Standing out for the ‘technical ability and dynamism of its lawyers’, VdA is widely recognised for its expertise in handling employment matters, from guiding clients through collective redundancy procedures to advising on the labour impacts of corporate transactions. The team is jointly led by Américo Oliveira Fragoso and Tiago Piló. Fragoso provides day-to-day advice in all areas of labour and social security law, while Piló focuses on corporate labour. Porto-based Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão, described as a ’true expert in his field’, is well-versed in national and international arbitration, while Benedita Gonçalves stands out for her focus on labour and social security law.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The quality of the service provided by this company is excellent; excellent for the quality of the service provided, excellent for the complete availability to respond to all requests, excellent for the rigour imposed in its work, excellent for the results obtained.'
'The team is professional, dedicated and friendly.'
‘They are attentive and proactive regarding work changes and inform customers in a timely manner.'
‘Benedita Gonçalves has availability and knowledge well above average.’
‘VdA stands out for the technical ability and dynamism of its lawyers.'
‘Américo Oliveira Fragoso is an exemplary lawyer, with in-depth knowledge of the market and the law, above-average availability and extreme clarity in the way he communicates with clients.'
'The internal collaboration across offices is seamless, and the client experience remains consistently excellent throughout. The team presents a well-balanced blend of senior professionals, who bring a depth of experience and expertise, alongside younger, maturing professionals who contribute fresh perspectives and innovative approaches.'
‘Manuel Cavaleiro de Brandão is a highly accomplished lawyer who honours his profession and is a true expert in his field. His seniority and wealth of experience provide a sense of security and invaluable guidance, paired with the energy to tackle even the most complex legal challenges.'
Key clients
- Menzies Aviation
- Nomad Foods
- TAAG – Angolan National Airline Company
- Airbus
- Timwetech
- Maravilha Farms (Reiter Affiliated Companies Group)
- Multi Portugal Group
- El Corte Inglés
- Azule Energy (BP & ENI JV for Oil&Gas)
- Petrowork
Work highlights
- Advised Menzies on the negotiation and signature of the new collective bargaining agreement of Groundforce.
- Advised Lifthium Energy on the establishment of a new lithium refinery business in Portugal.
- Advised JOP on the acquisition of a stake in Auto-Sueco II Automóveis, S.A., a company in the NORS, S.A.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Américo Oliveira Fragoso
Benedita Gonçalves
Practice head
Américo Oliveira Fragoso; Tiago Piló
Other key lawyers
Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão; Benedita Gonçalves, Pedro Ferreira de Sousa, José Fernando Barata