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Chambers Global

The Firm

This full-service heavyweight's all-encompassing disputes practice includes litigation and arbitration in a number of key industry sectors, and also has the size and know-how to cover specialisations such as IP. The broad scope of the litigation practice is reflected in the sphere of arbitration, where the firm handles a number of cases for national and multinational players, both on an ad hoc basis and through organised bodies such as the ICC. Clients describe a “five-star service at both a technical and a client service level.” Significant clients include Banco Santander, Philips, Pfizer and BP.
With roots going back to the 1930s, this firm has a solid corporate/M&A practice group that handles an impressive list of annual deals involving prominent clients such as EDP - Energias de Portugal and Banco Comercial Português. Recent work highlights include advice on the merger between Pfizer and Wyeth, and assisting on Cristiano Ronaldo’s world record-breaking transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid. Sources Say: “Five-star service – truly focused on clients and their issues, providing excellent follow-up within a swift time frame. One of Portugal's foremost legal outfits without a doubt.”
This firm is widely considered one of the best in the capital markets arena. The team comprises 11 partners, three senior associates and 34 associates. The group's size enables it to take part in most prominent Portuguese transactions, always maintaining an excellent service. In spite of a slow equity market, the team's recent highlights include advising Banco Comercial Português (Millennium bcp) on its EUR1.3 billion offering of new ordinary shares with preferential rights to shareholders of the bank. Sources Say: “Sensational – experience and service are way above average. It's a very reliable firm, whose lawyers are always available.” “It has the resources and the experience to find simple solutions to complicated matters.”
This firm is consistently praised for the experience of its professionals and its ability to provide high-quality services in almost all areas of law. Located within the corporate department, the banking and finance group is highly recommended by both peers and clients. Recent highlights include advising EDP – Energias de Portugal on the EUR1.6 billion revolving credit agreement which the lenders made available to EDP and EDP Finance. Lawyers also assisted Norscut in the negotiation of the financial rebalance agreement of the SCUT Interior Norte Concession. Sources Say: “This team has in-depth knowledge of the subject and plenty of resources; it is efficient and provides timely responses. In addition, the firm is able to advise on the most varied matters.”

Lawyers

Rui Patrício was recently appointed 'Delegate attached to the Constitutional Court' by the Lisbon District Council of the Portuguese Bar Association, as part of an initiative to foster a closer working relationship between the courts and legal professionals. He is one of the firm’s most experienced litigation experts and in recent years has focused on the area of corporate crime.
António Pinto Leite is a major figure in the team and heads the litigation department as well as co-ordinating arbitration. He has a superb academic and professional record and often speaks at conferences and seminars.
The universally respected José Manuel Galvão Teles focuses on special and unusual cases that capitalise on his distinguished legal experience.
Miguel Galvão Teles is an outstanding figure in this field and heads one of the disputes teams, as well as the firm's public and international law department. In addition to his unbeatable professional credentials in both litigation and arbitration, he is described as “a real pleasure to work with.”
Tomás Vaz Pinto is also well-respected market players.
Segismundo Pinto Basto is also well-respected market players.
Nuno Galvão Teles stands out as a safe pair of hands for corporate and capital market issues.
Miguel Galvão Teles is highly recommended for corporate/M&A and dispute resolution matters.
The "truly amazing" Carlos Osório de Castro impresses interviewees with his extraordinary corporate expertise.
Practice head João Soares da Silva is a noteworthy individual considered “one of the leaders of the market” by both peers and clients.
Luisa Soares da Silva is lauded for her efficiency and quick service, and was one of the partners involved in the rights issues of Millennium bcp, together with Osório de Castro and João Soares da Silva.
Filipe Lowndes Marques is well regarded for his expertise in securitisations. He is also highly rated in banking and finance and projects.
João Soares da Silva is another of the department’s well-known names. Clients recommend him as an expert in this area and highlight his competence and charisma.
An undisputed market leader, Carlos Osório de Castro is consistently praised by peers and clients for his deep market and legal knowledge. He is described as a “fantastic lawyer – one of the best in capital markets.” He is also highly regarded in corporate and TMT.
Up and comer Martim Krupenski recently joined the firm from Barrocas. Clients praise him as an “extraordinary lawyer,” thanks to his speedy responses and habit of keeping clients constantly updated.
Filipe Lowndes Marques is another talented lawyer, recognised for his expertise in banking and finance, projects and capital markets.
Department head Luís Branco is the star of this team and the Portuguese market, with peers and clients considering him a “true reference in the area.” As one source explains, “his knowledge, business-oriented mindset and strong work ethic combine to make him a unique practitioner.”

Patrons of the Serralves Foundation's National Contemporary Art Collection