The legal team supporting Jerónimo Martins’ distribution companies in Portugal provides comprehensive advice across all areas of the business. In this context, it operates across a wide range of legal disciplines, with particular focus on consumer law, competition, real estate, intellectual property and copyright.

In addition, the team directly handles legal representation in civil, employment and criminal/administrative proceedings involving group companies, with notable experience in managing class actions. It also coordinates the work of external counsel, acting as the key interface between them and the various business units.

Above all, I value a true partnership approach. This requires strong sector knowledge combined with a pragmatic, solutions-oriented mindset. External lawyers should act as a genuine extension of the in-house legal function and as partners to the business itself.

Availability and responsiveness are also critical, as is the ability to anticipate potential issues and proactively identify matters that the business should consider, enabling an increasingly preventive legal approach.

The legal function is increasingly recognised as a key value driver within organisations, with a clear strategic dimension. There is growing awareness that a well-prepared, business-oriented and technically strong legal team is essential to the success and sustainability of corporate activity.

In-house lawyers should not be involved only in formal or reactive matters; rather, they should actively participate in decision-making and negotiations, contributing to the identification of optimal solutions within the applicable legal framework.