As part of its ongoing international growth efforts, Morais Leitão has entered into an exclusive strategic partnership with JLA Advogados, a renowned law firm based in Timor-Leste.
This collaboration is part of Morais Leitão's strategy to establish a solid presence in Southeast Asia, offering clients of both firms access to highly specialised legal services in various sectors. It follows the opening of an office in Singapore with a permanent team in 2023.
The move not only strengthens Morais Leitão’s support for its international clients, but also promotes JLA Advogados’ local expertise in Timor-Leste, with its in-depth knowledge of the region’s legal and business landscape. Together, Morais Leitão and JLA Advogados offer distinctive legal advice.
What the partnership means for our clients
Through our partnership, we offer a unique opportunity for companies and investors wishing to operate in Timor-Leste, an emerging market with great untapped potential. Morais Leitão’s clients will now be able to benefit from local expertise, while JLA Advogados’ clients will have access to the international reach and experience of a prestigious European firm.
The advantages are many:
- Local expertise with global reach: JLA Advogados has in-depth knowledge of Timor-Leste’s regulations, business practices and cultural context, while Morais Leitão brings its extensive international legal experience.
- Integrated legal services: our clients benefit from a single solution for both navigating complex local legislation and providing international legal advice on cross-border transactions.
- Support for different sectors: the cooperation extends to all sectors, making it easier for clients to take advantage of business opportunities in sectors such as energy, mining, oil&gas, infrastructure and the public sector.
As a law firm, JLA Advogados is recognised for its in-depth knowledge of the Timor-Leste’s legal environment. This experience makes it a valuable partner for foreign companies looking to invest in the region's economy. For companies exploring opportunities in Timor-Leste, it is vital to understand local regulations, business practices and the complexities of operating in the region. JLA Advogados is uniquely placed to guide investors through these challenges.
This partnership brings together the complementary strengths of the two firms, offering legal support to both national companies in Timor-Leste and international investors interested in this expanding market.
An international strategy at the service of clients
Morais Leitão’s decision to partner with JLA Advogados is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its presence in key international markets. By forming alliances with renowned local firms, Morais Leitão ensures that its clients have access to the best possible legal services in different jurisdictions. This is particularly important at a time when companies are increasingly looking to grow outside their home markets, particularly in regions such as Southeast Asia.
With this new partnership, Morais Leitão not only expands its reach, but also reaffirms its commitment to providing excellent legal services in emerging markets. This partnership gives clients the assurance that their legal needs will be met with the highest level of professionalism, wherever they operate.
Why Timor-Leste? A growing market with huge potential
Timor-Leste is a small but promising market, particularly in sectors such as energy, mining and infrastructure. With its strategic location and resources, it is becoming an attractive destination for investors from around the world. However, entering a new market, especially one that is still developing, brings its own challenges.
The partnership between Morais Leitão and JLA responds to these difficulties by offering companies and organisations the guidance they need to overcome these obstacles. Whether it's understanding local regulations, setting up operations or managing risk, clients can count on the combined expertise of the two firms.
Looking ahead: What clients can expect
Through this exclusive alliance, clients of Morais Leitão and JLA Advogados will have access to integrated, high quality legal support in Timor-Leste. This partnership is an asset for companies looking to expand into Southeast Asia, ensuring they have the legal support they need to operate efficiently and smoothly in the region.
As Timor-Leste’s economic potential grows, this partnership offers businesses the chance to seize new opportunities with confidence. Whether you’re an international investor looking to enter the market or a local company seeking specialised legal support, the collaboration between Morais Leitão and JLA Advogados will make your journey through Timor-Leste's business landscape easier.