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About Us

The Firm

Widely reputed team with a multidisciplinary approach, handling the full scope of banking and finance mandates. Frequently acts for lenders on acquisition finance and restructurings. Additional focus on regulatory matters as well as project financing issues. Also handles acquisition financings on behalf of corporate joint ventures. Experienced in cross-border matters involving Portuguese-speaking countries, notably in Africa. Active in the renewable energy, infrastructure and real estate sectors.

Full-service firm with an outstanding reputation in the capital markets sphere. Highly experienced in debt and equity mandates in addition to structured finance. Additionally handles securitisation mandates. Particularly active within the energy arena. Adept at handling both domestic and international matters, the team advises a prominent list of major Portuguese public companies, banks and multinational financial institutions.

Outstanding practice noted for advising on sophisticated domestic and international matters. Active across the full range of competition matters including merger control cases, state aid issues, antitrust investigations and sector-related disputes before both the national and the European courts. Also noted for its experience in abuse of dominance case. Offers support for clients in appeals to competition authorities and infringement procedures. Client roster comprises companies from diverse industries such as financial services, telecoms and retail, including both public and private entities.

First-rate team of corporate specialists advising on an array of mandates including high-value M&A transactions and joint ventures. Adept at handling multi-jurisdictional mandates, offering notable expertise in other lusophone jurisdictions thanks to international alliances. Draws on experts in tax and employment to provide comprehensive assistance to clients. Offers experience in deals across a wide range of industries, including real estate, life sciences, financial services and energy.

 

 

Outstanding team maintaining a vanguard position by providing a broad employment service, which includes restructuring processes, collective terminations, employment litigations, and collective bargaining agreements. Further advises on business transfers and disciplinary proceedings. Represents an array of clients with strong presence in the banking, consumer goods and pharma industries.

Exceptional practice that offers a wide scope of expertise across regulatory matters and transactions, with additional abilities in construction. Impressive client base includes major energy operators as well as financial institutions. Particularly prominent in the renewable energy sector, advising on solar, hydropower and offshore wind projects. Additionally advises on public tenders, acquisitions and corporate restructurings in the energy industry. 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.

Exceptional practice that offers a wide scope of expertise across regulatory matters and transactions, with additional abilities in construction. Impressive client base includes major energy operators as well as financial institutions. Particularly prominent in the renewable energy sector, advising on solar, hydropower and offshore wind projects. Additionally advises on public tenders, acquisitions and corporate restructurings in the energy industry. 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.

Highly respected insurance team harbouring strong capabilities in both transactional and contentious insurance matters, including M&A, restructuring, bancassurance and claims handling. Retained by insurers for its vast expertise in the implementation of new insurance and reinsurance products. Complementary strength in tax matters. Well placed to handle cross-border instructions, especially in lusophone jurisdictions such as Angola, Mozambique and Macau.

Meritorious team with significant activity tackling mandates such as patent litigation, trade mark applications and oppositions, and licensing. Adept at performing contract analysis and acts on settlement negotiations and IP arbitrations. Often retained by well-known clients active in the technology, life sciences, sports, and telecommunications industries.

Established team within an excellent full-service structure. Offers noted specialisation in regulatory mandates arising from corporate deals and distribution agreements. Regularly retained by leading national and multinational clients from the pharmaceutical and medical devices sectors to act on strategic disputes.

Experienced department able to provide comprehensive planning advice. Skilled in assisting with tourist ventures and residential development projects, and regularly sought after for its advice on urban regeneration operations, including related tax benefits. Able to advise on land use plans and offers additional expertise in licensing. Also offers support on joint ventures and purchases. Activity extends to representation in planning litigation.

Multidisciplinary firm covering a range of private equity transactions, including acquisitions and incorporations, with recognised abilities in venture capital operations. Offers noteworthy strength in complex cross-border mandates. Represents clients from a variety of sectors including technology, energy and healthcare.

Market-leading firm adept at handling the full range of project finance matters, with notable work in the retail, renewables and natural resources spaces. Showcases a strong focus on real estate projects including those in the hospitality sector. Typically seen representing the lenders in both financing and refinancing matters, advising local or foreign banks. Offers significant experience in cross-border projects.

Market-leading team of impressive lawyers covering the full range of public law mandates for private organisations and public bodies. Practice handles regulatory matters, public works contracts, public procurement and public tenders for clients in a range of industry sectors including banking, energy, transport and infrastructure. Offers support in matters relating to real estate contracts and planning legislation. Additional abilities in litigation and arbitration proceedings.

Experienced team that advises on the full gamut of real estate matters including acquisitions, joint ventures and property bids. Works with a wide range of clients from the banking, hospitality and construction sectors on due diligence, and SPA agreement negotiation and drafting.

Solid insolvency practice group with notable experience advising on extra-judicial restructuring processes, such as assisting with special revitalisation proceedings (PER). Client roster boasts an array of domestic and international banking institutions and the directors and shareholders of insolvent companies.

 

Highly regarded practice handling a wide range of tax matters, noted particularly for tax litigation and 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, with particular strength in those involving other lusophone jurisdictions. Frequently assists clients with the tax aspects of corporate and real estate acquisitions and disposals.

Well-established team with strong experience in privacy issues, as well as in the field of telecoms. Notable activity in helping major multinational clients formulate tailored GDPR programmes. Acts for an array of significant clients including those with activity in the finance, television and gambling arenas. Activity extends to assistance with transactional operations and competition law.

 

Outstanding maritime department with acclaimed cross-border capabilities. Remarkable expertise in issues associated with the International Shipping Registry of Madeira. Advises on different types of vessel agreements, maritime contracts, labour issues and shipping finance queries. Represents a broad range of international banks, transportation firms and financial institutions.

Renowned outfit with a sizeable team based in Porto, well equipped to advise international corporates, high-profile domestic clients and local businesses on an array of mandates. Houses a deep bench of tax specialists who provide extensive support, encompassing corporate taxation and indirect tax litigation. Robust corporate offering with further prowess in labour, competition and public law.

 

Band 1

Private Wealth Law

2020

Lawyers

Luís Branco stands out for his "dedication and knowledge of the area,"according to a satisfied client. His expertise covers a variety of financing transactions, including those relating to the renewables and real estate sectors.

Luís Branco is described as an "authority" in the banking sphere. He has a wealth of expertise in acquisition financings for banks and other financial institutions, particularly real estate acquisitions.

Filipe Lowndes Marques is well versed in project financings, acquisition financings, and the sale and purchase of loan portfolios. He often advises on acquisitions in the real estate sector and financings for energy projects.

Carlos Osório de Castro is hailed as a "classic lawyer" by interviewees. He offers support on ECM deals, including IPOs and share capital transactions.

Eduardo Paulino frequently assists with both equity and debt capital markets, including covered bonds, Rule 144A offerings and IPOs. His clients include domestic names in the banking and energy sectors.

Pedro de Gouveia e Melo is praised for his "great knowledge" and "innovative thinking." He is adept at handling merger controls, compliance programmes and infringement and investigation procedures.

Eduardo Maia Cadete advises on merger controls, state aid matters and private antitrust enforcements. He frequently assists clients in the telecoms and transport sectors.

Luís do Nascimento Ferreira is praised by clients for his "in-depth knowledge of competition law matters" and his "very positive approach towards the clients." He has a comprehensive practice providing counsel across competition law, active on abuse of dominant position cases, as well as merger control procedures and state aid matters.

Joaquim Vieira Peres is well versed in handling cartel and antitrust investigations, appeals and merger control issues. Clients praise him for being "always focused on the client's business and granting a high-quality service."

Carlos Botelho Moniz is praised for his "strong knowledge" of competition law. He is proficient in handling cases involving state aid.

Tomás Vaz Pinto advises on the sale and purchase of share capital as well as the negotiation of shareholders' agreements. Interviewees appreciate his attention to detail and add that "he is a pleasure to work with."

Segismundo Pinto Basto assists with corporate governance, M&A and restructuring transactions in the aviation and energy sectors. Clients value his "seriousness and loyalty in every case."

Eduardo Paulino 's clients describe him as "a practical and creative thinker."His experience lies in acquisitions in the hospitality, real estate and financial services sectors.

Carlos Osório de Castro is lauded by clients as a "very reputable and bright lawyer."He is adept at handling public and private M&A in the energy and real estate sectors and offers additional expertise in capital markets.

Nuno Galvão Teles enjoys solid expertise in cross-border public M&A. He is well placed to advise on transactions in the energy and natural resources sector.

Clients praise Catarina Brito Ferreira as "strong in negotiation." She is proficient at handling transactions in the energy industry and works primarily on the divestment of share capital.

Clients depict Filipe Vaz Pinto as a "very methodical, focused and organised" lawyer. He is proficient in litigation proceedings involving the infrastructure, automotive and energy sectors.

The "experienced" António Pinto Leite is commended by clients for his dedicated approachHe frequently appears before the ICC in arbitration arising from the energy and pharmaceutical industries. He is additionally adept at handling civil litigation.

Rui Patrício is well versed in criminal litigation and advises on the full spectrum of corporate crime mandates, ranging from money laundering to bribery. He also represents clients in civil disputes. Clients laud his "faultless technical preparation and total availability."

Francisco Cortez has lengthy experience in disputes arising from the professional services and technology sectors. He also represents clients in general commercial, civil and corporate litigation and contentious work.

Rui Patrício is well versed in criminal litigation and advises on the full spectrum of corporate crime mandates, ranging from money laundering to bribery. He also represents clients in civil disputes. Clients laud his "faultless technical preparation and total availability."

The "experienced" António Pinto Leite is commended by clients for his dedicated approachHe frequently appears before the ICC in arbitration arising from the energy and pharmaceutical industries. He is additionally adept at handling civil litigation.

Helena Tapp Barroso 's practice covers collective bargaining agreements and labour litigation. Clients attest to her "excellent work."

Clients affirm that Pedro Pardal Goulão is "highly committed and knowledgeable." He notably advises on labour aspects of acquisitions, as well as the dismissal of senior executives.

Luís Miguel Monteiro offers expertise in the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, litigation and disciplinary proceedings. His client portfolio includes leading Portuguese and international companies in the energy and financial services industries.

Nuno Galvão Teles is considered to be a key point reference for clients in the energy sector. He offers support on public tender offers and acquisitions within the energy arena.

Catarina Brito Ferreira handles work in the renewables sector, especially relating to wind projects. She additionally advises on M&A transactions and corporate restructuring.

Sources note that Vasco Stilwell d'Andrade "takes the initiative to understand clients and have better results." His experience includes patent litigations and negotiations of IP licensing agreements.

Sources know Rui Ribeiro Lima to be "very inventive, available and result-oriented." He assists with licensing, construction and litigious matters.

João Pereira Reis is praised for being "very present, and creative in solutions." He is adept at advising on the full range of planning matters, including purchases, licensing, taxation matters and construction-related work.

Luís Roquette Geraldes has experience in complex financing rounds. Interviewees describe him as "keen and focused."

Tomás Vaz Pinto handles a variety of private equity mandates. He represents funds in cross-border transactions, and attracts attention for his experience in venture capital.

Ricardo Andrade Amaro frequently represents funds in complex private equity transactions. His expertise includes acquisitions and share capital transactions, as well as regulatory advice.

Cláudia Castanheira dos Santos focuses her practice on assisting clients with project financing and acquisitions in the construction, energy and real estate sectors. She has further experience in public-private tenders.

Filipe Lowndes Marques is praised for his ability to bring clients closer to solutions and for "helping to overcome issues." He is adept at handling project finance and acquisitions in the transport, construction and real estate sectors.

Practice head Luís Branco attracts attention for his technical skill and commercial approach. He is well versed in handling projects for banking and energy clients.

João Tiago da Silveira has a broad practice that sees him advising on planning and EU laws. He is also experienced in public procurement processes and administrative procedures.

Nuno Peres Alves is praised for his "dedication, availability and seriousness in analysis"by his clients. He works with clients in the transport, real estate, food and agriculture sectors.

The "extraordinary" Margarida Olazabal Cabral attracts attention for her focus on public procurement procedures and concession contracts for infrastructure matters. She also represents clients in litigation.

Miguel Nogueira de Brito dedicates his practice to energy-related mandates, including concession agreements, contracts and public procurement procedures. Interviewees say he is "technically very strong."

Pedro Costa Gonçalves 's recent work has seen him act as chair in arbitrations and issue opinions on environmental matters. Alongside his private practice, he also lectures on Portuguese public law and is recognised as a "reputed scholar."

 Rita Ferreira Vicente primarily advises on real estate finance transactions. Her skill set extends to the sale or purchase of commercial and residential property.

Head of department João Torroaes Valente is experienced in various real estate transactions involving portfolio acquisitions and sales, joint ventures, and capital regulated investment. Sources describe him as "knowledgeable and experienced."

Filipa Arantes Pedroso is skilled in real estate acquisitions and joint ventures. Her clients include real estate investors and corporate groups.

Client recognise associate-to-watch Nuno Gundar da Cruz as "very hard-working, methodical, organised and intelligent."He frequently handles insolvency-related dispute resolution cases.

Bruno Santiago is praised for his "excellent litigation skills" and is adept at advising on both contentious and non-contentious matters. A client comments: "He is very efficient and understands perfectly what risks we were taking."

António Lobo Xavier manages the firm's Porto department and is regarded to be an "exquisite tax lawyer."His practice includes advice on VAT and double taxation treaties, as well as representation in tax litigation.

Francisco de Sousa da Câmara is a highly respected figure in the market and is particularly active in tax litigation. A market commentator notes: "He is very well known in the country as a leading tax lawyer."

Nuno Peres Alves regularly advises domestic telecoms clients on tender processes and framework agreements. Sources underline his "availability and openness with clients."

Segismundo Pinto Basto

Recognised Practitioner Transportation - Aviation
2020

The "very organised and brightClaudia Santos Cruz acts on registration and mortgage agreements, loan facilities and shipping finance queries. She instructs banks, investors and transportation firms on a variety of maritime matters.

Department head Cátia Henriques Fernandes assists a variety of transportation industries with shipping registries, maritime contracts and any vessel and labour issues. She focuses on the Madeira market, with sources praising her market knowledge and describing her as "very hands-on and very responsive."

Isabel Santos Fidalgo

Recognised Practitioner General Business Law - Porto
2020

António Pedro Braga co-leads the firm's tax department, and co-ordinates cross-border tax mandates with the Africa team. He is singled out as "an outstanding, sharp tax lawyer who provides excellent solutions." His practice centres on national and international tax structures.

Tax expert António Lobo Xavier boasts a long-standing reputation in the Porto tax sphere, and is highly esteemed for his experience in restructuring operations and tax litigation. He is widely acclaimed by peers, who single him out as "an outstanding tax lawyer" and "a very well-known lawyer with a really strong team."

Paula Ponces Camanho possesses significant expertise in both preventive and contentious labour mandates. She is commended for her expertise in the field, with one client singling her out as an "excellent labour expert."

"Highly experienced" labour lawyer José Amorim Magalhães receives praise from one client for his "astounding knowledge and negotiating skills," adding: "He always knows what is best for the client."

Joaquim Vieira Peres leads the firm's competition and EU law department, and is well positioned to advise on the full spectrum of relevant mandates, from merger control procedures to cartel investigations. He maintains a strong reputation amongst peers, one of whom notes that he is"an excellent competition lawyer."

Eduardo Verde Pinho has extensive experience in commercial matters such as M&A and corporate restructuring procedures. He garners praise from one market commentator for his ability to "understand businesses quickly and see the big picture."

Jorge Simões Cortez is singled out by one peer for his "meticulous,in-depth analysis of the question." His practice encompasses M&A and company restructurings.

Carlos Osório de Castro is highly regarded by market sources for his outstanding expertise in corporate and capital markets transactions. A peer highlights his "innovative solutions in the field of corporate law," going on to say: "He has extensive knowledge of different areas of law, and pools knowledge from multiple practice areas when co-ordinating deals."

"Excellent lawyer" and managing partner Bernardo Maria Lobo Xavier is recommended for his "flexible and highly effective approach in negotiations."He possesses additional expertise in real estate operations.

Leading practitioner João Anacoreta Correia is commended by one market source as "excellent in international transactions," with a particularly notable "ability to co-ordinate multi-jurisdictional work." He demonstrates additional strength in commercial disputes and arbitrations, leading the firm's litigation team.

Francisco de Sousa da Câmara co-ordinates the firm's tax teams in Lisbon and Madeira. His peers say he is "very well known in the country as a leading tax lawyer and also in the area of private wealth law," highlighting his impressive clientele and experience in corporate and individual taxation.

Bruno Santiago is a "leading tax lawyer," who is "very skilled and has a lot of technical knowledge" in this practice area. A client reports: "I have found Mr Santiago to be very well versed in the tax matter we had to deal with. He was easily available and, therefore, we were able to work at a good pace, efficiently. He assimilated precisely our thoughts. Whatever he was not sure of, he investigated. He focuses on the subject or problem at hand and does not waste time with small talk. He is very professional, a good listener and possesses a remarkable memory. He is precise and to the point. He writes well and his ideas are summarised in an orderly way. I would say that he is quite a perfectionist in that he explains his ideas and their possible outcomes thoroughly covering all possibilities."