At Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados, the public law practice combines the expertise of lawyers with significant experience in a wide range of sectors, most notably telecoms, energy, transportation, utilities and logistics. The group covers the gamut of public law matters, including concession agreements, PPPs, judicial litigation and arbitration, administrative disputes and licensing issues. The team is increasingly active in Angola, Cabo Verde and Mozambique, where it advises public bodies on legislative projects and amendments. Practice head João Tiago Silveira is often sought after to advise on public contracts, licensing and environmental law matters and public investment projects. He works alongside administrative and public procurement law specialist Margarida Olazabal Cabral and consultant Diana Ettner, who is well versed in public law, urban planning and environment matters. Nuno Peres Alves manages the Porto-based administrative and public law group. Also based in Porto is Pedro Costa Gonçalves, who often acts as arbitrator and is well versed in the full spectrum of public law matters.
Public law in Portugal
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados
Practice head(s):
João Tiago Silveira
Other key lawyers:
Pedro Costa Gonçalves; Margarida Olazabal Cabral; Nuno Peres Alves; Mara Rupia Lopes; José Azevedo Moreira; Diana Ettner
Testimonials
‘We choose this law firm because of its guaranteed follow-ups and availability. It allowed us to create and monitor through an electronic platform the various stages of the process.’
‘Our main contacts are João Tiago Silveira and Diana Ettner, who are committed and able to analyse the various implications of a given matter.’
‘Partnership, sympathy and unparalleled professionalism. Close collaboration and subject matter mastery.’
‘José Azevedo Moreira and Diana Ettner are exceptional lawyers, always ready to discuss and analyse issues, punctual and very collaborative.’
‘We highlight Nuno Peres Alves and Mara Rupia Lopes. Both have provided us with valuable, safe and reliable advice backed by extensive knowledge and full availability and care.’
Work highlights
- Advised the National Agency for Statistics of Angola on the amendment of the legal framework of its national statistic system in a project funded by the World Bank.
- Acted for NOS in the 5G auction for the allocation of frequency usage rights on public procurement issues and claims of an amount of around €165m before the administrative courts.
- Assisted E-Redes in a public tender for the continuous works contract for the maintenance of the electricity distribution network in Portugal.
Sérvulo & Associados
Sérvulo & Associados is highlighted for its ‘significant experience in the public law space’. It is a go-to firm for companies and public sector clients in high-profile matters across a wide range of sectors, most notably infrastructure, energy, transportation and healthcare. Rui Medeiros and João Amaral e Almeida are key names for administrative litigation and arbitration. They oversee the department alongside Mark Kirkby, who has extensive experience advising public and private entities on project development. Other key practitioners include founding partner José Manuel Sérvulo Correia, litigator Duarte Rodrigues Silva and Francisca Mendes da Costa, who is well versed in PPPs and international projects across Mozambique, Cabo Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe. Of counsel Paula Bordalo Faustino is another name to note. Ana Luísa Guimarães is no longer at the firm.
Practice head(s):
Rui Medeiros; João Amaral e Almeida; Mark Kirkby
Other key lawyers:
José Manuel Sérvulo Correia; Francisca Mendes da Costa; Duarte Rodrigues Silva; Paula Bordalo Faustino; Pedro Fernández Sánchez; António Cadilha; Henrique Rodrigues da Silva
Testimonials
‘I would highlight the firm in the area of public law for its extensive knowledge and experience, making it, in my opinion, the leading firm in Portugal for public law.’
‘Duarte Rodrigues Silva is a lawyer who conveys confidence through his extensive experience in the most diverse matters of public law. He offers a pragmatic approach and effective resolution of legal problems, with rigour and quality. Paula Bordalo Faustino is a renowned public law lawyer, who demonstrates rigour, quality and availability.’
‘Mark Kirkby, António Cadilha and Duarte Rodrigues Silva are recommended for their knowledge, commitment and availability in dealing with the matters presented to them.’
‘Pedro Fernández Sanchéz is recommended for his technical knowledge, creativity, availability, proximity and quick response.’
‘João Amaral e Almeida is recommended for his knowledge of public procurement. Rui Medeiros is serious and honest and has vast knowledge of various matters related to public law. Pedro Fernández Sánchez has practical experience and deep knowledge of public procurement. Henrique Rodrigues da Silva is recommend for his common sense and ability to analyse the most complex legal problems.’
‘João Amaral e Almeida and Paula Bordalo Faustino demonstrate exceptional experience, competence and intelligence in the area of public procurement. They also have the ability to understand and meet the company’s needs. Exceptional dedication to the work that was proposed to them.’
‘I emphasise the technical qualities and ability to explain matters in simple language. I would recommend João Amaral e Almeida and Paula Bordalo Faustino.’
‘Rui Medeiros and Paula Bordalo Faustino have excellent technical knowledge and great ability to integrate data and new and challenging perspectives. Always available.’
Key clients
Government of Mozambique
ANACOM
SDR Consortium
Metropolitano de Lisboa, EPE
SPMS – Serviços Partilhados do Ministério da Saúde, EPE
Camões, Instituto da Cooperação e da Língua, I.P.
Regional Secretary of Economy of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (RAM)
APRAM – Administração dos Portos da Região Autónoma da Madeira, S.A.
TM.E – Termomeccanica Ecologia
Afavias – Engenharia e Construções, SA
Sociedade de Desenvolvimento da Ponta do Oeste, SA
European Commission – DG MOVE
Millennium BCP
TML – Metropolitan Transports of Lisbon
Fernando L. Gaspar Sinalização e Equipamentos Rodoviários, SA (FLGaspar)
Municipality of Câmara de Lobos (Madeira)
Metro do Porto
TIP – Transportes Intermodais do Porto, ACE
RTP – Rádio e Televisão de Portugal, SA
Águas do Centro Litoral, SA
Work highlights
- Advised the Government of Mozambique alongside MRA Advogados on the legal revision of its investment law, a project funded by the World Bank.
- Represented ANACOM, the regulatory authority for the electronic communications sector, in an administrative dispute subsequent to the auction procedure for the allocation of radioelectric bands for the implementation of 5G networks.
- Acted for Metropolitano de Lisboa EPE in the expansion process of the metropolitan line, including the preparation and launching of the public procurement procedures, the execution phase of the works contracts and the works contract inspection.
VdA
VdA has a strong presence in a wide range of highly regulated industries, including banking, telecoms, energy, infrastructure and technology. A popular choice for concessionaires, public service licensees and government bodies, the team is typically sought after to advise on state aid matters, administrative disputes, litigation and arbitration, and privatisations. On the international front, the practice has been increasingly active across Lusophone Africa and French-speaking African countries. The department is jointly led by Paulo Pinheiro, and Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira; Pinheiro focuses on administrative litigation, concessions and regulatory matters, while Esteves de Oliveira is often retained by banking and infrastructure clients to handle administrative proceedings. Catarina Pinto Correia is noted for her track record in advising African states on privatisations and PPPs. Also recommended is Ana Marta Castro, whose practice covers public contracts, concessions and administrative litigation.
Practice head(s):
Paulo Pinheiro; Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira
Other key lawyers:
Catarina Pinto Correia; Ana Marta Castro
Key clients
Banco de Portugal
The Portuguese Government (Ministry of Finance)
Vodafone Portugal – Comunicações Pessoais, SA
CTT – Correios de Portugal, SA
MEO – Serviços de Comunicações e Multimédia, SA
Tejo Energia, SA
Águas do Norte, SA
ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, SA
Finerge, SA
Standard Bank Angola
CUF, SA
Escala Braga – Sociedade Gestora do Estabelecimento, SA
Escala Vila Franca – Sociedade Gestora do Estabelecimento, SA
Group EGF – Environment Global Facilities
SATA Air Açores, SA
Azores Regional Government
Ferrovial Construccion
ACA – Alberto Couto Alves SA
REN Serviços
Novartis Farma
Solverde – Sociedade de Investimentos Turísticos da Costa Verde, SA
Government of Cabo Verde (Ministry of Finance – Unidade de Gestão de Projetos Especiais)
Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, SA
Work highlights
- Advised the Portuguese State and Parpública on the approval by the European Commission of the €2.55bn restructuring aid in favour of the Transportes Aéreos Portugueses and the granting of Covid-19 damages compensation state aid.
- Assisted Vodafone Portugal in public consultations launched by ANACOM, the telecoms regulator, regarding strategic matters to the development of the sector.
- Represented Banco de Portugal and Fundo de Resolução in over 600 legal proceedings regarding the resolution measure applied in August 2014 to Banco Espírito Santo and further decisions relating to it.
Cuatrecasas
‘Excellent full-service firm’ Cuatrecasas is noted for its strong expertise in administrative litigation and public procurement matters. The team frequently advises infrastructure, transportation, utilities, banking and telecoms clients on concessions, bidding processes and M&A. Lourenço Vilhena De Freitas focuses on infrastructure projects, concession matters and privatisations. He co-heads the department with Vasco Moura Ramos, who is the director of the Porto office and a key contact for public procurement litigation and public contracts. Duarte Abecasis is noted for administrative disputes and energy and infrastructure projects. Following its merger with SLCM | Serra Lopes, Cortes Martins & Associados, the team was strengthened by the arrival of competition and public law expert Miguel Pena Machete and Marisa Mirador, who focuses on public procurement, administrative litigation and environmental law. Counsel Mafalda Carmona left the firm in August 2021.
Practice head(s):
Lourenço Vilhena de Freitas; Vasco Moura Ramos
Other key lawyers:
Miguel Pena Machete; Marisa Mirador; Duarte Abecasis; Telma Carvalho; João Sequeira Sena
Testimonials
‘The team has a lot of experience and combines experience with academic quality, which is a differentiating factor.’
‘I highlight the performance of Miguel Pena Machete and Marisa Mirador in monitoring the various cases in the field of civil aviation.’
‘Cuatrecasas is an office of excellence that provides a full service to us. The multidisciplinary team that accompanies us is coordinated by Telma Carvalho, who demonstrates the ability to provide tailored solutions to our needs.’
‘I would highlight Lourenço Vilhena de Freitas for his in-depth knowledge of the various matters in the area of public law and for his vast professional experience.’
‘Lourenço Vilhena de Freitas and João Sequeira Sena are recommended.’
‘Lourenço Vilhena de Freitas gives added value advice, especially in complex situations. He is intelligent and wise. An excellent team.’
‘I would highlight Lourenço Vilhena de Freitas.’
‘Excellent knowledge and business understanding. Marisa Mirador and Miguel Pena Machete are recommended for their ability to understand the differences between jurisdictions, availability, quick responses and excellent knowledge of German and English.’
Key clients
Banco de Portugal (Bank of Portugal)
Auto-Estradas do Atlântico – Concessões Rodoviárias de Portugal
CP – Comboios de Portugal
Endesa
Infraestruturas de Portugal
CTT – Correios de Portugal
AS – Empresa Das Águas De Santarém
APDL – Administração dos Portos do Douro, Leixões e Viana do Castelo, SA
Group Transdev
Vodafone
Work highlights
- Represented Banco de Portugal in several administrative and civil disputes concerning the resolution measures applied to Banco Espírito Santo.
- Assisted CP – Comboios de Portugal in a judicial pre-contractual procedure and public procurement matters concerning the acquisition of 117 traction units at a value of €819m.
- Advised Dubai Ports World on its participation in the international public tender for conceiving, constructing, operating and managing the Luvo Logistics Platform in Angola.
Garrigues Portugal
At Garrigues Portugal, the public, energy and environmental law department regularly advises international clients on their investment projects and operations in Portugal. The team is particularly active in the energy and natural resources sectors, where it boasts a strong track record in litigation and arbitration. Leading the practice is Lino Torgal, who is noted for his wealth of experience advising on large-scale infrastructure projects, PPPs, project finance and public procurement matters. Recognised for his expertise in litigation and arbitration, Torgal often acts as arbitrator in concession and public contract disputes. He works alongside counsel Paulo Mendonça Duarte and senior associate Teresa Moreira dos Santos.
Practice head(s):
Lino Torgal
Other key lawyers:
Paulo Mendonça Duarte; Teresa Moreira dos Santos
Key clients
Fundação Centro Cultural de Belém
Galp Energia, SA
EEM – Empresa de Eletricidade da Madeira
Águas do Porto, EM
Iberdrola generación SA, unipersonal
The Navigator Company, SA
Mota Engil Capital
Stadler AG
Work highlights
- Assisted Fundação Centro Cultural de Belém in a tender procedure relating to the award of the right to design and build a luxury hotel in CCB premises near Tagus River valued at €50m.
- Advised Águas do Porto on the restructuring of its enterprise in order to expand its scope of action in the energy sector and transform it into a utilities supplier in the Municipality of Porto.
- Acted for EEM in all stages of a public tender for the execution of a battery storge centre in Madeira.
Miranda & Associados
Miranda & Associados‘ public law and regulatory practice advises on a wide range of matters, including administrative contracts, public procurement issues, concessions and public tenders. Notable for its strong sectorial expertise in energy and utilities sectors, the group assists clients with all aspects of administrative, judicial and arbitration proceedings. Pedro Melo frequently handles infrastructure projects, PPPs and concessions. Luís Oliveira is noted for his experience advising on public procurement and competition law matters across Portugal, Angola, Cabo Verde and Equatorial Guinea. Environmental law and energy projects are areas of expertise for Joao Rosado Correia. Nuno Marques Antunes covers projects in the mining, oil and gas and energy sectors, while Ricardo Alves Silva advises both companies and governments on public contracts and regulatory matters. Porto-based partner Tiago Amorim is a key contact for litigation and arbitration. Of counsel Sara Castelo Branco is also noted for her expertise in the energy sector.
Practice head(s):
Pedro Melo; Luis Oliveira; João Rosado Correia; Tiago Amorim; Nuno Marques Antunes; Ricardo Alves Silva
Other key lawyers:
Sandra Tavares Magalhães; Sara Castelo Branco
Testimonials
‘The public law team has demonstrated a deep knowledge of the matters that are put to it, especially in the energy sector and in the regulated electricity market. It has a client-oriented culture and is able to collaborate on innovative and value-added solutions at the service of the client.’
‘João Rosado Correia and Sandra Tavares Magalhães demonstrate technical competence, critical capacity, strategic sense and pragmatism.’
‘Competence, diligence, availability and quick and effective understanding of problems are some of the characteristics that stand out in the partner Pedro Melo.’
Key clients
SCUTVIAS
AE Transmontana
AENL – Norte Litoral
AAVI – Via do Infante
SCOTTURB
TAP – Portuguese Airlines
The Portuguese State (Secretary of State for Infrastructures)
Boston Scientific
Démant Ibérica
CHINT ENERGY
PROSOLIA
Horários do Funchal / Public Transports Sector
INCM (Portuguese National Mint, Assay and Security Printing Office)
SPMS (Shared Services Centre for the Health Ministry and NHS)
Beckman Coulter
Ecolab
Câmara Municipal de Lisboa (Lisbon Municipality)
REN Group
Galp Energia Group
Ascendi Group
Ventient Energy Group
Vinci Energies Portugal
Repsol Portuguesa, SA
AxiansEu
Inapal Plásticos, SA (Teijin Group)
Gebalis
Legrand Eléctrica
CLC – Companhia Logística de Combustíveis, SA
Vinci Energies Portugal
ERSAR – Entidade Reguladora dos Serviços de Águas e Resíduos
Sotécnica – Sociedade Eletrotécnica, SA
Rotas do Algarve Litoral, SA
SCMA – Sociedade de Consultores Marítimos
IP – Infraestruturas de Portugal, SA
OZ ENERGIA
M. Couto Alves, Group
Work highlights
- Advised the Portuguese State, ANACOM, on an arbitration case regarding the postal service and a related concession agreement.
- Acted for TAP in several matters concerning its relationship with ANA, the concessionaire of Portuguese airports.
- Assisted Spanish infrastructure company Globalvia Group in its operations in Portugal, including two motorway concessions.
PLMJ
At PLMJ, the ‘highly specialised’ public law team offers ‘excellent quality of service’ and advice on a wide range of matters, including complex arbitration cases, concessions, legislative projects and privatisations. The team is overseen by Diogo Duarte Campos, who splits his time between Porto and Lisbon and has significant experience handling litigation and arbitration as well as infrastructure projects across the transportation, real estate and energy sectors. Notable for his expertise in complex investor-state arbitration, Tiago Duarte focuses on concession contracts, constitutional law and public procurement, while Maria Zagallo advises on project finance, PPPs and concessions. Joana Brandão was promoted to partner in June 2023.
Practice head(s):
Diogo Duarte Campos
Other key lawyers:
Tiago Duarte, Maria Zagallo; Raquel Freitas; Carla Machado; Joana Brandão
Testimonials
‘A highly specialised public law team, with several sub-areas of specialisation, with a high capacity to provide an integrated response to the client’s needs. From our experience, a special highlight goes to Diogo Duarte Campos and Joana Brandão for their execution of public contracts.’
‘Diogo Duarte Campos has extensive theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of public and administrative law. An excellent leader.’
‘Joana Brandão excels in the resolution of disputes related to the execution of public contracts.’
‘I have been working for several years with Tiago Duarte. He is undoubtedly a highly reputed public law lawyer who deserves a special mention. A first class lawyer without any doubt. He reflects the quality of the PMLJ team, which strives for excellent legal service.’
‘Good knowledge of the market. Competent lawyers. High spirit of commitment.’
‘Joana Brandão is a very pragmatic and objective person. Her experience and focus on results make the challenge in question simpler to achieve.’
‘The quality of its lawyers, who combine relevant practical experience with a deep theoretical knowledge of matters relating to their respective areas of practice.’
‘Diogo Duarte Campos is recommended for his experience and knowledge of public law matters, which convey confidence. Tiago Duarte has theoretical and practical knowledge, particularly in matters of arbitration. Carla Machado is practical and knowledgeable.’
Key clients
ADNOVAIMS – Association for the Development of Nova Information Management School
AEDL
Aer Rianta International
Ascendi Group
Baxter
Cascais, Almada and Funchal Municipalities
Caixa Geral dos Depósitos
DreamMedia
GALP
GreenVolt
Grupo Altri
Haitong Bank
Impresa Group
LHEA Association for Lifelong Health Education
Microsoft Corporation
Nestlé Portugal
Nova University Lisbon
REN
Republic of Cabo Verde
Sacry-Somague
Silverpoint Advisors
Strategic Value Partners LLC
Verdelago (Oxy Capital)
WEMOB Mobility Municipal Company
Zagope
Alfredo de Sousa Foundation
OesteCim
Work highlights
- Advised the Cape Verde government throughout the entire project for the concession of all Cape Verde airports.
- Acted for NOVA University Lisbon on the ground-breaking project of a new Innovation District in the Lisbon metropolitan area.
- Assisted Davidson Kempner in the acquisition of ECS’s restructuring funds.
SRS Legal
SRS Legal‘s public law team has ‘extensive experience and very competent lawyers’ and regularly advises on the gamut of public law matters, notably concessions, PPPs, public procurement issues, and administrative and judicial disputes. Acting for large domestic and international companies as well as public sector clients, the group maintains an active presence across a wide range of regulated sectors, including telecoms, life sciences, logistics and infrastructure. Noted for his expertise in privatisations and PPPs, José Luís Moreira da Silva jointly leads the practice with Alexandre Roque, who draws on more than 20 years of experience advising on projects, public procurement and urban planning. Other key names are senior associate and public and regulatory law expert Raquel Sampaio and João Filipe Graça, who excels in administrative disputes. In July 2022, the team welcomed associate Pedro Aveleira, who joined from PRA-Raposo, Sá Miranda & Associados, Sociedade de Advogados RL.
Practice head(s):
José Luís Moreira da Silva; Alexandre Roque
Other key lawyers:
Raquel Sampaio; João Filipe Graça
Testimonials
‘The service provided is of high academic quality, always providing solutions that cover the various aspects of the problems presented by the client.’
‘Total availability and quick responses.’
‘Standing out from the team is partner José Luís Moreira da Silva, who demonstrates mastery of legal matters and excellent academic knowledge.’
‘Alexandre Roque is well versed in public law and offers strategies that facilitate decision-making processes.’
‘SRS has a good public law team. It has extensive experience and very competent lawyers.’
‘José Luís Moreira da Silva is an intelligent lawyer, with a lot of experience in almost all areas of public law. He offers public law advice and administrative litigation expertise.’
Key clients
APL – Lisbon Port Authority
APSS – Setúbal and Sesimbra Port Authority
APS – Sines Port Authority
GALP
NOS Group
ANI – Agência Nacional de Inovação
NEC
SUMOL + COMPAL, SA
REGIÃO AUTÓNOMA DA MADEIRA
SDT
IBERWIND
VENTINVEST
CITRI
Be Water
SCML
Oporto Municipality
IHRU
OGMA
NOBRE
VIDROLOGIC
THALES PORTUGAL, SA
OMG (Portuguese subsidiary of Omnicom Media Group)
TRANSTEJO / SOFLUSA
ALSA
GMF Railway
Fidelidade
MARSH
WEGROW
PARPÚBLICA
EID
FCCB – Fundação Centro Cultural de Belém
Work highlights
- Advised a consortium comprised of Nex Continental Holding (Unipersonal) and Grupo ENATCAR on an international procedure for the concession for the operation and maintenance of public road passenger transport services in the Madeira Islands.
- Acted for TM.E. – Termomeccanica Ecologia in a major procurement concerning the building and supply of a €60m waste energy valorisation power plant in Azores.
- Assisted ACCIONA in an arbitration against ARS Alentejo, Regional Health Administration of Alentejo, regarding the construction contract for the Alentejo Central Hospital in Évora.
Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho
Public entities, foreign banks, domestic and international companies and investors turn to Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho for advice on public law matters. The practice is noted for its strong presence in the financial services industry, with other core sectors of activity including tourism, infrastructure, energy and aviation. Led by Bernardo Diniz de Ayala, the team handles public contracts, M&A, privatisations, administrative proceedings, litigation and concession matters. Senior associates Afonso Choon and Gonçalo Andrade Sousa are other key practitioners in the group; Choon regularly advises on public procurement matters, arbitration and regulatory issues, while Andrade Sousa is noted for project development, PPPs and M&A.
Practice head(s):
Bernardo Diniz de Ayala
Other key lawyers:
Afonso Choon; Gonçalo Andrade Sousa; Mariana Viana Pedreira; Bernardo Ayala; Gonçalo Reino Pires
Testimonials
‘Extraordinary availability and creativity in solving problems. Assertive and efficient approach based on strong technical knowledge and great rigour in execution.’
‘Bernardo Ayala is a remarkable lawyer.’
‘The team takes great care of its clients. Highly professional and always available. Extensive knowledge of processes. Effective way of achieving results.’
‘Would recommend Afonso Choon. An intelligent lawyer, with in-depth knowledge of all legal issues and proactivity.’
‘The service provided was done with high quality and allowed for the submission of tender proposals with high potential for winning. Extreme dedication and thoroughness.’
‘I’d highlight Gonçalo Reino Pires and Afonso Choon.’
‘Bernardo Ayala will go the extra mile for his clients and is very responsive.’
‘Mariana Viana Pedreira is a very bright lawyer. She delivers on time and is able to deal with complex areas of international law.’
Key clients
Babcock Mission Critical Services Portugal, Unipessoal, Lda.
Iberdrola Renewables Portugal, SA
Citadel
XAIA Investment
Airbus Helicopters, Société par Actions Simplifiée
JCDecaux SA
Ikos Resorts
IDW – Consultoria em Serviços de Informação Lda
DST, SGPS, SA
Banco Santander Totta, SA
Growing Spring – Investimentos Imobiliários e Turísticos, SA
Reyal Urbis, SA
Work highlights
- Represented Babcock in arbitration against INEM, the Portuguese medical emergency transportation institute, in relation to contractual sanctions INEM imposed in the context of a helicopter wet lease agreement with the public authority.
- Acted for Iberdrola in the 2019 and 2020 Portuguese solar auctions and the licensing of eight solar photovoltaic power plants with over 200MW of installed capacity.
- Advised Citadel on litigation brought against the Bank of Portugal related to its decision to transfer senior bonds from Novo Banco to Banco Espírito Santo, the bank under liquidation.
Abreu Advogados
The public law and environmental practice at Abreu Advogados acts for national and international companies, state-owned entities and public sector clients. The team is adept at handling public procurement matters, concessions, PPPs and environmental licensing issues, with an emphasis on public infrastructure projects. Co-led by Manuel de Andrade Neves and José Eduardo Martins, the group is particularly active in the paper, cement, chemicals and energy sectors. Andrade Neves coordinates the Timor-Leste desk and focuses on energy and projects matters, and Martins manages the Angola and Cabo Verde desks and is noted for licensing issues, litigation and public procurement. Mafalda Teixeira de Abreu is another name to note.
Practice head(s):
José Eduardo Martins; Manuel Andrade Neves
Other key lawyers:
Mafalda Teixeira de Abreu; Tiago Leote Cravo; Ana Simões Ferreira; Guilherme Matta da Silva
Testimonials
‘Excellent service and I highlight its dedication to the client!’
‘I highlight the work of Tiago Leote Cravo, with expertise in several areas of law, especially in administrative law.’
‘Swift responses, creative and competent.’
‘Our main contact is Ana Simões Ferreira, who has unravelled competence, deep knowledge and creative thinking.’
‘Availability and technical knowledge.’
‘Guilherme Matta da Silva is recommended for his friendliness, availability, technical knowledge, commitment and focus on problem solving.’
‘I highlight Guilherme Matta da Silva for his availability and professionalism, always finding solutions that solve our problems.’
Key clients
Total
Iberdrola Generación
Chint Solar
Novo Verde
Embraer
Embraer Portugal
ERP Portugal
Air Liquide Group
ALSA – National Express
Globalvia
Patentes Talgo
The Navigator Company
Nortada Energia
AE Energy
REN Trading
Efrican Foundation
Apera
SIS AV
Work highlights
- Assisted Iberdrola Generación in its major projects in Portugal, including three large dam projects in Tâmega for 1.200MW and valued at €1.8bn.
- Advised APERA on several matters related to the Decree-Law 102-D/2020 recently entering into force as part of major reforms to Portuguese waste laws.
- Acted for Efrican Foundation on the elaboration of a roadmap for Carbonic Sustainability in Príncipe Island.
Albuquerque & Almeida
Rated for its ‘great quality and knowledge of public law matters’ Albuquerque & Almeida‘s public law department is often engaged in administrative disputes, concession contracts and public procurement matters, among other areas. Led by Alexandre De Albuquerque, the team acts for corporate and public sector clients and is especially active in the energy, agribusiness, logistics and transportation sectors. With more than 36 years of experience in public law matters, Albuquerque is a key contact for arbitration cases. Diana Silveira is a popular choice for municipalities seeking assistance in litigation and public procurement issues. Also noted is the ‘super efficient’ Ivan Roque Duarte.
Practice head(s):
Alexandre de Albuquerque
Other key lawyers:
Ivan Roque Duarte; Diana Silveira, Maria de Lurdes Pereira; Inês Domingos
Testimonials
‘Albuquerque e Almeida has been incredible in the way it adapts to the most diverse types of challenges that arise. Communication and friendliness has been extremely important to us, as well as billing transparency. We are very satisfied.’
‘Ivan Roque Duarte has been phenomenal, both in terms of skills and communication. Whenever I needed, Ivan has always been available as well as being super efficient in the speed and quality of the solutions. We are proud to have a partner like Albuquerque e Almeida on our side.’
‘Office with great quality and knowledge of public law matters. Great experience and lawyers with great competence. Constant concern to upgrade their technical skills and way of working.’
‘Alexandre de Albuquerque, Diana Silveira, Maria de Lurdes Pereira and Inês Domingos have outstanding practices and experience, with in-depth knowledge of legislation and jurisprudence combined with the knowledge of our business activities.’
‘The quality of service provided, availability and results are always exceptional.’
‘I emphasise the quality of the service provided and the capabilities of the team. I highlight Ivan Roque Duarte.’
‘One of the individuals that stands out in the team and among the competitors is, without a doubt, Ivan Roque Duarte, who is one of the best lawyers I have ever worked with, as he demonstrates strong leadership in the management of matters and the team management. He is responsible, always available, assertive and likes to study topics in depth.’
‘We chose to work with the team due to its high knowledge in the areas of public law, administrative law, and matters related to local authorities, among others. Albuquerque & Almeida responds to our requests in a practical, efficient and innovative way.’
Key clients
ETE Group
Ingesport Health and Spa Consulting, SA
Municipality of Coimbra
Freguesia de Estrela
Setefrete Group
CEPSA – Portuguesa Petróleos SA
GALP Energia Group
Parque Escolar, EPE
Value One Holding AG/ Milestone
Grupo Bondalti
Anthea–Segurança Privada, Lda
ABB Portugal
Factory GmbH
Orcinus – Serviços de Informática, Lda
EDP GROUP
CITAGO – Produção Agrícola, Lda
FREGUESIA DE ALVALADE
FREGUESIA DE SÃO DOMINGOS DE BENFICA
LOGOFRUITS, LDA
UCASUL – UNIÃO DE COOPERATIVAS AGRÍCOLAS
CIRCUITO DO SOL
SÁ LIMPA – FACILITY SERVICES, LDA
OLIVOCARVALHEIRA – SOCIEDADE AGRÍCOLA, LDA
VBB, UNIPESSOAL, LDA
Work highlights
- Advised CV Interilhas, the concessionaire of the maritime transportation of passengers and cargo, on matters related to the inter-island maritime transport of cargo and passengers in Cabo Verde.
- Assisting the Municipality of Coimbra on a regular basis in several planning and construction matters.
- Acted for Galp Group on a regular basis in a wide range of matters, spanning public law, urban planning and concessions.
CMS
CMS‘s public law practice acts for a roster of large domestic and international clients from across a wide range of industries, most notably banking, media, transportation, energy and infrastructure. Companies turn to the team for assistance in competition law matters, administrative and judicial litigation, concessions and public procurement issues, among others. The group is led by the ‘excellent’ Gonçalo Guerra Tavares, who has extensive experience advising on complex arbitration cases and construction projects. He works alongside managing associate António Magalhães Menezes, who focuses on public procurement and administrative law.
Practice head(s):
Gonçalo Guerra Tavares
Other key lawyers:
António Magalhães e Menezes
Testimonials
‘The CMS team always responds immediately and in a very professional manner.’
‘Gonçalo Guerra Tavares and António Magalhães e Menezes are both excellent professionals. I highlight their availability, experience and technical knowledge.’
Key clients
Inspire Capital Atlantic – Sociedade de Investimento e Consultadoria, Lda
Vinci Energies, SA
Cascais Envolvente – Gestão Social da Habitação, EM, SA
Knorr-Bremse España, SA
Sun Africa LLC
Gemcorp
Goldman Sachs
REN Group
Endesa – Energia, Sucursal em Portugal
ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal SA
TVI
Futrifer, SA
Ricoh, SA
MOP – Multimédia Outdoors Portugal
EMSA (European Maritime Safety Agency)
Betclic
Beckman Coulter
Avanza Group
LNEC (National Laboratory for Civil Engineering)
Work highlights
- Advised Goldman Sachs on administrative proceedings related to the resolution of BES and the decision of the Bank of Portugal to transfer back to BES the loan extended by Oak Finance.
- Assisted REN Group on a day-to-day basis with procurement procedures for the award of public works, supply and service contracts and pre-litigation proceedings.
- Acted for MOP – Multimédia Outdoors Portugal in public tender and concession matters.
DLA Piper ABBC
Following the incorporation of Saragoça da Matta & Silveiro de Barros – Sociedade de Advogados, R.L. in May 2022., DLA Piper ABBC‘s public law department has been strengthened by the arrival of senior associate Bruno Soares Ferreira, who brings extensive experience in administrative litigation and public procurement matters. Another key practitioner in the team is Mariana Ricardo, who closely works with the firm’s EU and competition as well as corporate and finance practices to offer clients comprehensive advice on their day-to-day operations. Led by Nuno Azevedo Neves, the team is active in a wide range of industries, most notably life sciences, energy, banking and construction.
Practice head(s):
Nuno Azevedo Neves
Other key lawyers:
Mariana Ricardo; Bruno Soares Ferreira; Paulo Saragoça da Matta
Testimonials
‘Prompt availability, friendliness and high professionalism are characteristics of the team that stand out.’
‘Matters have been done quickly and effectively.’
‘Paulo Saragoça da Matta and Bruno Soares Ferreira demonstrate high levels of professional competence and exceptional preparation. They assist us with complex matters that require various skills and expertise across areas such as criminal, administrative and labour law.’
‘Excellent personal treatment.’
‘High technical competence.’
‘Paulo Saragoça da Matta and Bruno Soares Ferreira are recommended.’
Key clients
ICA – Instituto do Cinema e do Audiovisual
Lasi Eletrónica
Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM)
IACA (Portuguese Association of Manufacturers of Compound Animal Feed)
Canadian Solar
Super Bock
Claire´s
Pinkplate
LogPay
Volkswagen Group Services
Yamaha
Lufthansa
ICA – Indústria e Comércio Alimentar, SA
Logista Transportes, Transitários Pharma
Fujifilm
Tesla
L3Harris Technologies, Inc
Escola de Aviação Aerocondor SA
SIGMA Campofrio
Work highlights
- Advised Tesla on energy regulations, corporate law matters and licensing issues.
- Assisted Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM) with the framework for the Covid-19 diagnostic testing, the obligation to register with the Health Regulatory Authority and agreements with private and public bodies.
- Advised LogPay on an assessment of the Portuguese e-mobility market, including the legal framework regarding the supply of electricity and the operation of charging points.
Linklaters
Linklaters‘ public law and regulatory practice works closely with the firm’s corporate, finance, energy, dispute resolution and competition teams to advise clients on complex transactions and projects in highly regulated sectors. Prominent in the healthcare, energy, TMT, technology and life sciences segments, the group has recently handled a workload of licensing and environmental issues, public procurement matters and PPPs. The department was boosted in January 2021 by the arrival of Maria de Athayde Tavares, who has significant experience handling PPP projects and concession contracts and now heads the team.
Practice head(s):
Maria de Athayde Tavares
Key clients
Ardian SAS
MEAG MUNICH ERGO Kapitalanlagegesellschaft mbH
Luz Saúde, S.A. (Fosun Group)
CRRC
AGS – Administração e Gestão de Sistemas de Salubridade, SA
Marguerite Adviser
SIBS SGPS, SA
Pfizer
TAP, SA
Vulcan Minerals
Hyperion Energy Investments, SGPS, SA
Work highlights
- Acted for CRRC in the implementation and execution of the supply contract with Metro do Porto.
- Advised ICT solutions provider on matters concerning the implementation of 5G networks in Portugal, including advice on regulatory and cybersecurity issues in the TMT sector.
- Assisted the board of directors of TAP on a day-to-day basis with public law matters that impacted the company’s business operations and the role of the board members.
PRA-Raposo, Sá Miranda & Associados, Sociedade de Advogados RL
PRA-Raposo, Sá Miranda & Associados, Sociedade de Advogados RL‘s public law team is known in the market for its strong expertise in public tender processes. Another area of strength for the group is public law litigation, especially disputes related to public tender awards. In Porto, the group is often engaged in arbitration proceedings involving public contracts. Well regarded for his ‘knowledge of public procurement matters and administrative litigation’, David Coelho jointly heads the department with Noel Gomes, who is noted for public law litigation. Associate Pedro Aveleira left the firm in July 2022.
Practice head(s):
David Coelho; Noel Gomes
Other key lawyers:
Joana Freitas Peixoto; Maurício Neves; Sérgio Alves
Testimonials
‘The services provided by PRA demonstrate a deep technical knowledge of the matters that are presented to it. In addition to being technically very good, the team is close to the client.’
‘Noel Gomes and Joana Freitas Peixoto demonstrate an exceptional technical capacity in dealing with the legal issues under discussion which allow them to obtain the result desired by the client.’
‘David Coelho always analyses situations in detail and seeks to find the best solutions, transmitting great confidence. He is able to deeply analyse the questions that arise.’
‘David Coelho is recommended for his skills and knowledge of public procurement matters and administrative litigation.’
‘Noel Gomes and David Coelho stand out for their solid knowledge and vast experience in public and administrative law litigation.’
‘Noel Gomes and Maurício Neves are excellent lawyers who transmit security, trust and loyalty to the client.’
‘David Coelho and Sérgio Alves are always available and looking for solutions that best suit the client in the short- and long-term. Competence, proximity, professionalism, punctuality and ambition are some of their characteristics that I would emphasise.’
‘David Coelho: dedication, attention, commitment and responsiveness.’
Eversheds Sutherland FCB
Eversheds Sutherland FCB‘s public law department is especially experienced in environmental licensing matters and urban planning. The team is often engaged in administrative proceedings related to construction projects and environmental matters. With extensive experience advising on public procurement, concession contracts and environmental matters, Miguel Lorena Brito oversees the practice alongside public, administrative and environmental law expert Paula Teixeira da Cruz.
Practice head(s):
Miguel Lorena Brito; Paula Teixeira da Cruz
Testimonials
‘Personal and professional quality.’
‘Quick responses.’
‘I would highlight Gonçalo Mexia, Luis Falcao Rodrigo Almeida and Miguel Lorena Brito.’
‘Speed and efficiency in the service provided.’
‘Availability to handle processes.’
Key clients
Bioenergy, SA
AZPO – Azeites de Portugal, SA
CGI
Zagope
Tecnovia and Tecnovia Madeira
Novo Banco
MAN Truck & Bus
Agrícola Vale de Poente
IATA
Kedrion
Exide
TNT
Trofa Saúde
RENTOKIL Initial Portugal – Serviços de Protecção Ambiental
TotalEnergies Renewables
Work highlights
- Represented Zagope, Tecnovia and Tecnovia Madeira in a dispute with a Portuguese top-league football club relating to the construction of a football stadium.
- Acted for Bioenergy in a dispute with several administrative authorities regarding regulatory and environmental matters related to its energy producing facilities.
- Advising Kedrion Biopharma on a public tender for a contract for the production of medicines from human plasma sourced in Portugal.
Gama Glória
Gama Glória‘s public law department is especially focused on highly regulated sectors, including financial services, energy, TMT, life sciences and infrastructure. Founding partner João Taborda da Gama advises public sector clients, NGOs and multinational companies on tax and public law matters. Former practice head Adolfo Mesquita Nunes and senior associate Débora Melo Fernandes left the firm in January 2024.
Other key lawyers:
João Taborda da Gama; João da Cunha Empis
Testimonials
‘Very solid and pragmatic legal advice with a strategic approach, which is quite relevant in matters that shape the public policies of entities such as ours.’
‘A safe choice for complex matters. Pragmatic and solid advice. Capable of understanding the entity’s challenges and guiding it in a highly complex business and legal context. The team embraces the challenges as part of the client’s business.’
‘The quality of its lawyers, who combine relevant practical experience with a deep theoretical knowledge of matters relating to their respective areas of practice.’
Key clients
Mobi.E
Uber
JCDecaux
Lisbon Municipality
Weiss
Tilray
Power Dot
Hubject
CAAD
E-Cycle
Rewilding Portugal
Stuart
Turcultur
Yescapa
Work highlights
- Advised Mobi.E on critical projects for electric mobility in Portugal, including five public tenders and the execution phase of more than 50 public contracts.
- Acted for Uber on all regulatory and public law matters related to its activity in Portugal, including advice on its private hire vehicle regulatory framework, litigation strategy and product design.
- Assisted JCDecaux in administrative litigation related to two complex public procurement tenders for outdoor advertising in Lisbon and Porto.
Gómez-Acebo & Pombo
At Gómez-Acebo & Pombo, the public law and regulatory group is particularly skilled in administrative proceedings, concession contracts and public tenders related to infrastructure projects. Ricardo Campos, who has significant experience in construction projects, arbitration and administrative law, heads the team. He works alongside of counsel Sofia Rodrigues Nunes, who is known for her strong real estate expertise and is well versed in urban planning, environmental and regulatory law.
Practice head(s):
Ricardo Campos
Other key lawyers:
Sofia Rodrigues Nunes
Testimonials
‘I’d highlight Ricardo Campos.’
Key clients
Acciona Construcción
Casais Engenharia, SA
SPCare, Lda
Teixeira Duarte, SA
Bento Pedroso Construções, SA
Zagope, SA
Alves Ribeiro, SA
Work highlights
- Advised Acciona Construccíon on a public contract for the construction of the new headquarters of Oeiras City Hall.
- Acted for Acciona Construcción in a public tender for the construction of the new Alentejo Central Hospital.
- Advised Teixeira Duarte, Bento Pedroso Construções, Zagope and Alves Ribeiro on the Baixo Tejo road concession contract.
NGA Advogados
NGA Advogados is recognised for its strong expertise in concession contracts and public law disputes. Covering a wide range of public law matters, including environmental issues, public procurement and litigation related to public tender awards, the group acts for both corporate and public sector clients. Leading the practice is Gonçalo Mota Nogueira, who regularly acts as an arbitrator and is well versed in cases before administrative municipal courts.
Practice head(s):
Gonçalo Mota Nogueira
Key clients
AON
VEOLIA
Autonomous Region of Azores
CASES
Pharmis
Macieira Coelho Investimentos
BSPOT
pbbr - Sociedade de Advogados RL
pbbr - Sociedade de Advogados RL advises corporate and public sector clients on a wide range of public law matters, including concession contracts, public procurement matters and administrative disputes. Practice head Tânia Ferreira Osório focuses on public procurement and administrative litigation. She is supported by associates Joana Magalhães e Silva, who is well versed in healthcare regulations, and public law expert Rita Bastos Ramalho.
Practice head(s):
Tânia Ferreira Osório
Other key lawyers:
Joana Magalhães e Silva; Rita Bastos Ramalho
Testimonials
‘PPBR is distinguished by its ability to interpret the needs of its clients and its ability to work and solve problems.’
‘The team of lawyers who assist us is very available, vast and very effective. They study in depth the new themes that arise.’
‘Tânia Ferreira Osório leads the public law team and is the person with whom I have direct interaction. I recommend her without any reservation.’
‘The pbbr public law team is always very helpful and always finds solutions to our problems.’
‘Very efficient and always available, with excellent knowledge of our sector.’
Key clients
Tekever
Mercer
SCIF – SEF
Cushman & Wakefield
Abanca
Oak Luxembourg
SMMP – Sindicato dos Magistrados do
Ministério Público ( Union Association of Public Prosecutors)
ISEG –Lisbon School of Economics and Management University of Lisbon
ESRI Portugal – Sistemas e Informação
Geográfica, SA
ECS – Sociedade de Capital de Risco, SA
Lisgráfica – Impressão e Artes Gráficas, SA
ISS Facility Services
Stone Capital
Avenue/ Aermont / Perella Weinberg
Signal Capital Partners
Terrésens
Sonae Sierra
Round Hill
Lycée Français
Raposo Bernardo
Raposo Bernardo‘s public law practice works alongside the firm’s real estate, projects and infrastructure teams to assist clients with public tenders, concessions, administrative disputes and PPPs related to construction projects. The department is led by Manuel Esteves Albuquerque, who has extensive experience advising on investment operations in the real estate sector and international projects in the Iberian Peninsula and Eastern Europe.
Practice head(s):
Manuel Esteves Albuquerque
Testimonials
‘They have excellent abilities. They are sensitive enough to understand our activity, they know that their work has to facilitate our activity and not to complicate it. They have permanent communication with clients. In addition, I am a fan of all the technological innovations that have been made available to us.’
‘Manuel Esteves Albuquerque stands out. He is extremely knowledgeable about all the intricacies of public law and also real estate and construction. He is always available to assist us, he always has a reassuring word, he knows how to understand what we want and identify the best solution. He has an excellent ability to summarize and turn the most complicated issues in our favor, which has made him very important to our company.’
‘One of the main qualities is the team’s level of response, which continuously exceeds our expectations. According to our experience, the level of client care service is the best you can have. They offer an incredible set of highly qualified professionals who are prepared for any type of complexity in any legal context related to Public Law. The consistency of advice and the unique negotiation skills of the Raposo Bernardo team has allowed our company to gain an edge over the competition.’
‘The Raposo Bernardo team is very strong, with highly prepared lawyers, with high knowledge of the legal system and the legal system and with a total dedication to client matters. The partner leading this public law department is Manuel Esteves de Albuquerque, who with his excellent team always manages to resolve situations with a very high degree of technical and legal perfection.’
‘We know Raposo Bernardo well, we absolutely trust its lawyers and we know that they are a partner that we highly value, for the important role they play in our operation. They deal with the full spectrum of matters in public law, having a very high level in all areas, be it public administration, public procurement, administrative litigation, etc. They invest in client relationships and work with us in a fully collaborative way. They also have a strong innovation component, as they soon realized the importance of ESG in public law.’
‘In public law, the most relevant partner is Manuel Esteves Albuquerque. He can basically read our minds – as soon as I make a request to him, he seems to know immediately what my main concerns are, which I may not be thinking about but should… He is a true partner to our team.’
‘Raposo Bernardo’s Public Law team is of enormous quality. It always manages to meet and even exceed our demanding standards, which are very high. Of the most relevant skills for us, I highlight the high legal know-how, the legal and intellectual quality of the lawyers, their experience, the total dedication to our affairs, the rigor and security of legal advice, the compliance with deadlines and the quick turnaround time.’
‘What makes Raposo Bernardo’s Public Law department truly unique is the way they approach every new situation we put them in, every new subject or project. They always show a super professional attitude, total availability, a lot of commitment and a very positive attitude in order to solve what we present to them. Moreover, no matter in public law is new to them, they know everything there is to know, have immense experience and always show complete confidence and ability to solve and even surprise us.’
Work highlights
- Advised a client on the preliminary phase of a construction and concession of an airport infrastructure project, an investment valued at €480m.
- Acted for a client in a public procurement procedure for the construction of a motorway and adjacent access routes and bridges valued at €245m.
- Assisted a client in a public tender launched by the Ministry of Health for the supply of all medical devices related to diabetes.