Garrigues Portugal > Lisbon, Portugal > Firm Profile

Garrigues Portugal
AV DA REPÚBLICA, 25, 1°
1050-186 LISBON
Portugal

Portugal > Intellectual property Tier 1

Well-regarded for its ability to combine ‘knowledge and a sound practical approach to complex legal cases’, the team at Garrigues Portugal is a popular choice for clients operating across the media and entertainment, pharma, banking and software sectors. The team has expertise in all aspects of intellectual property, handling matters related to trade marks, patents, design rights, copyright, and unfair competition. The team is led by ‘veteran’ João Miranda de Sousa, who has extensive experience in European trade mark and design matters, as well as in patent litigation. Francisca Ferreira Pinto is well-versed in both contentious and non-contentious IP matters, specialising in the enforcement of IP rights in Portugal.

Practice head(s):

João Miranda de Sousa

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Without a doubt, the firm with the best service when it comes to brands in Portugal.’

‘I really enjoy working with this firm because they are very efficient, organised and always available to provide any clarifications that may be necessary. They are very professional.’

‘I really enjoy working with Francisca Ferreira Pinto, who is very professional, and always ready to answer any questions.’

‘The services provided by the law firm are excellent, combining knowledge and a sound practical approach to complex legal cases. ’

‘João Miranda de Sousa provides sound advice and delivers outstanding results. He always tries to deliver the most practical solutions to his clients, having a profound knowledge of IP law.’

‘Garrigues’ work is fantastic.’

‘João Miranda de Sousa is a veteran with a lot of experience and the energy of someone just starting his career. Impressive.’

Key clients

Goat Fashion Limited

Grupo Media Capital

Group Nabeiro

Chanel

Hermès International

INTEL Corporation

Altri SGPS

Mondelèz Group

Bosch

Sumol + Compal

Samsung

Jaguar Land Rover Portugal

Red Bull

Work highlights

  • Advising Ferrari on the  enforcement of the client’s trade marks and designs in Portugal.
  • Working with the Portuguese legal team of Bosch Group in the drafting, negotiation and review of numerous consortium agreements and investment agreements.
  • Assisted RED BULL with the enforcement of its famous trade marks in Portugal against several entities who try to register trade marks similar to RED BULL’s famous registrations.

Portugal > Porto: Leading commercial firms Tier 1

Lauded for its ‘great experience and knowledge’, the team at Garrigues delivers comprehensive legal support to clients operating in various sectors, including automotive, manufacturing, real estate, IT, and retail. With a strong foothold in Porto, the firm is a popular choice for both national and international clients, handling a mix of corporate, M&A, banking, finance, employment, tax, and dispute resolution matters, with a notable focus on cross-border work. The employment and social security team - led by Rui Valente and João Soares Almeida - frequently handles high-profile mandates such as collective dismissals and layoff proceedings. Tomás Pessanha, who is praised for his ‘high professionalism’, heads the corporate and M&A department, advising multinational corporations on complex private equity, venture capital, and high-value corporate transactions, with support from Manuel Liberal Jerónimo. André de Oliveira Correia is a key figure in employment law.

Practice head(s):

Rui Valente; Tomás Pessanha; João Soares Almeida

Other key lawyers:

Manuel Liberal Jerónimo, André de Oliveira Correia, Mafalda Moreira, André Gualter de Vasconcellos

Testimonials

‘Extensive knowledge in a wide range of areas, with dedicated support.’

‘Mafalda Moreira – always clear and pragmatic answers.’

‘High quality of service; huge availability; high level of knowledge; active search for innovative solutions.’

‘The Garrigues team has extensive experience in dealing with the complexity of international transactions and in leading and coordinating the liaison with lawyers from the other countries involved.’

‘Our relationship with Tomás Pessanha is one of great trust and has been going on for many years, even before Tomás Pessanha joined Garrigues. He has always provided us with a service of high professionalism. He also has a great knowledge of the client, which allows him to anticipate solutions. It is a relationship of true partnership.’

‘This firm guarantees legal support in the main areas that a company may need. It is made up of teams with a very strong degree of specialisation in the most diverse areas, with great experience and knowledge in dealing with situations similar to our needs.’

‘André Oliveira Correia stands out as a benchmark in labour law. His technical competence and experience in this specific area make him a trusted partner for clients facing complex labour issues. André is valued for his strategic approach and ability to interpret and apply legislation in a practical and effective way, always with a focus on solutions that meet the specific needs of each client.’

‘With regard to the members of the team, I would naturally single out partner João Soares Almeida for his availability, experience and ability to understand the business and the reality of the sector and/or company, adjusting the solution to the organisational context, while naturally maintaining the required standards of security and rigour.’

Key clients

Amorim Group

Samsung Portugal

Bosch Group

BNP Paribas

Max Stock

Vallis Capital Partners

Taga Urbanic

Farminveste (ANF Group)

Fischer Connectors

WireCo WorldGroup

Super Bock Group

Sonae

Bosch

Pathena

Cognizant

Linde Group

Mahle

Gestamp Group

Volvo Cars

Bimba & Lola

KP Group

Adolfo Dominguez

DFG Quarries

Mercan Capital

Urbanitae

Ramada Aços

Altri

Omnes Capital

Generali

Cary Group

Hijos de Rivera (Estrella Galicia)

Funfrap (Tupy Group)

COPO Group

Work highlights

  • Advised Crestview Partners on the sale of a majority stake in TenCate (and, indirectly, of its Portuguese affiliates) to affiliates of Leonard Green & Partners.
  • Advised Generali on the labour issues arising from Generali’s acquisition of Liberty, leading the TUPE procedure affecting hundreds of employees in Portugal.
  • Assisted Ramada Investimentos e Indústria (a listed company in Euronext Lisbon) with the sale of its steel manufacturing affiliate, Ramada Aços S.A., alongside with the subsidiaries of the latter to 1Thing Investments.

Portugal > Tax Tier 1

Praised as ‘unmatched in the Portuguese market’, the tax group at Garrigues Portugal is routinely sought after by clients in the banking, real estate, technology, and insurance sectors. The team is recognised for its adept handling of market-defining M&A transactions and complex tax disputes, regularly representing clients before administrative, judicial, and arbitral courts. At the helm of the practice is a trio of experts: Pedro Miguel Braz, who boasts a strong track record in proceedings before the European Court of Justice; Fernando Castro Silva, who specialises in corporate tax and transfer pricing; and Miguel Cortez Pimentel, who focuses on international tax and M&A matters. Key support is offered by José Diogo Mégre Pires, who is noted for his involvement in structuring high-profile transactions and projects across Portugal. António Pedro Braga joined from Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados in October 2024.

Practice head(s):

Pedro Miguel Braz; Miguel Cortez Pimentel; Isabel Vieira dos Reis

Other key lawyers:

José Diogo Mégre Pires, Ana Isabel Batista, Mariana Martins Silva, António Pedro Braga

Testimonials

‘Assertive and technically secure response to all questions raised. Advice marked by permanent communication and constant availability to clarify all questions raised with advice on the best legal alternatives available.’

‘Miguel Pimentel – high technical knowledge and prompt response.’

‘The Garrigues team stands out on the national scene in matters relating to tax litigation, where it has a reputation, size and experience that is, in my opinion, unmatched in the Portuguese market.’

‘Tax team team has extremely solid knowledge, enormous willingness to help us and with great knowledge of the client’s business.’

‘Miguel Pimentel and José Diogo Megre Pires: Both excellent professionals, with great knowledge and enormous availability.’

‘Highly responsive team; detailed work and analysis.’

‘Very flexible and responsive professionals.’

‘Miguel Pimentel is always available and an excellent professional.’

Key clients

BNP Paribas

Fidelidade

Banco Santander Totta

Clearstream

Globalvia

Brisa

Work highlights

  • Advised and sponsored BNP PARIBAS SECURITIES SERVICES – S.C.A in a tax litigation concerning the right to deduct VAT by the Portuguese branch of BNP PARIBAS SECURITIES SERVICES – S.C.A.
  • Advised Climate Asset Management on the acquisition of the agriculture subsidiaries of BAIN in a €78m deal.
  • Advised Bupa-Sanitas on the reassessment of significant VAT contingencies within the scope of the potential acquisition of a Portuguese group of companies (Future Healthcare Group) by €50m.

Portugal > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2

Drawing considerable praise from clients who turn to the team for its ‘very practical and business-oriented approach’ and ‘deep knowledge of the Portuguese legal framework’, Garrigues Portugal is well versed in a broad range of corporate transactions. Counting multinationals, Portuguese corporates, and startups among its key roster of clients, the team remains active across the insurance, IT, industrial, agribusiness and private equity sectors. Practice head Mário Lino Dias is frequently engaged by clients hailing from the worlds of insurance and renewable energy. Susana Pimenta De Sousa is noted for her focus on corporate restructuring operations and general corporate advice, while Tomás Pessanha is lauded as a ‘true pro.’ Other notable individuals include Marta Graça Rodrigues, who stands out for her experience advising on large M&A and capital markets transactions, and Manuel Liberal Jerónimo, who is recommended for his expertise in commercial contracts.

Practice head(s):

Mário Lino Dias

Testimonials

‘We have been extremely satisfied with the work of Garrigues Portugal and specially with the work of Pedro Lemos for the mercantile area. What sets them apart is their personalised approach and deep understanding of their clients’ needs. Their team is highly skilled across a wide range of legal areas, offering creative and effective solutions.’

‘Compared to other firms, Garrigues Portugal stands out for its agility and commitment to client. They provide exceptional communication and transparency throughout the process, ensuring trust and confidence.’

‘They leverage technology for seamless collaboration and maintain flexible, transparent billing practices. Additionally, their commitment to diversity and inclusion enriches their approach, making them a well-rounded and forward-thinking firm. We highly recommend them to any potential client seeking a dedicated and professional legal partner.’

‘Pedro Lemos Carvalho has been particularly impressive in his ability to navigate complex legal matters with clarity and strategic insight. Their in-depth knowledge and hands-on approach made us feel confident and supported throughout the process. He did take the time to listen and provide proactive solutions.’

‘Garrigues assisted us in an acquisition process in Portugal and this was our first M&A in Portugal. The firm proved a good sense of understanding the commercial aspects of a deal and to strive for a balance between legal and commercial aspects.’

‘The Garrigues team had a great availability and focus on problem solving. Also, since it was a new market for us, they gave an explanation and background to different topics that we discussed which helped us in decision making.’

‘Tomás Pessanha was a true pro and we especially appreciated the direct dialogue.’

‘Deep knowledge of the Portuguese legal framework. Wide experience in negotiations and execution. Very practical and business-oriented approach. Better understanding of the economics and value drivers than most other legal firms.’

Key clients

Banco Santander

Bosch

L’Oreal

Lundbeck

Climate Asset Management (HSBC Group)

BUPA

Samsung

Feedzai

TagEnergy

Iberdrola

Delta Cafés

Dukes Education Group

NIO

BTG Pactual

Explorer Investments

Atena Capital Partners

Aliaxis

Halma Plc

Work highlights

  • Assisted with the acquisition, by Natural Capital Iberia HoldCo S.à.r.l., a subsidiary of the CAM Group, of the entire share capital and voting right of 6 subsidiaries of the Borges Group, for an aggregate consideration of €80m.
  • Assisted Euronext Lisbon listed Ramada Investimentos e Indústria in the sale of its steel manufacturing affiliate, Ramada Aços S.A.
  • Advised Halma Plc, a FTSE 100 company, in its debut in the Portuguese market with the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of GFE, for a consideration of €42.5m.

Portugal > Employment Tier 2

Lauded for its ability to combine the ‘experience and resources of a large firm with client-centric attention to detail’, Garrigues Portugal is well positioned to advise domestic and multinational corporations on a host of employment matters, with particular expertise in collective dismissals, redundancy procedures, outsourcing, and social security matters. Leading the team is Rui Valente, who maintains a busy practice, advising on collective dismissals and layoff proceedings. He is supported by João Soares Almeida, a name to note for clients operating in the retail, wind energy, automotive, tech and finance sectors, and Rita Nogueira Neto, who stands out for her multijurisdictional experience. André Oliveira Correia is recommended for his work on collective dismissals, furlough procedures, and transfers of undertakings.

Practice head(s):

Rui Valente

Other key lawyers:

João Soares de Almeida, Rita Nogueira Neto, André de Oliveira Correia, Ricardo Grilo

Testimonials

‘High quality of service; huge availability; high level of knowledge; active search for innovative solutions.’

‘Availability, reliability, rigour, trust.’

‘They are the perfect mix between the technical knowledge that is sought and the impeccable personal and professional treatment. They always provide quality services with close and impeccable treatment. The best firm I have worked with in every sense.’

‘We work directly with João Soares Almeida, who is an exceptional lawyer and a friendly and accessible person. We trust his judgment completely in the matters we ask him, he always answers with confidence and fully identifies with the client.’

‘This law firm is unique in its ability to provide high-quality services in a wide range of legal areas. The team is highly qualified and experienced, with extensive legal knowledge and a practical, proactive approach.’

‘With a focus on client satisfaction, the team works one-on-one with clients to understand their specific needs and provide creative and effective solutions.’

‘What sets this law firm apart from others in the national legal market is its ability to combine the experience and resources of a large firm with client-centric attention to detail.’

‘The proximity and ability to establish an environment of extreme trust with the client, based on the execution of work that was always impeccable.’

Key clients

Eberspaecher – Purem Tondela

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Portugal

Faurecia / Forvia

Avincis (former Babcock)

Generali

Bosch

Super Bock Group

Sonae

Hijos de Rivera (Estrella Galicia)

Mahle

Work highlights

  • Advised Generali on the labour issues arising from Generali’s acquisition of Liberty in the Iberian Peninsula, leading the TUPE procedure affecting hundreds of employees in Portugal.
  • Successfully represented company within Mystic Invest Group in litigation proceedings against the Portuguese social security department concerning furlough payments during the Covid pandemic.
  • Assisted Kirchhoff in the implementation of the societas europaea legal framework inPortugal.

Portugal > Insolvency and restructuring Tier 2

Sought after for its expertise in debt restructuring and distressed asset transactions, Garrigues Portugal brings together a diverse team of corporate, banking and finance, and dispute resolution specialists. The team adeptly handles domestic and multijurisdictional matters under the joint leadership of Vasco Rodrigues, who focuses on special situations and distressed transactions, and Miguel Azevedo, a trusted adviser on insolvency and pre-insolvency proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Vasco Rodrigues; Miguel Azevedo

Other key lawyers:

Ricardo Lira

Key clients

Atena Equity Partners

Njord Partners

Alain Afflelou

Angelini

BNP Paribas Factor

Bosch

Work highlights

  • Advised Atena Equity Partners on the sale of Cariano in the context of a full turnaround of the company.
  • Advised Njord Partners following the completion of the acquisition of non-performing loans and restructuring of debt of the Elevo Group, in particular concerning the restructuring process and assistance in litigation proceedings.

Portugal > Public law Tier 2

Lino Torgal, a highly respected and esteemed professional, oversees the team at Garrigues Portugal, which is commended for its ‘vast experience and in-depth technical knowledge’. The practice is well-regarded for its expertise in public works and concession contracts, as well as regulatory matters across various industries, with a particular strength in energy, and related dispute resolution. Torgal specialises in infrastructure and energy projects and is noted for his ‘reasoning, legal knowledge and availability’. He frequently assists private and public entities with public procurement, project finance and PPPs.

Practice head(s):

Lino Torgal

Other key lawyers:

Paulo Mendonça Duarte; Filipa Brito Pereira

Testimonials

‘The team understands the client and their activities very well.’

‘Lino Torgal is commended for his reasoning, legal knowledge, availability and the security he offers to his clients.’

‘The team stands out in Portugal for its vast experience and in-depth technical knowledge. It offers innovative and effective legal solutions.’

‘Lino Torgal’s legal knowledge is far ahead of other lawyers.’

‘Lino Torgal, who is the partner responsible for this area, deserves special mention. His vast knowledge of administrative law and public contracts, combined with his clear and effective communication skills, make him a reference in the sector.’

‘Lino Torgal is widely recognised for his ability to interpret the legal context objectively, proposing creative and appropriate solutions for each situation, always with a strategic approach.’

‘Its ability to combine legal expertise with a practical, client-centred approach results in high-value strategic advice.’

‘The services provided are reinforced by its specialisation in areas such as administrative law, public contracts and administrative litigation.’

Key clients

Fundação Centro Cultural de Belém

Galp Energia, S.A.

EEM – Empresa de Eletricidade da Madeira

PLMJ

Iberdrola generación S.A., unipersonal

The Navigator Company, S.A.

Administração do Porto de Sines, S.A.

Work highlights

  • Assisted Fundação Centro Cultural de Belém with tender procedures relating to the award of rights to design and build a luxury hotel in CCB premises near the Tagus River.  
  • Advised EEm on all the stages of an important public tender relating to the execution of a battery central storage in the Madeira.  

Portugal > Real estate and construction Tier 2

Jorge Salvador Gonçalves spearheads the ‘extremely well-regarded team’ at Garrigues Portugal, which specialises in transactional matters for an impressive client base, including significant entities in the financial services, retail and tourism sectors. Gonçalves is noted for his work on real estate investments, portfolio management and contract negotiations, with a strong focus on 'safeguarding the client’s interests’. Miguel Menezes Da Silva draws on his solid background in corporate M&A to advise prominent investors on transactions involving a wide range of real estate assets, including residential, retail, office, logistics and tourism projects.

Practice head(s):

Jorge Salvador Gonçalves

Other key lawyers:

Miguel Menezes da Silva

Testimonials

‘It has an extremely well-regarded team.’

‘The team have extensive knowledge and experience in the real estate and urban planning sector.’

‘The lawyers have an amazing ability to understand the client’s needs in relation to their projects.’

‘Jorge Salvador Gonçalves and Miguel Menezes da Silva pay permanent attention to safeguarding the client’s interests.’

Key clients

 

Ceetrus / Nhood (Auchan Group)

Brookfield / Temprano

B&B Hotels (Goldman Sachs)

Lifento

Fidelidade Property (Fosun Group)

Harbert Management Corporation

Henderson Park Capital Partners

Merlin Properties SOCIMI

Novo Banco

Work highlights

  • Advising Ceetrus and Nhood on the sale of the “Sintra Retail Park” to a group of investors led by AM Alpha.
  • Advised Novo Banco on the sale of the “Foz do Arade” development property in Portimão, Algarve, which is zoned for a tourism and leisure project, as part of the bank’s divestment of a broader €400m development portfolio known as “Project Eleanor”.
  • Advised Brookfield/Temprano on the acquisition of a student residence complex in Lisbon from WP Carey through a share deal, as part of a larger transaction involving a portfolio of 19 student residences across the Iberian Peninsula.

Portugal > Banking and finance Tier 3

Garrigues Portugal is a key choice for clients across various industries thanks to its wide-ranging expertise in banking and finance. Recently, the team has expanded its work in regulatory and fintech sectors, advising major players in payment systems, crypto, and credit intermediation services. The practice is jointly steered by Mário Lino Dias, who stands out for his extensive experience in all stages of the investment cycle, and Vasco Rodrigues, who remains active in the distressed debt space. Ricardo Lira assists clients on various types of banking and finance transactions.

Practice head(s):

Mário Lino Dias; Vasco Rodrigues

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

TagEnergy

Bankinter

UniCredit

Rabobank

ING Bank

Credit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank (agent of a bank syndicate)

Alumni Portugal Bidco S.à r.l. (Brookfield Asset Management)

QDO Hotel, S.A. (Pontos Group)

Sidecu, SL

De Prado Family, Lda (De Prado Group)

Explorer Investments

Altras Aviation Holdings Limited

Merlin Properties

Caixabank

BPI

Rpower

Grupo Antolín

Atena Equity Partners

Work highlights

  • Assisted TagEnergy with the classification of the notes issuance as green bonds (in accordance with the ICMA Green Bond Principles).
  • Acting as Portuguese counsel to a banking syndicate composed by UniCredit AG, Coöperatieve Rabobank UA, Coöperatieve Rabobank Dublin, ING Bank NV and ING Bank NV – Sucursal em Portugal in a multistage financing operation.
  • Advised Merlin Properties on the negotiation of a Portuguese governed financing transaction.

Portugal > Capital markets Tier 3

Highlighted for its ‘technical knowledge, track record and impressive experience’, the team at Garrigues Portugal is frequently engaged by clients across the telecom, postal services, media, and technology sectors on significant transactions and regulatory issues. The practice is jointly steered by Marta Graça Rodrigues, a fintech specialist, and Mário Lino Dias, who brings extensive experience across all transaction types and stages of the investment cycle, assisting both European and international investment houses.

Practice head(s):

Mário Lino Dias; Marta Graça Rodrigues

Testimonials

‘Technical knowledge, track record, impressive experience and, above all, the attitude and commitment of the team. They don’t drop the ball, they anticipate the issues and work with joy for countless hours and always with a smile for the client! 

‘Above all I recommend Marta Rodrigues and her team.’

Key clients

CTT – Correios de Portugal, S.A.

Novabase – Sociedade Gestora de Participações Sociais, S.A.

Merlin Properties SOCIMI, S.A. (Merlin properties)

BNP Paribas Securities Services

Henderson Park

TagEnergy, S.A.

Sidecu, SL

UniCredit

Rabobank

ING Bank

Work highlights

  • Assisted Merlin Properties in the process for the listing of c.94m of new shares issued in the context of a share capital increase of €921m.
  • Acted as Portuguese counsel to the issuer TagEnergy and led all matters related to the its first green bond issuance.
  • Advised CTT, the major postal services listed company in Portugal, in the structuring and launch of its share buy-back programme for the amount of €21.7m.

Portugal > Data privacy and data protection Tier 3

Standing out for its ‘pro-client and very practical approach’, the team at Garrigues Portugal is highly experienced in handling a range of data protection matters, including data processing agreements, M&A transactions, privacy policy issues, data breaches, and proceedings before the Portuguese Data Protection Authority (CNPD). Practice head Manuel Liberal Jerónimo is noted for his experience in international commercial contracts, including distribution contracts, notably linked to the TMT sector.

Practice head(s):

Manuel Liberal Jerónimo

Other key lawyers:

Luísa Cyrne, Matilde Bettencourt, Rute Silva Gomes

Testimonials

‘Quality, speed and availability.’

‘The services are provided with excellent quality, both in content and form, anticipating issues that may be relevant. What makes Garrigues stand out is its pro-client and very practical approach to delivering the work requested, which is essential for a large and very dynamic company, which raises dozens of legal questions every day.’

‘The expertise is notable, which gives a lot of confidence in the legal analysis received.’ 

‘Manuel Liberal Jerónimo and Rute Silva Gomes are available, empathetic, accessible, expertise, pragmatic and assertive in their responses. Attentive to what is important to the client and very adaptable to practical needs.’

Key clients

Samsung

L’Oreal

Volvo

Endesa

Honda Motor Europe

Iberdrola

Jaguar

Inditex Group

JLL group

Angelini

Robert Bosch

CBRE

Polestar

Apax/Gamalife

Henderson Park

Evox Technologies

Neuraspace

Idealista

Work highlights

  • Advising the Portuguese affiliate of a manufacturer of consumer electronics by revenue in data protection matters.
  • Preparing the group’s VDD for Portugal on several data protection matters and carrying out certain compliance procedures in connection therewith, all within the scope of the purchase of a majority stake in Idealista by the private equity firm, CINVEN.
  • Assisting the English private equity real estate manager in the implementation of an APP to manage the Lagoas Park resort (including advice from a data protection perspective.

Portugal > Dispute resolution Tier 3

Praised for its ‘very solid technical knowledge’ and ‘innovative solutions’, the dispute resolution team at Garrigues Portugal demonstrates expertise in handling corporate, financial, administrative, and commercial disputes, skilfully navigating both litigation and arbitration proceedings. Leading the team is João Duarte De Sousa, who assists clients with complex and multijurisdictional disputes. Miguel Azevedo is noted for his work on commercial disputes, including international arbitrations, while André Gualter de Vasconcellos shines in M&A-related and shareholder disputes and corporate and contractual disputes.

Practice head(s):

João Duarte de Sousa

Testimonials

‘The team stands out for its knowledge and availability and also for its ability to maintain an excellent working relationship with clients.’

‘We would highlight Miguel Azevedo, who, year after year, has ensured the provision of legal services of exceptional quality.’

‘Very solid technical knowledge and huge involvement in the process.’

‘Miguel Azevedo always demonstrates great technical knowledge and the ability to strategically define his approach to processes.’

‘Garrigues has differentiated itself, from the beginning, through the excellent relationship of cordiality, collaboration and trust it establishes with its customers. The team of lawyers gives confidence in the analysis and proposals presented and the results are in line with the expected scenarios.’

‘Miguel Azevedo is a lawyer of exceptional character, with clear and assertive communication skills, easy to deal with and very accessible.’

‘Great legal quality, quick response, innovative solutions.’

Key clients

Caixa Central de Crédito Agrícola

BNP Paribas Factor

Somague (Sacyr Group)

Iberdrola

Decathlon

Volvo Car

Jaguar and Land Rover

Honda

Samsung

Bosch

E-REDES-DISTRIBUIÇÃO DE ELETRICIDADE

Generali Seguros

Work highlights

  • Represented Iberdrola in an arbitral dispute related to the construction of a hydroelectric dam.
  • Representing a Spanish companies’ consortium (UTE) in arbitration proceedings against a Chinese engineering company who managed the construction of a solar power plant in Portugal through a turnkey structure supply and installation contract.
  • Advising Dürr on a lawsuit brought by a commercial jets manufacturer related to alleged latent defects regarding the supply and installation of a water waste treatment station.

Portugal > EU and competition Tier 3

Well regarded for its ‘technical excellence and a multidisciplinary approach’, Garrigues Portugal has a track record of advising both domestic and global clients in the automotive, technology, consumer goods, and banking sectors through complex cartel cases and merger control proceedings. Lauded for his ‘meticulous attention to detail and a proactive stance’, practice head Luís Pinto Monteiro focuses on cartel matters, antitrust litigation, national and international merger control and the implementation of antitrust compliance programmes.

Practice head(s):

Luís Pinto Monteiro

Other key lawyers:

Miguel Cortes Martins, Sofia Vilas Boas

Testimonials

‘This is a firm that offers excellent service in Portugal. Lawyers are available every day of the week and at any time of the day or night. They have very sophisticated teams. They are used to dealing with high-end, international clients with unusual levels of demand. This ability to deal with these customers comes naturally.’

‘We have a great relationship with Luís Pinto Monteiro. He is a very complete lawyer who is deeply dedicated to his clients. Combines a strong ability to understand the business and the problems we face.’

‘Luís Pinto Monteiro is someone very focused on finding solutions. He has intelligence and pragmatism, complemented by deep dedication, technical knowledge and the ability to generate consensus in a very charming way in situations that are sometimes tense and difficult. He is clearly a reference lawyer in Portuguese law that we recommend to anyone who needs legal assistance.’

‘The quality of Garrigues’ service is marked by technical excellence and a multidisciplinary approach. The firm offers highly specialised advice in various areas of law, always maintaining a level of precision, rigour and ability to adapt to the specific needs of our company.’

‘Clients are guaranteed tailor-made legal solutions based on in-depth analysis and a comprehensive understanding of the legal and commercial implications of each case.  The Garrigues team is made up of highly qualified lawyers, many of them with international training and experience in several jurisdictions, which allows them to offer a global perspective with solutions suited to the local context.’

I highlight the ability to deal with complex and multifaceted issues, being able to combine law with in-depth knowledge about different sectors of the economy. Furthermore, Garrigues has a strong focus on innovation and is constantly committed to the ongoing training of its lawyers, ensuring that the team is always up to date with the latest legal and regulatory trends.’

‘Luís Pinto Monteiro is widely recognised as the lawyer who stands out most in the Garrigues team. His practice is marked by in-depth legal knowledge, with strong specialisation in European law and competition. He has meticulous attention to detail and a proactive stance.’

‘It is our conviction that Garrigues offers the best legal services in Portugal. It has very experienced people, with deep technical knowledge and analytical skills. Always attentive to details and with unparalleled wit.’ 

Key clients

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA)

WPP

Volvo

Jaguar Land Rover

Polestar

Associação Nacional de Farmácias

Samsung

Dukes Education

Japan Tobacco International

Prestibel – Empresa de segurança, S.A.

BAXI

Novadelta

Work highlights

  • Assisting BBVA in a cartel in the banking sector for allegedly exchanging confidential information related to commercial conditions and production volumes of various financial products, with a particular emphasis on credit for house purchase and consumer credit.
  • Assisting Prestibel – Empresa de Segurança, S.A., the leading Portuguese private surveillance company in an alleged cartel sanctioned by the Portuguese Competition Authority.
  • Assisted Baxi on antitrust investigation related to price fixing and geographic allocation of clients within the Portuguese territory.

Portugal > Fraud and white-collar crime Tier 3

Fielding a team of ‘highly qualified professionals’, Garrigues is well-versed in the full scope of corporate crime and regulatory compliance matters, earning the trust of financial institutions, corporations, and high-profile individuals. Steering the practice is João de Lima Cluny, who has vast experience in corruption and money laundering cases, assisting clients across the energy, finance, workplace safety, environment and sports spaces. Madalena Afra Rosa joined the team from Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados in February 2024, bringing with her expertise in economic and financial sanctions law.

Practice head(s):

João Lima Cluny

Other key lawyers:

Madalena Afra Rosa; Diogo Serrano

Testimonials

‘Super dedicated team and present at all times. In addition to all professionalism.’

‘João Cluny – Proximity, empathy, dedication and professionalism.’

‘Highly qualified professionals, multidisciplinary teams, speed in processes and focus on customer satisfaction.’

‘João Cluny and Diogo Serrano demonstrate high knowledge of the law and processes, seek to offer the best solution among the alternatives, with exceptional level of detail in the preparation of processes, and clear and effective communication.’

‘Good cooperation, timely response times and good information to work together as transparently as possible.’

‘Very professional in their fields and committed to us as clients and our case.’

‘We have worked with João Lima Cluny and Diogo Serrano who are exceptional lawyers. Everyone from Garrigues who we worked with has been timely and responsive to our legal requirements. There have been no delays or miscommunication.’

‘The team demonstrates fully adequate knowledge and guarantees quick and clear answers to the questions asked.’

Key clients

António Luís Santos da Costa

Mercan Property River Unipessoal, Lda. | Mercan Property Panoramic, Lda. | Jordi Vilanova Busquets

Bárbara Catarina Figueira Vara

Empark Portugal – Empreendimentos e Exploração de Parqueamentos, S.A.

Iberdrola Clientes Portugal, Unipessoal, Lda.

Work highlights

  • Advising the former prime minister of Portugal and elected President of the European Council on an ongoing criminal investigation proceeding named Operation Influencer.
  • Advising two companies from Mercan Group and one of their Directors on an ongoing case in Porto named “Operação Babel”, where there are suspicions of corruption regarding different urban development projects and intervenors in Vila Nova de Gaia.
  • Advised the daughter of a former government minister, Armando Vara, who was initially accused of two offences of money laundering as part of “Operation Marquês” and is now the only one who has been acquitted.
Department Name Email Telephone
Corporate and commercial contracts
Tax
Mergers and acquisitions
Banking and finance
Labour and employment
EU and antitrust
Telecommunications and media
Real estate and construction
Private equity
Industrial and intellectual property
Environment
Planning and zoning
Technology and outsourcing
Litigation and arbitration
Public law
Sports and entertainment
Capital markets
Energy
Corporate governance
Number of lawyers worldwide : 1,420
English
French
German
Italian
Spanish
Contact : João Miranda de Sousa (managing partner)
Other offices : 18 offices in Spain
Other offices : Beijing
Other offices : Bogota
Other offices : Brussels
Other offices : Casablanca
Other offices : Chile
Other offices : Lima
Other offices : London
Other offices : Mexico
Other offices : New York
Other offices : Oporto
Other offices : Sao Paulo
Other offices : Shanghai
Other offices : Warsaw
in Portugal : 85