CMS is trusted by leading national and international businesses for its ‘in-depth knowledge’ across the full range of employment matters, including TUPE transfers, pensions and labour disputes. The ’highly qualified’ team also handles dismissals and disciplinary proceedings, immigration and issues related to digital platforms. Susana Afonso, an expert in restructuring processes, redundancy programmes, collective bargaining and union negotiations, co-leads the practice alongside Sofia Mateus, who leads the team’s labour litigation and pension plans efforts, and João Paulo Gomes, head of the Madeira office, whose expertise covers incorporations, restructurings, employment contracts and arbitration matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Sofia Costa Lobo and Leonor Barata da Cunha are two excellent professionals. I highlight their unquestionable technical knowledge, their dedication to all processes, and their deep understanding of our organisation. This knowledge of our company is fundamental to resolving the issues we bring to CMS. The relationship we have built together, based on respect, trust, partnership, sharing, and mutual admiration, is unbreakable.’
- ‘CMS Portugal distinguishes itself through excellence in legal services, combining in-depth knowledge, a personalised approach, and a results-oriented approach. The team is composed of highly qualified professionals with consolidated experience in labour law and various other areas, allowing them to offer integrated solutions tailored to our specific needs.'
- 'Commitment to ethics, transparency, and efficiency are fundamental pillars that underpin the firm's reputation in the national legal market.’
- ‘Sara Chiappe Nolasco is a leading figure in labour law. She stands out for her strategic approach and remarkable ability to resolve complex issues effectively and accurately. Her work on high-profile cases has been exemplary, consistently reflecting a deep technical expertise and a long-term strategic vision. Furthermore, her ability to build solid relationships of trust with clients is a significant differentiator, which certainly positions her as one of the most outstanding and competitive professionals in the legal market.’
Key clients
- Yazaki Saltano
- Grupo Hyatt (United Investments Portugal – Empreendimentos Turísticos e Imobiliários)
- Likeabee
- McCormick & Company
- AH51
- Grupel – Grupos Eletrogéneos
- Glovo (Glovoapp Portugal)
- L’Oréal Portugal
- Stuart Group
- ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal
Work highlights
Advised Yazaki Saltano de Ovar on a large-scale collective redundancy procedure involving 364 employees.
Advising Glovo following the entry into force of Law No. 13/2023 in May 2023, which brought changes to the presumption of an employment contract in the context of digital platforms.
Advising ARM – Águas e Resíduos da Madeira, S.A., following the successful award of a public procurement procedure, on legal support across all employment-related matters.
Lawyers
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Leading partners
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Next Generation Partners
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Practice head
Susana Afonso; Sofia Mateus; João Paulo Gomes
Other key lawyers
Sofia Costa Lobo; Leonor Barata da Cunha; Sara Chiappe Nolasco; Miguel Almeida e Costa; Catarina Gil Jorge; Tiago de Magalhães; Válter Diogo Dias