Combining ‘deep local expertise with an international outlook’, Sérvulo & Associados advises on individual and collective working relations throughout the full employment cycle, with a strong track record in disputes, restructurings and collective redundancies. The ’technically impeccable’ team also covers immigration, labour due diligence, pay gap and quotas matters. Practice head Rita Canas da Silva is noted for her ‘extensive experience’ across all areas of labour law. João Maria Bismarck arrived from Deloitte Legal TELLES in June 2025, bringing expertise in investigations, contracts and restructuring oversight. Margarida Costa is no longer at the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Rita Canas da Silva, our main point of contact. Always available. Always available to clarify our questions and doubts. Her communication skills, explanation of topics, making the law seem simple, her friendliness and availability are the factors that set her apart.’
- ‘Rita Canas da Silva — Quick, diligent, and assertive; thinks like the client and resolves issues without unnecessary complications, with clear and well-founded explanations. João Maria Bismarck — Efficient and hands-on; focused on the essentials and meets deadlines. Strong in litigation and due diligence.’
- ‘The presence of Rita Canas da Silva as a partner and coordinator guarantees a very high level of work quality, extensive experience, dedication to clients, market knowledge, seriousness, and responsibility. Nuno Pais Gomes is a solid lawyer with vast litigation experience and is very capable.’
- ‘Rita Canas da Silva is a specialist in labour law whom we greatly admire and respect, and whom we enjoy consulting.’
- ‘The team operates in all areas of labour law, with an emphasis on complex litigation, corporate restructurings, collective bargaining, and international mobility, providing highly rigorous technical advice. The department distinguishes itself through its multidisciplinary approach, working closely with the corporate, tax, public, and ESG areas, which allows for comprehensive and innovative solutions. The quality of service is based on an experienced team with a strong academic component and the ability to translate complex legal issues into simple solutions.’
- ‘The labour law department at Sérvulo & Associados has established itself as an undeniable benchmark in the national legal landscape. It is an extraordinarily versatile team, technically impeccable, and with a culture of excellence that permeates all levels of seniority. Its work combines profound legal rigour with strategic vision and practical sensitivity, qualities that are reflected in a very high success rate and client loyalty.’
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Rita Canas da Silva
Other key lawyers
João Maria Bismarck; Nuno Pais Gomes; Mariana Pinto Ramos; Luísa S. Pereira; João Pinto Ramos