"The firm is very accessible and are always available to answer our requests. They are able to bring in inputs from other areas inside the law firm with efficiency."

The law firm benefits from a widely reputed team with a multidisciplinary approach, handling the full scope of banking and finance mandates. The lawyers frequently act for lenders on acquisition finance and restructurings. The team has demonstrable experience in varied real estate and project finance matters, including financing the acquisition of real estate asset portfolios or negotiating development finance agreements in support of new residential or commercial projects. It has strong cross-border capabilities and notable experience in lusophone African matters. Clients stress that the team is "very experienced, has a good track record and benefits from a multidisciplinary team." "Their advice is clear and comprehensive,"says one source, while another interviewee highlights the lawyers' "knowledge and availability."

Morais Leitão has a first-rate team of corporate specialists advising on an array of mandates including high-value M&A transactions and joint ventures. The law firm is adept at handling multi-jurisdictional mandates, offering notable expertise in other lusophone jurisdictions thanks to international alliances. It is able to draw on experts in tax and employment to provide comprehensive assistance to clients. The team offers experience in deals across a wide range of industries, including real estate, life sciences, banking and energy. Respondents are impressed with the hands-on and commercial approach Morais Leitão provides, adding that "the team understands the needs of the clients, provides clear advice and always makes good points." Morais Leitão lawyers are seen by interviewees as "very insightful and experienced," receiving further plaudits for their "problem-solving attitude and out-of-the-box thinking."

Portuguese powerhouse covering the full range of corporate, financial and commercial litigation. The firm is active in varied disputes arising for clients in the pharmaceuticals, telecommunications and energy disputes. It handles commercial arbitration relating to post-M&A disputes or failed construction contracts, including standout ICC cases that have a key link to lusophone jurisdictions such as Angola. The firm has additional expertise in criminal litigation, defending domestic companies and private individuals against allegations of tax fraud, money laundering and corruption. Interviewees highlight the firm's proven capacity to handle major international arbitration and describe the lawyers as "considerate, responsive and well prepared." Other sources highlight the team's "technical skills, strategy and client service."

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has an outstanding team that maintains a vanguard position by providing a broad employment service, which includes restructuring processes, collective and individual terminations and disciplinary proceedings. The law firm represents clients in contractual disputes and the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, as well as advising on post-M&A employee integration matters. It also has recent experience offering HR assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, including with temporary lay-off procedures and remote working policies. The law firm represents an array of clients, with strong presence in the banking, technology and pharmaceutical industries.

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has an exceptional energy practice with a broad range of expertise across regulatory matters and transactions, as well as additional expertise relating to the construction sector. The firm is particularly prominent in renewable energy projects, advising on solar, hydropower and offshore wind mandates. Additionally, it assists with public tenders, acquisitions and corporate restructurings in the energy industry. It also offers a cross-border capability and international presence, with a recognised network of alliances in Angola, Macau and Mozambique, which is supported by the firm's dedicated Africa and Asia teams. One client notes that the energy team "are very clear in their advice and present solid arguments."

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados operates a highly respected insurance team harbouring strong capabilities in both transactional and contentious insurance matters, including M&A, restructuring, bancassurance and claims handling. The department is retained by insurers for its vast expertise in the implementation of new insurance and reinsurance products. With complementary strength in tax matters, the group is well placed to handle cross-border instructions, especially in lusophone jurisdictions such as Angola, Mozambique and Macau.

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has a notable team with significant experience advising on life sciences regulatory matters such as the supply of medicines and the distribution of medical devices. The team also assists with the authorisation of orphan medicines and defends clients in medical negligence claims. It offers further activity in tackling mandates such as patent litigation, trade mark prosecution and oppositions and copyright infringement. The law firm is adept at performing contract analysis, including franchise agreements, and acts on settlement negotiations and IP arbitrations. It is often retained by well-known clients active in the technology, sports and telecommunications industries, as well as public authorities.

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has a notable team with significant experience advising on life sciences regulatory matters such as the supply of medicines and the distribution of medical devices. The team also assists with the authorisation of orphan medicines and defends clients in medical negligence claims. It offers further activity in tackling mandates such as patent litigation, trade mark prosecution and oppositions and copyright infringement. The law firm is adept at performing contract analysis, including franchise agreements, and acts on settlement negotiations and IP arbitrations. It is often retained by well-known clients active in the technology, sports and telecommunications industries, as well as public authorities.

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has an experienced department able to provide comprehensive planning advice. The team is 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. The law firm is able to advise on land use plans and offers additional expertise in licensing. It also offers support on joint ventures and purchases. The firm's activity extends to representation in planning litigation.

Clients say that the firm has a "top-tier team that is very strong at all levels," adding: "The firm provides excellent value for money in complex matters." "They are really familiar with local practices and understand the positions and concerns of international clients," notes a second source, going on to praise the lawyers' ability to "provide very clear guidance to clients."

Morais Leitão is a market-leading law firm in the projects sphere, covering a variety of sectors including renewable energy and road infrastructure. The team is typically seen representing both international as well as domestic lenders in both financing and refinancing matters. The practice offers significant experience in cross-border projects.

One client notes: "The department always selects teams that have very good skills and adjust to our needs." Another client comments on Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados, saying: "They're the best in the market, that's why we use their resources extensively."

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados houses an experienced team that advises on the full gamut of real estate matters, including acquisitions, joint ventures and property bids. The team works with a wide range of clients from the banking, hospitality and construction sectors on due diligence, and SPA agreement negotiation and drafting.

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados offers a solid practice group with notable expertise advising on insolvency and restructuring processes, such as assisting with special revitalisation proceedings, liquidation and credit recovery claims. The team is experienced in representing clients in insolvency liability. The law firm's client roster features an array of domestic and international banking institutions, as well as the directors and shareholders of insolvent companies.

A client praises the team's "capacity to develop talent."

Clients appreciate the practice's ability to handle complex issues, with one highlighting: "The team approaches issues with an inquisitive and business-oriented mindset, which enables them to quickly deconstruct complex problems and propose innovative solutions."

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados retains a solid reputation for advising on cross-border aviation matters. The team is active in regulatory mandates as well as dispute resolution. The law firm is also well placed to handle aircraft transactions and contract negotiations. It advises a roster of prominent clients from well-known aviation companies to airlines.

"Morais Leitão is very responsive throughout despite challenging timelines," commends one interviewee.

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is a renowned firm with a sizeable team based in Porto. It is well equipped to advise international corporates, high-profile domestic clients and local businesses on an array of mandates. The team has the proven capacity to handle major M&A transactions or corporate restructurings on behalf of telecoms operators, pharmaceutical companies and construction groups. Its tax specialists assist with the structuring of corporate transactions and real estate projects. The firm's top-ranked competition law practice is led from Porto, while more generalist public law practitioners advise on contentious and non-contentious issues arising in relation to telecoms, ports and public infrastructure concessions. The Porto office also benefits from a strong employment law team which attracts attention for its handling of complex standalone topics, including collective dismissals. Clients say that the firm has a "highly specialised team and offers excellent response times." Market commentators note the firm's longstanding reputation as a market leader in Porto and say that the team "has great quality, depth and sophistication."

It has an "outstanding team" and produces "high-quality work," states a source.

Full-service law firm with an outstanding reputation in the capital markets sphere. The team is highly experienced in both debt and equity mandates, working on behalf of some of Portugal's biggest companies on capital increases and on the issuance of corporate bonds. The lawyers have experience in rights issues and in private placements made through accelerated bookbuilds. The firm also has experience in the incorporation and listing of Portuguese REITs. "They are knowledgeable, experienced and go the extra mile in terms of catering to the client's needs," says one source. Interviewees praise the lawyers' ability to provide "solutions which are tailored to the specific problem," going on to highlight "their proximity and deep knowledge of the client."

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados has an outstanding practice that is noted for advising on sophisticated domestic and international matters. The law firm is 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. The team is also noted for its experience in abuse of dominance cases, as well as for supporting clients in appeals to competition authorities and in infringement procedures. The firm's client roster comprises companies from diverse industries such as financial services, telecoms and retail, and includes both public and private entities. A source commends the team for its "excellent client service."

"The lawyers have a consolidated knowledge of the major energy subjects."

"The energy team of Morais Leitão can handle very sophisticated and complex matters very swiftly, which is what a client wants. The lawyers are cautious in their advice and always provide strong replies and practical solutions to the client."

"The lawyers are always on top of new legislation and regulation."

"Luís's expertise and knowledge provides us with the insights we need to move forward quickly while ensuring high quality and attention to any relevant details."

Market commentators identify Carlos Osório de Castro as one of the most high-profile corporate lawyers in the market. In addition to his advice on the negotiation of cross-border strategic partnerships between major corporates, Carlos Osório de Castro plays a supporting role in varied disputes mandates. Clients highlight his "business vision and profound knowledge of the subjects he works with," adding: "He is very quick in analysing complex questions."

Bernardo Maria Lobo Xavier handles corporate transactions, real estate acquisitions and the negotiation of lease agreements. He is well known among market commentators as a key partner in the firm's Porto office.

Interviewees note João Anacoreta Correia 's increasing focus on arbitration and litigation mandates. He has experience in commercial litigation filed on behalf of Portuguese banks.

Market commentators highlight Eduardo Verde Pinho for his handling of M&A transactions. He also has proven experience in the design of employee share schemes for global companies. "He excels in making sure that the interests of the client are represented," states one interviewee.

Joaquim Vieira Peres is a top-ranked competition lawyer based in the firm's Porto office. "He is a fantastic lawyer in competition law," states one market commentator.

Interviewees state that Jorge Simões Cortez is "client-oriented, understands our business and always adds value." The same source goes on highlight Jorge Simões Cortez's negotiation skills, saying: "He is empathetic and is able to create very good relations with his client and with our counterparties." Highlight mandates include his advice on the sale of telecoms infrastructure and the negotiation of related infrastructure sharing agreements.

Interviewees note João Anacoreta Correia 's increasing focus on arbitration and litigation mandates. He has experience in commercial litigation filed on behalf of Portuguese banks.

Paula Ponces Camanho handles varied employment law topics on behalf of significant Portuguese corporate clients. She assists with collective dismissals and defends companies in proceedings brought by individuals or by the Portuguese labour authority. Market commentators highlight her strong technical knowledge and academic background, while clients say that she is "well prepared and has great communication skills," adding: "She makes problem-solving seem simple."

Interviewees note José Amorim Magalhães ' technical skills and his client-oriented approach. He has handled highlight disputes mandates relating to the employment status of independent contractors. He also has experience in the adoption of new collective agreements, made necessary as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Joana Duro consistently attracts praise for her contributions to the firm's public law team. She advises on contentious and non-contentious matters relating to telecoms or port concessions. Interviewees highlight her "great knowledge of public procurement law" and her detail-oriented approach.

António Lobo Xavier is a hugely respected tax lawyer who has considerable experience in tax structuring mandates. He also advises on tax inspections. "He is a very complete counsel who helps us to think of and build holistic solutions," says one client.

Sources say that António Pedro Braga "has a broad knowledge of local tax rules and is able to explain complicated circumstances in simple words." He has experience in the tax structuring of real estate development projects or corporate mergers.

Luís Branco is a longstanding and well-respected figure among market commentators. Interviewees praise his constructive, deal-oriented approach and describe him as "a transaction facilitator." His expertise covers a variety of financing transactions, including those relating to the real estate sector.

Filipe Lowndes Marques assists renowned banks and multinational investors with a variety of banking and finance matters including securitisations, debt restructurings and real estate finance deals. Clients appreciate that he is "hands-on and active in discussions."

Carlos Osório de Castro stands out as a long-standing and well-respected figure in the market. He draws praise from clients and peers for his track record in significant corporate and equity capital markets transactions. His expertise covers public offerings and takeover bids.

Eduardo Paulino is a key figure in the firm's capital markets team with demonstrable experience in capital increases, public takeover bids and the issuance of debt. Clients highlight his knowledge of the regulations and his ability to find solutions.

Carlos Botelho Moniz is recognised by market sources as being a "great specialist in EU law who is extremely pleasant to work with." He is proficient in handling cases involving appeals against fines imposed by the PCA and against merger clearance approvals.

Head of department Joaquim Vieira Peres is well versed in handling competition investigations, appeals against fines and merger control issues, including gun jumping investigations. One client recommends him for his "deep knowledge and experience in competition matters."

Eduardo Maia Cadete has notable recent experience in high-profile state aid matters, as well as representing clients in appeals against fines following antitrust investigations.

Luís do Nascimento Ferreira is described by market sources as being a "very dynamic, bright and talented lawyer with great tactical and analytical skills and knowledge of EU law." His experience includes handling both court appeals against fines arising from PCA investigations and merger control applications and oppositions.

Pedro de Gouveia e Melo is adept at handling merger control matters and appeals against behavioural investigations. He also advises clients on their compliance programmes.

Gonçalo Machado Borges joins this year's ranking after receiving great client feedback, with one describing him as a "great expert and excellent lawyer." He represents clients in antitrust investigations, as well as in appeals against fines and follow-on damages claims. He also assists clients with merger control matters and antitrust compliance programmes.

Carlos Osório de Castro is well known for his advice to prominent energy and construction players. He assists with strategic partnerships as well as with share and asset acquisitions.

Nuno Galvão Teles remains a towering figure in the corporate and M&A market. He demonstrates longstanding experience in transactions involving energy and natural resources.

Eduardo Paulino regularly represents clients from the telecommunications, financial services and energy sectors in a variety of corporate deals. "He has a very flexible mindset which helps him to come up with creative ideas during transactions," enthuses a client.

Tomás Vaz Pinto demonstrates solid knowledge of complex acquisitions and corporate restructurings. His client list comprises domestic and international companies.

Segismundo Pinto Basto is experienced in corporate reorganisations and the set-up of new businesses. He represents clients from the entertainment and education sectors.

Catarina Brito Ferreira has experience advising clients from the energy industry. She regularly assists with a wide range of M&A deals including distressed acquisitions.

Vítor Pereira das Neves is often seen advising on corporate deals with an energy focus.

António Pinto Leite is well recognised among market commentators for his experience acting as both counsel and arbitrator in international arbitrations.

Described by interviewees as a "very experienced litigator," Francisco Cortez is well versed in handling high-value civil disputes. He defends banks, telecoms companies and major auditors in litigation filed in Portuguese courts. He also has experience in sports arbitration. "He is intelligent, calm and pays a lot of attention to detail," enthuses one client.

Filipe Vaz Pinto is best known for his work on energy and construction arbitration. One market commentator enthuses: "He is an excellent lawyer who is bright, strategic and analytical." The same source goes on to describe Felipe Vaz Pinto as "one of the leading arbitration practitioners in the Lusophone space."

António Pinto Leite is well recognised among market commentators for his experience acting as both counsel and arbitrator in international arbitrations.

Luís Miguel Monteiro is an outstanding lawyer with vast experience advising on labour and social security issues, including employment litigation, disciplinary proceedings and collective dismissals. One client enthuses: "I'd single out his serenity and ability to provide assertive and very detailed advice."

Pedro Pardal Goulão advances in this year's ranking due to his well-known work in the area. He offers support to clients on employee relocations and the employment aspects of transactions, as well as advising on the hiring and termination of employees.

Helena Tapp Barroso progresses in the rankings following excellent recognition for her expertise in the field. She assists with collective dismissals and redundancies, as well as employment disputes concerning workplace accidents and harassment allegations. She has recent experience assisting with COVID-19 labour issues.

The "very respectable" Nuno Galvão Teles is recognised for his extensive market presence and impressive roster of energy clients. He frequently provides assistance with public tender offers and regulatory matters.

Catarina Brito Ferreira is well versed in M&A transactions within the energy sector, and has further expertise concerning commercial and regulatory work. "She is technically excellent," states a client.

Vítor Pereira das Neves provides guidance on a wide range of transactional issues, with considerable experience advising on project finance and energy sector M&A.

Ricardo Andrade Amaro leads the corporate team within Morais Leitão. He has an impressive range of experience representing energy clients in transactions and is equally well versed in regulatory work.

Vasco Stilwell d'Andrade is experienced in patent litigation and the negotiation of IP licensing agreements. He also advises on trade mark and copyright disputes. A commentator enthuses that "he is creative with finding business solutions to issues, is dedicated to client service and provides outstanding value. His level of service and sophistication are unmatched."

João Pereira Reis has longstanding experience in a wide range of planning mandates, including licensing and construction matters. He routinely advises renowned real estate investors, international construction firms and public authorities.

Rui Ribeiro Lima is capable of advising on real estate acquisitions, as well as licensing strategies and negotiations with local authorities. Clients remark that "he is easy to work with, very knowledgeable and has excellent client service skills."

Sources say that Ricardo Andrade Amaro is "a very skilled negotiator; it is impressive to see how he is able to push things through during negotiations." He advises international investment managers on corporate transactions, including the sale of Portuguese assets.

Tomás Vaz Pinto has experience in standout infrastructure sector acquisitions carried out by international institutional investors. He also advises on real estate secondaries transactions. Clients say that he "offers constructive solutions and always has a very commercial approach."

New partner Luís Roquette Geraldes has a superb reputation for his work both on the investor and founder side of venture capital transactions. "He is very knowledgeable about the most recent commercial trends, both in the tech industry and in the venture capital industry," states one source. "He offers impeccable know-how and guidance throughout the whole project," states a second client, while a third interviewee highlights Luís Roquette Geraldes' "strong communication and negotiation skills."

Luís Branco frequently advises on financing deals arising in the renewable energy sector. His highly regarded projects practice draws strength from his additional expertise in the banking and finance arena.

Luís Branco frequently advises on financing deals arising in the renewable energy sector. His highly regarded projects practice draws strength from his additional expertise in the banking and finance arena.

Cláudia Castanheira dos Santos focuses her work on project finance deals relating to road concessions and  residential real estate developments. Respondents value that "she is close to the client and has the ability to solve problems."

Margarida Olazabal Cabral is widely regarded as an excellent lawyer, with clients describing her as "a very strong and complete adviser." She is frequently seen advising on the negotiation of concession agreements, in addition to assisting with public procurement and regulatory issues.

Miguel Nogueira de Brito is noted for his knowledge of public law matters and ability to handle regulatory mandates. He handles regulatory issues in relation to concessions and public procurement proceedings, as well as representing clients in administrative disputes.

Pedro Costa Gonçalves is a respected figure in the Portuguese public law market for his experience as an arbitrator and his academic credentials. He frequently advises public sector clients on matters concerning contracts and concessions.

João Tiago Silveira assists both domestic and international public entities with environmental and energy licensing issues, as well as administrative actions. Clients say: "He combines the ability to interpret a global overview of the questions posed with enormous technical knowledge."

Nuno Peres Alves is a noteworthy solicitor who handles the negotiation of public service concession contracts. He also assists with an array of regulatory matters across various sectors, including telecommunications and sport. "He is capable of finding different solutions that help his clients," one client notes.

"Strong negotiator" João Torroaes Valente is well versed in a range of real estate transactions, including portfolio acquisitions, divestments and joint ventures, where he frequently represents both international real estate companies and banks. One client praises his "great approach to problem solving."

Rita Ferreira Vicente often advises banks on acquisition financing and on sale bid processes of real estate properties. Her clients include private equity investors and development companies.

Magda Fernandes often advises on the recovery of credit, special revitalisation proceedings and restructuring proceedings.

Nuno Gundar da Cruz moves up in the rankings following an impressive volume of client feedback, with one enthusing: "He is more than a lawyer, he is a partner who can put himself in the place of the client and together with us debate the necessary solutions, the pros and cons of any particular situation." He focuses his work on special revitalisation processes and insolvency proceedings, including representing clients in insolvency liability proceedings.

Tiago Félix da Costa regularly advises on data protection mandates and regulatory matters. One client particularly appreciates that "he quickly got up to speed and provided sophisticated and helpful advice."

Nuno Peres Alves wins praise for his considerable experience assisting telecoms clients with a range of matters, including complex regulatory issues.

António Lobo Xavier has been described by a source as being "one the brightest and more solid tax lawyers in Portugal and internationally," highlighting his capacity to "develop solutions combined with a strong sense of values and business drivers." He advises clients on the tax aspects of corporate re-domiciling and restructuring transactions, as well as representing clients in tax litigation.

Francisco de Sousa da Câmara is a leading practitioner in the tax sector. He is adept in advising clients on the tax aspects of acquisitions and in representing them in challenges to income tax assessments. A client underlines his "unparalleled knowledge and great insight into tax cases."

Bruno Santiago assists clients with tax reimbursement matters, arbitral proceedings concerning corporate income tax assessments and tax issues arising from acquisitions. He has been endorsed as a "solid and trusted adviser for all of a client's needs in the tax field."

Claudia Santos Cruz regularly acts for international banks and maritime companies, assisting with regulatory, tax and vessel finance-related issues. A respondent attests that "she is able to provide to the client the best guidance for complex matters and the confidence that they will be handled with smoothly and swiftly."

Bruno Santiago specialises in tax advice and is "well known" in the Portuguese market. One interviewee states: "I am very happy with our relationship and plan on continuing to use Bruno for tax issues."

Joaquim Vieira Peres is a top-ranked competition lawyer based in the firm's Porto office. He is well placed to handle competition and M&A mandates.