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.

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.

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.

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.