Portugal 2026
Supported by the Association of Corporate Counsel
Senior counsel | Tabaqueira (Philip Morris International)
Transnational Leaders
Head of legal and data protection officer | Cimpor Portugal Holdings
Legal and public affairs director | The Navigator Company
Transnational Leaders
Legal counsel | Softinsa (IBM Portugal)
Rising stars
Head of compliance and corporate affairs and company secretary | Teixeira Duarte
Group general counsel | Jerónimo Martins
Transnational Leaders
General counsel and chief compliance officer | StartCampus
Transnational Leaders
Director, general counsel | Grupo Visabeira
Transnational Leaders
Head of legal, regulatory, compliance and corporate affairs | Pignus - Crédito Económico Popular
Deputy general counsel, head of legal for commercial and litigation | Galp
Group general counsel | Jerónimo Martins Distribuição Portugal (Pingo Doce e Recheio Cash&Carry)
Legal and HR director | TML - Transportes Metropolitanos de Lisboa
Head of legal, compliance and human resources | Volkswagen Financial Services
Head of legal and compliance | Corticeira Amorim
Transnational Leaders
Head of legal, Iberia and Mediterranean | McKinsey & Company
Transnational Leaders
We are delighted to present the GC Powerlist: Portugal 2026, marking a return to recognising outstanding individuals following last year’s special focus on legal teams. While the 2025 edition celebrated the collective strength and increasing sophistication of in-house functions across Portugal, this year we shift the spotlight back to the individuals whose leadership and influence continue to shape that evolution.
The 2026 edition features our established categories highlighting leading General Counsel and Rising Stars, while also introducing a new and timely addition: Transnational Leaders. This category reflects a defining trend in today’s legal landscape, recognising those in-house lawyers whose roles extend well beyond national borders. These are individuals operating across multiple jurisdictions, navigating complex regulatory frameworks and contributing directly to international strategy, growth and transformation. Their inclusion acknowledges the increasingly global nature of Portuguese-based legal functions and the growing prominence of counsel who combine local expertise with international reach.
Our research this year has once again underscored the continued evolution of the in-house legal market in Portugal. Legal departments are no longer perceived as purely supportive functions, but as integral partners in business decision-making. GCs are increasingly embedded within senior leadership teams, often sitting at executive level, and are expected to contribute across a wide spectrum of areas – from risk management and governance to strategic transactions, ESG, compliance and digital transformation.
A number of key themes have emerged from our conversations. The regulatory environment remains a central pressure point, with developments in areas such as data protection, sustainability and employment law (including pay transparency) requiring significant internal mobilisation. At the same time, many teams are embracing technology – particularly legal tech and AI tools – to improve efficiency, manage risk and scale their operations. Cross-border activity also continues to expand, particularly across Europe, Latin America and Africa, requiring greater coordination and cultural fluency from in-house lawyers.
Equally notable is the emphasis placed on alignment between legal and business priorities. The most highly regarded legal professionals are not only technically excellent, but also commercially pragmatic and solution-oriented. The ability to communicate clearly, influence stakeholders and anticipate challenges has become as valuable as legal expertise itself.
This year’s publication is once again enriched by a series of exclusive interviews of those featured. These insights offer a valuable, first-hand perspective on the evolving role of in-house counsel in Portugal, covering topics such as leadership, innovation, regulatory change and the future of the profession. We are grateful to all participants for their openness and thoughtful contributions.
As always, the GC Powerlist reflects the strength, diversity and dynamism of the in-house community. We extend our congratulations to all those recognised in this year’s edition and thank the wider market for its continued engagement with our research.
Francisco Faria e Castro, Research Editor, Legal 500
On 4th August, Legal 500 returned to Bogotá for the launch of the GC Powerlist: Colombia 2026, in partnership with Baker McKenzie.
Guests arrived at Castanyoles Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina for an evening of celebration and networking with peers and colleagues.
Isabel Caine, editor – corporate counsel at Legal 500, kicked off the evening, touching on the increasingly integral role of the GC as a trusted partner and strategic decision maker within the business. Paying tribute to the nominees’ achievements, dedication and commitment over the past year, she reflected on the vital contributions in-house counsel make within their organisations and beyond.
Alejandro Mesa, managing partner at Baker McKenzie Colombia, then delivered a welcome address on behalf of the firm, congratulating those included in the Powerlist and recognising the invaluable partnership between in-house and external counsel.
This year’s Powerlisters were then invited to collect their certificates and have their official photographs taken. The evening continued with lively discussions and networking as attendees shared insights, ideas and experiences over drinks and canapés.
Legal 500 would like to congratulate everyone included in the 2026 edition of the GC Powerlist: Colombia and thank Baker McKenzie for their partnership in bringing this event to life.
