Combining a ‘rigorous legal approach’ with business acumen, Sérvulo & Associados is trusted by creditors, distressed companies, financial institutions and public sector entities for assistance with complex insolvency and restructuring matters. Its work in judicial insolvency proceedings, out-of-court restructurings, enforcement actions and liquidation processes is recognised for its ’exceptional quality’. Practice leadership is split between Manuel Magalhães, noted for his ‘in-depth technical knowledge’ of banking operations restructuring; Mafalda Ferreira Santos, who often represents both creditors and debtors in intricate insolvency and restructuring proceedings; António Teles, experienced in the resolution and winding-up processes of major financial institutions; and João Saúde, who advises across all stages of liquidation and insolvency processes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘We consider Sérvulo & Associados' work to be of exceptional quality, both in legal consulting and litigation, in an extremely complex insolvency process. Furthermore, Sérvulo's response time to any of our inquiries has always been very short, and their monitoring of our activity has proven essential to the smooth functioning of this liquidation/insolvency process.’
- ‘We would like to highlight the contributions of Manuel Magalhães and António Teles, who have been diligently and competently involved in the liquidation process from the outset, as well as the work of José Guilherme Gomes, particularly regarding legal advice on the relationship between our entity, in liquidation, and its foreign subsidiaries.’
- ‘High degree of professionalism, technical competence, and close monitoring of processes. What makes this firm unique is its ability to combine a rigorous legal approach with a strategic understanding of the business contexts in which they operate.'
- 'The team has demonstrated great sensitivity to the specific challenges faced by companies in crisis, offering solutions that go beyond the legal aspects, with a direct impact on business viability. The cross-disciplinary nature of the advisory services—involving areas such as tax, labour, corporate, and financial law—is a clear asset, allowing for an integrated and effective response. I would also like to highlight Sérvulo's commitment to innovation.'
- ‘I have had a very positive experience with Manuel Magalhães and António Teles, two professionals who stand out for their competence, availability, and ability to adapt to the demands of the processes in which we are involved.'
- 'Manuel Magalhães has demonstrated a very strategic approach, combining in-depth technical knowledge with a clear understanding of the risks and opportunities in each situation. He is someone who inspires confidence, knows how to listen, and has a remarkable ability to simplify complex issues, which greatly facilitates decision-making.'
Key clients
- TAP - Transportes Aéreos Portugueses, S.A.
- Insolvency Estate of Inapa – Investimentos, Participações e Gestão, S.A.
- JJW Limited
- BANCO ESPÍRITO SANTO, S.A. - Em Liquidação (BES)
- BANCO INTERNACIONAL DO FUNCHAL, S.A. - Em Liquidação (BANIF)
- Renault Group
- BANCO PRIVADO PORTUGUÊS, S.A. – Em Liquidação (BPP)
- Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil (“ANEPC”)
- Pebble Hydro – Consultoria, Investimento e Serviços, Unipessoal, Lda. (Aquila Capital Group)
- Privado Geste, SGPS, S.A. (Em Liquidação)
- Lusa – Agência de Notícias de Portugal, S.A.
- Akzo Nobel Coatings, S.L.U. and Akzo Nobel S.A.S.
Work highlights
Represents the Insolvency Estate and assists the Insolvency Administrator within the insolvency proceedings of INAPA – Investimentos, Participações e Gestão, S.A.
Represents TAP - Transportes Aéreos Portugueses, S.A. in the insolvency proceedings of SPdH – Serviços Portugueses de Handling, S.A. (commercially known as 'Groundforce'), a company that provides handling services.
Advised JJW Limited (In Liquidation), a Guernsey-based company, on complex cross-border insolvency matters arising from its compulsory liquidation, with proceedings affecting multiple jurisdictions, including Portugal, France, and Austria.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Manuel Magalhães; Mafalda Ferreira Santos; António Teles; João Saúde
Other key lawyers
Maria José Lourenço; José Guilherme Gomes; Francisco Boavida Salavessa; Alexandra Valpaços; Nuno Temudo Vieira