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."

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.