Team size: 24

Major legal advisors: PLMJ and selected international and local firms across key jurisdictions.

Jurisdictions your role covers: Portugal, Spain, Brazil, and selected African jurisdictions.

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? 

The legal function at Galp has undergone a deliberate and sustained transformation, evolving into a fully integrated strategic partner within the organisation. 

Rather than operating as a reactive function, legal is now embedded at an early stage in the lifecycle of key initiatives, contributing to the structuring of projects, the anticipation of risks and the definition of execution strategies. This evolution has been particularly evident in areas such as energy transition, international transactions and new business models, where legal input is instrumental in shaping both direction and outcomes. 

In my capacity as Deputy General Counsel, I support this role by contributing to the coordination of legal activity across multiple jurisdictions and practice areas, while remaining directly involved in complex disputes and strategic matters. This dual positioning allows for consistent alignment between legal risk management and the company’s broader corporate and operational objectives. 

The greatest value of the legal function today lies in its ability to anticipate, structure and enable outcomes – not only safeguarding compliance, but actively supporting the business in navigating complexity with confidence. In this context, legal operates both as a control function and as a strategic enabler of sustainable growth. 

What do you value most in external advisers working alongside your team? 

We regard external advisers not merely as service providers, but as extensions of our legal function and trusted strategic partners. A fundamental requirement is deep sector fluency. The complexity and regulatory intensity of the energy sector require advisers who understand not only the legal framework, but also the operational and commercial context in which decisions are made. 

Equally important are clarity, responsiveness and sound judgement. We place a high premium on concise, actionable advice that supports decision-making in time-sensitive and high-stakes environments. What truly differentiates leading advisers, however, is their ability to align with our business priorities. We expect our partners to demonstrate a clear understanding of our strategic objectives, anticipate risk and opportunity, and contribute proactively to both legal strategy and broader business outcomes. 

In an environment shaped by energy transition, regulatory evolution and digital transformation, adaptability and solution-oriented thinking are critical. The most effective advisers are those who combine technical excellence with pragmatism, commercial awareness and a collaborative mindset.