have both International M&A work and privatisation, then we also have internal domestic transactions. They get on very well with other firms. They don't have an office in all the countries but they have offices in Angola, Mozambique, and [their] best friends. It works really well for us," says one client. Peers also praise the firm for its size and its good client base, making it therefore able to handle two of the largest privatisations from the Portuguese government. "Surely tier one," says a partner. "They are one of the three largest M&A firms in Portugal," agrees another. The team is also praised for its energy sector knowledge, Nuno Galvão Teles in particular: "Without doubt he is the number one lawyer in Portugal in the energy field. He has an excellent knowledge, the best lawyer," says one. "Excellent team, we tend to work a lot with Morais Leitão in the energy sector." Deals: One of the firm's largest deals last year saw Nuno Galvão Teles act for EDP on its $3.4 billion re-privatisation which saw the Portuguese state sell its holding in the energy company back to EDP. The team also advised the state on REN's re-privatisation. In the banking sector Teles acted for Crossborder Investment on its bid for Banco Efisa. The team also advised the Portuguese state on the acquisition of Banco Bic Português by Banco Português de Negócios valued at €40 million. Teles also acted on the $900 million sale by Overview Sárl of ESCOM – a construction and mining holding company – to Newbrook. Other work included João Soares da Silva and Liliana Malheiro Tomás' advice to Sonangol Holdings of its acquisition of two Portuguese companies and the Angolan Atlântida – Viagens e Turismo for a combined total of €38.5 million.
Morais Leitão relies heavily on its litigation capability in this practice area. Helena Soares de Moura who coordinates both the restructuring and insolvency sides of the team and António Pinto Leite, a litigator, who advises on in-court matters, lead the team. Deals: Last year Francisco Cortez acted for Fundo Recuperação as a creditor on the insolvency proceedings of Madeira Golden Age. Helena Soares de Moura undertook similar work for three creditors including Shinsei Bank on the insolvency of Fadesa Portugal.

Advogados

Chambers Europe

Seasoned player Luís Branco receives unanimous praise for his expertise in this area. "He's pragmatic, has strong commercial acumen, sets objectives and aims to achieve them. He has years of experience as well as excellent technical knowledge and negotiating skills," remarks a client.
Clients enjoy working with Filipe Lowndes Marques: "He is very intelligent and constructive, and offers high availability and responsiveness. He identifies risks and gives us exactly what we need."
Clients hail Carlos Osório de Castro as "one of the best lawyers in Portugal." His expertise extends to M&A, joint ventures and capital markets.
Practice head João Soares da Silva leads the team and is acknowledged by peers as an authority in this area.
Filipe Lowndes Marques "is commercial and proactive, and likes to get things done," say clients. In addition to capital markets, he handles project finance and PPP matters.
Luisa Soares da Silva wins peer recognition for the high standard of her work.
Carlos Botelho Moniz is "a wonderful competition lawyer: he works seamlessly with counterparties and is great with clients," say sources. He leads many of the team's key mandates, including several high-profile privatisations and merger filings.
Joaquim Vieira Peres's recent case portfolio includes a broad range of competition investigations and court proceedings. "He is the best competition specialist in Portugal," declares a client.
Senior associate Eduardo Maia Cadete is "a promising lawyer who really looks after the client. We were impressed with his abilities," say sources.
Porto-based Inês Gouveia wins praise from clients, who note her technical prowess and in-depth knowledge.
Miguel Galvão Teles is highly respected by peers across the country. With long experience and in-depth knowledge to draw from, Galvão Teles advises clients on commercial and corporate law issues, dispute resolution and arbitration.
"One of the most respected lawyers in Portugal," Carlos Osório de Castro specialises in company law, M&A, joint ventures and capital markets.
João Soares da Silva is "client-focused, personable, a great lawyer," state clients. His areas of expertise include corporate and commercial law, capital markets, and banking and finance.
Nuno Galvão Teles is well versed in commercial law, M&A, joint ventures and capital markets.
Segismundo Pinto Basto represents clients in privatisations and M&A operations in Portugal and abroad.
Tomás Vaz Pinto is "a deep thinker who understood our needs and balanced our commercial and legal interests very well. His experience is built on a solid foundation," a client declares. Vaz Pinto's areas of expertise include company law, M&A, joint ventures and IP.
Highly regarded litigator José Manuel Galvão Teles remains a heavyweight name in the market.
Miguel Galvão Teles continues to receive consistent praise from interviewees, who highlight his experience and describe him as an outstanding litigator.
Rui Patrício handles both civil and criminal matters. Peers admire his solid legal expertise and pragmatic approach.
Practice head António Pinto Leite is "excellent: a strong strategist who is available 24/7. We felt safe with him," say clients.
Francisco Cortez specialises in civil and corporate litigation. "He is assertive and a great interrogator in the courtroom," report clients.
Practice head and well-respected academic Luís Miguel Monteiro is widely praised for his practical, hands-on approach and availability. "He is always there if I need to speak to him," remarks a client.
Currently based in Brussels, Joana Almeida advises international companies with subsidiaries in Portugal. "I enjoyed working with her. She was on her toes and took a very practical view of the matter," a client said.
Clients admire Pedro Pardal Goulão for his availability and great attention to client needs: "He is a great professional. Always available and I trust him. His advice is clear, detailed and solution-oriented."
Corporate and energy law expert Nuno Galvão Teles leads the team.
Commentators praise Tomás Vaz Pinto's work and describe him as "great: very practical, helpful and technically sound. He answers quickly and gives us concrete solutions."
João Pereira Reis is lauded by market commentators for his pragmatism and depth of expertise: “He has extensive knowledge and helps us find the right way to proceed in negotiations. He is direct and pragmatic," say interviewees. He recently advised landscape design company Biodesign on four municipal land use plans in the Algarve.
Rui Ribeiro Lima enjoys a burgeoning practice and elicits “complete trust” from clients.
Tomás Vaz Pinto enjoys a strong profile in the market. He handles private equity matters as part of a mixed practice that also covers corporate law, M&A and IP.
Luís Branco leads the team. Clients admire his "solid technical knowledge, common sense and calm, balanced approach."
Commentators describe Filipe Lowndes Marques as "very commercial, tough and proactive."
Associate Cláudia Castanheira dos Santos is singled out as having a promising future. Her practice focuses on structured finance, real estate and project finance.
Corporate law and capital markets expert Carlos Osório de Castro is unanimously considered a star individual: "He is one of the best lawyers in the country: extremely bright, flexible and results-oriented," say sources.
Nuno Peres Alves works with both public and private entities on various administrative law matters. He focuses much of his time on electronic communications issues, and represents clients before the regulatory authorities and in court.
Pedro Costa Gonçalves has enjoyed a long and exemplary career in administrative law and public procurement, and remains a key driving force behind the firm's success.
Margarida Olazabal Cabral concentrates on administrative law, particularly relating to public contracts. Sources describe her as a sensible and self-assured lawyer.
Carlos Osório de Castro has a strong track record in insolvency, and is well respected by peers.
Clients describe Filipa Arantes Pedroso as "highly proactive: she anticipates most of our needs." She heads the corporate, real estate and tourism practice.
Francisco de Sousa da Câmara co-ordinates the Lisbon and Funchal teams. Sources say he is "calm, thinks ahead and is very strategic."
Interviewees describe practice head Helena Soares de Moura as "really proactive, experienced, clear in her explanations and technically strong."
António Lobo Xavier co-ordinates the Porto team. He maintains an excellent reputation for his expertise in this area.
Carlos Osório de Castro as an excellent lawyer with strong market knowledge. He specialises in the corporate and capital markets aspects of TMT deals.
Sources confirm that public law specialist Nuno Peres Alves remains active in this sector. He recently advised Optimus on a tender procedure for new telecoms universal service providers.
Helena Tapp Barroso climbs the rankings following positive client feedback: "She really got involved in the case and it felt like she was a member of our team. She is pragmatic and knows the subject in detail, including all the technicalities."
Cátia Henriques Fernandes is based in Madeira and the best-known name for shipping work at the firm.
Tax specialist António Lobo Xavier is a well-known figure in the local and national markets. He is representing Barclays Bank in a number of tax litigation matters.
Eduardo Verde Pinho is managing partner of the firm's Porto office. He has decades of experience and regularly deals with clients from Angola and Mozambique.
Clients single out Jorge Simões Cortez for his skill in M&A and praise his "all-encompassing vision" and coverage of all aspects of the transaction.

Chambers Global

Clients enjoy working with Filipe Lowndes Marques: "He is very intelligent and constructive, and offers high availability and responsiveness. He identifies risks and gives us exactly what we need."
Miguel Galvão Teles continues to receive consistent praise from interviewees, who highlight his experience and describe him as an outstanding litigator.
Highly regarded litigator José Manuel Galvão Teles remains a heavyweight name in the market.
Rui Patrício handles both civil and criminal matters. Peers admire his solid legal expertise and pragmatic approach.
Seasoned player Luís Branco receives unanimous praise for his expertise in this area. "He's pragmatic, has strong commercial acumen, sets objectives and aims to achieve them. He has years of experience as well as excellent technical knowledge and negotiating skills," remarks a client.
Clients hail Carlos Osório de Castro as "one of the best lawyers in Portugal." His expertise extends to M&A, joint ventures, and capital markets.
Practice head João Soares da Silva leads the team and is acknowledged by peers as an authority in this area.
Filipe Lowndes Marques "is commercial and proactive, and likes to get things done," say clients. In addition to capital markets, he handles project finance and PPP matters.
Luisa Soares da Silva wins peer recognition for the high standard of her work.
Miguel Galvão Teles is highly respected by peers across the country. With long experience and in-depth knowledge to draw from, Galvão Teles advises clients on commercial and corporate law issues, dispute resolution and arbitration.
"One of the most respected lawyers in Portugal," Carlos Osório de Castro specialises in company law, M&A, joint ventures and capital markets. "One of the most respected lawyers in Portugal," Carlos Osório de Castro specialises in company law, M&A, joint ventures and capital markets.
João Soares da Silva is "client-focused, personable a great lawyer," states a client. His areas of expertise include corporate and commercial law, capital markets, and banking and finance.
Nuno Galvão Teles is well versed in commercial law, M&A, joint ventures, and capital markets. He has extensive knowledge of the Brazilian market and has fostered strong relationships with clients in the region.
Segismundo Pinto Basto represents clients in privatisations and M&A operations in Portugal and abroad.
Tomás Vaz Pinto is "a deep thinker who understood our needs and balanced our commercial and legal interests very well. His experience is built on a solid foundation," a client declares. His areas of expertise include company law, M&A, joint ventures and IP.
Practice head António Pinto Leite is "excellent: a strong strategist who is available 24/7. We feel safe with him," say clients.
Francisco Cortez specialises in civil and corporate litigation. "He is assertive and a great interrogator in the courtroom," report clients.
Luís Branco leads the team. Clients admire his "solid technical knowledge, common sense and calm, balanced approach."
Commentators describe Filipe Lowndes Marques as "very commercial, tough and proactive."
Associate Cláudia Castanheira dos Santos is singled out as a promising prospect for the future. Her practice focuses on structured finance, real estate and project finance.

IFLR 1000

Luís Branco

Leading Lawyer Project Finance
2013

Luís Branco

Leading Lawyer Banking and Capital Markets
2013

Filipe Lowndes Marques

Leading Lawyer Project Finance
2013

Filipe Lowndes Marques

Leading Lawyer Banking and Capital Markets
2013

Carlos Osório de Castro

Leading Lawyer Banking and Capital Markets
2013

Carlos Osório de Castro

Leading Lawyer Project Finance
2013

João Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Banking and Capital Markets
2013

João Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Project Finance
2013

Carlos Osório de Castro

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2013

Nuno Galvão Teles

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2013

João Soares da Silva

Leading Lawyer Mergers and Acquisitions
2013

Helena Soares de Moura

Leading Lawyer Restructuring and Insolvency
2013