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. Experienced in cross-border matters involving Portuguese-speaking countries, notably in Africa. Active in the renewable energy, infrastructure and real estate sectors. Interviewees commend the team for its "strong commitment, hard work and alignment with the client's objectives and tight deadlines." Another source praises team members' availability as well as their "knowledge and experience."

Full-service firm with an outstanding reputation in the capital markets sphere. Highly experienced in debt and hybrid mandates in addition to structured finance. 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. Sources confirm the team's respected position in the market. One interviewee expands on the department's "capabilities and experience in executing capital markets transactions, in both equity and debt" as well as its "knowledge of different legal frameworks of different jurisdictions."

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 dominant position cases. Client roster comprises companies from diverse industries such as financial services, telecoms and retail, including both public and private entities. One client mentions: "The firm's senior partners are all positioned amongst the best in the legal market, which gives us a lot of assurance. We believe we are working with the best." Others add that "they are very good in competition and European law and have a very knowledgeable and technically strong team." Interviewees also report: "Their knowledge is outstanding," adding: "They transmit a lot of confidence in everything they do."

First-rate team of corporate specialists advising on an array of mandates including high-value M&A transactions and joint ventures. Activity spans a variety of sectors, including energy, banking and publishing. Adept at handling multi-jurisdictional mandates, offering notable expertise in other lusophone jurisdictions thanks to international alliances. Draws on experts in tax, employment or litigation to offer comprehensive assistance to clients. Sources commend the team for being "very client and solution oriented," and add: "The department's vast knowledge, experience and performance are remarkable." Further interviewees report the team to be composed of "top lawyers with full dedication and commitment to the project."

Portuguese powerhouse covering the full range of corporate, financial and commercial litigation. Active in pharmaceutical disputes, insolvency proceedings and international arbitrations involving lusophone jurisdictions such as Brazil, Angola and Mozambique. Offers additional expertise in data protection matters as well as tax fraud, money laundering and corruption. Represents a varied roster of private clients, mid-sized domestic companies and international financial institutions. The department impresses clients with its "client-focused" team members, who "take the time to understand the client and their problems." Sources additionally commend the team's skills, describing the lawyers as "brilliant litigators who are always available and who have a lot of experience in complex disputes."

Excellent practice providing a comprehensive service encompassing corporate restructurings, collective dismissals, disciplinary actions, collective agreements and business transfers. Also maintains a strong labour litigation practice. Acts for leading domestic and international companies from a range of sectors, including a sizeable client base of European banking institutions. Impressed by the firm's overall capabilities, clients highlight team members' "good communication and analytical skills, experience, perseverance and creativity." Other interviewees underline the team's availability and "technical knowledge."

Exceptional practice that offers a wide scope of expertise across regulatory matters and transactions, with additional abilities in construction and public procurement. 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. 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. One source enthuses: "The team's experience in this sector is unique in Portugal."

Exceptional practice that offers a wide scope of expertise across regulatory matters and transactions, with additional abilities in construction and public procurement. 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. 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. Sources enthuse that it is "a great firm, a one-stop shop, that provides assistance with the full range of insurance services." Other interviewees commend the group's "good knowledge" of insurance law.

Noteworthy practice with strengths in IP and software licensing agreements, trade mark prosecution, copyright infringement and patent litigation. Acts for major international clients, including prominent life sciences, fashion and financial services companies. Also experienced in advising media clients on copyright issues. Noted for the intellectual capabilities of its team members, interviewees explain: "The firm is super-efficient and provides solid, comprehensive advice on Portuguese and EU matters." Clients explain that "the lawyers work very quickly and do not require many back-and-forths to get the work done."

Known full-service firm with work in the life science sector related to patent arbitration and litigation mandates. Harbours further regulatory capabilities, including with relation to distribution and advertising. Assists both national and international clients, including pharmaceutical and medical devices companies.

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 environment law. Activity extends to representation in planning disputes. Clients highlight the team's "expertise, knowledge and availability."

Multidisciplinary firm covering a range of private equity transactions, including acquisitions and incorporations, with recognised abilities in venture capital operations. Handles regulatory issues and advises on fund structuring. Additionally well versed in the structuring of national and international financing operations. Clients enthuse that it is a "very talented team" with "a deep knowledge of the private equity market in Portugal." Sources also value the department's "very protective attitude towards the client."

Market-leading firm adept at handling the full range of project finance matters, with notable work in the retail and renewables spaces. Demonstrates additional expertise in natural resources and infrastructure projects. Typically seen representing the lenders in both financing and refinancing matters, advising local or foreign banks. Offers further advice on the corporate aspects of concessions agreements. Commentators commend the group's track record in projects, noting that it is "a very strong team with very good expertise."

Market-leading team of impressive lawyers covering the full range of public law mandates. 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 telecommunications. Also advises public bodies. Additional abilities in litigation and arbitration proceedings. Interviewees state that the team is "very sharp in understanding issues and has a proactive approach." Clients further outline the provision of "high-quality" support.

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 asset deals, further to offering expertise in real estate finance. Assists with the acquisition of land plots for hotel and student residences. Also negotiates construction contracts on behalf of developers. Works closely with the firm's tax and public law departments. "Throughout the work we could feel that they combine the best features of a global network and local knowledge,"state clients. Another client characterises the department as "versatile," explaining that "it is a diversified team that covers all areas of real estate."

Assists creditors, indebted companies and directors. Advises on a broad range of restructuring and insolvency issues, including out-of-court negotiations, special revitalisation proceedings and credit recovery claims. Adept at handling multi-jurisdictional instructions. Clients highlight "the excellent skills of the firm's lawyers, who are brilliant litigators." Others laud the firm's "commitment and strong legal skills."

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. Clients commend the group for its client service, reporting that team members "are very hands-on and always willing to help, and anticipate our needs." Other interviewees appreciate the team's "customer follow-up."

Well-established team with strong experience in data protection and privacy issues, especially in the field of telecommunications. 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.

Cross-departmental aviation practice with experience in finance, tax, insurance and labour law. Advises airlines and international lenders on licensing, registration, wet or dry leasing and purchase agreements. Has notable experience in commercial contracts within the military aviation field.

Particularly active on behalf of international shipping companies and banks in relation to the International Shipping Registry of Madeira. Offers expertise in registration, reflagging or mortgage release, further to financing transactions. Interviewees acknowledge the department's "knowledge of the shipping and maritime areas."

Renowned outfit with a sizeable team based in Porto, offering a wide range of services to international corporates 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, labour law and competition matters. Clients appreciate the firm's "business-oriented" approach and the lawyers' provision of "very pragmatic" advice. Other interviewees underline the firm's "multidisciplinary knowledge," with one client stating: "They can take care of any matters that I ask them: they are brilliant."
 

Tiago Félix da Costa has particular activity in the execution of GDPR compliance programmes on behalf of clients in the financial services sector. Sources underline his "litigation experience and privacy know-how."

The "pre-eminent" Luís Branco maintains an excellent reputation in the field and is singled out as a "resourceful lawyer." Sources are quick to commend his abilities across a wide array of financing mandates, reporting: "He really is at the top of the market. He's a very strong expert in project, real estate and acquisition finance."

Filipe Lowndes Marques frequently assists key lenders with various acquisition and project finance mandates within the manufacturing and renewable energy arenas. He offers additional skill in structured finance matters. Clients describe him as "one of the best financial law practitioners in Portugal."

The "very respected" Carlos Osório de Castro regularly represents public companies in IPOs and tender offers. He has particular expertise in securities transactions, including those under Rule 144A. He is especially active within the energy and retail spaces.

 Eduardo Paulino acts for domestic banks, public companies and international financial institutions. His expertise spans both debt and equity capital markets, including public offerings.

Carlos Botelho Moniz is endorsed by clients for being "a very experienced lawyer and professor, who is a reference in the Portuguese competition and European law context." He draws upon an impressive track record representing Portuguese authorities and private parties in antitrust matters before the domestic and European courts. He also has additional expertise in merger control cases and state aid matters.

Head of practice Joaquim Vieira Peres is mentioned by clients as someone "who earns a lot of respect in this area, due to his experience," with one adding that he is "one of the best lawyers I have ever worked with." He is renowned for representing clients from the telecoms, retail, distribution and banking industries in merger control cases, state aid issues and sector-related litigation disputes before the national and European courts.

Described as "outstanding and very knowledgeable" by clients, Eduardo Maia Cadete has a noteworthy track record providing counsel to clients of the technology, telecoms and media industries on private antitrust enforcement cases, state aid investigations and EU litigation matters.

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.

Pedro de Gouveia e Melo is often retained by clients from the energy, financial and food and beverage industries to advise on merger control cases, state aid matters and antitrust investigations. Commentators remark: "He is an excellent lawyer who has been involved in some interesting projects."

 Nuno Galvão Teles is widely reputed for his long-standing experience in the energy and natural resources sectors. His acts on complex deals, including cross-border mandates.

Carlos Osório de Castro 's expertise is widely recognised in the market. He is regularly active in sales, public tender bids or joint ventures within the energy and infrastructure sectors. His impressive client base includes both domestic and international companies, which he assists with multi-jurisdictional mandates.

Segismundo Pinto Basto advises both domestic and international clients on a variety of corporate matters, including acquisitions, shareholders' agreements and venture capital investments. He is active within the fields of energy and technology and regularly assists with multi-jurisdictional mandates.

Tomás Vaz Pinto frequently acts for both domestic and international clients operating within the energy and banking sectors on a variety of corporate matters. He demonstrates particular expertise in public tender offers and sales.

Eduardo Paulino is hailed by interviewees as a "sensible partner who is very easy to work with and mindful of the issues on a deal." He is particularly well versed in sales, acquisitions and joint ventures across numerous industry sectors, such as banking and infrastructure.

Catarina Brito Ferreira is highlighted by sources for her negotiation skills. She demonstrates particular aptitude in share capital transactions and is regularly involved in deals in the energy and technology spaces.

António Pinto Leite is adept at handling both civil and commercial litigation, in addition to his role as counsel or arbitrator in international arbitrations, with a notable track record in ICC proceedings. Interviewees enthuse: "He has a very highly skilled legal mind, he's very bright and he's a fearsome litigator."

Rui Patrício is described by interviewees as "an outstanding lawyer" for his skills in criminal proceedings. He offers expert advice on cases of corruption, money laundering and tax fraud, with sources praising his "deep knowledge of all aspects of criminal law." He is also adept at handling civil disputes.

Filipe Vaz Pinto is frequently appointed as counsel in international arbitrations, with particular activity of late in the banking, natural resources and construction fields. He is highlighted as having an "excellent reputation for his dispute resolution practice."

Rui Patrício is described by interviewees as "an outstanding lawyer" for his skills in criminal proceedings. He offers expert advice on cases of corruption, money laundering and tax fraud, with sources praising his "deep knowledge of all aspects of criminal law." He is also adept at handling civil disputes.

António Pinto Leite is adept at handling both civil and commercial litigation, in addition to his role as counsel or arbitrator in international arbitrations, with a notable track record in ICC proceedings. Interviewees enthuse: "He has a very highly skilled legal mind, he's very bright and he's a fearsome litigator."

Luís Miguel Monteiro enjoys a solid reputation for his extensive employment practice, which includes advising on internal policies, labour disputes and collective bargaining agreements. He also assists with the employment ramifications of transactional activity. Sources report: "He is very theoretical, but with a great ability to understand practical issues and grasp what the client needs."

Clients highlight Pedro Pardal Goulão as a lawyer with "excellent analytical skills, who is able to rapidly make sense of a large volume of information." He advises on both individual and collective issues, further to matters relating to social security.

Helena Tapp Barroso earns praise for her ability to "think outside of the box." She advises major Portuguese corporates on collective agreements and on employment disputes.

 Nuno Galvão Teles continues to represent key energy clients in high-value M&A deals within the renewables sector. Sources speak highly of him, stating: "He looks after the interests of the client and mobilises internal resources for whatever you need."

Catarina Brito Ferreira wins plaudits from clients, who describe her as "very dedicated and hard-working." She handles a variety of energy mandates including M&A transactions and regulatory issues related to offshore wind and solar projects.

Carlos Osório de Castro commands respect for his impressive expertise in corporate and capital markets transactions, including multi-jurisdictional operations. Commentators single him out as "one of the biggest names in the Porto legal market" and commend his "above average knowledge and vision of the law."

Eduardo Verde Pinho has established experience advising clients on M&A transactions, financial and corporate restructuring operations and general corporate matters. He also co-ordinates the firm's Africa team.

Managing partner of the Porto branch, Bernardo Maria Lobo Xavier attracts praise for his "knowledge and experience" in commercial transactions. He represents clients in M&A transactions and real estate acquisitions, as well as assisting them with their ongoing corporate affairs.

Paula Ponces Camanho is held in high esteem by clients, who state that "she is a joy to work with." She often provides counsel on employment disputes, restructuring operations and HR policy.

António Lobo Xavier garners praise from clients, who describe him as "an outstanding lawyer, who we trust a lot." He leads the group's tax team and offers experience assisting both national and international clients with double taxation treaties, corporate income tax and VAT issues.

Antonio Pedro Braga 's practice involves advising on both national and international tax structures, for financial, industrial and commercial companies. He frequently assists with the taxation of real estate transactions.

The "very knowledgeable" Margarida Lima Rego handles both advisory and contentious insurance instructions and receives extensive praise for her expertise in the field. Her practice includes assistance with cross-border instructions.

Clients appreciate Vasco Stilwell d'Andrade 's "very effective, outside-of-the-box thinking." He advises on prosecution, licensing and disputes across patents, trade marks and copyright matters.

The "very commercial" João Pereira Reis advises on a range of planning issues, from licensing procedures through to related litigation. He services a varied client roster, comprising architects, public bodies and real estate companies, and sources underline his "knowledge of public law and planning."

Ricardo Andrade Amaro receives plaudits for his provision of "clear and precise''advice.He advises on the set-up of funds and on transactions, and has recognised expertise in the energy sector.

Luís Roquette Geraldes is well known for his venture capital expertise, within which he advises on all stages, from fundraising through to exits. Sources appreciate that "he goes straight to the point and is solution oriented."

Department co-head Luís Branco draws on his vast experience in the field of banking and finance to advise major banks and investment funds on large-scale project finance and corporate matters within the infrastructure sector. He demonstrates further knowledge of natural resources projects and sources speak highly of his practice, highlighting him as a "resourceful lawyer."

The "pragmatic" Filipe Lowndes Marques co-leads the team and draws praise for his ability to find solutions to problems. He regularly acts for lenders on project finance matters within the renewable energy arena, such as wind or photovoltaic projects.

Cláudia Castanheira dos Santos assists financial institutions with the regulatory and financial aspects of infrastructure, energy and natural resources projects. She demonstrates additional skill in cross-border mandates involving Mozambique. Sources report that "she has a lot of experience in concessions."

Porto-based Pedro Costa Gonçalves is labelled by interviewees as an ''expert in public procurement.''He is regularly appointed as arbitrator.

Interviewees recommend Miguel Nogueira de Brito 's particular prowess in matters relating to the energy sector. He advises on public procurement and regulatory issues.

Margarida Olazabal Cabral offers particular expertise in public procurement, including awards, contracts and related disputes. She has notable experience in matters concerning the healthcare sector, and she showcased her expertise in advice to iMM - Instituto de Medicina Molecular on the applicability of the Public Contracts Code to scientific research. Clients enthuse: "She is super, not only in terms of her expertise but also her accurate and cautious approach to helping us."

Clients value how Nuno Peres Alves "goes to the detail of the problems." He is experienced in the telecoms, transport and technology sectors.

Co-head of department Filipa Arantes Pedroso receives plaudits for her provision of "clear and precise answers."She advised Round Hill Capital on its purchase of a plot of land in Porto for the construction of commercial and residential properties, including student housing.

João Torroaes Valente co-leads the team and is well respected in the real estate market. His clients include domestic and foreign investors and he is particularly active in mandates relating to hospitality and tourism projects, offering further expertise in matters related to real estate funds.

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

Francisco de Sousa da Câmara is the head of department in Lisbon and clients highlight his "competence, wisdom, calmness and excellent advice." He is particular active in tax litigation, advising key Portuguese corporates on disputes over corporate income tax, and he also acts for clients on adaptation to new tax provisions.

 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.

Bruno Santiago regularly supports clients with the tax structuring of corporate transactions, including multi-jurisdictional deals. He also advises on tax litigation.

Sources report that Tiago Félix da Costa "does interesting work in data protection." He helps multinational business groups active in information systems, telecoms and media meet GDPR requirements.

 Nuno Peres Alves acts on antitrust, regulatory and transactional instructions. He is particularly well versed in matters within the telecoms field, and also offers expertise in litigious mandates.

 Claudia Santos Cruz concentrates her work on shipping finance, mortgage enforcements and related dispute resolution. She acted for ABN AMRO on the execution and registration of a mortgage over several vessels registered in Madeira.

Clients report Cátia Henriques Fernandes to be "very thorough, with a commercial mindset." Her broad practice includes mortgage registration, maritime contracts and labour considerations.Her clients include ESL Shipping, whom she advised on the registration of mortgages with the International Business Centre of Madeira.