Following the integration of Cruz Vilaça Advogados in January 2025, Antas da Cunha Ecija demonstrates ‘great capacity and expertise’ in cartel investigations, State aid, hub-and-spoke practices and high-profile litigation at both domestic and European levels. Practice head José Luís da Cruz Vilaça is singled out for his wealth of experience and deep knowledge of European and competition law, with recent work for clients in the digital, banking, insurance, consumer goods and services sectors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team led by Cruz Vilaça is of the highest technical level and rigour, fully available and proactive in identifying needs and arguments. It is a top team in the Portuguese and European market in the area of European and competition law.’
- ‘Antas da Cunha Ecija's competition practice combines deep expertise in EU and competition law with a pragmatic, business-focused approach.’
- ‘I would like to highlight in particular Paulo de Almeida Sande, José Luís da Cruz Vilaça and Mariana Tavares. I would like to emphasise their constant availability, their strict adherence to deadlines and the excellent results obtained in the various processes.’
- ‘Professor José Luís da Cruz Vilaça has a wealth of experience in the field. Another standout is Mariana Tavares, who is also a competition expert in her own right - her work product is clear and concise. We highly value their experience and responsiveness.’
- ‘José Luís da Cruz Vilaça has a rare and unique technical knowledge. To this, he adds the shrewdness of a highly experienced lawyer, very alert to the client's true needs. Simply the best.’
- ‘José Luís da Cruz Vilaça has deep knowledge of European Law, particularly the workings of the judicial system, a network of contacts and high professional integrity.’
Key clients
- AEPSA – Association of Portuguese Companies for the Environment Sector
- APEF – Portuguese Association of Rail freight companies
- APHP – Portuguese Association of Private Hospitalisation
- Barraqueiro Transportes
- C.P. – Comboios de Portugal, EPE
- FF Ventures
- Galp Energia, SGPS, S.A.
- Geradin Partners
- Google LLC
- Gonçalo Felgueiras
- Grupo Atuarial
- Horizon Infrastructure Fund
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.
Practice head
José Luís da Cruz Vilaça
Other key lawyers
Mariana Tavares; Paulo de Almeida Sande