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Chambers Europe

The Firm

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."
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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.
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 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 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 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 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."
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."
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."
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."
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 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 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."

Lawyers

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.
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.
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.
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.
Cátia Henriques Fernandes is based in Madeira and the best-known name for shipping work at the firm.
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."
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.
Carlos Osório de Castro as an excellent lawyer with strong market knowledge. He specialises in the corporate and capital markets aspects of TMT deals.
António Lobo Xavier co-ordinates the Porto team. He maintains an excellent reputation for his expertise in this area.
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."
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.
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.
Margarida Olazabal Cabral concentrates on administrative law, particularly relating to public contracts. Sources describe her as a sensible and self-assured lawyer.
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.
Associate Cláudia Castanheira dos Santos is singled out as having a promising future. Her practice focuses on structured finance, real estate and project finance.
Commentators describe Filipe Lowndes Marques as "very commercial, tough and proactive."
Luís Branco leads the team. Clients admire his "solid technical knowledge, common sense and calm, balanced approach."
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.
Rui Ribeiro Lima enjoys a burgeoning practice and elicits “complete trust” from clients.
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.
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."
Corporate and energy law expert Nuno Galvão Teles leads the team.
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."
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.
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.
Francisco Cortez specialises in civil and corporate litigation. "He is assertive and a great interrogator in the courtroom," report clients.
Practice head António Pinto Leite is "excellent: a strong strategist who is available 24/7. We felt safe with him," say clients.
Rui Patrício handles both civil and criminal matters. Peers admire his solid legal expertise and pragmatic approach.
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.
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.
Segismundo Pinto Basto represents clients in privatisations and M&A operations in Portugal and abroad.
Nuno Galvão Teles is well versed in commercial 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.
"One of the most respected lawyers in Portugal," Carlos Osório de Castro specialises in company law, M&A, joint ventures and capital markets.
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.
Porto-based Inês Gouveia wins praise from clients, who note her technical prowess and in-depth knowledge.
Senior associate Eduardo Maia Cadete is "a promising lawyer who really looks after the client. We were impressed with his abilities," say sources.
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.
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.
Luisa Soares da Silva wins peer recognition for the high standard of her work.
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.
Practice head João Soares da Silva leads the team and is acknowledged by peers as an authority in this area.
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.
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."
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.

Patrons of the Serralves Foundation's National Contemporary Art Collection