Transportation: Shipping
2016
Noted maritime law outfit, assisting clients with seizures, shipping contracts, mortgages and insurance issues. Recognised for its activity in ship registration, and particularly adept at supporting clients in the registration of leisure and commercial vessels from its Funchal office.
"This team has very dedicated and knowledgeable lawyers."
Transportation: Aviation
2016
Particularly active on civil and military aviation, providing advice to clients within the fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter fields. Frequently advises leading air carriers and international aircraft suppliers on licensing, registration, insurance and purchase agreements.
Well regarded practice with significant experience in TMT-related litigation. Strong choice for data protection issues, notably in the electronic communications sector.
"I have a very good opinion of this firm, as the lawyers are flexible and able to perceive the business of the client."
"We are very happy to work with the lawyers here, as they are knowledgeable, easily accessible and provide complete answers."
Highly regarded practice handling a wide range of tax matters, noted particularly for tax litigation and international tax planning. In addition to maintaining a solid reputation across its Lisbon, Porto and Madeira offices, it also has an increasing presence throughout emerging markets.
"One of the best Portuguese firms with respect to tax litigation. Very pragmatic and it really has a good approach to the client."
"Top level for worldwide law firms; very professional, client-focused and always available."
"An excellent firm and excellent people."
Restructuring/Insolvency
2016
Remarkable strength in advising companies and businesses on restructuring matters, including out-of-court negotiations and special revitalisation processes. Also assists clients with national and cross-border insolvency cases.
"As a team it is well organised and responds in a timely way to our needs."
Experienced team specialised in transactional real estate matters, supported by corporate law strength. Advises on real estate M&A, joint ventures and portfolio transactions. Offers expertise in urban planning, with highlighted skill in rehabilitation for investment in residential and commercial property.
"The firm is very well known and has a good reputation. The service is at a high level, and we can trust the lawyers."
"The lawyers are very available, fast to answer questions, confident and respectful."
Established presence in the area of public law, adept to provide specialists across a range of sectors including energy, life sciences, transport and construction. Regularly handles regulatory, public work contracts, public procurement and public tenders.
"The team provided an excellent service. It was always available and very clear, giving us all kinds of solutions."
Renowned domestic firm handling the full range of project finance matters in infrastructure, energy and construction. Also has experience advising on projects in other lusophone countries, including Angola, Mozambique and Brazil.
"Definitely one of our preferred law firms in projects. It already has experience in this area and understands the concerns of the client.
"Besides sharing a good personal relationship with clients, the firm has a great range of specialists in several areas, so even if a matter requires expertise in another area, it can always be passed on to another lawyer."
Multi-disciplinary firm covering a range of private equity transactions, including acquisitions, incorporations and transfer of participation units. Also advises on regulatory issues and the structuring of private equity funds.
"We are very happy. The team made a big effort to support us and demonstrated openness, willingness to help us and pragmatism in its solutions."
Market-leading department that provides experts for all manner of planning issues. Frequently active on high-profile tourism projects, industrial land and commercial development within the retail sector, advising on licensing procedures, land use plans and environmental impacts. Additionally active in the real estate market, advising on the rehabilitation and licensing of urban operations.
"The firm provides attention to detail, availability and a broad spectrum of competences in virtually all fields of the law."
Intellectual Property
2016
Recognised team for patent litigation, particularly active on behalf of key pharmaceutical clients. Also advises on IP aspects of the business development of major media clients.
"The team is extremely efficient, very proactive and sees situations coming and acts beforehand."
"The firm is up to date and always tries to find the best for us."
Solid team led by standout individuals offering expertise in insurance, reinsurance and pension funds. Advises national insurers and major international reinsurers on a full range of regulatory and corporate matters. Frequently acts on insurance M&A and restructurings, and well placed to advise on insurance and reinsurance products, claims and insurance tax.
"A top-class firm and our go-to in Portugal for insurance law.”
"The team develops its activity in a competent and professional manner. The service maintains a high standard of technical quality."
"I like the technical capacity - the firm is very good on insurance law, and provides an international network."
Energy & Natural Resources
2016
Exceptional practice that offers a scope of expertise across regulatory matters and transactions in the energy sector. Active on investments in the renewables sector, joint venture agreements and M&A. Increasing cross-border capability and international presence with a recognised network of alliances in Angola and Mozambique, assisted by the firm's dedicated Africa and Asia teams.
"In energy it has a very knowledgeable team that understands the value drivers involved in the business concept."
"The firm provides confidence because it gets to know our business and decision process well. It also knows the technical matters in specific topics."
Market-leading practice recognised for its strength in complex employment litigation. Provides comprehensive labour and social security advice to an impressive roster of clients from a wide range of industries, including major players in the financial services, energy and communications sectors. Frequently assists with issues relating to large corporate restructurings and business transfers.
"This team provides a high standard of service. It's always clear, and the responsiveness and personal engagement is very good. The practitioners here are well respected legal people within Portugal."
"A very good experience. The firm has a high level of know-how and knowledge."
"A strong and established practice."
Portuguese powerhouse with a sizeable department, highly skilled in the full range of commercial, corporate and criminal litigation. Further areas of expertise include restructuring and insolvency, pharmaceutical litigation and international arbitration involving Portuguese-speaking jurisdictions such as Angola and Mozambique.
"We are struck by the lawyers' level of knowledge and their ability to solve the most complex issues. They are available 24 hours a day and inspire confidence. We also appreciate the fact that they have partners who are true heavyweights in Portuguese advocacy."
Competition/European Law
2016
Market-leading practice noted for advising on high-value domestic and international matters. Wide range of advice includes competition disputes, transactions and investigations before the Portuguese Competition Authority.
"Undisputedly one of the key firms in the competition law sector."
Full service firm with an outstanding reputation in the capital markets sphere. Highly experienced transactional practice that covers capital, debt and hybrid matters as well as handling the full scope of regulatory issues.
"The team has a lot of experience in complex capital markets operations, shows a lot of knowledge in the matters it deals with for us and explains legal issues very clearly."
"High-quality work combining rigorous legal knowledge, understanding of the clients' needs and availability."
Domestic powerhouse with a multi-disciplinary approach, handling the full scope of banking and finance matters. Frequently acts for lenders on acquisition finance and restructuring matters.
"The team provided very extensive and highly informed support, always went straight to the point and responded to all our issues."
"Their work is exceptional. The lawyers have a great ability to gain the client's trust and respond in a timely manner."