João Vieira de Almeida, managing partner at Vieira de Almeida, says lawyers in Portugal can no longer wait for clients to show up, adding that the legal sector is now a 'market of challengers' where all law firms are fighting for the same work.

We are very proud to inform you that GLA – Gabinete Legal Angola and TTA – Sociedade de Advogados, both members of PLMJ International Legal Network, are once again on the shortlist for "The African Legal Awards"...

In terms of the qualities that are desired, flexibility is another key attribute when looking for external advisers, according to Collard.

Opportunities in the areas of real estate, finance and venture capital could lead to other international law firms launching operations in Lisbon.

Good external lawyers are aware that their added value will be the practical insight they can offer into enforcement and court practice, says Samsung's Carla de Abreu Lopes

Thales Portugal wants to use firms that are ethical, innovative and provide good value for money, says general counsel Paulo Lino Martins

AXA Portugal is reducing the number of lawyers and firms on its panel because its legal spend has been cut dramatically in recent years, says general counsel Luciana Silva

When Redes Energéticas Nacionais is looking for new business in foreign jurisdictions, it prefers to use lawyers that are close to the target of the deal, says Marta Almeida Afonso.

ANA uses two of three trusted firms to avoid having to repeatedly explain its business to new external lawyers, says the company's head of legal Francisco Sebastian

Under the current regime for Portuguese law firms, law firms are required to distribute all of their profits each year.

The economic downturn affecting the oil industry in Angola and Mozambique means Portuguese firms are now targeting property, agriculture and Francophone Africa.

Though their main focus has traditionally been on oil-related work in lusophone Africa, Portuguese law firms are beginning to strengthen their African corporate restructuring and litigation practices –

Six years ago, Abreu Advogados stated its intention to become one of the top three law firms in Portugal.

Há que ter a noção clara, ou pelo menos uma ideia bastante aproximada dos países onde vamos operar e fazer o respectivo registo.

Lisbon's law firms demonstrated impressive resilience during the crisis, but while the economic outlook is considerably brighter, managing partners must now guide their firms through unchartered waters.