Recommended for its ‘technical excellence, tactical intelligence and results-driven approach’, PLMJ advises domestic and international companies and institutional investors across insolvency and restructuring mandates. The practice is jointly led by Joaquim Shearman de Macedo, who handles cross-border insolvency cases, and the ’professional’ Duarte Schmidt Lino, who combines disputes and corporate expertise with experience in distressed M&A. Nuno Líbano Monteiro represents major companies in complex, cross-border insolvency cases. Pedro Caetano Nunes advises investment funds, distressed companies and large insolvent estates, while Manuela Tavares Morais brings expertise in insolvency-related litigation and pre-insolvency restructuring processes.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘A team with extensive knowledge of the subject matter, a strong understanding of client needs, and the ability to reconcile business understanding with the legal implications of the process. A constructive, value-added partnership approach, both in terms of legal and regulatory support, and in terms of solutions geared towards creating value for the business.’
‘The work carried out by the PLMJ team involved the analysis of complex issues with interconnected legislation, and the team was able to do so correctly and easily. The team therefore proved capable of analysing complex and diverse dossiers with ease and professionalism, within deadlines, particularly in matters with timelines defined by law. The service delivered is of high quality.’
‘The team demonstrated exceptional strategic insight and operational agility throughout the process. They handled negotiations with one of Portugal’s most demanding insolvency administrators with remarkable professionalism and precision. Thanks to their expertise and commitment, we were able to unlock a long-stalled opportunity and complete a transaction of significant strategic value.'
'I highly recommend this team for their technical excellence, tactical intelligence, and results-driven approach.’
‘Ricardo Silva Pereira is an exceptionally well-rounded professional, combining deep technical expertise with refined interpersonal and strategic skills. His ability to navigate legal complexity, manage sensitive negotiations, and maintain clarity under pressure makes him a consistently sound choice for high-stakes transactions. His performance throughout this process was exactly what I expected: discreet, rigorous, and effective.'
‘Special mention goes to Rita Folhadela, with her remarkable ability to understand the situation and create practical and realistic solutions to the problems encountered. Her great availability and valuable contribution to the project. Her strong leadership skills within the team and pragmatism in the work performed aimed at effectively resolving the problems encountered and generating value and impact for the client.'

Key clients

Blackrock
Canada Pension Plan – Investment Board / Amitra Capital
Cross Ocean Partners
Espírito Santo Financial Group (ESFG), Insolvent Estate
European Investment Bank
Iberis Semper
KKR
Oxy Capital
PIMCO Investment Management
Strategic Value Partners
Mudrick Capital Management L.P.
AlbaCore Capital LLP

Work highlights

Advising Attestor Capital LLP and PIMCO/Blackrock Group on the insolvency of a Portuguese bank with major implications and involving around €5bn in equity.

Advising several clients on their challenge against the list of creditors issued by the liquidation committee in the insolvency proceedings of Banco Espírito Santo, which ranked the clients’ credits as subordinated.

Advising the SLM Group on the restructuring strategies aimed at preserving the group’s operations and the continuity of its business.

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