Maintaining a close relationship with Portuguese regulators, Uría Menéndez draws on its ‘commercial acumen’ to advise on complex regulatory matters, including the conversion of real estate companies into CMVM-regulated collective investment undertakings and the incorporation of investment firms in Portugal. The ’proactive’ team is jointly led by Carlos Costa Andrade, an expert in capital markets, M&A and corporate governance, and Miguel Stokes, noted for his ‘solid technical expertise’ and ’practical’ approach to structured finance and capital markets transactions. Domingos Salgado is also noted for his experience in debt and equity offerings, structured products and other complex securities.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Attention to commercial details that other firms don't make an effort to understand. Availability. A very commercial approach, not merely following the script.’
- ‘The capital markets team led by Miguel Stokes stands out for its combination of professionalism, proactivity, and commercial acumen. Their approach is always constructive and solution-oriented, with a genuine understanding of the business context and the practical implications of each legal decision.'
- 'The firm differentiates itself through the consistent quality of its service, clear communication, and ability to anticipate risks and opportunities, translating the law into concrete operational strategies. The team demonstrates exceptional agility, reconciling legal rigour with pragmatism and speed of execution - a characteristic still uncommon in the national legal landscape.'
- 'The team positions itself as a true strategic partner - a firm that thinks like the client and acts rigorously.’
- ‘Miguel Stokes combines solid technical expertise with a practical and serene vision, with the ability to solve complex issues objectively and with good judgment. His collaborative approach and focus on results make him a reliable partner for any client.'
- 'Domingos Salgado stands out for his proactivity, structured thinking, and commercial acumen, combining quick thinking with remarkable attention to detail. He has a clear and empathetic way of communicating, which facilitates decision-making and project coordination.'
Key clients
- Citigroup Global Markets Europe AG
- Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE
- J.P. Morgan SE
- Morgan Stanley Europe SE
- KKR
- Savills IM
- Bain Capital
- Arrow
- Société Générale
Work highlights
Advised KKR on the tender offer launched over the outstanding shares of Greenvolt, which was finalised with a squeeze-out of remaining minority shareholders.
Advising Savills on the process to transform a real estate company that acquired a chain of supermarkets on a sale and lease-back basis into a real estate collective investment undertaking regulated by the Portuguese CMVM.
Advised Bain Capital Credit on the incorporation of a real estate collective investment undertaking, regulated by the CMVM, following its investment in a real estate project near Lisbon.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Carlos Costa Andrade; Miguel Stokes
Other key lawyers
Domingos Salgado; Bruno Silva Palhão; Catarina Loureiro