CMS‘ dispute resolution team, renowned for its expertise in the banking sector, is well-versed in financial, securities, and derivatives litigation and arbitration. Noted for its ’great technical competence and commitment’, the team combines industry-specific knowledge in areas like pharmaceuticals with notable capabilities in public concessions and project finance disputes. Its globally focused arbitration practice is particularly strong in handling shareholder, energy, and construction disputes. Steering the team is Nuno Pena, who has an impressive track record in restructuring and cross-border insolvency disputes, with a particular focus on the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive. Elsewhere in the team, Rita Gouveia covers both international and domestic disputes, focusing primarily on corporate, M&A and banking matters, while Gonçalo Madeira earns praise for his ‘excellent vision and strategy.’ Former co-head Miguel Esperança Pina is no longer at the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Capacity, availability, knowledge and professionalism.'
'Nuno Pena and Carolina Botelho Sampaio are very experienced and available.'
‘Top technical knowledge, experience and negotiation skills. They have an excellent reputation and good communication.'
'Gonçalo Madeira - excellent vision and strategy, excellent relationship.'
‘The CMS litigation team demonstrates great technical competence and commitment, anticipating the resolution of all legal issues. They also establish an excellent relationship with the client.'
Key clients
- WeLink Energy (UK) Limited
- EDP Gestão da Produção de Energia, S.A.
- Unitel, S.A.
- Ferreira Construção, S.A.
- GALP Energia, SGPS, S.A.’s Gas Concessionaires and REN Gas Concessionnaire
- Goldman Sachs International
- Knorr-Bremse España, S.A.
- KMS – Motorcycle Shop, Lda.
- Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Mercedes-Benz AG and Mercedes-Benz Portugal, S.A.
- ACP - Automóvel Club de Portugal
Work highlights
Advising EDP - Gestão da Produção de Energia, S.A on the winning arbitration proceeding against the Portuguese State related to the Fridão Hydropower Plant.
Advising Unitel, S.A., the Angola telecoms company, against a Dutch company held by Isabel dos Santos (daughter of the former Angolan President) on a multijurisdictional litigation, which includes disputes in Portugal, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Angola, among others.
Advising GALP Energia, SGPS, S.A.’s Gas Concessionaires and REN´Gas Concessionnaire in court litigation procedures against ERSE (the Portuguese Regulator for the gas sector).
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Nuno Pena
Other key lawyers
Rita Gouveia, Gonçalo Madeira, Cristina Rogado, Manuel Pinto dos Santos