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Chambers Europe

The Firm

What the team is known for: Market-leading practice that boasts the largest full-service team in the region. Regularly handles corporate and transactional mandates, as well as tax and capital markets issues. Often represents the interests of its clients in Africa, especially in Angola and Mozambique. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "The lawyers are committed to the cases and keep to the deadlines. They also have a solution-oriented approach." "The team does not only present problems, it comes up with workable solutions." Work highlights: Advised Vallis Capital Partners on the establishment of a new EUR1 billion private equity fund under Luxembourg law that will target the construction sector. Represented La Seda de Barcelona in the EUR30 million sale of Artenius Portugal-Industrial Polymers.
What the team is known for: Increasingly active in civil and military aviation. Its expertise extends to the incorporation and licensing of air carriers, insurance negotiations and aircraft dry leases, wet leases and purchase agreements. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "Our case was very complex and demanded attention, and the team's work was very detailed and thorough." Work highlights: Advised Brisa/CCT on a tender for the privatisation of ANA Aeroportos de Portugal. Represented TAP in the sale of a 50.1% stake in Serviços Portugueses de Handling. Segismundo Pinto Basto and Tomás Vaz Pinto are the main points of contact.
What the team is known for: Operates out of Lisbon and Funchal, assisting international shipping companies with vessel registration, regulatory issues, mortgage enforcement, pollution claims and bills of lading. Also noted for its international presence, with corresponding offices in Angola, Mozambique and Macau. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "I enjoyed working with this team; the lawyers are excellent in terms of communication and responsiveness."
What the team is known for: A standout choice for M&A transactions with a TMT element. Particularly well regarded for its media know-how. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "The team is sensitive to business issues and will make every effort to adapt in order to find a solution." "The lawyers are technically excellent, and they balance the legal risks to help you make a decision." Work highlights: Advised Sonaecom on competition issues arising from the EUR1.4 billion ZON/Optimus merger. Assisted DSTelecom with a public contract for the deployment, exploitation and maintenance of two next generation networks in rural areas in the north and south of Portugal.
What the team is known for: Maintains an exceptional reputation for its expertise in domestic and international tax matters including litigation, arbitration and transfer pricing. Noted for its strong presence in lusophone Africa. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "A discreet, very solid and well-rounded team; it is my first option for tax." Work highlights: Assisted EDP with several tax litigation and arbitration cases.
What the team is known for: Incorporated within the litigation department, the team covers contentious cases as well as tax, corporate and banking law. It acts on behalf of creditors and distressed businesses, and earns praise for its flexibility and clear advice. Strengths: (Quotes mainly from clients) "I can't speak more highly of the team. It's extremely accommodating and straightforward, and you can see it is highly regarded among lawyers and judges in Portugal. I trust it completely." "The lawyers complement each other very well." Work highlights: Represented EDP Serviço Universal and EDP Soluções Comerciais in the insolvency proceedings of Entigere. Assisted Sociedade Alentejana de Investimentos e Participações with its insolvency.
What the team is known for: Excellent track record in real estate transactions in the tourism and infrastructure sectors, with additional expertise in planning. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients) "The lawyers are responsive and efficient, no matter what question we raise." Work highlights: Advised EDP - Energias de Portugal on the sale of six buildings. Assisted Pontegadea with the acquisition of a building in Lisbon's Avenida da Liberdade.
What the team is known for: Market-leading team that handles an impressive number of high-profile cases and often assists public entities and concessionaires with tender-related issues. Highly experienced in all the main regulated sectors; particularly active in energy, life sciences, TMT and national defence. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "The lawyers are technically strong and have practical knowledge as well; they have great capability to handle big cases." "The team is business-oriented and knows how to take economic and commercial aspects into account in its technical advice."
What the team is known for: Handles complex national and international infrastructure projects, with a focus on the waste management, transport and energy sectors. Praised for its innovative approach and wealth of experience. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "MLGTS offers high-quality, experience and skilled professionals, as well as the right level of partner involvement." "The lawyers are extremely experienced, fast and efficient; they take a global perspective, which smaller or less established firms cannot offer."
What the team is known for: A highly experienced team providing regulatory and transactional advice to national and international private equity funds. Recently handled the incorporation of several funds in Portugal and abroad. Work highlights: Advised ECS – Sociedade de Capital de Risco on the structuring and incorporation of a EUR1 billion fund, Fundo Recuperação Turismo.
What the team is known for: Specialist knowledge in all manner of planning issues. Represents energy companies, property developers, architecture firms and industrial clients in negotiations with municipalities, litigation, and licensing and tax agreements. Work highlights: Advised EDP - Gestão de Produção de Energia on the licensing for the construction of a hydroelectric installation on the River Távora. Represented the municipality of Cascais in several litigation cases pertaining planning and licensing issues.
What the team is known for: A full-service firm with expertise in contentious and non-contentious IP issues. Recent mandates include licensing, patent and trade mark litigation. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "A really impressive team, able to handle complex issues in a cost-effective manner." "The lawyers are super available and work quickly. They're great in presentations and negotiations - they provide perfect support." Work highlights: Represented Pfizer in proceedings against generic drugs companies. Acted on behalf of Philips in counterfeiting litigation.
What the team is known for: Well versed in transactional and regulatory matters in the energy sector, with a focus on electricity and natural gas. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "The team knows our business. It is very commercial and business-oriented, and that adds value to its service." Work highlights: Advising EDP - Energias de Portugal on energy regulatory and environmental law matters.
What the team is known for: Excellent reputation for litigation, particularly in collective dismissals and disciplinary proceedings. Strong international presence, with a team dedicated to advising clients in lusophone countries. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "The team shows a very deep understanding not only of all aspects of the law, but also the specific issues that were addressed to them. It provided accurate and crystal-clear advice." Work highlights: Assisted Impresa Group with labour, social security and litigation matters, including a number of restructuring measures. Advised St Julian's School on its restructuring.
What the team is known for: One of the largest dispute resolution teams in the country, with expertise in domestic and international arbitration, commercial litigation and white-collar crime. It handles IP, TMT and employment disputes, and remains a favourite for high-profile cases. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "Our first choice for bigger matters. Definitely the firm we use for complex and high-profile cases." "A multidisciplinary team, which helps when there are different aspects to the dispute." Work highlights: Represented Pfizer in 150 lawsuits against generic drugs companies. Advised Pernod Ricard on a EUR10 million lawsuit against Licor Beirão concerning a distribution contract.
What the team is known: for A sizeable team traditionally associated with large-scale projects. It has played a leading role in several privatisations and the recapitalisation of the Portuguese banking sector. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "The team is made up of lawyers with a profound knowledge of legal issues in their respective areas of expertise, which brings the client a sense of confidence and security." Work highlights: Represented Sonaecom in the EUR1.5 billion merger between Optimus and ZON. Advised Caixa Seguros e Saúde and HPP International on the EUR85.6 million sale of a 100% stake in the share capital of the latter to Brazilian healthcare company Amil Participações.
What the team is known for: One of the most active competition teams in Portugal, with expertise in merger control, antitrust enforcement and regulatory matters. It represents domestic and international clients in litigation cases before the ECJ, and advised on the state aid aspects surrounding the recapitalisation of several banks. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "A well-rounded and experienced team that knows our sector and manages time well." "My first option for complex matters." Work highlights: Advised Sonaecom on the EUR1.4 billion merger between Optimus and ZON. Assisted Caixa Geral de Depósitos with its EUR1.65 billion recapitalisation under EU state aid rules.
What the team is known for: A market leader assisting government-owned and private companies with floating-rate and hybrid instrument issuances, securitisations and Euro commercial paper programmes. Through MLGTS Legal Circle, the firm offers first-class advice across lusophone Africa. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "Great availability, including from partners. The junior team is very good and its work is supervised, ensuring high-quality results." Work highlights: Advised Millennium bcp on a EUR3 billion government-subscribed hybrid instrument issue. Assisted Parpública with the EUR360 million accelerated bookbuilding of a 4.14% stake in EDP - Energias de Portugal.
What the team is known for: Remains a leading force in the market, representing national and international players in the banking sector. Its comprehensive range of expertise extends to structured finance, private equity financing, investment funds, derivatives, securitisations and regulatory matters. Significant insurance, reinsurance and pension fund capabilities complement the practice. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients) "You can trust this team with the most difficult issues, knowing that you are going to get a solution." "Probably the best and most prestigious large firm in Portugal." Work highlights: Advised RBS on the restructuring of EUR1.8 billion worth of loans granted to Vestas Wind Systems. Assisted Fidelidade-Mundial with the restructuring of Caixa Geral de Depósitos' insurance arm.

Lawyers

Peers describe Rui Patrício as "one of the best corporate crime lawyers in the market." Clients praise his legal expertise, commercial awareness and dedication.
António Pinto Leite leads the team. He recently assisted Philips with an IP litigation case, and is also very much in demand as an arbitrator.
Bernardo Lobo Xavier is recommended for his ability to handle M&A and real estate matters. "Clients like him a lot; he works hard and is very knowledgeable," reports one interviewee.
Clients highlight Jorge Simões Cortez's commitment, dedication and proactivity. In addition to handling both M&A and restructuring mandates, he possesses vast experience of the TMT sector.
Department head Eduardo Verde Pinho is widely recognised for his corporate law expertise. He also co-ordinates the firm's Africa team, which advises clients with operations in lusophone African countries.
Clients praise António Lobo Xavier for his tax law expertise and his business knowledge. Sources say: "He is an impressive lawyer, who possesses a profound knowledge of the corporate arena."
Peers recognise Carlos Osório de Castro as an authority in the capital markets arena. "He is extremely clever; he is an excellent lawyer who clients adore," enthused one source.
Funchal-based Cátia Henriques Fernandes attracts praise for her expertise and client-oriented approach.
Helena Tapp Barroso represented Sonaecom in a litigation case concerning unpaid services and invoicing.
Public law expert Nuno Peres Alves attracts praise for his expertise, availability and litigation skills. Peers remark that "he is an excellent litigator."
Carlos Osório de Castro brings his corporate law expertise to TMT deals. Peers praise him as "a brilliant lawyer, technically very strong."
Sources describe associate Bruno Santiago as "the best of the new generation. He is dynamic and not afraid of presenting new ideas."
Clients enjoy working with Nuno Oliveira Garcia and admire his "strong technical skills."
António Lobo Xavier co-ordinates the team in Porto and is said to be "one of the best for tax."
Francisco de Sousa da Câmara is considered one of the top tax practitioners in the country. He co-ordinates the Lisbon and Funchal teams.
Clients say Eduardo Verde Pinho is "very attentive to detail, technically strong and self-assured."
Helena Soares de Moura is praised by sources for her know-how and dedication: "She is very attentive to her clients," remarks a source.
Carlos Osório de Castro has decades of experience in restructuring, commercial law and capital markets.
Practice head Filipa Arantes Pedroso has extensive experience as a real estate lawyer. She recently led on the EDP transaction.
Market observers say Miguel Nogueira de Brito "is extremely analytical and gives great, well thought-out and balanced advice." He is respected for expertise in public contracting, constitutional and general administrative law.
Nuno Peres Alves's peers recognise his work, and clients are impressed: "He is vastly experienced and has high technical skills." He recently advised Sonae Turismo Group – Atlantic Ferries on renegotiating a public service contract for river transportation.
Clients highlight Margarida Olazabal Cabral's work: "We were impressed with her work in administrative law matters." A recognised leader in her field, she recently advised APL on launching a public tender for the future operation of the Lisbon Cruises Terminal.
Interviewees praise Pedro Costa Gonçalves: "He is one of the best public law lawyers in Portugal. I trust him and would recommend him to clients." He acts as arbitrator on public law matters at numerous tribunals.
Peers say Filipa Morais Alçada is "very knowledgeable, experienced and active in projects." Clients are also impressed: "She is hard-working and understands our needs."
Peers highlight Cláudia Castanheira dos Santos for her experience in banking and finance and corporate law.
Interviewees highlight Filipe Lowndes Marques's "commercial approach, understanding of client needs, experience in the sector and deep legal knowledge."
Luís Branco is a widely recognised and respected name in the market. Clients say: "He is one of the best in Portugal, an expert. He's one of the most experienced lawyers in this area, an authority for project finance."
Peers recognise key partner Tomás Vaz Pinto for his experience and expertise in private equity matters.
Senior associate Rui Ribeiro Lima works closely with João Pereira Reis. "He is very active and knowledgeable," say interviewees.
Market sources admire João Pereira Reis for his expertise in planning and environment. "He is highly experienced and understands our needs," say clients.
Vasco Stilwell d'Andrade enters the rankings following excellent commentary from clients: "He understands the cultural nuances of the law between different jurisdictions, which is particularly challenging. He is an outstanding lawyer in anybody's book."
Clients appreciate Tomás Vaz Pinto's "quick and efficient responses."
Managing partner Nuno Galvão Teles specialises in corporate and energy law. He is, according to clients, "a very knowledgeable lawyer who anticipates clients' needs."
Senior associate Joana Almeida has been working closely with Luis Monteiro on major deals. She is recognised by peers and receives strong praise.
Pedro Pardal Goulão frequently acts on behalf of clients from Angola and Mozambique.
Department head Luís Miguel Monteiro continues to represent top-class clients in complex labour matters. Clients remark on his academic background and pragmatic approach as key strengths.
Francisco Cortez is a highly active commercial litigator. He climbs the rankings having earned warm recommendations from interviewees.
Peers describe Rui Patrício as "one of the best corporate crime lawyers in the market." Clients praise his legal expertise, commercial awareness and dedication.
António Pinto Leite leads the team. He recently assisted Philips with an IP litigation case, and is also very much in demand as an arbitrator
Miguel Galvão Teles is unanimously recognised as an authority in this area.
Senior statesman José Manuel Galvão Teles remains a well-respected market figure.
Sources concur that Tomás Vaz Pinto is "a highly skilled and proactive M&A lawyer."
Segismundo Pinto Basto led many of the firm's key M&A cases of the year.
Managing partner Nuno Galvão Teles attracts praise for his work in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Clients enjoy working with Carlos Osório de Castro, with one stating: "He has a very deep understanding of business transactions and always gives accurate and crystal-clear advice."
Peers regard practice head João Soares da Silva as a leading name in the Portuguese corporate/M&A market.
Senior statesman Miguel Galvão Teles handles corporate and M&A matters as part of a varied practice which also includes litigation.
Pedro de Gouveia e Melo has vast experience in the energy, financial services and food and beverages sectors. Clients describe him as "technically strong and not afraid of taking risks."
Inês Gouveia focuses on merger control, distribution contracts and energy regulation issues.
Senior associate Eduardo Maia Cadete handles EU litigation cases and regulatory matters.
Market observers are impressed with Joaquim Vieira Peres, describing him as "one of the best lawyers for merger control in Portugal. He always has big cases."
Peers acknowledge Carlos Botelho Moniz as an authority on competition matters, and clients describe him as "a technically solid and extremely prudent lawyer."
Young associate Eduardo Paulino enters the rankings on the back of warm client feedback. "He is very knowledgeable and a highlight in the team," remarks an interviewee.
Luisa Soares da Silva earns praise for her prowess in debt capital markets.
Banking and finance and capital markets expert Filipe Lowndes Marques is a favourite for securitisations.
Clients point to João Soares da Silva as their first choice for the more complex matters, and peers admire his expertise in equity capital markets and M&A.
Peers unanimously agree that Carlos Osório de Castro is a reference in the Portuguese capital markets arena.
Clients describe Filipe Lowndes Marques as "highly technical and strong in transactional banking matters."
According to clients, practice head Luís Branco is "a brilliant lawyer, extremely intelligent and clever. A perceptive and resourceful negotiator."

Patrons of the Serralves Foundation's National Contemporary Art Collection