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Chambers Europe

The Firm

What the team is known for:  Excellent reputation in the market for full-service counsel, including complex M&A transactions and general corporate advice. Offers a multidisciplinary service and provides cross-practice expertise, leveraging support from teams specialised in tax or dispute resolution. Acts for a variety of high-profile corporations and entrepreneurs. Offers multiple foreign desks and international alliances to facilitate cross-border instructions. Strengths  Clients: appreciate that the team is "very complete" and add: "There are experts for all the areas we require and they are very client-oriented: it's a very personalised service." Sources appreciate that the lawyers “use their initiative and are tremendously available.”
 What the team is known for : Renowned outfit with a sizeable team based in Porto offering a wide range of services to international corporate as well as high-profile domestic clients and local businesses. Houses a deep bench of tax specialists who provide extensive support encompassing corporate tax, indirect tax and litigation. Solid corporate offering with further expertise in capital markets and competition matters.  Strengths : Sources highlight the firm's versatility and range of expertise: "In corporate matters, competition litigation and many other things, we get very good service from the firm." One happy client points out that the "quality" of the team's work is "very much appreciated."
What the team is known for:  Noteworthy practice with particular strength in the life sciences field and notable activity in pharmaceutical patent disputes. Acts for major international clients, including prominent life sciences, fashion and technology companies. Also experienced in advising media clients on copyright and trade mark issues.  Strengths : Clients are effusive about the team's service and its "360-degree vision of clients' needs." Other interviewees report: "The lawyers are supremely responsive, efficient and provide substantive and strategic feedback."
What the team is known for : Cross-departmental aviation practice with experience in finance, insurance and labour law. Advises airlines and international lenders on licensing, registration, leasing and purchase agreements. Has notable experience in commercial contracts within the military aviation field. Stands out for activity in significant mandates relating to the financial restructuring of leading domestic airlines or aircraft suppliers.  Strengths : The department is recognised by peers in the sector as a strong choice for aviation finance mandates.
 What the team is known for : Attracts particular attention for work on behalf of international shipping companies and banks in relation to the International Shipping Registry of Madeira. Assists with all aspects of ship registration. Also earns praise for work on mortgage registrations and the removal of ships from the registry as part of the sale or scrapping of vessels.  Strengths:  Clients describe the group's work as "genuinely outstanding," going on to explain: "They are clear and concise." Peers note the firm's particular strength in ship finance matters.
What the team is known for : Well-established team with strong litigation capabilities. Holds experience in data protection and privacy issues, especially in electronic communications, and in technological matters relating to networks and outsourcing. Acts for an array of significant clients including those with activity in the finance, telecoms or gambling arenas.  Strengths : Clients appreciate the knowledge of the practice. One client says: "The team is highly experienced and works really hard." Sources further note: "The team is well prepared, with professionals who cover all areas of law."
What the team is known for:  Noteworthy practice with particular strength in the life sciences field and notable activity in pharmaceutical patent disputes. Acts for major international clients, including prominent life sciences, fashion and technology companies. Also experienced in advising media clients on copyright and trade mark issues.  Strengths:  Clients are effusive about the team's service and its "360-degree vision of clients' needs." Other interviewees report: "The lawyers are supremely responsive, efficient and provide substantive and strategic feedback."
What the team is known: for  Highly regarded practice handling a wide range of tax matters, noted particularly for tax litigation and international tax planning. Possesses specific expertise in income tax, VAT and stamp duty and additionally advises on transfer pricing. Clients benefit from its wide domestic footprint and experience handling international matters.  Strengths:  Sources appreciate the quality of the team's client service. "I'm very pleased with the lawyers' approach and knowledge," an interviewee reports, while another praises them as "very responsive," adding: "I think they have really good client service."
What the team is known for : Acts for both domestic and international clients from a wide range of sectors, such as finance, healthcare and construction. Assists with a broad range of restructuring and insolvency issues, including out-of-court negotiations, special revitalisation proceedings and the design and negotiation of recovery plans, in addition to credit claims.  Strengths:  Clients recommend the team for its "technical knowledge, negotiation skills and ability to work under pressure." Sources further recommend: "The team is very solid in both restructuring and insolvency."
What the team is known for:  Experienced team specialised in real estate matters that often have a key corporate law component. Advises on the due diligence and transactional aspects of M&A operations or portfolio sales. Acts on both the lender and borrower sides of real estate finance or refinancing transactions. Assists with the acquisition of land plots for hotel, student residence and industrial developments. Also negotiates construction contracts on behalf of developers.  Strengths:  "In terms of due diligence they ensure that it is a swift process and help us to get to the bottom of the main risks and considerations," states one client, going on to say: "On the transaction side they are detail-oriented and focused on meeting our objectives." Another client note the firm's suitability to handle "any kind of big transaction that requires a team that covers several areas," noting: "They have the team to support this kind of transaction and can ensure that the project is performed without any interruption."
 What the team is known for : Market-leading team of impressive lawyers covering the full range of public law mandates. Practice regularly handles regulatory matters, public works contracts, public procurement and public tenders for clients in a range of industry sectors including banking, energy, transport, defence and construction. Additional abilities in litigation and arbitration proceedings.  Strengths:  Clients value the group's dedication and initiative, stating: "The team is very proactive and always tries to be ahead of the process." Sources widely acknowledge the team's strengths in the area, with particular recommendation for its abilities in public procurement.
 What the team is known for:  Market-leading firm adept at handling the full range of project finance matters, with notable recent work in the retail and renewables spaces. Typically seen representing the lenders in both financing and refinancing matters, advising local or foreign banks. Offers additional expertise in advising on the corporate aspects of concessions agreements.  Strengths:  The team has a reputation for being "excellent in projects." Market commentators report that the lawyers demonstrate "a deep knowledge of the issues and a strong practical sense."
 What the team is known for:  Prolific firm with an outstanding team able to provide comprehensive planning advice. Skilled in assisting with high-profile tourist ventures and industrial development projects, and regularly sought after for its advice on urban regeneration operations. Able to advise on licensing procedures, land use plans, environmental impacts and a variety of contentious matters.  Strengths:  The team members are "very accurate in the analysis they do, especially for a very specific question or subject," according to a client, who further says: "They know what they are talking about with urban planning."
What the team is known for : Multidisciplinary firm covering a range of private equity transactions, including acquisitions, incorporations and transfer of participation units. Handles regulatory issues and advises on fund formation and structuring. Additionally well versed in the structuring of national and international financing operations.  Strengths:  Clients praise the team for its solution-oriented approach, with one saying: "The lawyers are very helpful and provide solutions." Market sources also single out the team for its involvement in "innovative and complex transactions" in the private equity field.

What the team is known for:  Prestigious insurance team boasting strong capabilities in both transactional and contentious insurance matters, including M&A, restructuring and claims handling. Retained by insurers for its expertise in the implementation of new insurance and reinsurance products. Complementary strength in regulatory and tax matters, and team is additionally well placed to handle cross-border instructions, with notable activity in lusophone jurisdictions such as Angola, Mozambique and Macau.  Strengths:  A client says: "I was very impressed by the standing of the firm and the experience of the practitioners. The insurance team is very well structured and has relevant expertise that embraces different fields, from litigation to tax and regulatory matters." Another interviewee highlights the team's "accuracy, dedication and efficiency."

 What the team is known for : Exceptional practice that offers a wide scope of expertise across regulatory matters and transactions, including contentious proceedings. Its dedicated department assists key clients in the energy sector, including major operators. Prominent in the renewable energy sector, advising on biomass, hydropower and both onshore and offshore wind projects. Offers cross-border capability and international presence with a recognised network of alliances in Angola, Macau and Mozambique, assisted by the firm's dedicated Africa and Asia teams.  Strengths:  Sources enthuse that the team offers "flexibility, availability, excellent knowledge of the electricity market and skill in understanding clients' needs." Interviewees further commend the department for being "very focused and time sensitive."
What the team is known for : Exceptional practice that offers a wide scope of expertise across regulatory matters and transactions, including contentious proceedings. Its dedicated department assists key clients in the energy sector, including major operators. Prominent in the renewable energy sector, advising on biomass, hydropower and both onshore and offshore wind projects. Offers cross-border capability and international presence with a recognised network of alliances in Angola, Macau and Mozambique, assisted by the firm's dedicated Africa and Asia teams.  Strengths:  Sources enthuse that the team offers "flexibility, availability, excellent knowledge of the electricity market and skill in understanding clients' needs." Interviewees further commend the department for being "very focused and time sensitive."
 What the team is known for:  Excellent practice providing a comprehensive service encompassing corporate restructurings, collective dismissals, collective agreements and business transfers. Also maintains a market-leading labour law litigation practice. Acts for leading domestic and international corporates from a range of sectors, including a sizeable client base of European banking institutions.  Strengths:  Clients praise the insight the team offers. One describes the "excellent planning and strategic approach to each case." One interviewee further highlights the department for its "specific knowledge and expertise in employment law," in addition to the "excellent communication with the lawyers."
What the team is known for : Excellent reputation in the market for full-service counsel, including complex M&A transactions and general corporate advice. Offers a multidisciplinary service and provides cross-practice expertise, leveraging support from teams specialised in tax or dispute resolution. Acts for a variety of high-profile corporations and entrepreneurs. Offers multiple foreign desks and international alliances to facilitate cross-border instructions.  Strengths:  Clients appreciate that the team is "very complete" and add: "There are experts for all the areas we require and they are very client-oriented: it's a very personalised service." Sources appreciate that the lawyers “use their initiative and are tremendously available.”
Band 1

Competition/European Law

2018
What the team is known for : Full-service firm with an outstanding reputation in the capital markets sphere. Highly experienced transactional practice with additional coverage of hybrid matters as well as handling the full scope of regulatory issues. Adept at handling both domestic and international matters, the team advises a prominent list of major Portuguese public companies, banks and multinational financial institutions.  Strengths : Clients are impressed by the high quality of the service provided, reporting: "It is a focused team which is capable of advising clients on the best solutions." Further sources note team members' "high technical quality" at all levels of seniority.
What the team is known for:  Widely reputed team with a multidisciplinary approach, handling the full scope of banking and finance matters. Frequently acts for lenders on acquisition finance and restructuring matters. Additional focus on private equity financing and regulatory and project financing issues. Active in cross-border matters involving Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Angola. Particularly active of late in the financing of shopping centres and energy projects.  Strengths:  The team wins praise for its extensive knowledge and adaptability, with one source stating: "MLGTS demonstrated an ability to grasp concepts in a niche area with relative speed and ease."

Lawyers

Tomás Vaz Pinto advises on private equity transactions as well as on the establishment of funds. Sources note his "deep knowledge of the matters in question."

Isabel Santos Fidalgo

Recognised Practitioner General Business Law - Porto
2018
Team leader António Pedro Braga concentrates on corporate taxation issues, regularly acting on behalf of finance, industrial and commercial companies. Peers laud him as "an outstanding tax lawyer" with "a very commercial profile." Also notable is his experience assisting clients with the tax aspects of Africa-related matters.
António Lobo Xavier is described by clients as "a master in the area of tax law." He works with national and multinational companies on tax issues in various sectors, such as finance and telecommunications. He is also a skilled arbitrator and has operated for the Administrative Arbitration Centre numerous times. His knowledge spans from tax issues in relation to mergers or restructuring operations to tax liability litigation.
Paula Ponces Camanho is widely respected by peers and has an impressive knowledge of the law from which clients greatly benefit.
An active practitioner in competition law, Joaquim Vieira Peres is "very well known in this area of law, and is always on top of what's happening." Advising on both national and international mandates, he has led several high-profile matters for the Sonae Group, including acting for Sonae Indústria on a merger filing before the European Commission, concerning the acquisition of joint control over Tafisa by both the client and the Chile-based Arauco Group.
Eduardo Verde Pinho is a recognised figure, described as "very strong on M&A and general corporate issues" by one interviewee. He co-ordinates the firm's Africa team and regularly represents clients in Angola and Mozambique on restructuring of organisations and their finances.
Jorge Simões Cortez is an established M&A lawyer with a solid track record in company restructuring operations and corporate transactions. He advised Riopele in proceedings initiated by former managers, who claimed the payment of EUR2 million in compensation, and a former distributor who claimed over EUR1.77 million.
Interviewees agree that Carlos Osório de Castro"is a standout figure in the market" and further describe him as a "very clever lawyer." A long-time expert in capital markets and M&A transactions, he is a prominent and trusted practitioner who represents major national and international clients. Of late, he led the team advising Gestifute Group on the negotiation of sale and purchase and investment/shareholder agreements with Fosun International.
Bernardo Maria Lobo Xavier is recognised as a talented practitioner in M&A and real estate transactions. He is described by a source as a "very good lawyer who's strong on real estate issues." He led the team for Sonae MC - Modelo Continente, advising on the due diligence as well as the negotiation of the documents concerning the client's acquisition of a 51% capital share of Go Well – Promoção de Eventos, Catering e Consultoria.
António Lobo Xavier is described by clients as "a master in the area of tax law." He works with national and multinational companies on tax issues in various sectors, such as finance and telecommunications. He is also a skilled arbitrator and has operated for the Administrative Arbitration Centre numerous times. His knowledge spans from tax issues in relation to mergers or restructuring operations to tax liability litigation.
Claudia Santos Cruz has a broad practice that extends from corporate investments through to ship finance matters. One client describes her as "outstanding, not only in terms of quality of service and responsiveness but also because of the valuable insight she brings."

Cátia Henriques Fernandes is well liked by clients for her "service-oriented" approachand for her "clear answers and responsiveness." "She is an excellent partner for business in Madeira as she provides work on time and is friendly and effective," states another interviewee. She is respected among peers for her expertise in ship registration matters.

Department head Segismundo Pinto Basto is the key contact for clients.
Nuno Peres Alves is recognised for his abilities in litigious matters, and he is frequently seen advising clients with activity in the telecoms space.
Praised by market sources as a "very good lawyer,"Bruno Santiago has considerable experience advising prominent national and international corporations on tax matters related to divestment strategies. He enjoys a solid client base in the banking sector. He recently assisted Tabaqueira with the revaluation of its assets tax.
António Lobo Xavier is hailed by sources for his "authority and knowledge" in the tax sector. He regularly advises multinational companies in the finance and telecommunications sectors and is well versed in matters including double taxation treaties, VAT and corporate income tax. He recently represented Jerónimo Martins in several tax litigation cases concerning corporate income tax.
Head of the Lisbon tax group Francisco de Sousa da Câmara is a regular adviser to prominent domestic companies and multinationals, and also assists high net worth individuals with a variety of tax issues. His recent highlights include acting for Somincor on a corporate income tax dispute.
Rita Ferreira Vicente assists both domestic and international clients with real estate acquisitions and developments. "She is focused and pays a lot of attention to detail," says one client, adding: "She knows every detail of our project by heart and offers an immediate response." Peers note her increasing importance in the firm's real estate department and highlight her particular experience in real estate finance mandates.
Clients say that Filipa Arantes Pedroso offers "outstanding technical knowledge combined with commercial awareness." "She is happy to connect us to people we need and is great at managing processes," states another source, adding: "She is efficient, effective and direct." She has a strong reputation among peers for her experience in real estate transactions that are structured as share deals.
Nuno Peres Alves regularly represents clients in disputes concerning public funding, procurement or works contracts, and is notably active in the areas of telecoms and media.
Margarida Olazabal Cabral is recommended for her "excellent client focus and expertise." She acts on public procurement mandates, tender procedures and regulatory issues. Sources confirm her to be "an important lawyer in public contracts and public procurement."
The "very well known"Miguel Nogueira de Brito's areas of expertise include constitutional law and public procurement. He advises on banking and energy matters.

Pedro Costa Gonçalves

Band 2 Public Law
2018
According to clients, Filipe Lowndes Marques has"deep knowledge of the topics, common sense and the ability to come up with innovative solutions." He regularly assists international banks with their position as lenders in projects in the renewables sector. Sources further appreciate that he is "commercial and doesn't like to complicate things when there is no need to."
Cláudia Castanheira dos Santos is noted for her "extremely diligent way of working." She is active in the firm's key matters, assisting banks with refinancings and joint ventures in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
The "outstanding"Luís Branco maintains his leading reputation in the market, with sources describing him as "very experienced, commercial and solution-oriented." A leader in banking and finance, he represents lenders in infrastructure financings.
Tomás Vaz Pinto is respected as a "fine lawyer" who is active in the private equity field. He assists a solid portfolio of clients with establishing of private equity funds. He advised Bridgepoint on the EUR456 million international acquisition and financing of the SAPEC Group's business in Portugal.
With a distinguished background in public administration, João Pereira Reis is widely regarded as an authority on planning law in Portugal. Described by one source as a "very well-known and high-performing lawyer," he has over 30 years of experience and accumulated knowledge that makes him a valued adviser to clients such as Sonae Sierra and the Municipality of Cascais. He was mandated by Azimutescolha on the licensing of several urban regeneration projects in Lisbon.
Vasco Stilwell d'Andrade acts on matters relating to patents, copyright, trade marks and licensing. Clients appreciate his "very holistic approach to problem solving."
Margarida Lima Rego leads the team and is unanimously praised by interviewees, who describe her as "one of the most reputed lawyers in this practice area." Her extensive insurance practice covers transactional advice, negotiation of insurance arrangements and disputes. An interviewee highly praises her, saying: "She is very proactive, totally up to date and knowledgeable. She is always open to discussing new ideas and possibilities but also knows how to sustain her position. Her name is certainly a reference in this sector."
Nuno Galvão Teles is recognised as a "very resourceful lawyer and a great negotiator." His clients include important energy companies.
Catarina Brito Ferreira is singled out for her negotiation skills. Her work covers transactional and regulatory matters within the energy sector and she is particularly active in renewables.
Helena Tapp Barroso advises an impressive portfolio of key domestic clients on their employment law issues. She regularly acts on litigious mandates, where she is considered to be "a great lawyer who is very assertive in her arguments."
Pedro Pardal Goulão leads the team and regularly provides support on non-contentious mandates. Sources highlight his availability and note that he possesses "a lot of practical experience."
Luís Miguel Monteiro is well known for his expertise in employment law, with commentators describing him as "highly experienced and knowledgeable in this area." He advises on collective dismissals, disputes and restructuring procedures. One impressed source was quick to highlight "his analytical skills and ability to build a good legal defence."
José Manuel Galvão Teles is described as a "high-profile practitioner with an important status in the market" by an impressed source, who goes on to say: "He is one of the most brilliant lawyers I have ever met." He has particular expertise in commercial and civil litigation.
António Pinto Leite represents clients in civil and commercial disputes, handling both litigation and arbitration. Clients note his market reputation, reporting: "He is a heavyweight before the government and before the courts and inspires total confidence," adding that "he is highly skilled, very bright and a fearsome litigator." He has particular expertise in IP and pharmaceutical litigation.
The "fantastic" Rui Patrício impresses market commentators with his skills regarding corporate crime: "He is a very, very strong criminal lawyer. When we talk about Morais's criminal law practice, we talk about him." His expertise includes matters of corruption, money laundering and tax fraud. He boasts additional skills in civil litigation and represented Euroatlantic in a number of civil lawsuits.
The "fantastic" Rui Patrício impresses market commentators with his skills regarding corporate crime: "He is a very, very strong criminal lawyer. When we talk about Morais's criminal law practice, we talk about him." His expertise includes matters of corruption, money laundering and tax fraud. He boasts additional skills in civil litigation and represented Euroatlantic in a number of civil lawsuits.
Filipe Vaz Pinto handles both civil and commercial litigation as well as international arbitration, often involving Portuguese-speaking jurisdictions in Africa. His clients include banks, governmental entities, construction and infrastructure companies.
António Pinto Leite represents clients in civil and commercial disputes, handling both litigation and arbitration. Clients note his market reputation, reporting: "He is a heavyweight before the government and before the courts and inspires total confidence," adding that "he is highly skilled, very bright and a fearsome litigator." He has particular expertise in IP and pharmaceutical litigation.
Catarina Brito Ferreira specialises in the energy sector, within which she advises on M&A, joint venture transactions and public tender bids. Clients report: “She is very skilled and hands-on, and she knows how to get matters moving."

Tomás Vaz Pinto

Band 3 Corporate/M&A
2018
Eduardo Paulino regularly advises on cross-border M&A and joint ventures. Sources enthuse: “He has extremely sophisticated technical skills, is always available and shows unwavering support.”
Segismundo Pinto Basto has experience in dealing with a range of corporate matters, with particular activity in the aviation and agribusiness sectors. Interviewees describe him as "proactive, with deep knowledge of his specialism."
Carlos Osório de Castro's practice includes advice on M&A and joint ventures. He is widely recognised in the market as an “excellent lawyer.” Sources additionally note his “strong reputation in devising creative solutions, problem-solving skills and intelligence.”
João Soares da Silva enjoys an excellent reputation in the field for M&A work, within which he focuses on the banking sector. Sources regard him as "one of the best M&A lawyers in Portugal" and highlight his "dedication and availability to the client."
Nuno Galvão Teles is recognised for his extensive expertise in the energy sector. Sources report: “He is a very experienced and solid professional. He gives clients great confidence when he's at the table.”
Luís do Nascimento Ferreira is highly praised by clients who describe him as "tireless, always available and well prepared." He has a comprehensive practice in European law and competition matters, encompassing merger control cases, restrictive practices and state aid.
Inês Gouveia supports clients in a broad range of competition mandates, advising on contentious and non-contentious matters, including compliance projects and representation before the Portuguese Competition Authority.
Eduardo Maia Cadete is praised by sources who describe him as a "very dynamic, extremely knowledgeable and confident" practitioner. He is notably active in abuse of dominance cases.
Head of department Joaquim Vieira Peres is described as a "highly pragmatic lawyer who knows how to identify the relevant issues and liabilities in a case." His varied practice includes assistance with merger filings, investigations by the Portuguese authorities and cartel allegations. A client confirms: "He is a top expert."
Pedro de Gouveia e Melo is regularly retained by public and private entities for his expertise in antitrust disputes, compliance and state aid issues. He has been notably active of late in the food and drink sector and sources report: "He has solid technical knowledge and is efficient in his work."
Seasoned partner Carlos Botelho Moniz is widely respected in the market for his lengthy career in the practice area. He acts for clients at both domestic and European level, and is regularly instructed on issues concerning mergers, state aid or cartel allegations. Interviewees highlight him as "very experienced and knowledgeable in the sector," in addition to referring to him as "a pioneer in competition law."
João Soares da Silva has a strong reputation in capital markets. His broad practice includes advice on regulatory issues and capital increases. Clients highlight his "high degree of knowledge, availability and initiative."
Carlos Osório de Castro receives recognition for his experience in the area. He is instructed by both national and international clients, and sources describe him as a "very bright, knowledgeable lawyer."
Filipe Lowndes Marques frequently acts on project finance in the energy sector. He boasts further expertise in securitisation and bond issuance.
The "excellent"Luís Branco enjoys a stellar reputation for his practice, with sources describing him as "a great expert in banking and finance and very well known." He handles project finance, securitisation and structured finance.

Patrons of the Serralves Foundation's National Contemporary Art Collection