PLMJ assists clients with complex project matters across a wide range of sectors, including banking, energy, utilities and infrastructure. The practice is headed by Renata Valenti, whose work spans corporate and M&A, employment, real estate and construction projects. Rúben Brigolas offers ongoing support with investment project management in Angola, advising across multiple industries, notably oil and gas, mining, finance and retail. Gonçalo dos Reis Martins is a key adviser to major local and international financial institutions on banking, finance and capital markets issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'I particularly value the quality of leadership, which inspires confidence and fosters a culture of accessibility and true partnership. The lawyers stand out for their rigour, negotiation skills, and ability to engage effectively with both public and private entities in Angola. These qualities make them not just legal service providers but genuine strategic partners.’
- ‘The individuals at PLMJ distinguish themselves through a rare combination of deep technical expertise, practical insight, and a strong commitment to client success. They excel at simplifying complex matters and delivering solutions that are immediately applicable in both local and international contexts.'
- 'Rúben Brigolas is skilled in communication, effectively grasping client needs and pain points, and is capable of delivering timely and accurate legal solutions, making him a highly reliable legal partner.’
- 'Our connection is through Gonçalo dos Reis Martins, who oversees the processes with legal coverage in Portugal and Angola. His high level of technical competence and availability stand out.'
- 'The firm stands out for the way it works seamlessly with the broader PLMJ network, providing access to multidisciplinary expertise and solutions that cover both complex regulatory matters and sophisticated corporate transactions.'
- ‘What sets PLMJ apart is its ability to combine in-depth knowledge of the Angolan legal framework with international standards of quality and rigour.'
Key clients
- ENSA - Empresa Nacional de Seguros de Angola, S.A. SG HEMERA CAPITAL PARTNERS – SGOIC, S.A. Huawei SAS SUEZ International Afentra PLC Galp Energia Jean Boulle Group PayPal JP Morgan Securities Plc ABSA
Work highlights
Assisted ENSA on the preliminary legal due diligence, and participation in the structuring and implementation of the privatisation plan, preparing the legal documentation of the public offering and admission to trading.
Advised the Jean Boulle Group on the JV and acquisition of a target company in Angola with 2 relevant diamond concessions (Cacuílo), and the negotiation of a new diamond project and 222 km² mining investment contract in a new concession area (N’Dumba).
Successfully advised JP Morgan on a new USD 400,000,000.00 transaction, structured as a Total Return Swap (TRS) linked to a new sovereign bond issuance.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Renata Valenti
Other key lawyers
Rúben Brigolas; Gonçalo dos Reis Martins