Team size: 20

Jurisdictions your role covers: Portugal, Spain, France, Netherlands and Latin America

What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

My team has been involved in all legal matters of critical importance to the group. In the domestic market, I would highlight the acquisition of Ascendi’s stake in Via Verde, along with other stake acquisitions in various companies. I would also mention the support we provided in response to the storms that hit Portugal. In terms of international matters, I would highlight the acquisition of two companies in Spain and one in France, as well as the support provided for the development of the project in the Netherlands.

What do you value most in external advisers working alongside your team: sector knowledge, responsiveness, innovation, or something else?

The most important thing for me in a legal advisor is trust. I need to trust their technical expertise, but also their ability to act as a partner and protect the company and the team I lead. Sector knowledge and responsiveness are important, of course, but these should be a given when working with large firms.

How has the role of the legal function evolved within your organisation over recent years, and where do you see it adding the most strategic value today?

As in other organisations, the role of the in-house legal team at Brisa has undergone a profound transformation. The department I lead is increasingly seen as a partner to other departments, becoming involved at an earlier stage in projects and applying its expertise not only during litigation or post-negotiation, but also earlier on, when strategy is being defined. I believe this change is common across various organisations and represents an evolution in the role of the in-house legal team, which should increasingly be seen as a business facilitator.