João Afonso Fialho > VdA > Lisbon, Portugal > Lawyer Profile

Well-regarded for its ‘in-depth knowledge’ and ‘strategic vision’, the energy and natural resoruces team at VdA boasts a strong track record in joint ventures, project finance, M&A, bond issuances and refinancings. The group’s expertise extends to advising on concession issues, bidding procedures, and a broad spectrum of regulatory matters. Counting oil and energy companies and financial institutions, among its key client roster, the team earns further praise for its cross-border expertise. Manuel Protásio specialises in project, acquisition, and other structured financings particularly in the energy, mining and water sectors. Practice head Ana Luís de Sousa focuses on the development and implementation of projects within the energy sector, while João Afonso Fialho, who heads up the firm’s oil and gas team, is noted for his cross-border capabilities. Vanda Cascão is particularly active in the financing, structuring and implementation of projects in the energy sector. Assunção Cristas, who has held several positions in public office, joined in 2022 to head the firm’s ESG Integrated Services Platform.

Recommended for its ‘deep knowledge’ of the energy, oil and gas, infrastructure, and transport sectors, VdA caters to a diverse client base, which includes sponsors, financiers, construction companies and operators. Practice head Manuel Protásio specialises in project and structured finance, with a special emphasis on the energy, mining, and water segments. Ana Luís de Sousa and Vanda Cascão concentrate on the energy sector, showcasing experience in the financing and development of greenfield projects. Teresa Empis Falcão is distinguished for her work in infrastructure and energy-related project finance and development at the domestic and international levels, while João Afonso Fialho is a name to note for oil and gas, mining, and infrastructure projects in Africa.

VdA offers expertise across a spectrum of sectors, notably in oil and gas, mining, banking, and finance, as well as telecoms and agriculture. The firm’s experience in Angola further extends to competition and anti-trust, public law, insurance, and construction. João Afonso Fialho, José Miguel Oliveira, and Paulo Trindade Costa lead the practice, while Fialho heads the firm’s oil and gas practice group, with knowledge of the mining and shipping sectors. Oliveira specialises in corporate M&A, oil and gas, and transport, while Costa focuses on corporate restructuring, and finance transactions.